Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Craigslist vs. eBay

As I was watching one of my fav reality shows, Clean House, Niecey Nash said something that struck a cord with me.  I quote, "For every new something you bring in, something needs to go out."

I have way more everything (with the exception of money) than I really need.  I have started cleaning my clutter by helping a few relatives who are just starting out.  However, as I look into these closets, I realize I have a problem - I bring in more than I send out.

I did try my hand at selling my never worn shoes on eBay.  I think I posted 5-6 pair and only sold 1.  Luckily, she was pleased with her purchased.

I have a lot of stuff that's too good to give away, in my opinion of course, and would like to recoup a few of my dollars, if I can.

For those who are experienced with selling goods & wares via Craigslist and eBay, which do you prefer & why?

Thanking you in advance.

20 comments:

  1. I like Craigslist better, because I can deal locally and get my treasures, or unload my wares, immediately. Plus when I work on CL, I make it clear that it's cash only. I've bought a whole lot more than I've sold.

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  2. i like FEEbay, oops ebay. I just find its so much more of a open market than CL. I can find music or stuff thats only released overseas. For instance, remember SOUL II Soul? They are still making music, mostly for overseas audiences. I get lots of thier stuff on cd via ebay. Heck, i buy everything but food on there!

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  3. Great point! I think CL might be the way to go for the shoes, clothes & househould stuff I need to be free of.

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  4. I don't have experience SELLING on either, so I wouldn't be of much help. HOWEVER, I have BOUGHT from Ebay and my transaction was nice. I, like you, have thought about cleaning up my closet and getting rid of those *now I know I will NEVER get in that again" pieces of clothing as well as those "now I know I'm never going to wear those" shoes. I haven't even THOUGHT about OTHER items in my apartment to get rid of!!!

    As far as the CLOTHING goes- I'm not much of a SELLER, so I thought about "handing me down" some clothes to my best friend's daughter and then giving the rest to goodwill.

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  5. One thing about Craiglist: PICTURES, PICTURES PICTURES. Be as detailed as possible in your ad. Also, include a cell number so ppl can call you. Depending on what you're selling, agree to meet them in a public place. (You know I'm paranoid about folks in my house anymore).

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  6. I don't do either. I'm scared as hell to venture into E-bay land, because I hear it's habit-forming. Plus I'm not ready to do all work involved in getting crap off my hands. But I also read where E-bay business is a great way to make extra income, and who couldn't use extra cash? And I know that there's stuff in my pantry & storage areas that I'm not using that someone else could. So maybe that's an extra incentive to get un-lazy...LOL

    I'm trying to convince my spouse to start selling his collectible action figures (new & unopened) because he has closets-full, taking up valuable space in our home.

    I have used local freecycle groups to get rid of my kids outgrown clothes, toys, baby stuff, and household items. Of course there's alway the Salvation Army to where I donate my unused clothes and shoes.

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  7. Craigslist people just want to make the deal but get photos and talk to them first. If something seems off, bail.

    eBay if you're selling, I'd email some folks with great reputations and sell via them.

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  8. I was always afraid to buy anything from craigslist. Unlike Ebay, there is no seller's rating and I don't want to paypal money to someone and never receive the good.

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  9. I haven't sold anything (although I need to get rid of some stuff), but I've purchased things from both. I haven't had any bad experiences.

    Where's Boobie??? He's the Craigslist King! That fool has sold everything but his kids on that joint...LOL!

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  10. I've bought shoes, movies, video games, handbags, etc. from eBay.

    I only had 2 not-so great experiences: One chic tried to sell me a fake Coach and insisted it was authentic. Naw boo, I know my Coaches. She did refund my $$ & closed her account shortly after. One woman never sent my electronics after pleading ill and promising for 4 weeks. After the 4th week I did the PayPal dispute thingy. She never replied so they gave me my $$ back. Her account was also closed shortly afterwards.

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  11. I guess there's always a crook or two in the bunch. *smh*

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  12. I haven't used either. Craigslist sounds easier because you don't have to deal with shipping.

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  13. For the most part my experiences have been good. My feedback as a buyer is 100%.

    I almost had to check into eBay Rehab, but I'm in recovery on my own. :)

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  14. LOL! Good for you. I had to detox myself from ShoeBuy.com last year. I'm still in recovery this year. Lawd hammercy...they git'cha with the sales and specials and ish.

    I got 2 pairs of Anne Klein sandals (reg. $59 & $69) for $19.99 each! *falling out all over again*

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  15. If I am looking for something specific I do ebay... If I am selling I ALWAYS use craigslist.com No fees, cash only, they come pick it up and bam its done. Just a few pointers. If you are selling clothes or shoes, sell in lots, and ALWAYS post pictures.

    :)

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  16. I'm an ebay whore. buying & selling...because based on their TOS, its easier to recoop $ if a deal goes bad (that happened only once, with a cellphone). Using Paypal also guarentees assitance in case of attempted fruad.

    haven't tried craigslist yet, but will be doing that for baby items (toys, playpen, crib, etc) due the size/weight...everything else goes on ebay. have been very successful selling maternity clothes, shoes, and purses...no issues with fraudulent buyers bc I only accept Paypal...

    in terms of purchasing via ebay - have bought everything from a wedding dress to hard-to-find MAC cosmetics. I love it!

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  17. Ummm we still taking donations over this way.....lol lmaoooooo

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  18. I buy on ebay, I sell on Craigslist. I've sold some household items that were gifts, and I sold a sofa and 2 wingback chairs. I've decided that unless I expect to get at least $50 for a transaction, I just won't bother selling it. I'll give it to Goodwill and take my tax deduction and rejoice that A) someone will get the use of it, B) Goodwill makes money with which they can help people, and C) most importantly...I got that stuff OUT OF MY HOUSE!

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