I like a good deal as much as the next person, but I have grown weary of the Craigslist hagglers and extreme lowballers, so much so that I rarely, if ever, sell things anymore. I've basically started to donate things, in large part because I'd rather donate an item than give lowballers the satisfaction of getting the item for the 40% less than what I listed. I have seriously donated a $10 item out of spite instead of giving it to someone on Craigslist for $5. I know I shouldn't take it personally, but I do.
I am perfectly fine with haggling on larger items, but smaller items? Forget it! It's just not worth my time.
Have people had success with listing things "firm"? It just seems silly when the item is only $2 to begin with. Really? You want to haggle over $2? This is also why I don't do garage sales. I just can't deal with the cheapness. And I'm a Mustachian and also cheap.
So off to Goodwill I go.
I totally understand.
I'm not really into buying/selling on CL or the local FB site. I probably should be, but it's a time factor.
My friends who have tried to sell things on both get flakes who say they are coming, but then don't. It takes TIME. So if three people say they want it, but the first guy lowballs you, you just wasted your time! If you've got kids, you had to set up a time when you are home, let them see the item, and then contact the next person - so annoying!
I used to be on the local Freecycle group, and anyone who flaked on me got blacklisted, and I never gave them anything again.
I am the opposite about garage sales. I expect garage sale stuff to be CHEAP because you are getting rid of it! So we have had a few and priced stuff to SELL. Because you are saving me from doing the work. Garage sale prices here are expensive!
Our FB group has a lot of rules about who gets something - it's supposed to go to the "first" person who says they want it (which is kind of stupid if you ask me). What if person #5 can come in 5 minutes? So if you want it gone fast, you have to say "first who can come, no holds". Also "interested" means you want to know more about it, not necessarily that you want it.
Saturday I happened to see a bunk bed with stairs pop up. Our house is tiny and I have two boys and I'd planned on buying a bunk bed with stairs (not ladder) and drawers "eventually" (when I could trust the 3 year old not to jump off, like when he's 5). Well, wouldn't you know it I showed my spouse and he said "let's do it". The person who posted wasn't the seller, so we called. They said "tomorrow afternoon". Borrowed a truck, got it $10 off because that's what he had handy (spouse said "I've got $10 somewhere" and she said "nevermind"). I feel like I got lucky.
But a month ago, we got rid of our crib. I searched the FB group, and NONE of the last 10 cribs even sold. So I didn't bother, just found a friend with a friend who needed it. Our twin bed (that we don't need anymore with the bunks) we got on CL. I may try to sell it, but first up my babysitter mentioned she might want it. If she wants it, and can haul it, she can have it for free (I get a ton of clothing and shoes hand me downs from her son).
I feel like I should want to sell things more, but I don't. I prefer to give to friends, or donate to charity.