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Browse Craigslist the Way You’d Browse a Newspaper with Lifelike Craig

March 18, 2011 By 1 Comment

Lifelike Apps, an innovative mobile developer focused on creating apps that mimic their real-life counterparts, has announced a much anticipated update to their Lifelike Craig HD app for the iPad which will take advantage of the iPad 2′s camera features and add universal compatibility with the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Already an established hit, Lifelike Craig has peaked at 17th place in Apple’s Top 20 iPad Apps category, and is primed to stay within such high ranks in the future. The app itself offers users an innovative new way to browse Craigslist on the go by formatting the site to look and feel like a real-life newspaper while keeping all the advantages the iPad provides as a digital medium. Lifelike Craig version 1.6.1 is currently available for download on the Apple App Store for $1.99 for the iPad only. The upcoming universal edition of the app compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch is due to be released in the coming month.

While it mimics the look and feel of a real classified newspaper section, Lifelike Craig takes full advantage of every convenience the iPad’s menus, filtering, and personalization features provide. For example, bookmarked listings appear as if they were circled with a red pen. Users are able to post their own classified ads onto Craigslist from within the app and even manage multiple accounts. Furthermore, Lifelike Craig’s “Smart Location” feature automatically determines the user’s location while “Smart Search” saves the user’s previous search inquiries and offers users’ suggestions for future searches based on their search history.

Lifelike Craig was developed to make browsing Craigslist as easy and hassle-free as possible. Posting locations are charted via in-app maps, and all images can be viewed at maximum size in gallery-view with a single tap. Users can also reply to interesting classified postings or forward them to friends without ever leaving the app. Lifelike Craig’s automatic formatting capabilities ensure that every post users see is comprehensible and easy to read. Lifelike Craig offers mobile shoppers an innovative new avenue through which to browse Craigslist. With a universal version of the app and new updates geared to take advantage of the iPad 2′s added functionalities due to be released later this month, Lifelike Craig is primed to become the premiere mobile Craigslist browsing utility for iPad and iPhone.

Filed Under: Apps, Craigslist, Featured, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Craig Newmark Launches craigconnects

March 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

craigslist founder Craig Newmark today launched craigconnects, a web-based initiative to help people work together for the common good using the Internet. craigconnects seeks to identify, connect and protect organizations engaged in work that is truly sustainable – socially responsible, self-perpetuating and replicable. The initiative’s primary platform is a new website, http://www.craigconnects.org.

“I guess I got myself a ‘bully pulpit’ of sorts that I don’t really want or need, but it’s good for getting the word out about people of good will who get stuff done,” said Craig.  ”It’s a voice for the grassroots, the rank-and-file, for people who never had a voice until now.”

The initial list of organizations includes dozens working in the areas of community building, social media for social progress, journalism integrity, open and accountable government, service and volunteering, veterans’ issues, and peace in the Middle East. The public is invited to submit recommendations for others to be added to the list via the craigconnects website.

“I’ve been doing this for nonprofits, but much more informally, for maybe 10 years, applying a lot of what I’ve learned doing customer service for craigslist,” said Craig.  ”Now I think it’s time to get deadly serious.”

The website will also serve as a channel through which Craig’s support – as a speaker, board member, social media champion, traditional media source, etc. – can be solicited.

craigconnects is not a fundraising or grant-giving organization. It is also an entirely separate entity from craigslist, the hugely popular web platform Craig founded in the 1990s. Craig has not served in a managerial position at craigslist for more than 10 years.

“My strong gut feeling is that this isn’t altruism, at least not for me – it’s just what feels right,” said Craig. “Over time, we can figure out what works, find people who are better than me at this, and persist.”

To find out more or participate in craigconnects, visit http://www.craigconnects.org.

Filed Under: Craigslist, Featured, social media, Social Networks Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Avoid Pitfalls of Leading Auction and Shopping Sites with 7four

December 5, 2010 By 1 Comment

The two most popular online eCommerce websites, Craigslist and eBay, have their strengths – but also weaknesses. As an antidote to those shortcomings, 7four has emerged as a new way to buy, sell and trade online.

7four is an online marketplace resource that stresses the recycling of products for trade while also providing an opportunity to sell and buy goods. It’s free to browse, free to join as a member and virtually free to post items. The colorful, cheerful graphics on the site support its mission to provide an enjoyable eCommerce environment. There are no “hiccups” or hidden charges in using 7four – it’s purposefully straightforward and upfront in its approach.

“In developing 7four, I’ve addressed all the pitfalls and inconveniences that other auction and shopping sites present, and the result is a much more vibrant, efficient and cost-effective portal,” says Lawrence Smith, 7four’s founder. “From the visual design to the technical aspects of how 7four operates, from posting to searching to the point of transaction – everything is seamless, user-friendly and super-simple. I’ve also worked hard to guarantee a no-gimmick eCommerce atmosphere and include special incentives to excite and motivate people to use 7four.”

7four shares some features with eBay and Craigslist – notably, the site prohibits adult ads, it’s free to post many types of advertisements, and there are member services and a blog. However, a few key differentiators on 7four.com include:

  • a one-time $5 fee for automobiles for a 30-day posting period;
  • no fees or upcharges on all other items for either posting or selling;
  • payment choices, including PayPal or e-mailing the seller directly to make arrangements;
  • rewards for those posting automobile ads, whereby at every 100,000th post, the seller receives $1,000 as an incentive for posting on the site;
  • greater attention to the user’s online experience, enhanced with colorful, dynamic graphics carefully balanced with a clutter- and commercial-free website.

For more information, visit http://www.7four.com.



Filed Under: Craigslist, eBay, eCommerce, Featured, Marketplace Changes, News, Where to Sell Online Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Secret to a Successful Craigslist Business

February 15, 2010 By 25 Comments

The Secret to a Successful Craigslist Business. You can make a living from selling on Craigslist. In fact you can really start building your fortune. I use Craigslit for ads to drive traffic to my online stores but my brother uses it to target a direct need.

My brother sells on eBay and Amazon on and off and has a website with his own merchant account. However, he was experiencing too many damage claims due to damage his items sustained while in en route to the customer. My brother as his customer is not a patient person. He was easily fed-up and decided to target only the local market in Southern California, while only offering a few listings on eBay and Amazon. He was looking to have total control of inventory (eliminating Drop Ship) and most importantly eliminating the Carrier. This allowed him absolute control from listing to opening the item in the customers presence.

Now, because he is only using a portion of his savings, he sells directly from home. In fact, has has no bedroom, its become his warehouse. He is saving enough money to eventually open his own location and hire help. He list only what he has in-hand. And if needed he will drive to the manufacturers the same day to re-stock. Living in Los Angeles is to his benefit being that many manufacturers are in City of Industry.

The secret to his success:
He lists every morning on Craigslist (no software used-Craigslit will drop you like a Hot Potato)
Does not direct traffic to his site. He wants the customer to contact him directly and will let his charming personality take over. Seriously, not one customer can get off the phone without him closing a deal. All sales are cash, he calculates a small profit includes tax and will offer Free Delivery within reasonable distance. Once he arrives for the delivery if a customer ask for inside delivery or assembly he will ask that they offer him a tip of their choice. Usually, the tip is enough to cover a full tank.

Now, my brother has several things going for him. He knows the furniture industry, has a cargo van and the strength of football player and the charm that any sales person would love to have. Because the market is fickle; he has not quit his day job as a stock boy at a local toy store. He is the best employee they have had, dedicated during his hours of work, but will not accept a full-time position there. All because he has a vision of where he is headed and a plan on how to get there.

His day job allows him to pay for his rent and gas but his Craigslist business allows him to cover all other expenses while allowing him to save and have extra pocket money. Not bad for a guy in his twenties.

Remember it all starts with an idea. It may come frustrations, necessity or simply from the ether. Take that idea and create a plan. Soon you will have developed your own Secret to Success…….

Filed Under: amazon, Craigslist, eBay, make money online, Selling online Tagged With: , , , , ,

Safety First – Victim Posted Services on Craigslist Killed

April 20, 2009 By 1 Comment

If you see this man Call your Local Police Department

You can find the details of the attack on HERE or watch the video below. I sell online, I encourage many to list on Craigslist, backpage, kijijiji etc… However, I want to remind you that if you are not shipping to your buyer; please practice Safety First. Regardless of the services or products you offer on any site. Of course some services may require you take additional steps for your safety.

Use common sense, do not meet anyone by-yourself or in a private location. I would also add, to make sure when you are shipping, to use your Business Address for labels or any returns. You simply do not want to offer your home address, as you never know whom you are really dealing with.

Craigslist posted the following on their blog:

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Julissa Brisman. We are horrified and deeply saddened that our community services have been associated in any way whatsoever with a crime of violence……

You can read their entire post HERE

 Craigslist also offers the following advice:

“When meeting someone for the first time, please remember to:

  • Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe
  • Tell a friend or family member where you’re going
  • Take your cell phone along if you have one
  • Consider having a friend accompany you
  • Trust your instincts

Taking these simple precautions helps make craigslist safer for everyone.

For more information about personal safety online, check out these resources:

The Today Show Video

AP Video




Filed Under: Craigslist, Selling online Tagged With: , ,

Make Money Online with Craigslist

December 28, 2008 By 14 Comments

Using Craigslist is a great way to find rare and great items for you to keep or resell on auction format.

Sellers on Craigslist want to get rid of it quick and not deal with shipping and paying fees. This of course is the beauty of selling on an online Free Classifieds as Craigslist.

Searching

I would recommend that you search your local area. This way you save on shipping and gas. A great idea would be, if you live in let’s say Los Angeles and you have found items you can resell online with the potential of making you a lot more return in Orange County, it would be worth a trip for you preferably the weekend. All varies on the items you are interested in.

You can search by name of item and location.

Cross Search

Now, that you think to have found Money Making Item check out auction sites. See what it sells for or sold for in the past. Checking on eBay is simple:

Current: Simply type in the item number or description on the main search bar

Ended/sold: Next to the search bar à click on ADVANCE Search à type name of item à scroll down à Check off COMPLETED listings only à then HIT your ENTER button. Presto, this will display what its sold for in the past. Print for listing the item later. This will help you with keywords and pricing.

Run a search on Froogle, search the Manufacturer. Simply running a search online will give you an understanding on the potential of the item.

Shipping

Check rates or use the standard shipping fees calculator provided by eBay and other auction sites. Add to it the cost of packaging materials etc… Keep in mind the Post Office, FedEx and UPS do provide standard boxes to ship with Free of Charge. Make sure to insure the item. You can find Shipping information for ground, freight and how to handle claims here under Shipping category.

Finding a bargain

Do not be afraid to make an offer to the seller. Chances are they will consider it, unless the item is really popular. Then, they may hold on to it. Craigslist can carry a listing for up to 45 days. This varies from your location. The more popular cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York etc….. only allow 7 day listings. Run a search on Craigslist going back about 3 weeks. Contact the buyer and ask if they are interested in selling it to you for X,Y or Z…..

Picking up

Unless you are picking up at a retail location, I would highly recommend that you have a shopping buddy with you and/or meet in a public neutral place. If you are picking up furniture or any large item at their home, definitely be safe and take someone with you or let your friends and family know where you are.

All Sales are Final

Get this in writing. Or make sure that you fully inspect what you are about to purchase. You will be responsible to your Buyer in the event the item(s) is faulty, defective or not an Authentic Prada, Burberry etc….. Taking pictures on site would be a good idea.

Listing the Item

Now that you have your hands on the item go back to your notes and list. Re-inspect the item, refer to the manufacturer for description (if needed), provide accurate measurements and take plenty of pictures. You can even relist the item on Craigslist or at another Free Classifieds if you do not want to list on auction site. Don’t forget the Traditional Garage/Yard Sale.

Tip

What are the hot items? Exercise equipment at this time. DVD’s and any electronics. With Christmas just over, many are parting with items you can resell. You may want to do the same, resell locally or donate.

Filed Under: Craigslist, eBay, free classifieds, What to Sell, Where to Sell Online Tagged With: , , , ,

Tons of Free Traffic for the Holidays!

November 25, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Now, I did create a video that I will be posting. However, something is wrong with my media that I cannot get sound. So I will try again later this week.

There are many sites out there that you can use to drive traffic to your site. What is great about these sites is they have millions of targeted users visiting their site a day. You can list on their sites absolutely FREE of Charge. Of course, you do not want to fill it with SPAM.

One of the fall backs listing on these sites such as Craigslist is that the competition is petty, they will FLAG your listing. Then someone FLAGS your listing; what they are doing is reporting it to the Classifieds site that you are in violation of one of the regulations, and then your ad is taken down.

Okay, so let’s get started.

Below is a list of some of the sites offering you Free Ad placement; along with their

Alexa rating:

Froogle Ranking 2


Craigslist Ranking 38


Backpage Ranking 1,687


Kijiji Ranking 2,261


Oodle Ranking 3,689


OLX Ranking 10,950


Recycler Ranking 31,359


Penny Saver Ranking 241,694

Go to Alexa and search for Backapage

A – This is what you will see. You will find the ranking information and a graph on the traffic. Backpage gets tons of traffic and that means exposure for you.

click to enlarge image

B – Scroll down the page you will find a breakdown on the on the Most Popular pages on that site. This is your guide, this will determine for your where to place your ads. Of course I recommend you start placing ads there but also place in as many other Cities as you can.

By doing so, it will also help your own Alexa rating.  Nice huh!


click to enlarge image

C – Now, you visit the site directly. You will find the entire list of Cities where you can place those ads.


D – Now that you have determined what Cities are generating the most traffic, its time to select your Category. If you are selling an item; then you know where to go. But if you are offering a service You may want to place them in Services / Community or Job Opportunities.

click to enlarge image

E– Once you have determined the category you want to list in click on it. Check what others are doing. You will some include images, phone number, email address and websites. Now, having your website creates a link. That is what you ultimately want. Its easier for them to click on be taken where you want them to land and for them its an added convenience.

Note: I am fluent in Spanish and speak French. If you are a blogger. Guess what, the French are big on blogging. If you speak Spanish; then you will also benefit from Backpage. Backpage advertises in Univision which is huge in the Spanish speaking market. More on that later.

F– This is an example of someone that have taken full advantage of the Free
Classifieds. Looks like a newspaper clipping in full color. You can view this
listing HERE . There are many other listings that are simple and straight to the
point and do generate a good amount of traffic.



Even if you only create a Coupon for your listing that would be wonderful. This seller has created an elaborate ad. A bit too busy. Not only is the contact information provided and website address but the Sellers has also Hyperlinked all the images. Clever…clever

Once you have placed a few ads, visit the others the other sites and place them there too. On Craigslist due to the competition you may want to place a few ads a day or one a day. Create various ad templates. Some sites allow you to input HTML code, so you can use something like Front Page to help you.

Let’s not forget to use the Social Sites also, to drive traffic. Perhaps you want to set up another email address to automatically respond with details or you simply hyperlink everything so they can visit the site directly.

There is software out there to allow to you list in bulk. However, I do not recommend that you over do it. It can get you on the black list. Craigslist is big on this. The last this you want to do is get banned from Craigslist. As long as you list a few ads a day, various categories you should be fine. There are others listing as much as 500 per day and eventually they are banned.

I will list more information on these sites and give you some fun free graphics to help you create an ad.

Filed Under: Craigslist, free classifieds, Selling online, Traffic Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Make Money with Blogger

November 21, 2008 By 32 Comments

You have options on how to sell directly from your Blogger account. This option is absolutely Free. NO listing and NO final value fees. The only fee you will see is from Google Checkout once payment has been processed. The fee is less than what PayPal and other payment options charge you.

First Step

Create a Blogger Account – Free and easy

Once you have opened your account; go ahead and design it and input content, intro and spend some time creating the About Me page.

Second Step

Get a Google Checkout account opened

You will need

-FEIN Number or Two Forms of ID

-Website address (if you have it)

-Checking Account (for deposits)

then presto! You will have a Google Checkout account to accept Credit Card payments!!

Third Step

Create a post with your listing. See Example below

Go back to your Google account and obtain a Checkout Button

Fourth Step

Preview your posting

Publish

Five Step

Drive traffic to your site

List in Craigslist, Backpage, OLX, Kijiji and Oodle all these sites offer Free Classifieds and have millions of users visiting everyday.

Final Step

Repeat…Repeat and Repeat

Do not get frustrated or discourage. It takes time to get a feeling of the marketplace and to develop your own method. This would be a great time to visit other listings and to work on email templates, flyers and Newsletters.

Build your email database, you will get a few Spammers but mostly will be actual leads. Keep it simple and always invite your Buyers to ask questions and provide them with methods to communicate with you instantly.

The internet is all about INSTANT gratification. Open IM accounts or keep your email open.

With patience and determination YOU will SUCCEED!

Lisintg:

Description:

Novelty lighting prop plane pendant constructed of heavy satin and clear glass accented by satin nickel hardware.

Width/Diameter: 19″

Height: 16″

Depth/Extension: 16″

Standard Lamp Type: Medium Base Standard

Wattage: 60 Standard Lamp

Qty: 1

Family/Collection: Novelty Prop Plane

Sale Price: $99.00  

Shipping: Free in the Contiguous US

Filed Under: Blogger, Craigslist, Credit Cards, Driving Traffic, Google Checkout Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Going Out of Business

November 12, 2008 By 7 Comments

Going out of business signs seems to be the Trend now. It is hard to see your favorite store close down due to the lack of sales. The idea of more people losing their job is heartbreaking. However, the last 2 weeks, I have been busy helping a friend of mine.
Tina had a small gift store in Las Vegas. Most of her sales came in from local residents.
Tina does not sell online. She had a very bad experience with a buyer online; which made her decide selling online was not for her.
I have been very busy and had not checked-in on Tina for some months. When I contacted her a few weeks ago, I was sad to know how much she was affected by the current economy.
The landlord for her retail space informed Tina, that he would serve her with the eviction papers, but would give her One Week to get her affairs in order before serving her. This of course is a kind action by the landlord.
Tina, had a lot of inventory in stock. She could not return the merchandise to her supplier as the grace period had expired.
With no money for advertisement or even money for the electrical bill for the month. It was hard to see the light at the end of tunnel.
So, we came up with a plan! We advertised on Craigslist for the last 10 days! Of course all her inventory was placed at rock bottom prices. This is what we did:
1) Mon-Wed we advertised on Craigslist for a Clearance SALE.
2) Thursday we cleaned up and sorted out what was left behind
3) Friday advertised on Craigslist for a FINAL Clearance SALE
4) Saturday had a garage sale at a friend’s house (due to Home Owners Association – we cannot hold garage Sales at our place of residence)
5) Sunday had a garage sale (same friends house)
6) Monday Final Sale at the Store
7) Tuesday cleaned out the store took inventory to her garage
8) Wednesday – Turned the keys over
9) Thursday she drove to Orange County to hold a Garage Sale at her Moms’ home
10) Friday – advertised on Craigslist and posted flyers
11) Sat – Sun Garage Sale

Of course I purchased some items to offer online. However, due to the urgency she had to get out of the retail location and make some money to make it through the holidays this was the best thing for her to do.
With all that she sold she can survive and focus on getting back up for at least 4 months. We factored in money for her kids, Misc, Holidays and for some new inventory.
I must say, Craigslist was the reason she was able to bring traffic to her store and the Garage Sales; both in Las Vegas and Orange County. Of course it helped that she drastically cut prices. The landlord allowed her some time to get out. This allowed her to hold a final sale and avoid being locked out and loosing it all.
Many of you may not have new inventory to hold such a sale. You may have items around your home. More and more people are holding garage sales at this time. Selling online is not for everyone. You can use the Free Classifieds such as Craigslist to announce your Sale or Garage Sale.
Craigslist was created for this very reason, to help the community. I must say that I am very grateful that we were able to get traffic the way we did.
You can visit Craigslist.org
Create User Account and start listing
Take images if possible of your items
Review other listings to get an idea on how to write your ad
Select a Category
Provide your contact info or location
Provide images
…….then wait for the calls or emails to come in

Filed Under: Craigslist, Driving Traffic Tagged With: , , , , , ,

eBay’s Dirty Laundry

October 16, 2008 By 4 Comments

eBay’s dirty laundry…I think it would benefit you to know a bit more about eBay and Craigslist.org . I like Craigslist for many reasons. FREE listings and great way to generate immediate traffic to your listings or postings.

On April 22nd Craigslist released the following statement:

“Ebay has filed suit against craigslist and its board of directors:

http://news.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=305980

We are surprised and disappointed by Ebay’s unfounded allegations, which came to us out of the blue, without any attempt to engage in a dialogue with us.

Coming from a shareholder that views craigslist as a prime competitor, filing suit without so much as mentioning these assertions beforehand seems unethical, and hints at ulterior motives.

Ensuring the future well-being of craigslist and the craigslist community is admittedly very important to us. But Ebay has absolutely no reason to feel threatened here — unless of course they’re contemplating a hostile takeover of craigslist, or the sale of Ebay’s stake in craigslist to an unfriendly party. (In which case, they’re out of luck.

For our part, we have always treated Ebay very fairly as a minority shareholder, and plan to continue doing so, despite this unfortunate development.

Addendum in response to commenter question – To be perfectly clear, Ebay’s stake in craigslist has not been “unfairly diluted” as they have claimed.”

Ebay claims to be safeguarding their investment. For all of us following Craigslist and eBay, it is no secret that eBay has been trying to gain popularity on their Free Classifieds in Kijiji.com

While eBay’s attempt to bring down Craigslist has been unsuccessful ; eBay has not resorted to the lawsuit. Here is a link to the coverage by MSNBC

How did eBay acquire the stock? Former employee sold it to eBay. Craigslist had no Clause at that time regarding stock being offered to the company first.

Craigslist followed up the story on 4/30/2008 with the following statement:

“The public version of Ebay’s claims is now available.

We will file our formal response in the next few weeks, and until then will do our best to abide by protocol in not responding to specific assertions made in Ebay’s complaint.

As those who know us best will recognize, every measure we have taken has been for the sake of protecting the long term well-being of the craigslist community.

Sadly, we have an uncomfortably conflicted shareholder in our midst, one that is obsessed with dominating online classifieds for the purpose of maximizing its own profits.

It’s a conflict of interest worth keeping in mind if you decide to give this filing a read.”

On 5/13/2008 Craigslist announced to have filed the following:

“We filed a complaint in California today, charging eBay with unlawful and unfair competition, misappropriation of proprietary information, deceptive passing-off, business interference, false advertising, phishing attacks, free-riding, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and breaches of fiduciary duty.

We respectfully ask the Superior Court in San Francisco to enjoin this conduct and order eBay to (1) make full restitution to craigslist, (2) disgorge their related profits (3) restore to craigslist all shares of the company acquired by means of, or for the purpose of unfair competition, and (4) pay punitive damages for their malicious behavior.

Full text of complaint is available in PDF or HTML”

The claim also outlines how eBay was running Ads using Craigslist.org as a headline to benefit and drive traffic to their site Kijiji.com

So why did I post this story now? Well, I check on the Paypal’s site regularly for updates and changes that may affect sellers or the industry. I noticed something strange; Paypal’s footer has a link to Craigslist.

This sparked my curiosity and I checked on Craigslist’s Blog and no mention of changes in ownership or changes in control.

Of course, eBay owns 25% of Craigslist stock and perhaps that explain all the changes Craigslist has made to their sites. Such as:

1. Mandatory Registration

2. Mandatory phone verification

3. Divide categories

I have not found any updates on the case. I will certainly post updates as they unfold.

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Filed Under: Craigslist, eBay, free classifieds Tagged With: , , , , ,