I found a secret to eCommerce success: selling on Craigslist. Most beginners don’t even think of this platform but it’s a proven way to increase sales and connect with local customers.
In this post I’ll go over Craigslist for eCommerce store owners. I’ll break down what Craigslist is, how it works and share tips to boost your sales on it.
Whether you’re new to eCommerce or looking to expand your reach you’ll find something valuable here.
What’s Craigslist?
Craigslist is an online classifieds platform that connects local buyers and sellers. It’s like a digital community bulletin board where people can post and browse listings for various items, services, jobs and housing in their area.
The site is organized by city or region so you can find listings near you.
One of the most popular uses for Craigslist is selling cars but you’ll find all sorts of categories to browse. Most listings are free to post and view so it’s open to everyone.
What’s different about Craigslist is the direct, local transactions. Unlike other online marketplaces, Craigslist doesn’t handle digital payments.
Buyers and sellers meet in person to exchange items and cash. This local focus is so strong that the site automatically detects your location and shows you listings in your area.
Is Selling on Craigslist Free?
Most listings on Craigslist are free but there are some exceptions:
- Job listings in the US and parts of Canada: $10-75 (varies by area)
- Vehicle listings by owners in the US: $5
- Dealer car listings in the US and Vancouver: $5
- Apartment rentals in select major cities: $5
- Commercial real estate in the US: $5
- Gigs in the US and some Canadian areas: $3-10
- Dealer listings for all items in the US: $5
- Furniture dealer listings in Vancouver: $5
- Service listings in the US and Canada: $5
If you post frequently Craigslist offers paid accounts with extra features. But for most small businesses and individual sellers I found the free version works just fine.
Note that even when posting is free Craigslist asks you not to mention shipping or online payments in your listings. They prefer local and in-person transactions which is part of what makes the platform unique.
Selling on Craigslist Guide
1. Get Online
Before you get started on Craigslist I recommend you set up an online store. Shopify is a great platform for this, used by big brands like Red Bull and Sephora.
2. Getting Started
Creating a Craigslist account is easy. Go to Craigslist.org, click ‘My Account’ then ‘sign up for an account’. Create a password, agree to the terms and you’re in.
Note that Craigslist doesn’t offer membership programs or royalties – it’s just a platform to exchange items.
3. Post Your Item
Once you have your account set up it’s time to post your items. You can post all your items or just your best sellers.
Craigslist will probably detect your location automatically but you may need to confirm it. To start posting look for the ‘Post’ icon in the top left of the page.
4. Choose Your Post Type
Craigslist requires specific information about what you’re selling. You’ll need to say if you’re an individual or business and what type of item you’re listing (e.g. services, vehicles, real estate).
Make sure to check Craigslist’s list of prohibited items before posting to avoid any issues.
5. Choose Your Category
Categorization is key on Craigslist. After you choose your post type you’ll need to select the exact category your items fall under.
This could be clothing, vehicles, household items or something else entirely. Proper categorization helps buyers find your listings easier.
6. Write Your Product Description
This is where you’ll input all the details about your product. Enter a clear title (usually the product name), price and your location.
You’ll also need to provide a detailed description of the item including size, condition and any other relevant info. Don’t forget to mention your preferred payment and contact method.
7. Add Visuals
Photos can make or break a Craigslist listing. Take clear, well lit photos of your items from multiple angles.
Craigslist allows up to 24 photos per listing so make the most of it. High quality images give buyers a better idea of what they’re looking at and can increase your chances of selling.
8. Publish
Before you publish Craigslist will show you a preview of your listing. This is your chance to double check all the info and make sure your images are showing up correctly.
If you see any errors you can go back and change them. Once you’re happy hit ‘Publish’ to make your listing live.
Keep in mind Craigslist is a busy market. Your post will only be at the top of the list for about 15 minutes before the algorithm refreshes it. To stay visible you may need to repost or consider paid options for featured listings.
Is Craigslist Good for Selling?
Craigslist can be a good option for selling locally but be aware of the risks. I’ve found meeting buyers in person and accepting cash is the safest way.
This way you avoid common scams like fake checks or unusual payment requests.
When using Craigslist I always look out for red flags. If a buyer says they’re far away or can’t meet in person I’m immediately suspicious. I’ve learned to be wary of any mention of “Craigslist guarantees” – they don’t exist.
To stay safe I follow these rules:
- Educate myself on scams
- Local transactions only
- Cash payments only
- Trust my gut if something feels off
I’ve found Craigslist to be a good platform to reach local buyers and sell items quickly. It’s free and has a huge user base. But since there’s no built in protections I have to be careful.
By being careful I’ve had good experiences selling on Craigslist. It’s a useful tool when used right but requires attention to safety and security.
Conclusion
Craigslist is a simple and easy platform for all types of sellers. Its reach, local focus and free nature makes it a good option for ecommerce businesses looking to grow their customer base.
I’ve found with consistent effort and being cautious of scams Craigslist can be a good tool to promote products and drive traffic to your online store.
If you’re not ready to fully dive in I recommend starting small. List a few items or create a simple ad to test the waters. This low risk approach allows you to see if the platform works for you without a big time or resource commitment.
FAQs About Selling on Craigslist
Is Craigslist safe for sellers?
I think it can be if used right. The platform encourages in person exchanges and cash payments which reduces some of the risks. Read Craigslist’s safety guidelines before listing.
How do I sell on Craigslist?
I recommend pricing items competitively but leaving room for negotiation. This way you can attract more buyers and have flexibility in your sales.
Does Craigslist protect buyers?
No, the site doesn’t offer buyer protection. It’s a platform for local parties. I advise both buyers and sellers to be careful and take responsibility for their own safety during transactions.
What to watch out for?
Yes, scams. Sellers be careful, don’t ship and meet in public places when possible.
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