the art of savvy

Most of my furniture has been Craig’s List finds – from my free Dania couch and armchair, $100 Ikea dining set (black wood, table expands to seat 12, four matching dining chairs), free luxury king mattress, or $40 antique vanity – I have mastered the art (and science) of trolling Craig’s List.  Want to know my secrets?

1.  Know what you’re looking for.

Window shop on Amazon, or some other retailer, to get a sense of what exactly you’re looking for – then be willing to make some compromises.  In order to know if something is a good deal, you need to know how much it costs new, what deals are out there (I have seen Amazon and even Target be cheaper than Craig’s List), and what similar items fit your objective.  For example, if you’re looking for a Bumbo infant seat, it’s good to know that a BebePod is essentially the same thing, just a different brand.  Also, define your boundaries on what you are willing to get second hand – some things just aren’t worth the effort, but it’s up to you to draw that line in the sand.

2.  Be quick!

Reply to listings as soon as you see them, and keep your phone with you so you can respond quickly to email/voice responses.  You have to be willing to drop everything for the perfect item (at the perfect price).  This means having reliable transportation and a little flexibility in your schedule.  I always try to schedule pickups for a day or two out (the seller has a life, too), but let them know you’re flexible and will meet whenever is best for them.  Remember, it’s first come, first served!

3.  Try a little haggling.

If you respond to multiple listings for similar products, and get multiple replies, it’s a buyer’s market – meaning, you can leverage the fact that you’re entertaining several offers to get the best price on the best quality item.  It can be a little risky, but if you act quickly and honestly, it will likely work in your favor.  Another strategy breaks a little bit of Rule #2, but it can help to wait a few hours (or if you’re sending out inquiries, wait until morning) before replying to sellers – this way you can review the responses and make your decision before getting a seller’s hopes up.  It helps to be straightforward, but polite, and a little charming!

4.  Use a mobile app to alert you to new postings in your area.

This is utterly important to your shopping success.  To be an effective and efficient shopper, you need a smart phone!  I have an Android phone and use the CraigsNotification app to create search verticals based on what I’m shopping for (I had one set up for “free king mattress set” for months) and specifying what areas I’m willing to look in.  For a smaller ticket item, you may not want to rearrange your day last-minute and drive an hour out of your way, but for a hard-to-find or higher ticket item, that might be totally worth it (and the difference between a great find and nothing at all).  Moreover, it’s best to have texting available on your phone and mobile access to your email to send and respond to inquiries; not to mention a maps/directions app to get you to wherever you’re meeting the seller.

5. Come prepared – and safe.

It’s a cardinal rule of Craig’s List:  cash only.  Don’t show up with a credit card or check book – you’re wasting time.  Have cash in hand – exact change preferred. If you’re buying a piece of furniture or other bulky items, bring a properly sized vehicle, rope/straps that may be needed, and people to help you move (never expect the seller to help you move unless they offer).  Try to meet during the day, and when possible, bring a friend.  Always let someone know when you’re meeting a seller and where you’re going – just in case.  Meeting in a public place, when possible, helps reduce the safety risk, too.

With these tips, you’ll soon see that Craig’s List is more than creepy singles ads and junk job listings.  In fact, if you look closely, you can find a treasure trove for 70% off retail.  Trust me on this one – I’m an expert!

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