How to Find the Best Deals on Craigslist

Although a Craigslist search tool, like the Craigslist Reader, is not needed to search Craigslist, it can help you find good deals with ease.

What is the Craigslist Reader?

It is a Craigslist search app that is a desktop application. You download and install the program on your computer, open the program, and then you are ready!

What Can the Craigslist Reader Do For You?

* You can search multiple locations and all of Craigslist at once.
* You can search multiple categories at once.
* You can view Craigslist posts right from the program.
* You can receive new listing alerts via email or RSS feed.
* You can make use of housing and job search filters.
* You can edit your search results list (to make comparing easier).
* You can reply to Craigslist ads right from the program.
* You can save your Craigslist searches for later (great for expensive purchases).

How Can You Get the Craigslist Reader?

Click here to download the Craigslist Reader. You get a free 3-day trial and then you purchase the software if you want.

The search phrases you use on Craigslist are key to finding good deals. The better the search phrases you use, the more results you are likely to get.

Tips for Searching Craigslist:

Search Daily
Search with Variations (like Refrigerator and Fridge)
Search with Commonly Misspelled Words (May Get a Hidden Gem No One Found Yet)

Part of finding a good deal is getting the lowest price. For that reason, you want to price compare.

Get started by price comparing other similar items on Craigslist. This is easy with the Craigslist Reader as you can remove items that are priced too high with the click of a mouse.

Note: If you are buying used, you should always get a discount off the price of new. Never buy a used TV stand for $75 when you can buy it new at Wal-Mart for $80.

Yes, a good deal does mean a low price, but it also means a quality item. To ensure this is what you are getting, you want to look at pictures and ask the sellers questions.

Important Things to Keep in Mind for Quality:

* Everyone has a different view of like-new. Someone may consider a 10 year old toaster like new if they only used it 20 times in those 10 years.

* Pictures are a must have. If the seller doesn't have a picture posted, email them to ask for one or move on.

* You don't want items (especially furniture) that has been stored outside in the rain, wind, or snow for weeks or even 2-days.

* Broken items are okay to buy if you know they are broken. However, you should figure in the cost of repairs. Ensure you are still getting a good deal after those repairs are made.

If you didn't already know, Craigslist has a free section. You might be surprised how many good items you can find there. You can find clothes, books, movies, furniture, electronics and more.

Why would someone list an item for free on Craigslist when they could sell it? Most of these people aren't interested in making money. They just want to get rid of the item. Free means no having to haggle with buyers; it is quick, easy, and convenient.

Free items on Craigslist are the ultimate best deal because you don't pay a cent. Of course, you do need to drive and pickup the item. So, make sure you aren't driving 3-hours for a bag of used clothes that aren't even worth $50.

The only case in which you should save your breath is if the seller states the "price is firm."

Craigslist.org is just like an online yard sale and shoppers always haggle for a lower price at a yard sale; so do it!

My only suggestion is to be realistic. Don't ask a seller who has a $200 couch to take $25 because it ain't gonna happen!

Good deals on Craigslist go quick. To ensure you and not someone else gets the best deals, act quick. This means make contact with the seller immediately. The sooner you act, the better your chances.

Once you agree to buy an item you found on Craigslist, you will arrange a meeting with the seller. What happens if you arrive and see the item is nothing like you pictured (like the kitchen table is barely able to stand on its own four legs)? Should you still buy?

If a seller misrepresented themselves on Craigslist, don't be afraid to back out of the sale. Remember, it isn't a good deal if you end up wasting time or money.

In short, you can find the best deals on Craigslist by:

* Downloading the Craigslist Reader to search all of Craigslist, entire states, or a few cities.
* Searching often and use relevant search phrases.
* Compare other similar items on Craigslist to find the best price.
* Making sure you are buying a quality item.
* Checking the free section on Craigslist.
* Making contact with the seller right away (before someone else does).