When it comes to online classified ads, Craigslist is king. With its simple interface and user-friendly design, the website has become the go-to spot for people looking to buy or sell just about anything.
However, there is one major downside to using Craigslist: ghosting.
For those unfamiliar with the term, ghosting occurs when someone you’re dealing with suddenly stops responding to your messages without any explanation. It’s a frustrating phenomenon that can happen for any number of reasons, but most often it seems to occur when the person you’re dealing with is trying to get out of completing a transaction.
Unfortunately, because Craigslist doesn’t have any formal buyer or seller protections in place, ghosting is all too common on the site. In fact, it’s so common that many users have simply come to accept it as a part of using Craigslist.
But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. There are a few things you can do to try and avoid being ghosted, or at least make it less likely to happen.
Here are a few tips:
1. Be clear about what you want
When posting your ad, be as clear and specific as possible about what you’re looking for. The more specific you are, the less room there is for misunderstanding. For example, if you’re selling a piece of furniture, include details like the dimensions, color, and condition in your ad. The more information you provide upfront, the less likely it is that you’ll be ghosted later on.
2. Include a photo (or several)
A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say. And when it comes to online classified ads, that couldn’t be more true. Including photos with your ad can help give potential buyers or sellers a better idea of what they’re dealing with, which can help prevent misunderstandings further down the line. It also shows that you’re serious about completing the transaction and not just trying to scam someone. So if you can, definitely include at least one photo with your ad.
