Tips on Selling Your Furniture on Craigslist

Anyone need a couch?

With the economic situation being what it is, more and more people are turning to Craigslist to unload a few unnecessary items to put some money in their pockets. And if you're thinking about doing it yourself, here's a few tips that we've observed after many, many, MANY days of culling Craigslist for Scavenger posts...

Always include photos. This is, we feel, extremely crucial as it will draw people to actually see your furniture in person and offer serious bids. Including measurements is a good idea.
Use proper grammar and spelling. For ad titles that read like a 16-year-old texted it to their BFF ("Gurlz, Check Out Mah Supah Hawt Sofaz!! Ca$h only, plz!"), we automatically skip over because it sounds unprofessional.
Provide detailed and honest descriptions. Serious buys appreciate this level of honesty, and are more likely to feel safe working with you.
Do your homework. if you're trying to sell a vintage mid-century lounge chair made by Plycraft, make sure you don't mislabel it as an authentic Eames lounge chair. The potential buyers who are looking for that style of chair know the difference.
Take your ad down after it sells. Don't alter the original ad, and make sure to email the people who have emailed you about the piece and let them know that it's been sold.
So what happens if you have to post your ad more than three or four times? It could be time to lower the price, posting a better photo ("Don’t put the sofa on the front lawn for the picture. That is so ghetto, and who knows how long it’s been sitting there?"), or even consider pawning it off to your co-workers or family members.
Got your own tips to add? Share it with us in the comments...

Comments (16)

I would like to ad "respond to emails or phone calls." Nothing is more frustrating than to find something you want, send an email or make a call, and get nothing in return. I always feel like I'm bothering them even if they are the ones who put up the ad.
Tabitha @ http://www.fromsingletomarried.com

Do NOT get me started on selling stuff on Craigslist. People expect RIDICULOUS reductions in posted costs (and I do my homework, factor in usage, assembly, delivery, etc.), send endless emails, then CONTINUALLY flake out in the 11th hour.

I had one guy say he'd give me my full (but already greatly reduced) price only if I hand-delivered it to him. Another guy emailed me just to yell at me about the fact he already bought the same item for LESS money. Not to mention the poeple who expect you to be available the SECOND they want it, otherwise no deal. Or people who show up iwth "not enough cash."

And to think people also HOOK UP on Craigs, Yikes.

Measurements are KEY. I am currently scavenging for a desk and most of the ones I see listed don't have measurements - what's the point?

Responding to e-mails courteously is HUGE. I emailed a seller on a desk recently, coincidentally to ask for measurements. They responded with "I don't have measurements". If he doesn't have measurements, I'm going to drive out to him to see if he has the desk? PLEASE.

I've always had good dealings with the transactions I've made via Craigslist - both as a buyer and a seller.

Yes, when I am selling I often get the same e-mail "Is it still available?" and never hear from that person again - but I believe that for the most part, folks are honest and responsible.

Include something about your availability. Example: "Buyer to pick up after 6pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends." Setting these parameters from the start will save you some needless email tag and also makes clear that you won't deliver (if that's something you want to communicate).

I always list potential times that I am available for viewings (weeknights etc) Don't list something on Craig's List right before a busy social week, etc.

Yes, Measurements are VERY important. So are close-up detail pictures (of legs, construction joint, a scratch, a maker's mark)

When possible I offer delivery within a certain mile range for a stated price in the ad (like $15.00)

Oh yes - Measurements are right up there with pictures and an accurate description.

If your add doesn't have measurements or clear photos - I'm not interested.

We should have a buying from craigslist post as well. I'm currently selling a few items and I can not stand all these flaky responses!

My standard shameless plug: A few months ago I started a blog about less-than-successful Craigslist posts. It's called You Suck at Craigslist, and I hope you'll check it out and enjoy it.

Also, as you're searching for the good items, if you find any ads that deserve to be snarked at, please send them my way! The submission email address is yousuckatcraigslist@gmail.com, or is available on the site. Thanks!

Another tip for selling on craigslist, check you email spam/junk folder. I've had a couple issues with that (even though I have filters set up to send ALL CL emails to my inbox) and lost some potential buyers.

And I agree with Laura, people need to learn how to buy stuff on craigslist. This is not window shopping OR a flea market. Don't ask intricate details about picking up an item or trying to knock of 50% of the listed price (that's already more than 50% off the ORIGINAL PRICE), if you're not serious about buying it in the first place!

Few CL rules I always employ when selling:

First come-first served. Period. If you can't make it for three days then you dont want it bad enough.

Clear and flattering photos. A flash photo at a weird angle doesnt help.

Prompt and thorough responses. I always send a thanks-for-responding to all people who responded.

AT said, "Use proper grammar and spelling." WOW.

I only look at ads with photos. Also, do NOT take photos with your cell phone! And I agree about the weird angle photos...they do nothing to represent the piece you're selling. And PLEASE clear the junk off the item! I can't tell what a coffee table looks like if a month's worth of laundry is piled up on top and your child's Bigwheel is on the floor in front of it.

I've only purchased one item on Craigslist - a painted 1957 mid-century desk with atomic legs. The seller posted 4 pictures that accurately represented the piece (including one of the manufacturer stamp). She quickly responded to my email with her phone number. We arranged a time for me to come take a look. When I arrived, the desk was in a well lit area near the front door, I paid the posted price ($85 - a bargain!) in cash with correct change, and she had her son help me load it into my car. The entire transaction was easy, professional and we each got what we wanted. I only wish I'd downloaded the photos before I purchased it. By the time I got home, the seller had deleted the posting.

Clear well lit photos (not taken in the scary basement), accurate descriptions, and measurements. That's what I look for in a Craig's List Ad.

I really dont like it when the price is 'best offer' I need an idea of what they are expecting, and I rather not contact them if I dont know. If I say 'ill give you $10' and you want $100, I will feel like a shmo

I always appreciate it when the seller is clear in the post about when pick-ups can occur (ie, evenings after 6pm). It saves some back and forth for both parties.

I would recommend creating a separate email address for your posts. I still get spam/inquiries from random folks in Liberia for my 'looking for a room mate posts' from last February.