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Craigslist Messaging Etiquette
How to message sellers on Craigslist so they actually reply—and you actually close the deal.
Craigslist vs. Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist has a different culture. Sellers tend to be more private (anonymous email relay by default), less invested in back-and-forth chat, and prefer short, direct communication. The same principles apply though:
✗
"Is it still available?"
✓
"Hi, interested in the [item]—still available? I can come this Saturday morning."
Writing a good Craigslist message
Craigslist sellers get a lot of spam. A message that looks human and specific stands out immediately.
- →Reference something specific from the listing. "I saw you mentioned it was only used for a year—" shows you read it. Generic messages look like bots.
- →Keep it short. 2–4 sentences is ideal. Sellers don't read essays.
- →Ask one question or propose one action. Don't fire off five questions at once.
- →Include your name. "Thanks, [Name]" adds a human touch that lifts reply rates.
Sample messages
Basic inquiry
"Hi, I'm interested in the [item]. Still available? I can come this weekend—cash ready. Thanks, [Name]"Making an offer
"Hi, interested in the [item]. Would you take $[X]? I can meet [day] at a convenient spot for you. Thanks, [Name]"Asking a specific question
"Hi, is the [item] compatible with [X]? If so, I'd like to buy it. Can do this week. Thanks, [Name]"Craigslist-specific tips
- →Craigslist uses an anonymous email relay by default. Replies may go to your email—check your inbox, not just Craigslist.
- →Be extra vigilant about scams—Craigslist has fewer account verification mechanisms than Facebook. The same red flags apply: no in-person meeting, payment before seeing the item, gift cards.
- →Listings often don't have a "sold" indicator. If you don't hear back after a follow-up, the item is likely gone.
- →Cash is even more expected on Craigslist than Marketplace. Have it ready.