How Much Can You Make Selling on Craigslist?

Selling on Craigslist in 2026: Realistic Earnings

In 2026, Craigslist remains a popular choice for selling personal items locally, thanks to its no-fee structure and straightforward process. However, the amount of money you can realistically make depends on your selling volume and strategy. Let’s break it down into three seller profiles: Casual, Part-Time, and Full-Time.

Casual Seller: 5-10 Items/Month

As a casual seller, you might be selling items from your home that you no longer need. The goal is to declutter while making some extra cash.

Items Sold	Average Sale Price	Gross Revenue	Platform Fees	Shipping Costs	Sourcing Costs	Net Profit
7	$50	$350	$0	$0	$0	$350

With no fees or shipping costs, your main challenge will be negotiating with price-sensitive buyers. Meeting in safe public locations is crucial. Realistically, you can expect to spend about 5-10 hours a month on Craigslist, including responding to inquiries and arranging meet-ups.

Part-Time Seller: 30-50 Items/Month

Part-time sellers might source items from garage sales or thrift stores to flip for a profit. The key here is finding undervalued items that fit well with Craigslist's local, bulky-item market.

Items Sold	Average Sale Price	Gross Revenue	Platform Fees	Shipping Costs	Sourcing Costs	Net Profit
40	$60	$2,400	$0	$0	$800	$1,600

For part-timers, expect to put in about 20-30 hours a week. Initially, you’ll need to invest in sourcing the right items, but profits can become substantial once you refine your strategy. ListingGenie can help optimize your listings to increase your sell-through rate.

Full-Time Seller: 100+ Items/Month

For full-time sellers, Craigslist can become a primary income source. This involves the rigorous sourcing of inventory and a strategic pricing approach.

Items Sold	Average Sale Price	Gross Revenue	Platform Fees	Shipping Costs	Sourcing Costs	Net Profit
120	$75	$9,000	$0	$0	$3,600	$5,400

Full-time selling requires 40+ hours a week, focusing on sourcing and meeting buyers. It may take 3-6 months to build a reliable income stream. Scaling involves learning to negotiate better and potentially hiring help for meet-ups.

Best Items to Sell for Maximum Profit

Craigslist is ideal for items that are too cumbersome to ship, like furniture, large appliances, and exercise equipment. These categories allow for higher price points and profit margins, especially if you find items needing minor repairs or cleaning to increase their resale value.

Common Myths vs. Reality

• Myth: “I’ll make $10k/month passive income.”
• Reality: While it’s possible to earn significant income, it’s far from passive. You’ll invest substantial time in sourcing, listing, and meeting buyers.
• Myth: “Craigslist is outdated.”
• Reality: Craigslist remains very active, especially for local sales and large items.

Scaling from Casual to Full-Time

Scaling involves consistent sourcing of high-demand items and possibly expanding to nearby cities to increase your buyer pool. Use tools like ListingGenie to streamline your process and improve listing quality.

FAQ

• Q: How do I ensure safety during meet-ups?
  A: Always meet in well-lit public places, preferably in designated "safe trade" zones at police stations.
• Q: Can I list the same item in multiple cities?
  A: Yes, cross-posting to nearby cities can increase your chances of selling.
• Q: How do I handle negotiations?
  A: Price 15% above your minimum and state "price firm" or "OBO" to manage expectations.
• Q: What if a buyer doesn’t show up?
  A: It happens; have backup buyers ready and communicate clearly to minimize no-shows.
• Q: Is there a way to track sales efficiently?
  A: Use spreadsheets or sales tracking apps to keep organized, especially as you scale up.