Using Craigslist �to Buy, Sell, Rent & More!��Brighton District Library�Sarah Neidert

Today's Agenda

Who is Craig and what's this list of his?

�What can I find on Craigslist?

​

How do I buy and sell stuff on Craigslist?

How do I create a Craigslist account?

​

How do I post an ad?

�Are there any risks involved with Craigslist?

​

What are your questions?

�

Who's Craig? What's this list of his?

1995 - Started an email list for friends and co-workers to share events happening in the San Francisco area��1999 - Retired from his job to work full-time on Craigslist - featuring free online classified ads��Today - Craigslist is one of the busiest sites on the Web

​

About Craig from CL

http://flickr.com/photos/acloudman/887285187/

More than 700 local sites in 70 countries

How does Craigslist make money?

Source: Craigslist

How does Craigslist make money?

Michigan Craigslist

What's on Craigslist?

Community�Housing�Jobs�For Sale�Personals�Services�Gigs�Discussion Forums

Resumes ***

What does a post look like?

Title�Location�Email�Date�Description�Photos

Cost: $0

Flags

Craigslist is moderated by its community ��Every user has the ability to "flag" a posting for being:

• miscategorized
• prohibited
• spam/overpost
• a "best of craigslist" nominee

Tips for Buyers

• Buy at your own risk
• Familiarize yourself with the categories
• Use RSS Feeds to stay on top of specific searches
• Contact the seller ASAP and express your interest
• Negotiate the price
• Be honest
• Be polite
• Be ready to move quickly to meet the seller in person
• Examine the item and don't feel pressured to buy
• Bring the exact amount in cash if possible
• Bring the right vehicle for the job (e.g., don't bring a motorcycle when you're buying a mattress)

​

​

​

Tips for Sellers

• Create a free account to keep track of your posts
• Familiarize yourself and know where to place your item
• Use HTML if you know it
• Use images
• Write detailed descriptions
• DO NOT WRITE ENTIRELY IN CAPITAL LETTERS!
• Ask a reasonable price, not too high, not too low
• Use relevant keywords to increase the chances of coming up in search results
• Be honest
• Be polite
• Field multiple offers until you're certain you have a buyer
• Agree on an amount and form of payment
• Remove your ad once the item is sold

Bartering

(link)

Creating an Account

Click on “my account” and select “sign up for an account” at the bottom:

Thanks for signing up for a craigslist account.

A link to activate your account has just been emailed to youremail@yourdomain.com

​

Creating an Account

Then go to your email and click on the link from craigslist, they’ll ask for the password to confirm it’s you.

Quick Demonstration of Posting

Confirmation Email

Length of Posting?

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

• Only deal locally with people you can meet in person
• Never wire any money
• Do not accept cashier's checks or money orders
• Never give out financial information
• Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services
• More info at http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

​

��

http://flickr.com/photos/jepoirrier/2046188221/

Safety Tips

• Insist on a public meeting place whenever possible
• Tell a friend or family member where you're going
• Bring a friend along whenever possible
• More info at http://www.craigslist.org/about/safety.html

​

http://flickr.com/photos/shvmoz/2353895803/

Terms of Use, Privacy, and Help

Terms of Use:�http://www.craigslist.org/about/terms.of.use.html��Privacy Policy:�http://www.craigslist.org/about/privacy.policy.html��Help:�http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/��Hack Attack: A Seller's Guide to Craigslist�http://tinyurl.com/28rp6t

Questions?