Craigslist or Ebay?

[southernbelle]

I spent the majority of the weekend cleaning out my storage space (in 100 degree heat) and have about 4 pieces of equipment that might be worth a couple of dollars. Since the equipment I'm talking about is heavy and I don't really want to deal with crating and shipping, how would you guys handle selling it? Ideally I would like to have someone pick it up and prefer a quick sell of about 2 weeks or less so that I don't have to pay storage any longer and I don't have to bother moving it. I'm giving the rest to charity (about 80% of it) and thought it might be worth trying to get something from these 4 items.

Also, I thought about selling it in the local newspaper, but it costs money to post it there.

[southernbelle]

I forgot, how hard is it to list something on Craigslist and is it free? I know about eBay's charges already. Thanks a million.

[blackmopar]

craigslist is easy to post and free - but you tend to get tire kickers and garage salers - ebay is easier to get a good price but you pay for that.

what is the equipment - depending on that, it might suggest other alternatives.

[southernbelle]

It's in storage right now and I'll have to rent a small truck to move it to my home temporarily, but it's not impossible. The equipment is:

- Half sized proofer / warmer cabinet (paid $500 used)
- Single door cooler (paid $800 new but replaced glass door which broke during the move)
- Sheeter (for flattening out dough for bread - paid $800 incl. shipping from ebay)
- Small single door refrigerated display case for refrigerated pastries, etc. (paid $400 used)

All of the items are in great shape and work perfectly and I'm realistic about depreciation. Do you think ebay would be better for that type stuff? I would have to insist the person picks the items up because shipping would be complicated or can I just contact a local shipping company, approximate the weight, let them handle it 100% and charge the buyer accordingly? Thanks again.

I really could use any money I can get from this junk.

[blackmopar]

kitchen equipment I think Craigslist is your best bet - at least in Southern California it would be - restaurants are always opening up, etc

Ebay you can always specifiy Local Pickup Only, but that sort of takes out the reason for using ebay - wordlwide visibility.

Id go craigslist, its free, no risk, and itll all probably move fairly easily. I would list one ad under garage sale, one under business and another under household - make sure all sort of unique ads though, or craig will delete them as spam.
good luck

[southernbelle]

I'll take your advice and list them today on Craigslist since I have pictures saved on my work computer. I was thinking the same thing on ebay and didn't want to deal with shipping. Thank you very much. I'll try it and let you know how it goes.

[bcvw]

Craiglist is the way to go in your case.

Just be prepared for a bunch of whackos to respond to your ads. There's always one or two for every item I have sold on Craigslist.

[southernbelle]

I wish there was an effective way to reduce the whacko factor. Maybe I'll mention "cash only" and "sold as is" or "serious inquiries only". That might help.

[justplaintired]

Hey also with ebay you pay fees whether you sell it or not, unlike craigslist, you pay nothing. Far as getting a better price I don't know. You know on ebay you can go into a search and find a similar item and see what it's selling for. I did ebay for a long time, had some good success. Never made enough though to get out of debt. However DH did sell a couple old riding mowers people drove from Oklahoma to Indiana to pick it up?!? Anyway pick up doesn't seem to a problem for some of the die hard ebayers.

Good luck, hope you make a mint!

[momof2furbies]

Also with Ebay, you have to deal with Paypal whether you want to or not, and that is a whole other headache!!!!

[southernbelle]

Hey also with ebay you pay fees whether you sell it or not, unlike craigslist, you pay nothing. Far as getting a better price I don't know. You know on ebay you can go into a search and find a similar item and see what it's selling for. I did ebay for a long time, had some good success. Never made enough though to get out of debt. However DH did sell a couple old riding mowers people drove from Oklahoma to Indiana to pick it up?!? Anyway pick up doesn't seem to a problem for some of the die hard ebayers.

Good luck, hope you make a mint!

Thanks for the advice. I'll try Craigslist first because it's free and move on to ebay if the stuff doesn't sell. I'm selling most of this stuff cheap because I partly want to clear out the storage space as well as make a little extra money. Who knows, maybe I'll have enough to finish paying the Trustee her last payments so my case will be closed.

[Frogge]

I'd go Craigslist first, as well as online in the local paper, if that's free where you are. I put an entertainment center on there yesterday and have had 3 reponses already. Keep renewing your ad so it bumps up to current.

If you can't sell your stuff that way, then I'd look into Ebay.

[HHM]

For stuff like that, Craigslist handsdown.

[soleprop]

you're on the right track; craigslist it first, ebay is a second option. i've ended up selling everything on craigslist before i had to resort to ebay, myself. good luck with the sale!

[Cali]

Craiglist would be your best bet for a fast sell locally.