Buying furniture on craigslist can be a bargain hunter’s dream because most used furniture is lucky to fetch a fraction of retail secondhand. Take your time, ask questions and know the pitfalls to get a great deal.
What are you looking for? Tables, dressers, chests, kitchen carts, bookcases… any number of items can show up on craigslist from motivated sellers who will take anything to have you come haul the stuff away. And there also nice dining sets, sofa sets, armoires and so on that fetch good prices but they’re still bargains compared to retail. You need to know what a similar item actually sells for new if you want to be sure you’re getting a bargain.
Before you make an appointment to look at a piece ask if it has damage. Why are they selling it? Did they buy it new? What floor are they on? How far is it to the elevator or doorway? Are there courtyards? Will they help you move it out of the building? Do they have pets? Is the price flexible?
Once you know that you’re interested in seeing the piece find out when they’re available. If you’re available immediately with cash that works in your favor, just don’t be too eager. When you make an appointment always verify just prior to ensure that the item is still available and that they’ll be there when you arrive.
When you arrive, inspect carefully. Look under, in, around, test everything, assume nothing. You should already know if there will be challenges moving the piece out. You also need to know that the item will fit the access ways into your place if you decide to buy it.
Technically speaking, it’s illegal to sell mattresses in Massachusetts. If you’re considering a used bed it should be free or very cheap and you’ll be wise to consider a strategy for ensuring that you’re not importing bed bugs. You can see them with a flash light. They look like pepper flakes and they can be found anywhere, even in nice places. Also, be wary of mold. Upholstered items that have been stored in a garage or basement can become moldy.
The advantage of well chosen used furniture pieces is that they retain their value. If you furnish with carefully chosen secondhand items you’ll be able to sell rather than move your furniture to simplify the moving process, and you’ll also recover a good portion of the money spent to acquire furniture.