Killing It on Craigslist: How to Make $100 Per Day Selling Locally Online

With the rise of ecommerce giants like Amazon and eBay, it can seem impossible for the average person to make money selling products online. However, one platform has remained a powerful option for buying and selling locally – Craigslist. The popular classified ads website offers an easy way for anyone to turn unwanted items into quick cash. In fact, with the right system it’s possible to make $100 or more per day selling on Craigslist without leaving your house.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how to set up a Craigslist selling operation that generates consistent daily income. Whether you’re looking to earn extra money on the side or want to turn reselling into a full-time business, Craigslist provides a flexible solution. Follow along as we cover choosing profitable products, creating effective listings, negotiating smart deals, avoiding scams, managing inventory, and scaling up earnings. With a strategic approach, anyone can start killing it on Craigslist!

Crafting Click-Worthy Craigslist Listing Titles

The key to success on Craigslist begins with writing compelling ad titles. This is the first thing potential buyers will see when browsing listings, so you need to grab their attention. Here are some tips for titling your ads like a pro:

• Use targeted keywords – Include the specific item name, brand, model number, etc in the title so your listings pop up in searches.
• Highlight condition – Note details like “mint”, “open box”, “used once” to indicate value.
• Add pricing info – Listing the price or using terms like “cheap” or “discounted” attracts deal seekers.
• Use caps sparingly – Capitalizing a few key words puts emphasis on important details.
• Keep it short and sweet – Get the key points across in 60 characters or less.
• Use numbers – Prices under $100 do well, and numbering items can boost responses.

Here are some example Craigslist titles for common items:

• Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ 128GB WiFi – Mint Condition!
• LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty Set – $50
• Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch – Like New in Box
• Beautiful Anthropologie Dress – Size 2 – $15

Crafting the Perfect Craigslist Ad Introduction

Once you’ve hooked them with a compelling title, reel in buyers by opening your ad with a captivating introduction. Your first paragraph should quickly summarize the listing and highlight the value. Use these tips to write Craigslist introductions that sell:

• Describe the item – Include brief but specific details like brand, model, age, condition, dimensions, etc.
• Note special features – Point out things like bonus accessories, limited editions, rare colors.
• Focus on benefits – Rather than just facts, emphasize why someone would want this item.
• Add pricing info – Reiterate any discounts or bargaining opportunities.
• Use an enthusiastic tone – Express excitement to generate interest in the product.
• Inspire urgency – Hint that serious buyers should act fast before it’s gone.

Here are some examples of great opening paragraphs:

“Like-new Dyson V8 cordless vacuum cleaner – Only used a handful of times in my small apartment before downsizing. Comes with all original accessories and attachments, including the hard-to-find premium car cleaning kit. Priced under retail at only $250 – don’t miss this deal!”

“Unleash your inner chef with this barely used Staub 5qt Dutch oven in cherry red! Perfect shape without a single scratch. Retails for $450 new but priced to sell at just $200 firm. Don’t pass up this high-quality enameled cast iron cooker for a fraction of the cost!”

Outlining a Comprehensive Craigslist Ad

To reel in motivated buyers you need an ad with ample details. A thorough outline ensures you hit all the right points. Use this checklist when creating your Craigslist postings:

Introduction – A brief but compelling overview, as detailed above

Detailed Description – In depth facts covering make, model, dimensions, features, etc

Item Condition – An honest assessment of used or new condition plus any defects

Accessories Included – Note any bonus items, cables, remotes, chargers, manuals etc

Reason for Selling – Quick background like decluttering, upgrading, moving, etc

Price and Value – Firm or negotiable price and why it’s priced fairly

Shipping or Pickup – Logistics like local pickup only, delivery options, etc

Images – Well lit, high quality photos showing item accurately

Contact Info – Best way to contact you – email, phone, etc

Ideal Buyer – Who would benefit most from this product?

Urgency and Scarcity – Reasons serious buyers should act quickly

Having this detailed outline fleshed out before writing your ad copy ensures you hit all the key points needed to drive sales.

Crafting Engaging Ad Copy That Sells

Your Craigslist description needs to inform and excite buyers. Here are tips for writing compelling ad copy:

Focus on benefits – Go beyond specs to describe how the item improves life.

Use vivid details – Include interesting facts, measurements, colors, materials, etc.

Share research – Look up original price or reviews to provide context.

Tell a story – Give background on how you used the item.

Be honest about flaws – Disclose any defects or damage upfront.

Highlight value – Emphasize quality materials, rare traits, or bargain pricing.

Use lists and formatting – Break up copy with bulleted features, specs, etc.

Close with a call to action – Direct readers to contact you to purchase.

Avoid dry or overly technical descriptions. Write conversationally with a friendly, enthusiastic tone. Here’s an example of well-crafted Craigslist ad copy:

This mint condition Xbox Series X console is an absolute steal at only $380! I purchased it brand new from Best Buy in December 2021 for $499 plus tax. It’s only been used a handful of times when friends were over gaming. Unfortunately I just don’t have time for video games anymore between work and kids!

The console is in flawless condition and works perfectly. It will come carefully packaged in the original box with all accessories included:

• Xbox Series X console
• Xbox wireless controller
• HDMI cable
• Power cord
• Manuals/paperwork

I have the receipt to confirm purchase price and warranty. Don’t miss out on this chance to score the hard-to-find Xbox Series X at $120 under retail! Serious buyers only please – message or text me to arrange pickup in the Cleveland Park neighborhood.

Answering FAQs in Your Craigslist Listings

Addressing frequently asked questions in your ad builds trust and preempts buyers reaching out for basic info. Some common FAQs to tackle:

Why are you selling this item? Give a short reason like decluttering, upgrading, etc.

Is this still available? Confirm the listing is still active.

What condition is this in? Assess as mint, lightly used, open box, etc.

Does this item work perfectly? Note any defects or assure it’s in good working order.

What is included? List all accessories, cables, remotes, manuals, original packaging etc.

Can I see more photos? Direct interested buyers to email you for more pics.

What is the lowest price you’ll take? State firm or negotiable pricing policy.

When/where can I pick this up? Give your availability and preferred meeting location.

Do you deliver? State whether you offer shipping/delivery services.

Anticipating and answering common questions builds trust while saving you time fielding basic inquiries.

Optimizing for Local SEO

To maximize your Craigslist earnings, optimize listings for search performance both on the platform and online. Here are some local SEO best practices:

• Place the city or neighborhood in the title – ex. “Herman Miller Aeron Chair – Upper East Side”.
• Include street intersections or landmarks in your location rather than just the city.
• Use neighborhood names in addition to the city – ex. “Sofa – Ravenswood / Chicago”.
• Add postal codes or ZIP codes.
• Include locally-known terms – ex “Bay Area”, “DMV”, “Upstate NY”.
• Note major employers, sports teams, or universities if relevant.
• Don’t stuff keywords – use them naturally where appropriate.

Driving more local search traffic will increase the chance of selling faster at your asking price.

Avoiding Scams and Staying Safe

While Craigslist is an amazing selling platform, it does pose some risks if proper precautions aren’t taken. Avoid scams and stay safe with these tips:

• Price high-risk items under $100 – Anything over $100 sees more scam attempts.
• Avoid shipping – Only offer local pickup to prevent non-payment.
• Never accept overpayments – Scammers send fake checks and ask for refunds.
• Meet in public – Conduct transactions at police stations or busy areas.
• Bring backup – For extra precaution, have someone with you during exchanges.
• Trust your gut – If it seems sketchy, move on.
• Google phone numbers – Search any numbers to check for scam reports.
• Don’t click links or downloads – These could contain malware.
• Watermark photos – Prevent theft by adding your name across images.
• Google yourself – Search name and number to check for attempted impersonation.

Stay alert and you can easily avoid the vast majority of Craigslist scams while selling safely.

Managing Inventory and Scaling Up Profits

Once you get the hang of buying and selling single items for quick flips, consider scaling up your Craigslist business to boost earnings. Here are some tips:

• Focus on specialization – Become an expert in a niche like electronics, antique furniture, bikes, etc.
• Build up inventory – Allow more listings and sales volume by acquiring multiples of profitable products.
• Sell in bulk – Offer job lots or entire collections to motivated buyers.
• Partner up – Team up with other sellers to cooperatively acquire and liquidate large inventories.
• Advertise outside Craigslist – Promote listings on social media, local forums and classifieds for added exposure.
• Pay for promotion – Invest in one of Craigslist’s paid ad packages for maximum visibility.
• Automate reposting – Use tools to automatically renew unsold listings.
• Expand your reach – Post ads in multiple nearby cities and locations.

With the right systems and volume, Craigslist can easily be turned into a serious full-time business.

Optimizing Your Workflow

Running a high-volume Craigslist selling operation takes organization. Here are some tips for optimizing your workflow:

• Block out sourcing time – Dedicate specific days/times to browse thrift stores, garage sales, clearance aisles etc for inventory.
• Carry supplies – Keep shipping materials, receipt book, labels, tape, cash box etc ready in your car so you’re prepared for exchanges.
• Create listing templates – Save time reposting similar items by setting up reusable templates.
• Use listing management tools – Services like ListingJoy allow you to quickly duplicate, renew and track listings.
• Sync calendars – Use a shared calendar to coordinate meetups with buyers.
• Create systems – Standardize your pricing formulas, photo process, ad templates etc.

Working efficiently lets you maximize profits in the limited time spent buying and selling.

Top Tips for Craigslist Success

Follow these expert tips to start earning $100+ per day flipping items locally on Craigslist:

• Specialize in a niche with high demand like Apple products, golf clubs, luxury handbags, etc.
• Source patiently – Be willing to visit many thrift stores and estate sales to find hidden gems.
• Clean & polish items so they look as close to new as possible in photos.
• Price higher than comparable listings – You can always negotiate down later.
• Follow up quickly and accommodate eager buyer’s schedules.
• Remain flexible on negotiations – Take a lower offer if you’re profiting.
• Re-list repeatedly until sold – Reposting maximizes exposure.
• Cross-promote in neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, etc.
• Provide receipts to verify purchase prices and warranty timelines.
• Meet in safe public places like police stations or busy retail parking lots.

Just a few smart, consistent Craigslist sales per day can easily add up to $100+ in profits. Avoid scams, take advantage of demand for secondhand goods, and you can start killing it on Craigslist!