5 Secret Tips on Buying from Craigslist

5 Secret Tips on Buying from Craigslist

I've been using Craigslist Vancouver for some time now, and let me tell you - it's great. I've used it to find a job, get a date, even buy a car, and sell my old couch. It's totally free and run by community users, so that means spam is flagged.

Here are some Craigslist Vancouver tips, but the rules are generally the same for all other Craigslist communities.

1. Don't email, call the seller immediately.

Seriously, this cannot be emphasized enough. Don't wait to think about, if you find a deal on Craigs list Vancouver, contact the seller now. You have no idea how quick listings can disappear. I can't tell you how many times I found THE PERFECT apartment, only to call the seller and be told it's already taken.

There's a huge amount of competition, so here's an important tip. Found a good deal? Call the seller immediately. (don't bother emailing if they gave both their email and phone number, call first.)

2. How to get a couch or furniture for $0 upfront

Here's how you can get a couch without paying upfront. Having your cash in hand when you meet the seller is great. But better yet, have your van ready. Listen, if you drive to look at a couch, you have to be ready with cash in hand and pay for it to haul it away. First come, first served, and sellers generally want to get rid of their items *right now*. Don't come over to look at it, think it over, and tell the seller you'll get in touch. Because guess what, when you call back, your couch will be gone.

So here's a valuable tip: you can buy stuff without paying right away if you can arrive first with a van. Of course, you still have to pay for it, but sellers are often desperate to get rid of their stuff ASAP.

3. Check for gift cards and save 90%.

Some people sell unwanted gift cards for roughly up to 90% of their retail value. So if you were going to buy an iPod for example, check Craigslist Vancouver first to see if there isn't any gift cards you can use. I've personally gotten some great deals by buying hardware store giftcards.

4. Negotiate: It saved me $50.

Here's a tip that saved me $50. Don't settle with the seller's asking price, especially if their listing is old. I noticed sellers often re-list their items if there is no demand for it, so track for those items, email the seller and give them an offer lower than their asking price. You'll be pleasantly surprised. This works, because they're eager to get rid of it so they're willing to sell for less.

5. Use cash when possible.

Not much of a tip, but this is common sense. Some sellers will accept a check but don't count on it. If you're going to pay with check, please email the seller and arrange that in advance, most sellers in craigslist vancouver expect cash.

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Got tips of your own? I'd love to hear them.