Ever heard of this thing called Kijiji? I thing it is a fabulous tool for bargain hunters everywhere. It is not just for used items, you can buy brand new items... Say that someone ordered online that was final sale, and gift cards, as well as services. You can also sell your stuff via it as well. I have been a fan of Kijiji for a long time, but along with the good their is some bad.
The Bad: The main way Kijiji fails is in the consideration of people. People agree to meet to exchange money for an item, a party doesn't show up. That is the single largest complaint. It isn't a failure of the technology or the website, but of the people using it. So you may have a few no-shows, but don't let that deter you.
The Good: Kijiji is amazing for recycling. Don't need something, sell, or even give away. Need something but don't want to pay retail price? Kijiji is in almost all cities in Canada, a convenient resource for in person buying and selling.
My successes: Wow, this list could go on forever. I have sold tables, lamps, textbooks, books, DVDs, iPods and a headboard through Kijiji... and more! I have bought a bedroom set (2 dressers, mirrors, end table, headboard), textbooks, adopted a cat, adopted a dog (which then my father adopted), bought various home furniture items, and an iPad through Kijiji (and more...).
Example of a good deal: My 16gig wifi iPad cost me $480 with apple case and apple camera attachments included. Came with original receipt. To buy from Apple with the $5 recycling fee and tax included would have been $549 + $5 + $45 + $35 = $634 + 5% gst = $665.70 Big difference.
How to get the price you want as a seller: Set your price higher than what you expect to get for it, and included OBO in your post. If I list something for $100 I expect someone to always try and get it for $80.
How to get the price you want as a buyer: Don't lowball, you annoy sellers that way. Offer a fair price, and be aware of what your willing to pay price is. For example: If someone is asking $100 for something, I am willing to pay $90, I think I might be able to weasel it out of him for $80... but I don't want to risk loosing the item... I will offer $85. Also, If the post says firm, don't try and haggle.
The experiment: I am attempting to do something via Kijiji I have never done before, buy gift certificates. Many things run through my mind... primarily: How do I know they haven't been used? I will let you know how it goes. Should happen in the next week. Was going to happen tonight, but the buyer never showed!
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