Rake in profits as a Craigslist freebie flipper!
✔ ZERO IN ON FREEBIES!
Log on to your local board via Craigslist.org, then click on the “Free” link under the “For Sale” heading to find a treasure-trove of goodies up for grabs—you’ll find everything from luggage, fridges and furniture to big-screen TVS, fish tanks and even motorcycles! Why are people giving it away? Often, they simply want to unload the item fast. For instance, someone could be moving and have a bulky armoire that they just need gone—you can pick it up, give it a quick wipe down and then resell! To make finding them even easier, download the Daily Classifieds smartphone app, which will show Craigslist listings in your specific area, says personal finance expert Amanda Abella (Amandaabella.com), who also recommends adding the most affluent nearby counties, where giveaways may be of higher quality.
✔ DON’T MISS AN OPPORTUNITY!
Free items get snapped up quickly, says Craigslist expert Ryan Finlay (Recraigslist.com), who has made as much as $600 a day flipping freebies. “To give yourself a chance to get there first, keep refreshing the free item page [it updates with new items every 10 to 15 minutes]. And turn on picture view so you can scan them quickly.” Found something you want? “E-mail people immediately,” Abella says. “Say, ‘I’d like to come now if it’s convenient; here’s my number; please confirm.’ ” Finlay discourages asking too many questions. “They are giving the item away for free and don’t want to spend a lot of time responding to e-mails. In fact, I’ve noticed that when I ask many questions, I usually don’t get the item!” Really, really want something? Consider offering some moolah. “As little as $10 or $15 will catch the giver’s eye and make you the person they give the item to even if they got 40 other responses,” says Finlay. Chances are, you’ll still make a tidy profit!
✔ REAP THE PROFIT!
“Add as much value to the item as possible,” says Finlay. “Clean it up really well, fix things when possible or add little paint touch-ups.” Then go ahead and list it for sale on Craigslist or ebay. To price it right, see what other people are asking for similar items and consider asking a little less to help speed your sales! Another option: Wait ’til you’ve accumulated a bunch of ready-to-flip freebies and have a garage sale.
Sure, Craigslist is a great place to buy and sell all sorts of stuff—and money pros know a secret that nabs them easy cash: Check out the Free section for items you can flip for pure profit!