We decided to start out fresh and not move our belongings with us across country. But how to get rid of just about everything and recapture the money we invested into our high-priced items was a challenge. We also didn't want to throw away perfectly good things and add to the already full landfills, so we opted to use craigslist and our local charities for making donations.
It took two months of taking decent pictures of everything we own and posting it on craigslist. Now, I know a lot of you are timid when it comes to this way of selling or buying anything--we all have heard the horror stories--but here are some helpful tips to be a success:
1. Know how to use a digital camera and upload pictures onto the computer. If you don't have the knowledge, get someone to sit down with you and teach you.
2. Take photos for every listing. People tend not to buy anything without looking at it. Make sure it is a close up of the item--only without the background of your home or kids. Never post a picture of a child in any photo...you don't want to give anyone knowledge of the inside of your home or of the people that live there.
3. Tell as much about the item as you can, but leave out your life story for security reasons.
4. On items over $100, do not leave an anonymous email. Leave your phone number (without a name) to contact you instead. This will make scammers pass you by as they only prey upon those via email on high ticket items.
5. If possible, have all items waiting outside your home for pick up just before their expected arrival time. Do not invite anyone into your home.
6. Take cash only.
Doing these tips will make doing business very successful. I have successfully sold over 250 things from computers, furniture, toys and tools this way without dealing with shipping costs. It is better to resell and donate than throwing things in landfills.
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Nice blog Michelle! Those are really great tips. We use craigslist all the time!
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