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If you like to find good deals on a wide range of items (not limited to home décor, electronics, home appliances, movies, books, clothes, and more), you are likely a fan of the classified website Craigslist.org. If not, you should become one. You are sure to find a wide range of deals on new and used items on Craigslist. It is free to post a for sale ad on Craigslist, unlike on eBay.com; therefore, more sellers are using the website. As a shopper, this means more opportunities for you to save money and find a great deal.
But wait! As a deal seeker, you want the best price possible. When you can price compare on Craigslist and even other classified websites, you can try to get a good deal by haggling with a seller for a lower price. When should you haggle? When it comes to Craigslist and other similar classified websites, you typically find an item online that you like. You then call a seller. Rarely do you state you want to buy the item sight unseen; typically that first call is to arrange a showing. After seeing the item, you then decide whether or not you want to buy it.
So when it comes to haggling for a better deal on Craigslist, should you start the negotiating on the phone or in person? Each approach has its pros and cons. For example:
Haggling for a Better Price Over the Phone
The Pros: You know upfront whether or not a seller is willing to lower their price. Say you want to buy a laptop computer, but you only have $200 to spend, but the seller wants $300. You won't waste your time traveling to look at the laptop if the sellers says over the phone "no the price is firm."
The Cons: A seller lists their items for sale at a specific price for a reason; they either need that amount of money or truly feel there item is worth that amount. If you end up being the first person to call one hour after the item is listed, they aren't likely to negotiate right away. Negotiating over the phone works best if you wait at least two days (the item hasn't sold yet so you have some leverage).
Haggling for a Better Price in Person
The Pros: Whenever it comes to tugging at someone's heart or firmly negotiating a better price, it is always better to do it in person. Lets focus on that above mentioned laptop; you traveled to look at it and have the laptop in your hand. In this case, the seller is so close to a sale that they can almost feel the money in their hands. Say you want X amount of dollars knocked off the price or you won't buy. You have better luck with this approach.
The Cons: If you aren't a good and confident haggler, it can be a bit harder and nerve-racking to negotiate for a better deal in person. Why? It always sticks when someone says no. With that said, remember that haggling and deal seeking on Craigslist and other classified websites is just like a game; sometimes you win and sometimes you don't!
Are you ready to find good deals online?
About this Author
Visit SpotThings.com to search all of Craigslist and thousands of other classified websites at once. Base your search on a zip code, keyword, and a price range to easily find the best deals on a wide range of items.
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