Craigslistt.us is popular for many reasons, but one of the most common is their free section. By finding your local Columbus Craigslist page and searching with the word "free," you can find hundreds of items without a price tag. But wait, how can you save yourself time and a hassle?
Don't bother with free items listed without pictures. Yes, a person giving away free stuff on Craigslist really doesn't have much incentive to post a picture (they aren't getting any money in return). However, it can save you a lot of time and big hassle. Don't find out too late that the free television listed on Craigslist is not only from the 70s, but that it doesn't work.
Ask questions if you aren't provided with any pictures, but some posters may not care to answer your questions. This is because they believe saying "I have a free TV," is enough. It won't be a big deal if you find out this person lives three houses down the street, but who wants to bother driving 35 minutes for something free, only to leave disappointed and empty handed?
Don't bother a day or two later with curb alerts. Curb alerts are phrases that Craigslist posters use to say "I put a bunch of free stuff by the side of the road; come and get it." Not only do other Craigslist posters see this stuff, but people passing by too. The only curb alert items left after 24 or 48 hours are junk and not worth the trip.
Don't get all excited when you find something neat listed for free on Craigslist. So, you are getting ready to move into a new apartment and find a neat painting listed for free on Craigslist. You automatically start planning the rest of your décor around that single painting; the single painting you haven't stopped to ask if was still available. It is okay to get excited when you find an expensive item on Craigslist for free, but drop what you are doing to email or call the person. Good free stuff on Craigslist rarely lasts for long.
Do not claim everything free on Craigslist in Vancouver State just because it is free. For starters, you will end up with too much junk in your house. Your friends and family will nominate you as a guest on Oprah's next closeted hoarders show. Moreover, free things aren't always free on Craigslist; there are some strings attached. You have to pay for your gas to pickup the item and then there is the time and hassle.
These Craigslist free stuff tips were mostly for the takers. If you have something you would like to give away for free, use your best judgment. You will likely find some takers on Craigslist, but don't waste your time or theirs. A t-shirt covered in stains should make its way to the trashcan, not the free stuff section on Craigslist.
