This article was co-authored by Bryan Hamby and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 125,580 times.
Have you considered buying from Craigslist? From getting a job to reconnecting with the stranger you rode the bus with yesterday to getting free items and purchasing others, Craigslist has it all. Read on to learn the straightforward steps to buying something from Craigslist and get some tips so you make smart purchases.
Steps
Purchase on Craigslist
-
Go to Craigslist at http://www.craigslist.com. By default, your city or the closest metro area should be displayed, but, if not, select the city you prefer.
-
Click an option under the "for sale" header. You'll see everything from "antique" to "wheels + tires."
- If you can't find what you're looking for, search for the item and use the drop-down menu at the top of the results page to select "for sale."
Advertisement -
Click an item's tile that you want to purchase. The page will open in a new tab or window with more information about the item.
- Hover your mouse over the photo and you'll see arrows appear on the left or right so you can see more photos.
- Read the ad description carefully. An ad should include the condition of the item, price, seller's area location, and, possibly, a phone number.
- Follow the seller's instructions to the buyer such as instructing you to use the secure Craigslist email inquiry, or to call a phone number.
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Be aware that there are a lot of scammers.
-
Click Reply. You'll see this button in the top left corner of your browser window; another menu will pop down and ask you if you want to send an email or chat with the seller.
- An email reply through Craigslist is the safest way to communicate with strangers on Craigslist. Your email addresses are masked and having a record of written communication helps you avoid issues with spoken terms.
-
Agree on a price and transaction type. If the item is physical, be aware that you'll most likely need to meet with the seller to get the item; if the item you're purchasing is digital, you can simply take care of the transaction over your computer.
- There are a few tips here to protect yourself and your privacy:
- Don't give your exact location to anyone you don't trust. You can often meet at a coffee shop, library, gas station, or another public location to finalize the transaction.
- Meet in a public space during daylight hours and bring a friend or family member if possible. #** If you're sending money digitally, like you're using PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App[1] , don't send the funds until you have the item in your hands. Some scammers promise you an item, get your money, and never give you what you paid for.
- There are a few tips here to protect yourself and your privacy:
Community Q&A
-
QuestionHow does the buyer get the purchased item?Community AnswerThey have to pick it up, or the seller will drop it off. It depends on how the buyer and seller deal it out.
-
QuestionWill the person I buy from send me the item?Community AnswerNot usually. Typically, he or she will set up a time and place with you to meet up. During this time, you will pay for the product, and he or she will give you the product.
-
QuestionWhere do I get the seller's phone number?Community AnswerClick "reply" at the top of the page the item is on. If the seller has provided a phone number, it will appear on the list. If not, you can always email the person and ask them for their phone number.
Video
Tips
References
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
-
"I needed a "Craigslist for Dummies," and this was perfect. Thank you."