CRAIGSLIST LOVES

I hope all you mothers out there had a great Mother's Day!  I sure did.  

I received breakfast in bed, had my car cleaned by my sweet husband and spent a lazy day in my pjs.  Doesn't get any better than that.  During my laziness, I checked out Craigslist, which is just about an everyday occurrence for me (not being lazy, but checking out Craigslist).

I didn't find anything I was looking for, but I did come across some great deals. 

For you non-Craigslisters, don't discount this fabulous resource that is right at your fingertips. 

I know used furniture and such gives some people the creeps, but with a good upholstery job, 

a little paint and some TLC, finds like these can be transformed 

for much less than you could buy them new. 

Take for example, these wingbacks.  You can find a ton of wingbacks on Craigslist, but most of them are pretty dated and formal.  Not this one (well, there happens to be two).  This chair has great lines and nice simple legs. Check out the scallop detail on the bottom.  

With the right fabric, these chairs could be show stoppers!

HERE

If my kids were smaller and we didn't already have several places for them to do homework,
 I would snatch up this double school desk and chairs.  For only $30, you can't go wrong. 

HERE

Unfortunately, the seller of these items used a picture from a magazine to advertise a mid century tulip table and four Eames chairs. The items look fantastic in this magazine shot, but I wonder what they look like in real life.  I would love to get my hands on this table, but I would insist on seeing "real live" pictures of it before agreeing to purchase it.  In my opinion, this is a big NO NO for sellers

HERE

Here are a few vintage school chairs.  You know how much I love these.
The seller is only asking $30 for all three.  Great deal! They appear to be a bit worn,
but I think that just adds to the charm.

HERE

From what I can tell from these blurry pictures, I love these two wooden benches.
You could use them on either side of a dining table or just use one as a coffee table.
The seller is asking $100 for both!

HERE

I clicked on this bamboo chair and was immediately interested.
The gray lacquer is nice, but I'm not digging the green chevron.
If the price were not $140, I would be tempted to buy is and have it reupholstered.
According to the seller, the price is firm!

HERE

Here are a few tips for you if you have never bought or sold anything on Craigslist.

Buying:
Search often (new items are added all the time)
Always, always, always try to negotiate on price.
Don't ever go into someone's house alone to pick up an item you've purchased
If you don't have someone to come along, ask to meet the seller in a public place

Selling:
Include good quality, clear photos and a detailed description of your item(s)
Make sure your item(s) are clean
Make sure you price your item(s) leaving a bit of room to negotiate
Never agree to let a potential buyer come over when you are home alone.

I often put an item I am selling in our detached garage and let the potential buyer view it in there
 (while my husband is home).

I have done more selling on Craigslist than buying.
I have sold chairs, a couch or two, a jogging stroller, barstools,
a headboard and an antique cabinet, to name a few.
The only thing I can think of that I bought from Craiglist is this ghost chair.
I have found several items on Craigslist for clients.

So there you have it, my two cents on using Craigslist.
It really is a valuable tool that is completely free to use.
How about you, are you a fan of Craigslist?