Use that bargaining chip(card).

This past weekend I went out and snagged a full length floor mirror off craigslist.

It was in really good shape, but being the frugal crusader that I am, I wanted a better deal.

I had this Ikea gift card that wasn’t being used, so I asked if I could swap the mirror for the gift card and cash.  Since she just wanted to get rid of the mirror, she happily obliged.

I guess now my place has the illusion of being a little larger than it actually is.  Well, I like it.

I’m pretty sure you guys have way better bartering stories than  I do.

craigslist basics 101.

Almost everybody who is anybody has used Craigslist at one time or another.

Here are two simpleton tips on how to maximize your Craigslist experience.

For buying:

Never bring “exact change.” This gives you the bargaining advantage. Here’s an example.

If an item is listed at $65, bring $80 (in $20 bills), to the transaction. That way if the seller doesn’t have any change, you can say,”Will you take $60 for it?” Chances are they’ll be more inclined to oblige, simply because they might lose a sale if they don’t budge.

If for some reason this doesn’t work, have some extra cash in the car that you can “suddenly remember you had in the glovebox.”

For selling:

Always assume that the buyer will not have exact change. For the same reason mentioned above, have enough legal tender (small bills) so that the buyer can’t pull a fast one on you.

resale value.

Well the year is finally coming to an end, and I just want to wish a Happy New Years to all. I also want to end on a nice little frugalistic high note. Resale value. Case in point.

Let’s say that you just purchased yourself a brand new Apple Macbook. You bring it home, and since it’s officially yours, you want to customize it by adding laser letter engravings, stickers, and etc. Well, don’t.

Chances are somewhere down the line for some reason, you may need/want to part with your beloved item (Macbook in this case). You’re going to get a lot less money for an item that has Hello Kitty decals than for a nice, clean decal-less item.

phase 3 going well.

The past two days have been very good to me, craigslist wise.  I was able to get rid of some big-ticket items, most notably my horrid futon.  As my place starts to clear out, my attention is shifting towards my home entertainment.

As of right now, I am listening to music on my tinny laptop speakers.  So next on my list are some nice floor standing speakers, which I will document once I setup.

What once used to be a corner occupied by an oversized desk and monitor, is now just a picture frame and drawer unit. Perhaps the days of the drawer unit are numbered as well. We’ll see.