Craigslist is a fantastic resource. I’ve bought and sold many items there and, until now, I’d had almost nothing but positive experiences.
I even drove three hours to pick up my couch from Craigslist — and I love that couch.
For about six months I searched for a dresser to place in my entryway. The space used to look like this …
Now that corner is completely bare. The small table that used to be there has moved to the living room under the gallery wall, where it fits perfectly. It always felt too small for the entry, which is why I was determined to find a dresser that could serve both as a surface and as practical storage.
My plan was to find a sturdy, inexpensive dresser on Craigslist to repaint and repurpose for the entryway. I didn’t expect to learn new lessons from the process, but this experience taught me a few valuable things about buying used furniture online.
Safety note: It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — be cautious when buying and selling on Craigslist. I follow several safety practices: I usually take my husband (Coach) with me when I pick something up, or I make sure he’s home whenever strangers come to purchase items from us. Meeting in a public, well-lit place during daylight hours when possible is another good precaution.
Tips for Buying on Craigslist
From this dresser purchase I learned three key lessons. They’re simple, but they make a big difference if you want to avoid buyer’s remorse and get the most from a Craigslist find.
1. Always be willing to walk away.
This is a general buying principle that applies to anything: be prepared to walk away. If you’re driving 30 minutes (or three hours) to inspect an item, mentally prepare to accept the time and cost of the trip as part of the process if the item isn’t right. If the furniture’s quality or condition doesn’t match your expectations, leave. In my case I had already invested time and energy into the trip and found it hard to walk away, which led me to accept a compromise I later regretted.
2. Inspect items in daylight or in a well-lit area.
One mistake I made was viewing the dresser in a dimly lit carport after dark. My husband came with me and we felt safe, but the poor lighting hid damage: a corner had been severely chewed by an animal. We didn’t notice the damage until we got it home and unloaded it. Viewing items during the day or in bright lighting will reveal flaws you might otherwise miss, such as scratches, water stains, structural problems, or pest damage.
3. Trust your instincts about price.
When I first saw the dresser, I realized it wasn’t the quality I expected. I felt the asking price was too high, so I offered less. The seller reduced the price slightly, but not enough for me to feel satisfied. I should have trusted my gut and walked away, but I didn’t. In the end I bought it at the slightly lower price simply to avoid feeling like the trip was wasted.
Now I’m left with a dresser that has both quality issues and visible damage. I still plan to paint it and put it in the entryway. I’ll be using my first can of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint; I’ve already painted a small piece and really like the results so far. A fresh coat of paint and a little creativity might turn this imperfect piece into something I’ll love.
If you’re shopping for furniture on Craigslist, here are a few extra practical tips to consider:
- Ask for several clear photos from different angles before committing to a pickup.
- Request the item’s measurements to ensure it fits your space and vehicle.
- Confirm the pickup location and plan to meet in a safe, well-lit public area when possible.
- Bring cash in the exact amount you’re willing to pay — this helps you stick to your budget and avoid last-minute compromises.
- Check for structural issues like loose joints, warped drawers, or water damage that are costly to repair.
Have you ever had a Craigslist regret or a Craigslist triumph? What lessons have you learned from buying or selling on the platform? I’d love to hear your experiences.
If you’re curious to see how the dresser turns out after its makeover, I’ve shared the finished project on my blog — look for my Craigslist dresser makeover with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.