Craigslist ts a terrific way to sell items. You dont have to pay craigslist to post an item and you dont have to ship the item which saves you lot of money. But there are ways to sell items faster and build a good reputation as a local seller. In this article well talk about how to sell your items faster and have better transactions with people who are potential buyers.
Things You’ll Need:
- Stuff to sell
- A good attitude
-
Step 1
Whether your selling a car, a musical instrument, or a collectible snow globe consider if your item is really valuable to anybody. If your item is junk or in bad condition it may be a waste of time to try to sell it. Additionally trying to pass of a worthless item as something of value is unethical and will give you a bad name. In some instances someone may want an older classic car that needs a lot of work if they think they can restore it. In this case state the item is an AS IS item declaring they are buying it as it is. Some items you think are worth buying are better off being donated to charities who can give them to lower income people who could really use them. Avoid selling broken items again your reputation is on the line.
-
Step 2
Determining a price is tricky. Many craiglisters try to over price their items and end up embarrassing themselves. Do your research. See what the item is going for online in used and new condition. Some people attempt to sell used guitars for a higher price than new versions. Buyers will be on the look out for this and so should you. On the other hand some people may try to low ball your asking price so determine in advance the lowest price your willing to accept and add to it by a proportional amount. If you’ll accept $400 for a guitar list is at $450-$500. This will give you some breathing room during negotiations or simply state your price is firm and you cannot be anymore flexible.
-
Step 3
Craigslist will guide you through your posting I simply suggest you pick the most fitting category. Don’t sell a guitar in “musicians” instead sell it in “musical instruments”. This way your ad wont be flagged and removed. Try to be as specific as you can when describing the item. Put up pictures of the item from at least two angles. Ads with pics go to the head of the line for would be buyers. Be honest about the condition of the item don’t try to sugarcoat the condition as this will put you in a more vulnerable position when negotiating the price. Add easy contact info. A phone number is best but email works. I personally would rather call someone than email them.
-
Step 4
When you get your call or email. Be polite, articulate, and happy to answer any and all questions about the item. If asked to lower the price be honest about what your willing to take and explain why you feel the item is worth what your asking for it. When a buyer is interested offer them a flexible time table to see the item in person and directions to your house. Make it easy for them to get there by offering to forward them mapquest of directions. You want the buyer to be easy going and happy when considering your offer not grumpy and agitated about being lost on the way over. If they do get lost and call you guide them to the house and be happy to do it.
-
Step 5
When your buyer arrives make sure your house is clean and comfortable. A dirty house will make a buyer feel uncomfortable and want to leave. If you have a dog that is scary you may want to temporarily keep it outside and away from the buyer. Give the buyer a good, clean, and comfortable space to make their decision. Offer them coffee, tea, or water. They will probably refuse but this is gesture of good faith. When they arrive shake their hand look them in the eye and introduce yourself. State that its good to meet them. Don’t be afraid to make quick introductions to other people in the house on your way to show the item. Make your buyer feel at home.
-
Step 6
Awkward silences are common when two strangers are conducting a sale of this kind. Try to break the ice by telling the story of the item. How you came into it and how you have enjoyed it. If you owned a guitar your selling chances are your a musician and the buyer is too. Talk about guitars, music, or being in a band. Try to keep the conversation flowing when necessary.
-
Step 7
Nobody likes high pressure sales so give the buyer space and time to inspect the item. Don’t watch them like a hawk this will make a buyer reluctant to inspect or examine the item which lessens the chances of them buying it. If you have to be somewhere and the buyer is cramping your schedule let them know your time table and explain that if they want to they can come back and look at it later. Honestly though you should be as flexible as possible when selling an item.
-
Step 8
When it comes time to negotiate you are essentially playing psychological poker. As the buyer you are bluffing the buyer that you are in no rush to sell your item and you have other people who are interested in buying it. If he is interested in buying the item this may be his only chance. As the buyer he is trying to bluff you into thinking he is ready to walk away if the price is too high and that he is willing to look elsewhere for the item. If you don’t sell to him you may be stuck with that item for a while. The truth is you are both right. As a buyer or a seller you should never literally say these things or get hot headed during a transaction. This could blow your sale or purchase. As a seller when you bare offered a lower than acceptable price, reiterate why this item is priced as it is and mention any extras that come with it (like a carrying case, etc.) in a calm voice. If the buyer doesn’t budge explain your bottom price is firm and is not likely to change. If he leaves it don’t burn bridges. Offer to show him the item again if he changes his mind and politely show him the way out and thank him for his time.
-
Step 9
This may seem like a frustrating process but this is how business is done. By showing you are serious about your price but eager to help the buyer get the item he wants you convey a sense of pride that you are a good seller. Don’t get aggressive during negotiation and try to put yourself in the buyers place.
