How To Sell On Craigslist: A 8-Step Easy-Selling Guide (+Updated)

In this article, we’ll provide you with an easy-selling guide on how to sell on Craigslist, turning your unused items into potential income.

Key Takeaways

Steps to sell on Craigslist:

1. Localize Your Listing: Start your selling process on Craigslist by selecting your residential area on the website. 
2. Create a Posting: Access the ‘Create a posting’ option located on the top-left corner of the site. 
3. Understand Posting Types: Get acquainted with the various types of postings on Craigslist, which include ‘By Owner’, ‘By Dealer’, and other categories like job services, offered services, and community events
4. Select the Right Category: Choose the most appropriate category that describes your item from a list of options. 
5. Provide Detailed Descriptions: When listing your item, provide a comprehensive and specific description. Every detail matters in attracting buyers and facilitating a sale.
6. Reiterate Location Details: Location details are crucial for a successful sale on Craigslist. 
7. Upload High-quality Photos: Capture and upload high-quality photos of your item. 
8. Double-check Before Publishing: Once your Ad is ready, review every aspect of it for accuracy. 

1. Localize Your Listing

Starting on Craigslist.org, you need to specify your location. In the right-hand corner of the webpage, you will find a list of cities and states to select from. You should accurately choose your current residence to target potential buyers in your area. 

Remember, Craigslist policy discourages multi-location posting, so be certain to choose the correct and most relevant location for your ad.

2. Create a Posting

In this step, look towards the upper left-hand side of your screen. There, you’ll see an option that says “Create a posting”. Click this link to get the ball rolling on your ad. If you’re from a larger city, you might be asked to specify your location further. This aids in narrowing down the buyer pool to those in close proximity to you.

3. Understand Posting Types

This step is where you define your role as a seller. Are you an “Owner” or a “Dealer”? The former implies you are an individual selling personal, often used items, while the latter signifies you manage an inventory and likely sell multiple items. 

Note that Craigslist rules stipulate each post be limited to a single area and category, with a refresh or new post possible every two days. 

Also, review Craigslist’s list of prohibited items to ensure you are in compliance.

*Prior to posting, cross-check your items against Craigslist’s list of prohibited items such as weapons, ammunition, illegal solicitation, items endangering minors, recalled items, body parts, prescription drugs, controlled substances, alcohol, tobacco, pets, endangered species, misleading or fraudulent content, personal information, food stamps, stolen property, ID cards, counterfeit items, lottery tickets, spam, affiliate marketing, and any goods or services violating the law.

4. Select the Right Category

It’s now time to classify what you’re selling. Craigslist has a vast array of categories to choose from. You should take a moment to read through these options and choose the one that fits your item like a glove. This helps potential buyers find your item easily. 

Before moving forward, double-check your items against the “Recall information” to ensure your items are legal and compliant with all relevant safety regulations.

* Prior to posting, verify that your items are legal by checking the “Recall information” on the following sites:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov)
• Reseller’s Guide to Selling Safer Products
• SaferProducts.gov (saferproducts.gov)
• Recalls.gov (recalls.gov)
• Safercar.gov (safercar.gov)

5. Provide Detailed Descriptions

Now, turn your attention towards crafting a comprehensive description of your item. Every detail counts here – be it the color, size, condition, or any unique features. Pair your description with relevant sale information such as the asking price, method of transaction, etc. The more information you can provide, the more confident a potential buyer may feel.

6. Reiterate Location Details

Location isn’t just important in real estate. You need to specify the location of the item you’re selling on Craigslist. Accuracy here is crucial – you wouldn’t want to mislead potential buyers about where they’d need to go to collect their purchase. Ensure your location is accurate while not revealing any sensitive personal information.

7. Upload High-quality Photos

Now we’re getting to the fun part. It’s time to take high-quality photos of your item. Good images can significantly enhance your ad’s appeal, making your offer more tangible and attractive to potential buyers. 

You can add up to 24 photos – make the most of this by showing your item from multiple angles and highlighting any key features or details.

8. Double-check Before Publishing

You’re almost there. 

Before you click on that “Publish” button, take a moment to review your posting. Check all the details for accuracy – your description, the images, the location. 

After the final review, hit “Publish”. Your ad should be live on Craigslist within 15 minutes. For first-time users, you may receive a mail notification asking to confirm the posting. 

This step is crucial to get your ad live on the site. 

Congratulations – you’ve now successfully navigated the process of selling on Craigslist!

How To Sell On Craigslist: FAQs