Primary keyword: selling furniture on craigslist
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Quick intro
Selling furniture on Craigslist can clear space and make money fast—if you set the right price and meet buyers safely. This guide shows you step-by-step how to sell furniture on Craigslist, from photos to safe meet-ups, plus couch-specific tips. And if you ever get tired of lowball offers, we’ll show you why Asherfield’s deposit system makes life easier.
(Need broad pricing rules? See our valuing furniture pillar or the how to price used furniture guide.)
1. Pick a fair price
- Find retail price of your item on Google.
- Use the 50–85% rule (half of retail in year one, minus 5 % each extra year).
- Add 10 % wiggle room—buyers expect to haggle on Craigslist. Experts say listing 10–20 % high leaves room to settle at a fair price. Better Homes & GardensMedium
Tip: For couches, follow our sofa pricing mini-guide, then add that haggle buffer.
2. Take clear, honest photos
- Use daylight; show front, sides, close-ups.
- Photograph any flaws—honesty saves time.
- Listings with multiple clear pictures get more clicks and higher offers. Andrea Dekker
3. Write a short, detailed title and description
| Must include | Example |
|---|---|
| Item + size | “78-inch gray fabric sofa” |
| Brand/model | “IKEA Kivik” |
| Condition note | “No rips, smoke-free home” |
| Price | “$450 OBO” (or “firm”) |
| Pickup zone | “Near Downtown, ZIP 78758” |
Detailed posts cut back-and-forth messages and attract serious buyers. Andrea Dekker
4. Post at the right time
- Evenings (5–9 p.m.) or Saturday mornings = highest traffic.
- Renew your ad every 48 hours for fresh placement in search.
5. Handle messages and haggling
- Reply fast—within an hour if you can.
- Expect offers 10–15% below list; decide your floor ahead of time. Medium
- Stay polite: “Thanks for the offer—how about we meet in the middle at $X?”
6. Meet safely
- Suggest a police-station “safe-trade” zone or a bank lobby with cameras. SafeTrade StationsAmerican Police Beat Magazine
- Bring a friend if the item is heavy.
- Accept cash only (count it), or use a peer-to-peer app on the spot.
- Load item together; buyer inspects first to avoid disputes.
7. Extra tips for couches on Craigslist
- Note seat depth and doorway fit—buyers will ask.
- Offer to help load (or have dolly ready).
- Fabric smells? Use baking soda or fabric spray; clean couches sell 20 % quicker.
8. Tired of flakes and lowballers?
Craigslist is great, but you still get:
- Endless “Is this still available?”
- No-shows at meet-ups
- Haggle chains and safety worries
On Asherfield, buyers pay a 15% deposit before pickup, so they show up ready. You keep 85% with no listing fee and can still offer delivery or pickup. It’s Craigslist reach—minus the hassle.
FAQs
Q: How to price used furniture for Craigslist quickly?
A: Retail ÷ 2, minus 5 % a year, then list 10 % higher for negotiation room.
Q: Can I list on Craigslist and Asherfield at the same time?
A: Yes. Just remove the ad once it sells on either platform.
Q: What if my couch doesn’t sell after two weeks?
A: Renew the post, drop price 5 %, and add “delivery included.”
Q: Is a police station lobby really free?
A: Yes—most departments offer safe-exchange zones with cameras at no cost. SafeTrade Stations
Next steps
- Need exact values? Try our used furniture value calculator.
- Pricing antiques? Read price antique furniture next.
- Want zero flakes? List free on Asherfield and keep 85% with deposit-backed buyers.
List smart, meet safe, and happy selling!
