So you have some extra stuff cluttering up your house, collecting dust, and losing value. Well, lets get rid of it. As I mentioned a few posts back I will be documenting some of my own things that I have sold online. Whether it be on eBay, Craigslist, to my friends, or wherever. Before or after you read this post you can go to the page to see all the posts I have made about Selling Your Used Stuff!
Oddly enough, getting rid of your stuff that has been laying around for years can be kind of exhilarating.
For way too many years I have purchased things, out grew them, and relegated them to storage. Well things have been changing and now I think I am just as excited to sell stuff as to get it.
So here goes another installment of…
Sell Your Used Stuff Online! Craigslist Edition: The Exercise Bike!
Not too long ago I was an adult virgin. I know there aren’t a whole lot of us around anymore. Honestly, most people have sold something on Craigslist or at least purchased something, but alas, little ol’ me had never even tried.
I was nervous of weirdos coming to my house, or getting ripped off. These are legitimate worries but I let them cloud my decision making. There are plenty of ways to get around this such as meeting in a public area for instance. (I would suggest anyone to do this if at all possible. Doing this will take some of the uncertainty and paranoia out of the process.)
So I finally decided to quit being a pansy and list my exercise bike on Craigslist. For quite some time it had been collected dust in my office and I was ready for it to go. (authors note: it did work nicely for hanging my book bags, but I am 99% certain I could find a cheaper replacement on eBay or Amazon.)
The Story Begins…
My first reaction when I’m looking to sell used items online is to put them on eBay. It is fairly anonymous and obviously no one comes to your home. Sure there are drawbacks such as paying fees, but for the average person trying to get rid of used items around the home it works pretty good. Needless to say an exercise bike is fairly large and the shipping on it would be pretty hefty.
So I concluded that Craigslist would work pretty well and I would just have to make some kind of judgment whenever the time came to actually hand over the item.
I positioned the bike to where there was not much clutter in the background, basically all you could see was the bike, the wall behind, and a door frame. I wanted all of the focus to be on the bike and not random stuff from my house in the back.
I then took several photos of the bike from various angles. This is, in my opinion, one of the most important parts of putting up any kind of add when your selling your used stuff. People want as to see as many vantage points as possible, so give it to them.
I then went over to Craigslist, signed in and began a new post.
I gave a very brief description right below the picture. After that I Googled my exercise bike model, found a great description from a dealer, and copied and pasted their description. I assumed that their copywriter would do a much better job describing the bike than I would.
The most interesting part of the sell was the purchase price. I had initially told myself that I wanted to get $100 for it. I am not totally sure where this arbitrary number came from but I had settled on it. So I listed it for $150. My logic followed like this: Someone responds and says, “hey I like that exercise bike, but I don’t know about paying $150, how about $75.” In turn I say, “well thank you for your interest but I surely cannot go any lower than $125.” The interested buyer would then respond with an offer of $100 we would then spit in our hands, shake on it, and exchange the cash for the used exercise bike.
Well luckily for me it went much easier than that! I put the bike up on a Thursday night around 9pm and by 9am the next morning I had email that said something like this, “Hey I like the exercise bike, if you still have it, I’ll take it.” HOLY CRAP! THAT WAS EASY!
I contacted the guy and he was over at my house on Sunday afternoon to pick it up and hand $150 cash. Also, when he emailed me back it was with his work email, and it turns out he was a local attorney which made me feel more comfortable with the situation, even though there are some crooked attorneys, I could find the guy if needed. HE HE…
All in all it was a very positive experience and here are a few things I think I learned from it.
1. Be cautious, just not over cautious. People use Craigslist all the time and don’t get murdered. Sure it may happen from time to time but I could also get mugged any day of the week as well. Just you common sense and you will probably be OK.
2. Price higher than what you are willing to let your used stuff go for. I seriously had $100 typed into my app and at the last minute slapped myself in the face for being so stupid and bumped it to $150. Now don’t be ridiculous and put some outrageous price with an item that does not deserve it. Had I put the bike at $500 it probably would still be holding my book bags. Once again use a little common sense. Either you get a counter offer and you come down to the price you were originally willing to let it go for, or you get the whole price you asked for and everything turns out peachy.
3. Take plenty of good pictures. This also goes for eBay. When I look through Craigslist I immediately filter out listings that don’t include pictures. I believe I am not the only one who does this. Just include them.
Below I have copied and pasted the entire listing. As you can see my cat photo bombed one of my pics. I thought about removing it but it made me laugh too much so I decided to leave it in there.
I hope you are able to take something away from this and either work up the nerve to throw something on Craigslist yourself or maybe get a few extra bucks that you may not have.
When’s the last time you used Craigslist? Do you prefer eBay over Craigslist? Why? Let me know in the comments below.
Ian
The 30ss
Craigslist Post
CL > springfield, IL > for sale / wanted > sporting goods – by owner
your anonymous craigslist address will appear here
Posted: 2013-01-10, 9:03PM CST
Exercise Bike – Great Condition – $150 (Springfield, IL)
This exercise bike has been lightly used and is in good condition.
Below is the official review of the HealthRider H30x Exercise Bike.
This item must sell.
$150
Get the workout you want with the HealthRider® H30x Exercise Bike. This bike is compatible with iFit® Technology so you can work out with Jillian Michaels and draw real-terrain courses with Google Maps™. Your workouts are automatically downloaded to the bike’s console while your results are uploaded in real time. The H30x Exercise Bike also features 16 built-in workouts that focus on hill climbing or long-distance intervals. You’ll reach your goals in no time with these workouts that are designed by Certified Personal Trainers. Other features include a Compatible Music Port for iPod®, 12 digital resistance levels, racing-style handlebars and a built-in dual-grip BioLogic™ heart rate monitor.
Oversized, Adjustable Seat
This adjustable seat was designed to minimize physical discomfort and maximize efficiency to guarantee you have, not only a productive workout, but a comfortable ride. Quickly adjust the cushioned seat vertically and horizontally for the perfect fit!
Dual-Grip BioLogic™ Heart Rate Monitor
Make the most out of every workout by monitoring your heart rate with sensors that are built-in to the handlebars. They help ensure that you’re always in the optimal training zone to meet your goals.
iFit® Technology Compatible
Get smarter workouts and faster results with iFit® Technology*. Featuring workouts Powered by Google Maps™, training with Jillian Michaels and automatic resistance controls, this wireless technology is the ultimate workout experience! Now you can customize your own fitness program, receive automatic workout downloads and manage your profile online.
*Requires iFit® wireless adapter. Wireless adapter sold separately. Google and Google Maps are registered trademarks of Google, Inc.
16 Personal Trainer Workouts
Get the exact workout you want with these built-in workouts that help you burn fat, lose weight and stay motivated! These programs were designed by Certified Personal Trainers and take all of the guesswork out of your workout by automatically adjusting resistance of the elliptical for increased intensity and results. Choose from aerobic, weight-loss and performance workouts; each designed to give you maximum results. The time and resistance of each workout are predetermined so the only thing you have to worry about is pressing start.
Compatible Music Port for iPod®*
Pump up the volume with this built-in sound system. Plug your iPod®*, or MP3 Player, into the Interplay™ Music Port for unbeatable sound quality. With the iPod® resting on the console shelf, it’s within easy reach and leaves the controls right at your fingertips.
*iPod is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the US and other countries. iPod® not included.
Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0
Enjoy your favorite media with this built-in sound system that produces a broad range of frequencies and rich, equalized sound.
Grafixx™ Display
Take your training from typical to inspirational. This attractive display can either show multiple information fields for more at-a-glance information, or show a single display for on-the-fly goal training. The Grafixx™ Display tracks your speed, time, distance, calories burned and pulse. Regardless of your training needs or goals, this variable display technology helps you meet them.
Adjustable, Ergonomic Handlebars
These racing-style handlebars are ergonomically designed to cut down on fatigue and prevent discomfort.
Power Adapter Included
Power cord is included, no batteries are needed.
- Location: Springfield, IL
- it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Posting ID: 3537390091
Posted: 2013-01-10, 9:03PM CST
Edited: 2013-01-13, 5:30PM CST
Avoid scams, deal locally! Do NOT wire funds (Western Union, Moneygram). Beware cashier checks, money orders, shipping, non-local buyers/sellers. More info
I’m putting up a phone I don’t use right now on Craigslist, so I hope I get some of the luck you had as part of the deal!
Alex recently posted..Happy Thought for the Day: Non Zero Sum People
Sweet! Good luck Alex! Is this a cell phone or a land line phone. I had a repair man at my house over the summer to fix my washer and he saw and old land line phone in my basement that was there when I moved in. He got real excited when he saw it and was acting like he wanted to buy it. I told him he already had my number and he could shoot me an offer if he wanted. He never did but I have been thinking about throwing it up on ebay maybe to see if there are some collectors maybe. One man’s trash is another mans’ treasure! Good luck man!
Hey Ian, I’ve recently been listing some things on Craig’s List that I’m looking to clean out of my house also. I’ve also been using many of the product descriptions from the pros and even many of the images. I’ve literally sold nothing despite many of the items being new in box (think things I received as a gift but had no use for–perfect condition). I am wondering your thoughts on using the professional images for items rather than ones you take yourself. Does using the professional images take authenticity away from the product listing? Should I use a mix of the professional images from the online retailer and my own? Any additional input on this? I have great items, I think my prices are fair, but I’m getting no responses at all. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Alison,
Here is how I feel about Craigslist. I think you should use your own picks. My reasoning is that people who are using Craigslist realize they are buying items from other individuals and not stores. This I would think leads them to expect photos taken by the owner if the item. That being said, you still need to take quality photos. Try using a solid background for added contrast, to make your pic pop.
Have you price matched what the products are from the store?
Alison, you really do bring up a valid question I have thought about, but I do think personal pics are the best way to advertise on Craigslist.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please let me know and let me know how things work out for ya.
Ian
I see your perspective. I’m going to add a few of my own pics to contribute to the buying-from-an-individual feeling. My only hesitation is sullying the “new in box” status. Per your feedback I believe I will add pics of the manufacturer package and include a line on the listing that I will be happy to send additional pics of the in-hand items upon a buyer’s request.
I have price-matched and under-cut the price of each of my items accordingly (much less for the genuinely “new” items). Or, have listed it just a little below the online retailer’s price but in this case the buyer will not have to pay shipping charges listed online. I thought along the same lines as you with the exercise bike on pricing. I’ve listed the items at a price I’d surely like, but would negotiate a little lower if I received a response. However, I did not include a “OBO” stipulation into the description so as not to encourage a buy to offer a lower amount just because. But maybe that was an error. I’m not sure. This is my first attempt at online selling.
Thanks for the feedback, Ian. I appreciate the site and tips…from one 30-something to another also trying to get and keep my finances in order. And clearing out clutter while making extra cash is just a start.
Adding that byline might actually work, and if someone asks for them you would at least be able to assume they have some interest. The OBO seems almost implied in markets like Craigslist unless the ad specifically states that the price is firm. I just think of any other transaction I have had between another individual and myself, and usually the price is always negotiable so I don’t think that is a big error.
I would just make sure that in your own description, before the manufacturers description, you make it clear that the product you have is new and “in-box” “never used” etc.
Also, I don’t know how familiar you are with eBay, but in-box items seem to do pretty well over there as well. You are also able to reach a larger amount of people, but the size of the item can cause problems with shipping if it is really large.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, I hope I could help and good luck clearing out the place. I know I still can’t believe some of the stuff I have had around here for so many years that others want. It gets a little addicting when you start getting paid for them!
I have a new article planned for the not too far of future where I am going to talk about a friend of mine who does the Craigslist bartering thing and has traded up to get some pretty neat things. I’m gonna get involved a little bit to see what it’s all about. Again thanks for stopping by and always feel free to leave me a comment or email me if you have any other questions or ideas, & keep me posted about your luck on Craigslist!
Ian