Between moving and looking for a new job, a subleaser, and writing opportunities, I think I spent the entire month of May on Craigslist. And I love it. It became my new Facebook. I was checking many times a day to see if people had posted new things that interested me. And “Missed Connections” and “Best of Craigslist” is a great source of entertainment.
After a few days on this site, it became clear that you can find anything you want, even if it’s obscure. I wanted to brush up on my French, so I found a tutor on Craigslist. I wanted to learn to play tennis. Found a dozen people willing to teach me. Buy, sell, post what you’re looking for and watch your inbox fill with replies…it’s pretty amazing.
Eventually I discovered the section, “For Sale” and then “Sporting.” OMG. This is where fitness impulse purchases and infomercial products go to die!
These days, people are broke and eager to sell off stuff they aren’t using. And, sadly, many people aren’t using their fitness equipment. Why not help them out and help yourself at the same time? Setting up a home gym can really offset the costs of a health club, and doing it with used items can keep costs to an absolute minimum.
I buy a lot of things used, with no shame. My bookshelf is filled with hardcover books that cost a fraction of the price. When I want something (like, say, a gelato machine), Amazon.com (which has tons of used items, so look into that as well) and Ebay are often my starting points. As long as something is in usable condition, I’m not above an item showing a little “use.” I know how much crap I have bought and barely used that I’d love to sell off. I assume many other people are doing the same.
Thinking of buying a treadmill? Save a few hundred dollars and get it from the person whose been using it as a clothing rack since their failed New Year’s resolution of 2006. Need a medicine ball or an ipod nano? Post in the “Wanted” section. Want to try the entire “Windsor Pilates” system? There’s surely someone whose dreams of perfect abs didn’t match their motivation in reality.
What surprised me most, however, was that the amazingness of Craigslist isn’t just limited to a big city like New York. It doesn’t matter where you live, Craigslist is happening! Find your state and nearest city, and you’ll be surprised by how many of your neighbors are using this Web site as a great tool.
Using Craigslist to buy or sell something can feel a little intimidating at first, but you really can find some great stuff. It’s mostly just normal people looking to get what they need.
It’s important to protect your safety and bank account by following these basic tips:
- Figure out exactly what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to pay. Do you need bells and whistles or do you need any inexpensive way to get in shape? Are you picky about brands and features? Try to be low-maintenance, but don’t settle on something that seems like a good bargain if it’s not exactly what you want.
- Ask as many questions as you can via email. Ask for pictures. Ask how often per week the person used the item. I promise you won’t offend the seller, and the more emails you exchange with this person, the more opportunities you have to make sure they are trustworthy.
- Trust your gut. If something seems to good to be true, it probably is!
- With fitness machines, focus on making sure the item works. Sure, it could be less than a year old, but it doesn’t matter if the power cord doesn’t work.
- Do not agree to exchange checks, wire transfers, or money orders! This is how people get scammed—it seems legit, and then won’t clear at the bank two weeks later. PayPal is the safest way to go.
- Protect your own safety. I can’t stress this enough! Make sure you don’t include your full name in any emails sent. (Be sure to remove your signature line!!) Keep identifying details to a minimum. If you need to meet the seller in person, let everyone know where you’re going, take a friend, and meet them in a well-populated area.
Once you’re more comfortable with Craigslist, you can use it to sell some of your old things as well. Find someone willing to buy your computer desk and you might be able to afford a set of slightly used golf clubs or a weight bench. It’s the modern garage sale.
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