Craigs List Etiquette

In the past month, a lot of things in my life have changed and dealing with those changes when they are happening so abruptly and are so large is difficult. For the past NINE months I have been searching for a graphic design job. A job that allows me to use my degree, to be creative, to problem solve and most of all that will allow me to grow. I am of course grateful for the fact that I have had a job. That I could support myself independently, but about a month ago I applied for a store graphic artist position at a Whole Foods store in Boston, and within 4 days of applying I was offered the position. So, I TOOK IT! Thus, I was given five weeks to pack up my life in Raleigh and move to Boston. I am of course feeling excited and anxious. However, I am also feeling nervous and scared.

This ALSO means that I have to start weeding out my stuff. Deciding what to keep, what to give away, what to store, etc. The easiest way to sell my things and get rid of things are by giving it away to Goodwill, the local food shelter, the animal shelter and of course selling things on Craigslist. I have learned there is no such thing as rules or etiquette when it comes to Craigslist. Or there are common sense rules that no one seems to follow. I think this is one of the main problems with craigslist, because as the seller, people have told me they want to buy an item, tell me they can pick it up tonight and at 6pm. I then get an e-mail telling me never mind, they don't want the item anymore. Meanwhile, I have just lost precious time as I'm trying to move waiting around for this person or getting the item ready for them and lost the potential of selling it to someone else. As the seller, I have been ripped off. Thus, as the seller I try to be as polite, honest and understanding of the buyer. I try to let them know about everything up front, however, since I need to get rid of my things in a timely manner and cannot be stuck with the items the day the mover comes, I also have to play it smart. Weigh how serious someone is about purchasing an item, and if need be continue to contact a few people so if one rips me off I have a back up. This has become a game and a stressful one at that, and furthermore, it is one that has only added to the stress of my move.

I do understand that internet etiquette is something that is still being learned by society. However, to me, whether it be purchasing an item in a store or on-line through craigslist, common sense on etiquette should weigh in. For example, invitations. Back in the "old days", peopled mailed out paper invitations to everyone. On the bottom there would be contact information for RSVPs, and if the host wanted you to call regardless or for regrets only. People respected this request and would be sure to do so by the appointed date. However, with the growing use of technology, more people are beginning to use on-line invitations whether it be an e-mail blast, through E-vite or on Facebook. I also feel that with the increased use of these tools comes a dearth of etiquette. For some reason invitees do not feel as obligated to RSVP to on-line invitations, maybe it is because the invitations appear informal, less important or impersonal. Nevertheless, etiquette should not be forgotten and people need to begin using it on their on-line interactions just as they would with more physical interactions. There are some articles on on-line etiquette that are good for everyone to read, because remember, just as you would like to be respected, so does everyone else.


Here are some resources to help you brush up on your on-line etiquette:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/craigslist-buying-and-selling-etiquette-060858

http://www.howtoselloncraigslistebook.com/index.html

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