How to Find Bargains in Chicago Using Craigslist

Since the purchasing power of dollar keeps falling, it looks like everything in the world is getting more expensive day by day. One of the reasons is the rising gas prices. Not only people should pay more at the pump, but also it drives up freight and shipping costs, and that is why we have to pay higher prices on goods across the country. The problem is even severe in cities because prices are already higher than in other rural areas. For instance, gas prices have topped $3.00/gallon in Chicago. The good news is, there are ways to deal with it and get your dollar farther to combat high prices in Chicago: walk or by L train, save energy at home, and look for great bargains by searching craigslist.

In case you are not familiar, Craigslist is a network of site for communities throughout the United States and around the globe. Initially, it was founded as a resource for the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995. By 2006, there was a Craigslist site representing each of 450 cities worldwide. With a few exceptions, advertising on Craigslist is free, and postings can be placed in myriad sections, all organized into major categories.

A great resource for bargain hunting throughout the Windy City, Chicago Craigslist (http://chicago.craigslist.org), where you can contact the person who wants to sell their stuff in the "for sale" section, which is broken up into smaller sections that makes it easily to find something you are searching for. Want a cheaper portable computer? Browse the computer board. Finding some rims for that new ride? Check out the auto parts board. Amazingly, small household items can even be found here, should you be really lucky, you may come across exactly what you're searching for in the "free" section. It pays to check it out every now and then because sometimes people post coupons they don't need in the section. It's worth to pay a visit anyway, just to see if you can find a great bargain.

There a few caveats about this particular mode of frugality. First, if you have issues about buying used goods, you may want to shy away from buying from Craigslist posters. Most things being sold on CL tend to be items people either don't want or no longer use, so if you are strictly into brand new, steer clear. If you don't mind a gently used toaster, though, CL is perfect for you. Second, be sure to note how you are supposed to actually take possession of your purchase. Some buyers will deliver, some will ship, and some require you to make a pick up. Work this out beforehand. A third warning applies to purchases in general, not just on CL: caveat emptor. Enough said.

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