Craigslist has been a fantastic resource for me. Over the years I’ve bought and sold many items there and, until recently, I’d had nothing but positive experiences.
I even drove three hours to pick up a couch I found on Craigslist—and I love that couch.
For about six months I’d been hunting for a dresser to fill my entryway. The space used to look like this:
That little table has since been moved under the gallery wall in the living room, where it fits perfectly. It always felt too small for the entryway, so I wanted something larger that could also provide storage.
My plan was to find an affordable dresser on Craigslist, paint it, and use it as a functional entry table with extra storage. This trip didn’t go exactly as planned, but it taught me some practical lessons I’ll share here to help you avoid the same mistakes.
Safety note: When buying or selling on Craigslist, take precautions. Bring someone with you when picking up items, meet in well-lit public places when possible, and make sure someone at home knows where you are and who you’re meeting.
Tips for Buying on Craigslist
From this dresser purchase I learned three useful lessons about buying used furniture online. These are simple but important reminders that can save you time, money, and frustration.
1. Always be prepared to walk away.
This applies to any purchase, but it’s easy to forget when you’ve already invested time and energy. If you’re driving any distance to pick something up—whether 30 minutes or three hours—prepare yourself beforehand to abandon the deal if the item isn’t what you expected. If the piece is lower quality than described or has unseen damage, be ready to leave. In my case, I’d already invested time and was mentally committed, which made it harder to say no even when the dresser didn’t meet my standards.
2. Inspect items in good light.
I viewed the dresser in a dim carport after dark. While I felt safe—my husband was with me—the poor lighting hid a serious problem: a corner had been chewed by an animal. I didn’t notice the damage until we brought the dresser home. Whenever possible, see furniture in daylight or in a well-lit area so you can check for scratches, water damage, stains, structural issues, or pests before committing to buy.
3. Trust your instincts about price and value.
When I first examined the dresser, I was underwhelmed. It didn’t match the quality I expected, and I felt the asking price was too high. I offered less, and the seller lowered the price a bit—but not enough to reflect the dresser’s condition. I should have walked away, but I ended up buying it to avoid feeling like I’d wasted our time. In hindsight, sticking to my initial price limit would have been wiser. If a seller won’t meet a fair price for the condition, consider it a red flag.
Despite the flaws, I plan to refinish and repaint the dresser to see if it will work well in the entryway. I’ll be using my first can of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for the makeover. I’ve used it before on smaller pieces and liked the results, so I’m optimistic that the paint will help transform the dresser and hide imperfections.
Have you ever had Craigslist regrets? What practical lessons did you learn from buying used furniture? Share your experiences—good or bad—so others can avoid the same pitfalls.
Curious how the dresser turned out after its makeover? Check out the finished dresser and the step-by-step makeover here.