Houston mamas…I know I can’t be the ONLY one in town looking for a good deal!
At our house, we rarely pay full price for things, and I try hard to bargain and buy used. Our weapon of choice??? CRAIGSLIST, of course! It’s such an awesome resource available to all! I have had great luck finding what I’ve searched for, sometimes even exceeding my expectations. I will be perfectly honest however – if you are looking for ‘perfect’ items, CL may not be for you. To snag great deals on CL, you have to be willing to do a little ‘fixing’ at times. Is it worth it to you? You decide.
Check out some of my Craigslist finds ::
king size Pottery Barn Sumatra Bed | mirror for our mantel
Jenny Lind bed & vintage quilt | CARGO bunkbed | CARGO toy box
spool bed | pop-up camper
Want your own frugal finds? Here are my top tips to help you win BIG!
First and foremost – be SAFE!
When it comes to buying from strangers, safety is key!
- Use email to document communication
- Tell someone where you are going
- Daytime pick-ups as opposed to nighttime
- Take someone with you
- Meet in a public place if possible
- Ask the seller to have the item by the door if going to someone’s home, etc…
Check daily for what you’re looking for.
There are new items being posted all day, every day. So check back often!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Once you find something you love, ask lots of questions. Feel free to ask for additional pictures, or dimensions, or any other questions you may have.
Act quick!
If you are ready to buy, then move quickly. Items go fast on CL, and you don’t want to have a treasured item swept out from under you!
Bargain ONLY if you feel the price is too high. If it’s a fair price, pay it.
It’s important to know what you are buying and what it is worth. The seller will be thankful and so will you.
Let the seller know who or what your item will be used for.
Sometimes a story of your family continuing to cherish their item will win them over, and they’ll choose YOU in a multiple offer situation!
Let the seller know that you are willing and able to load the items without their help.
If you are looking to purchase large items, have a truck and/or a few friends in place ready to help you pick it up and haul it off.
Test out your purchase before you take it home.
Give your new gem a once over and make sure that everything is in working order before handing over the money.
Bring cold hard cash!
Most CL sellers request cash only, so be sure you have plenty of cash on hand before going to purchase your item. Exact change appreciated.
Happy BARGAIN shopping, Houston! And DO TELL…what amazing finds/great deals have you purchased on CL?
I love CL. I have bought a queen bed, an armoire, 2 living room chairs, and a dresser on there over the past few years.
oh wow! such a great resource, huh, Jana!?!?!
This is great Misty! I’ve never purchased from CL, but am currenlty stalking it for Jenny Lind style pieces. You have great style and a beautiful home! thanks for sharing your tips with us.
i’ll keep my eyes open for jenny lind pieces, Chelsea!!! and thanks for the sweet words:)
I flove CL. I have had some awesome luck with it over the last 3 yrs. most recently my hubs bought a new tailgate came side steps.
awesome, claudia!!!
Love CL! But I love the bassinet next to your bed! Where did you get that!? 🙂
Diamend, it is a very special friend’s bassinet. She cannot let it go, so she lets others borrow it! I’m done with it and now her cousin has it! How cool, huh?!?! Her first baby was born in 2005. She purchased it then at Babies R US…it’s called the Eddie Bauer Bassinet. Try Amazon, Babies r Us…etc.