Do you ever shop on Craig’s List?
by Dr. Leah
Filed under All, Tips & Advice
Both of us are always game for a good bargain — and Rachel especially loves finding good deals on Craig’s List.
What’s her best buy so far? A brand new keyboard she got for her daughter last holiday season for $25, from a college student who was moving abroad. During her most recent move from one home to another, she also earned extra cash on Craig’s List by selling her furniture and kid’s toys.
But if you read about her home being broken into this winter, then you know those guys got away with her MacBook.
Thank goodness her laptop had been password-protected — and she’d backed up five days before. When the police officers showed up to write a report, she was stewing in sadness and anger.
“So, what should I do?” she wanted to know. “Where should I look for my computer?”
The two police offers were focused on getting the facts down, and they seemed impressed by the fact that Rachel had recorded her MacBook serial number. Unfortunately, the police said that her MacBook had most likely already been posted and sold on Craig’s List. For cash.
The police officers said that they regularly check local pawn shops to run the serial numbers on items reported stolen. Robbers, however, know this so they bypass the traditional pawn shop and fence stolen goods, like computers, on Craig’s List.
Here’s why this whole experience has made us think more cautiously about Craig’s List:
When you see something on Craig’s List that sounds too good to be true (like a brand new MacBook for a small wad of cash?), it probably is.
What might look like a great deal might really have a back story involving theft. Is this really a great find, or stolen goods?
Don’t get us wrong. We both love a bargain. And we know what it means to stretch every dollar.
Now, however, when Rachel buys off Craig’s List again, she will use caution and definitely ask lots of questions.
We’d love to know: Do you shop on Craig’s List?
How do you use online shopping to stretch your budget?
We especially welcome tips from veteran online shoppers. Thanks!
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I have not used Craiglist or shopped online much at all. I guess I’m a little sceptic. I know great deals can be found and made but I think of it this way; I’m actaully saving money by not having the convenience of online shopping at my fingertips. That could be dangerous!
I LOVE Craigslist, but you do have to be careful. I’ve bought and sold stuff, and even found our fabulous babysitter and our wonderful home on Craigslist!!
Twitter @ LA_Single_Mama
I have a whole closet full of stuff to sell, but have been hesitant about Craigslist so it’s been in the closet for well over a year. I don’t want anyone coming to my house, but meeting people out and coordinating schedules seems like so much work for what the individual pieces are worth. I have a lot of stuff but none of it is worth over $20 a piece. Not sure what I’m going to do with it…
LA Single Mama´s last blog ..The backseat situation… sickness and aggravation…
Twitter @ http://raisingchildraisingself.blogspot.com/
I usually get random things like furniture though I recently found my new pet from a family that had to give her up. In college I used craigslist to find a rental.
Sophia´s last blog ..Raising Random
Twitter @ Jennsplace
My family and I love craigslist for buying and selling the stuff just sitting around. With a growing child, it’s a great way to sell and buy toys they grow out of. I just make sure I’m really careful & it’s best not to have people come to your house for pick up or to go get things alone. Just like online dating you have to be especially careful bc they know you’ll have cash to buy their listed item. Sadly there’s always going to be a market for stolen items.
Jennifer´s last blog ..Snips and Snails and Puppydog Tails
Twitter @ http://internationalsinglemom.blogspot.com/
I use craigslist…but what I like even better is Freecycle. Its a great listserve that people post thing they don’t want any more but that are still in great shape. I got a $500 entertainment set, a cute ikea dining table, a coffemaker, clothes, toys, soooo much stuff and all for free. I also use it to get rid of toys that Khalil outgrows. I know they toys will got to a good home and they are much quicker about coming than the craigslist people.
Samantha´s last blog ..Confusion
Twitter @ ItsToni
I really have never had the need to shop/sell on Craigslist. I’ve never even been on it before, to tell you the truth. Though, I do stretch my budget GREATLY by shopping online – with online specials, codes and free shipping – especially at Christmas time where I don’t even have to spend gas money or fight crowds to buy gifts. My biggest online money saver?? PRINTABLE COUPONS!
Twitter @ singlemommyhood
@Samantha: thanks for reminding us of Freecycle. LOVE that site!
And, if you haven’t checked out Swap Mamas, please do! It was founded by that go-getting single mom known as “Mommy Pie.”