A Guide to using the free section of Craigslist for Flipping

If you live close to a big city, you can try using Craigslist, Nextdoor, and other free Craigslist sections to find valuable items that people are giving away and make some extra cash. You'll have a lot of clutter to sort through. Have patience and become accustomed to staring at pallets for extended periods of time. In this blog, we will dive into how to make the most out of the free section of Craigslist for flipping. 

Understanding the Nature of Free Listings

I've found that most folks who donate things are kind and willing to answer your queries about their size and condition. You should be considerate of those who may be opposed to reselling their goods.

Timing is Everything

People see Craigslist ads when they are about 10 minutes old. By the time the advertisement is 30 minutes old, valuable items will be claimed. This will be your opportunity to take action. So, look through the listings as often as you can. If you only check 3 times a day, you have very little chance of finding anything valuable. 

To stay ahead of others, consider using a Craigslist search alert to notify you immediately when something new is posted in the free section.

Quick Price Assessment is Key

Learn how to look up prices on Google, eBay, and Craigslist. Less than five minutes will pass between viewing and determining the value of valuable objects. If in doubt, send the giver an email expressing interest before conducting further investigation. Tell the giver you won't be able to attend if you decide you don't want the item; they'll likely have other people lined up already, so they won't mind.

Communicating with Givers the Right Way

Be polite and include a phone number in your email. State precisely when you can come. Don't say, "Is this available?" People have a (somewhat) irrational hatred towards that phrase on Craigslist. Say:

"Thank you for this generous offer. I can come pick it up right away if that works for you. I live in X, so I can be there in Y minutes after hearing from you. Cheers, PHONE NUMBER." 

Choose calling or texting over email if possible.

Be Ready to Move Quickly

You must be prepared to go get it right away because most people won't hold things for you. Your only option would be to promise that you will be there as soon as possible to pick up a valuable advertisement that has been up for longer than 30 minutes. 

I can't stress this enough: communication is important. Send another courteous email expressing your interest if you don't hear back but notice the advertisement is up a day or two later. 

Vehicle Size and Towing Capabilities Matter

You have a natural advantage if you drive a pickup or a car of a comparable size because you can transport a good deal of bulky items, such as a standard-sized washer and dryer. If you can tow stuff, you will have numerous cars, boats, and campers, some of which will be flippable.

Expanding Your Search Radius

Increase your search radius on Craigslist to, say, 100 miles. Driving so far could be a pain, but it can be worthwhile if the haul is worth it. Find out in advance how much it would cost to drive a specific distance. Additionally, storage can be a problem, so make appropriate plans. When possible, provide free shipping and make an effort to keep your prices competitive.

Evaluate Before You Pick Up

Consider the discussions you will surely have with potential customers before you pick up the goods. Since you won't know much about the item's condition, would they be able to test it and see for themselves, or is it a difficult-to-describe item (such as a car radio without a car to connect it to)? Factor these in your evaluation prior to picking it up.

Watch for Seasonal Opportunities

Keep an eye out for seasonal sales when consumers sell their old items and upgrade to new ones. For example, right before and right after Christmas, New Year's, the beginning of a lease, and the dates of college move-in and move-out.

Non-Working Items: Risk vs. Reward

If it's an easy fix, non-working items give the biggest profit margin but are also the riskiest. It helps to be a handyman. However, based on the advertisement's description, you should learn to diagnose how difficult and costly a repair would likely be. Additionally, you can be lucky and the object won't break. 

Recognizing Overrated Items

There will be certain things that appear valuable but aren't in fact. TVs are the main example. Even the plasmas won't likely be worth the trouble, because rear-projection TVs are widely available. Remember that even non-detachable items, such as TVs and couches, may be valuable if you intended to spend money on them.

Final Thoughts

People frequently post their free items on Craigslist's own category because not everyone is aware that the site offers a free part. Look up the word "free" in that category. Because freebie seekers don't actively browse certain categories, these advertisements have extended shelf lives. With tools like Swoopa and smart flipping strategies, your chances of success in the flipping game increase tenfold by getting real-time alerts and building a profitable flipping side hustle.