tales of craigslist

When I speak with people about my love for Craigslist, I'm often met with skepticism and an unfounded fear of making deals with strangers. I've been a part of the following exchange more than once:

Q: So, how did you find your place in New York?
A: Craigslist!
Q: REALLY? Isn't that ... dangerous?

Well yes - potentially. But for every Craigslist killer, Craigslist scammer and Craigslist creeper (for lolz, check out the "Casual Encounters" section), there are thousands of other well-intentioned folk. And there are lots of ways to avoid finding yourself in a bad situation.

In Madison I used Craiglist frequently.

• I used it to sell my old Nintendo DS and accompanying games
• I used it to sell the Lollapalooza pass I couldn't use because I had to design the Herald send-home edition. (This is a sore subject - I'm still bummed. Last year's lineup may never be matched)
• I used it to buy a worn-in softball glove for $10
  

I've easily had the most luck with the site through making my own posts. Even if you're looking for a very specific item or a very low price - you'll probably find it. So many people use Craigslist that the odds are good.

Instead of sifting through the thousands of rental posts for Brooklyn and Manhattan, I wrote my own ad. I stated my specifications - the area I'd like to live in, my price range, the dates I'd be in the city. I ended up connecting with a great couple who rent rooms in their brownstone. Its a block from an F stop and Prospect Park. My room is airy and spacious, the neighborhood is (relatively) safe and quiet and my landlords/co-habitators are awesome.

Last week, I posted an ad looking for a large suitcase. I came to New York with just a carry-on; I'd been on vacation in Europe with a big group of friends and had sent three boxes of things ahead. Before flying back to Wisconsin, I needed luggage in a major way.

My post read:

After living in the city for a 5-month unpaid internship, it's time to fly back to Wisconsin. I just... need a suitcase to haul my things there with me.

As my bank account has fallen deeper into the red with each passing day, I don't have much money to spend. If anyone recently cleaned out their attic or closet and has a large-ish rolling suitcase in good condition that they want to get rid of, I'd be thrilled to take it off your hands.

Only email me if you're 1) not a creep and 2) willing to part with a suitcase for under $20. Photos would be very welcome. Thanks!

I was contacted by a handful of people. One prospect seemed best - a woman who lived about a mile away was selling a like-new large suitcase for $25. I made plans to meet up with her after work on Thursday to check out the suitcase.

It was raining, I was a little nervous to meet a stranger (but I'd given her contact info to Nick just in case anything sketchy happened and she seemed legit - I googled her) and I really had to pee. Luckily, the girl was quite cool - she used to be in a rock band and had to traveled to Madison several times. Heck, she even offered me water or beer when she saw my harried state (I turned her down - you never know). But the transaction went smoothly and I got a nearly mint-condition, huge suitcase for $25.

Me with the aforementioned suitcase. Please note that I arrange my clothes by the colors of the rainbow.

These kinds of happy transactions with strangers is exactly why, even though it's killing newspapers, I love Craigslist.