Craigslist: 14 Tips To Find Amazing Furniture Deals!

Craigslist and Kijiji are two popular online classified sites I use ALL THE TIME. Unlike eBay, they’re free to use and the best part is, there’s a TON of people looking to unload their old unwanted furniture!

If you’re a furniture painter or diy’er looking for amazing furniture deals, I’m living proof you can find them on Craigslist!

Here’s why: I’ve been buying and selling furniture online for over three years now. I rarely pay more than $50 for a piece of furniture. Because I’m often on both ends of a transaction {I purchase furniture for painting and I sell my restyled furniture}, through trial and error, I’ve developed some tips and strategies for buying and selling on Craigslist and Kijiji.

Here are 14 tips so YOU can find your own amazing furniture deals!

Tip#1: Check The Free Section

Check the free section of your local Craigslist. There will be a lot of junk you may have to sift through, but there’s often a few diamonds-in-the-rough if you’re willing to pick-up. It’s well worth taking a look.

 Tip#2: Set Your Budget and Area

When I first started using Craigslist and Kijiji, I can’t tell you how many times I found exciting furniture only to discover it was a far drive or not within my budget. Be sure to set your budget and local area before starting your search!

Here’s how: Once you type in your search term, you’ll notice an area on the left sidebar giving you the option to set your city and budget. I often key in between $0-$50 and see what comes up. In this example below, I already see a few items worth looking into! Whatever your budget may be, enter it and this will save you plenty of search time.

 Tip#3: Check Local Listings Often

When I’m on-the-hunt, I often check listings in the morning, afternoon and night.

Here in the Toronto area, items on Craigslist change very quickly. The new classified postings are displayed first, while the older listings get pushed to the bottom. To get the best deals (which can be grabbed up within hours of a seller posting) check your local listings often.

 Tip#4: Search Words are Key

Search words are key and here are a few of my favorites. #old furniture #antique #antique furniture #old dresser #dining sets #hutch #sideboard #buffet #wood furniture #chairs #kitchenette #dinette #side table #wood table #desks #pine #walnut #free furniture … you get the idea! Be creative with your search words.

Tip#5: Don’t Trust the Pic

You know the saying “a picture’s worth a 1000 words”…well in the case of Craigslist and other online classifieds…maybe not! Let’s face it, not everyone is into photography, staging or composition.

I’ve seen some down right UGLY ad pics but it hasn’t stopped me from buying if the price is right and the pick-up is local. Sure, I wont drive hours to take a look-see at a mystery piece that seems questionable. But if the picture looks like it was taken quickly or in poor lighting, yet the piece still intrigues me, I don’t let this stop me. Believe me, I’ve come home with some real winners even when the photo has been horrible!

 Tip#6: Act Fast

Act fast…seriously – if you snooze you lose! We all know the online world moves rapidly so if you’re interested in a piece, take action immediately!

 Tip#7: Keep Initial Contact Short & Sweet

When I email a seller, I always keep it short and sweet. I like to ask if the item is still available and let the person know I’m available to pick-up at their convenience. [box] “Hi there! Is this item still available? If so, I’m available for p/u at your convenience. Thanks! ~ Denise”[/box]  Once I get a response back, then I feel more comfortable asking a few questions.

Tip#8: Now Ask Away

Once the seller has made contact back, now is the time to ask some questions. Dimensions, condition etc. Keep in mind everyone’s definition of “gently used” or “in good condition” is different. One gentleman’s ad said “normal wear and tear” but the dresser had an entire leg missing! Asking a few questions to determine whether it’s worth the drive is perfectly acceptable.

Tip#9: Speak to A LIVE Person

If they offer a phone number – give them a call. I know this sounds like an old-school concept but if someone includes their phone number, it means they’re open to a call.

It’s been my experience when I’m looking for antique/old wood furniture, it’s often a mature person selling the item who responds well to actually speaking to a “live” person! I like speaking to the seller before I drive out. This gives me a feel for their personality and definitely secures the deal prior to pick up. And as a bonus, it makes me stand out from all the other potential buyers that are emailing.

 Tip#10: Negotiation

Negotiating is part of the fun! If you are buying a piece from a private residence, there is more flexibility in price than if you are buying from a small business. When I negotiate, I do my best to be fair. NO extreme low-balling because let’s be honest, it’s insulting. This particular china cabinet was the gentleman’s wife’s grandmothers.

There was no way I would feel good about myself if I was to offer any less than the $50 he was asking. There’s an art to negotiating. And the best negotiations are the ones where BOTH parties walk away happy and content with the deal. 

 Tip#11: Be Available

Be available to pick-up at their convenience…not yours. People selling items online have a life. They work full time jobs, have children and elderly parents to care for, appointments and events to attend. It works to YOUR advantage if you say you are available at their convenience. This will set you apart from other potential buyers who say they can only come see the item at a certain time or over the weekend. 

 Tip#12: Check Dimensions & Be Prepared

Check dimensions before you pick up and make sure your vehicle will FIT the item(s)! I’ve removed all the back seats in my furniture van so I can pick up multiple pieces at a time.

I’ve had a few people come pick up large items in the smallest vehicles you’ve ever seen only to realize it’s NOT going to fit… and then ask if I offer a delivery service. I’m always amused! Be sure your vehicle will fit the piece.

 Tip#13: Buddy Up & Be Safe

In my experience people are kind and helpful. But if you can, it’s a good idea to bring an extra set of hands to carry the furniture to your car and to have someone there for extra safety.  Always remember, if a seller seems ‘strange’ or something feels off – listen to your gut!  If you are going on your own, always tell someone where you’re going. Text a loved one to say your heading to this and this address at this time for a pick up.

 Tip#14: Kind & Courteous

If you make arrangements to pick up at 1pm, be there for 1pm. Craigslist is an online classified site but this is a PEOPLE business. Being timely, respectful and being kind and courteous will bring good karma!! 

Next to curb-shopping free furniture, finding amazing furniture deals on Craigslist is top on my list! These online classifieds are like a huge online flea market. I always have fun and end up meeting the most interesting people not to mention finding great priced furniture.

I guarantee if you follow these 14 tips, you’ll be on your way to finding some great deals and have some gorgeous pieces to paint for your home or business!

Feel free to leave additional tips or thoughts below! Also, I’ll show you my next curb-shopped piece later this week! Wait until you see the color I picked…so fun and vibrant!

Happy hunting!

Denise

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