Craigslist is a free online classified site where you can find all kinds of goodies. Don't be scared away by things like "The Craigslist Killer" and some of the weird spam that's in the listings. The majority of transactions are between two very normal people who just want to buy something, get rid of something, find someone, hire someone, etc. It is an awesome resource, especially for those of us who are thrifty girls.
Here are my secrets to finding the best stuff without breaking the bank.
Check often:
It's like hitting a flea market when it first opens or digging through "the cart" at Goodwill that holds the contents that were just priced and haven't hit the sales floor, yet. You have to catch the best things right when they're posted, because they might not last long.
Click everything (almost):
Remember that not everyone knows what they're talking about. If someone lists a "Victorian arm chair", it may really be French provincial and they just don't know it. I've also seen some listings that get me really excited only to end up greatly disappointed. You just don't know if you don't look at it.
Ask for pictures:
I really hate it when people don't post pictures on their listings, but it can sometimes be a good thing. I requested a picture of a "$30 buffet" listed a couple of months ago. I received the picture and it was a solid wood, vintage French provincial buffet. It would've been gone if there was a picture, but most people don't bother to ask.
Do your homework:
Know what you're looking for. If you need a piece for a specific spot, make sure you take measurements and ask for them if they aren't provided in the post. Ask questions like, "Are the legs sturdy?", "Are the drawers dovetailed?", "Is it solid wood?", "Is it from a non-smoking home?", "Do the drawers work properly?" Don't be afraid to lose the piece. If you can't get these answers, just keep looking.
Know your key search terms:
There are a lot of listings, so I narrow it down by using my favorite key word searches. "French" "Dresser" "Chair" "Antique" and "Vintage"
Don't waste time:
It might be tempting to look at the $1200 bedroom suite or to check out the $20 dining set that's a four hour drive away, but it can really be a waste of time. Only look at posts that you might realistically buy. I generally don't look at any listings that are over $150 or over an hour drive.
Be a good buyer:
There isn't a place to leave feedback on Craigslist, but it's still a good idea to be a good buyer. If you ask questions of a seller, make sure you follow up whether you're interested or not. If you say you're going to buy something...buy it. When I e-mail with people about a piece, I always let them know I buy from CL all the time and I always show up with cash in hand. People are more willing to negotiate, hold a piece for you or sell to you again if you're nice to work with. I've even had people e-mail me when they are going to sell other pieces they think I might want to buy.
Don't buy what you don't want:
When I went to buy my first French provincial dining set, I was very excited at the picture, but when I saw it in person, it was a different story. The piece was described as "a set in mint condition". It wasn't a set and it wasn't in mint condition. I felt stuck. I sighed and looked at my feet and knew I needed to say something. I hated the chairs. I didn't want the chairs. "Can I just buy the table?" "Sure." So, I just bought the table. Don't feel obligated to buy anything. Just say thanks and be on your way if you don't want it.
Be safe:
I don't want to bring anyone down, but you do have to keep your personal safety in mind. I don't ever go to pick up furniture by myself. It's just not smart. Remember that you are going into a stranger's home with cash. Make sure someone is watching your back. If a situation feels sketchy, just back out. It's not worth it.
To show you the results of my method, here are a couple of my favorite CL finds.
My dining room set was $100 on Craigslist for six sturdy chairs, the table and table pads. Of course, it was speckled and orange when I bought it, but I can fix that kind of thing. :)
My amazing French provincial dresser was only $35. I was able to buy the matching highboy a few months later and then recently swapped for the night stand as well! I told you that being a good buyer can pay off.
Do you have any Craigslist secrets to share?
What is your favorite find?
