Down and Dirty - How to Make some cash this week

[Scott Ames]

For those of you wishing you had an extra few bucks here is something you can do to make a little cash today. It starts online but is really an online / offline method of making money.

1. Go to Craigslist in your area and surrounding areas
2. Go to the For Sale / Free section

Your job is to find something being given away free that you can resell. You have to be fast because the good stuff will be snapped up very quickly.

As an example I just went to the Atlanta Craigslist and found this:

Big free boat. 26 ft cabin cruiser. Come get it, bring a flat bed tow truck.

PS: FREE= no motor, no trailer, no promises, no idea how much it'd cost to get it running.

Do you think that might be worth $200, $500, even $1,000 to someone? Perhaps so. The point is there is plenty of Free stuff that people just want someone to take and they advertise it.

Sure this is more of a "junk" type of business, but it's not exactly Sanford and Son.

Once you have found and have secured something of value, auction it off on eBay. If you have only your time involved you can start the bidding at $1.00 and get some good competition going. Several studies have shown that starting low gets a higher ending price than starting higher. I've that seen it happen. Once I bought a DVD course, full retail, for $135 and once I was done with it sold it with an action starting at $1.00. I got $150 for it because of the competition. Wow. I would have been happy to get $25 because I did get good information from the course.

Selling should be easy. You could even offer the same stuff back on Craigslist at a set price if you want. Those looking in the free section are not the same as those looking for something specific like a boat.

The hardest part is not finding good stuff, but in being the first to claim it. Here are some tips so that you can be the first person to get these goodies.

1. Set up an alert on Alertpedia: Free Email Alerts on Craigslist, Youtube videos, Jobs, House Prices, Local Events, Recalls, Airfares, RSS Feeds, Health, News, Traffic, Weather, Quakes for specific items of value. Set up as many as you can think of

2. Make it a routine to scan the free section daily. Heck if you are home just keep it up and refresh all the time. Get a child to do it for you if you have one

3. As soon as you see the items reply via email, but call as well if there is a phone number in the ad. Not everyone will respond to email quickly but usually will take the call. You have a double shot of claiming the item first that way.

4. Once you said "I'll take it", get your butt over there and get it right away. Too many people say they will pick something up and never do. If the person giving it away has someone show up, because they have several items or because someone was bold enough to go there, it might be gone. I can't stress this enough. You must be willing to run out the door as soon as you are told "its yours"

How much can you make? No idea. It really depends on your area, how fast you are, and what kind of stuff people are getting rid of.

The ideal internet business? Hardly, but it can put some cash in your pocket today if you are in need.

Some twists:

You don't have to wait until someone advertises stuff to find free stuff. Why not put your own ad on Craigslist such as: Free Hauling. I will take away most junk for free.

You have to be careful with that one because you might get real junk. Much better to place multiple ads such as:

Cars towed free. We take away your old car free.

Get rid of that old computer. We will come pick up any old computer equipment that you wish to get rid of.

[StaffPartyTrivia]

Good idea.

Use craigzoom.com - the right hand search field "free {whatever}"

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by StaffPartyTrivia

Good idea.

Use craigzoom.com - the right hand search field "free {whatever}"

Great suggestion! Search Craigslist: Free Craigslist Search Engine to search ALL Craigslist

I just tried it and it works great.

[Alumni]

Great Great I might do the craigslist list thing but I do have a few things i can sell on ebay and start the bidding low.

[DogScout]

You know, this isn't the 1st time I seen you just post a thread with great money making ideas for anyone to implement and make work in the same day. Ideas that are obvious winners. Thanks, it is a pleasure having you on this forum. Many times, one of your posts makes my day. Thanks for taking YOUR time to help people,
Mark

[GoGetta]

Great advice Scott! Did you get the boat??

GoGetta

[rapidscc]

Hey Scott,

I liked the idea..especially the part where you said:

You have to be careful with that one because you might get real junk. Much better to place multiple ads such as:

Cars towed free. We take away your old car free.

Get rid of that old computer. We will come pick up any old computer equipment that you wish to get rid of.

The statement pre-sold the givers to call you
for specific stuff with value, not just the regular
junk..

Though I'm not sure I'll be able to implement it where I'm at
I could give this idea to my relatives there..

Thanks man

All the best,

[R Hagel]

Good advice, Scott.

Let me throw in another tip...

Check out the "wanted" section. Sometimes you can help people find what they're looking for (and make a profit in the process). Some people do "finder's fees" type arrangements. Others simply buy the item elsewhere and sell it at a profit to to the buyer.

In this case, look at the ads that are several days old. You're looking for ads where the posters clearly aren't getting what they want fast. That gives you more time to find the item for them.

Preferably, look for items worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, because it's more profitable for you. A more expensive item allows you to give the buyer a great deal while still making a profit for yourself.

If you have a little cash on hand, then you can place a "want ad." I've placed want ads on CL for bayonets (a personal interest). Made a lot of deals that way. Then quickly flipped them on eBay.

Cheers,
Becky

[Matt Jutras]

On a smaller scale, there is a site called Freecycle where people give away stuff for free:

The Freecycle Network

state listing:

Regions of United States

[AmyBrown]

Don't under any circumstances use your real email address to post or to reply to posts on Cragislist. Set up a gmail or yahoo account just for Craigslist. An increasing number of ads in all sections are spammers harvesting email addresses.

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by Mr. Goof Off

Scott did you make enquiry about the boat though? It may be a bait and switch CPA offer

I didn't get the boat, no. Its actually out of my area.

There are a lot of CPA bait and switch offers on Craigslist so you do have to be wise. I'm sure anyone here would be able to spot those. There is still a lot of good stuff people throw away.

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by Matt Jutras

On a smaller scale, there is a site called Freecycle where people give away stuff for free:

The Freecycle Network

state listing:

Regions of United States

Excellent. Yes... I wanted to include this resource but I was too lazy last night to look it up. Thanks for that!

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

Don't under any circumstances use your real email address to post or to reply to posts on Cragislist. Set up a gmail or yahoo account just for Craigslist. An increasing number of ads in all sections are spammers harvesting email addresses.

Good advise. Unfortunately Craigslist is full of spammers and scammers. I still use my real email address however since I use Google Mail and can easily mark them as spam and never see them again.

[TheL3g3nd]

Awesome idea, im gonna try this out right now. Thanks for sharing.

Joe

[N4PGW]

Originally Posted by DogScout

You know, this isn't the 1st time I seen you just post a thread with great money making ideas for anyone to implement and make work in the same day. Ideas that are obvious winners. Thanks, it is a pleasure having you on this forum. Many times, one of your posts makes my day. Thanks for taking YOUR time to help people,
Mark

Scott, with all these ideas you have, you might want to write them down and create an ebook on how to make money this weekend or something. Sell it outright or offer it for PLR. More money...

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by N4PGW

Scott, with all these ideas you have, you might want to write them down and create an ebook on how to make money this weekend or something. Sell it outright or offer it for PLR. More money...

I used to have this last idea as a WSO. If I look around I could find the PDF I created for it. I don't really care to sell it for money but I would let anyone that wants it have a copy.

[R Hagel]

I just took a peek at the free stuff in the city closest to me (paying attention to those with local phone numbers and/or those that are just putting stuff at the curb). Anyway, today those who are quick could pick up a couple pianos (if you can haul them out of a basement), a fridge, a TV, barn wood, chandeliers, clothing, an inflatable kayak, etc.

This is for a fairly small region. I can only imagine what kind of goodies you'd find in a big city.

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by R Hagel

I just took a peek at the free stuff in the city closest to me (paying attention to those with local phone numbers and/or those that are just putting stuff at the curb). Anyway, today those who are quick could pick up a couple pianos (if you can haul them out of a basement), a fridge, a TV, barn wood, chandeliers, clothing, an inflatable kayak, etc.

This is for a fairly small region. I can only imagine what kind of goodies you'd find in a big city.

So true. I am surprised at the stuff people toss out. Sometimes you find really good and valuable stuff that people simply don't want and don't want the hassle of selling.

[rlopes]

That's an unusual approach to making money, makes you think outside the box

[avandrunen]

Wow Scott, this is an awesome idea thanks, I look for stuff for myself sometimes but never thought of picking it up to resell, but your are so right...if it costs you nothing then the sale price is not as important...you will always see a profit.

[getsmartt]

Originally Posted by Scott Ames

Originally Posted by Matt Jutras
On a smaller scale, there is a site called Freecycle where people give away stuff for free:

The Freecycle Network

state listing:

Regions of United States
Excellent. Yes... I wanted to include this resource but I was too lazy last night to look it up. Thanks for that!

WARNING: FreeCycle's TOS strictly forbids reselling items acquired from the FreeCycle service

[impact-productions]

This will make money, but I'm sure I'm one of many people who thinks that this approach isn't ethical.

I'm sure that the suppliers who are giving these things away expect them to be going to someone less fortunate than themselves. For instance, think of all the families just starting out in a new place that would jump at the chance for free furniture. If you're of the 'make money at all costs' gang then this might make money for you, but otherwise, leave these items donated with goodwill to the people who could really benefit from them.

[Mohammad Afaq]

But hey you better be fast. People die for free stuff

[Patrick Judge]

Hello Scott. Theres freebie section on a site here in Ireland, free laptop going, maybe gone, also free mobile phone, a free car, but just goes to show you whats out there.

I saw one add though for free xbox in great nick, chap is giving away free as he got new ps3, warranty and all with it games and controllers

I sent text as no answer

nice one Scott, I seen these ads before but never really looked at as a moneyspinner but certainly can make a few quid.

Pat

[Shoaib]

Originally Posted by impact-productions

This will make money, but I'm sure I'm one of many people who thinks that this approach isn't ethical.

I'm sure that the suppliers who are giving these things away expect them to be going to someone less fortunate than themselves. For instance, think of all the families just starting out in a new place that would jump at the chance for free furniture. If you're of the 'make money at all costs' gang then this might make money for you, but otherwise, leave these items donated with goodwill to the people who could really benefit from them.

No, it's not enough to "expect" it to go to someone less fortunate. If they want the stuff they're giving away to go to the less fortunate, they should (and usually will) donate it to the Salvation Army/Goodwill or any other organizations out there who will pick it up for you.

This is different. I've donated old furniture and stuff to the Salvation Army, because it was in decent shape and I wanted another family to get something out of it instead of trying to sell it for a couple of bucks or throwing it away.

I had an old 32" Tube TV in my living room, that was replaced by an LCD. The tube TV was too much of a monster for me to even think about doing anything with it. So, I told my brother to snap a few pics and put it on CL for free, buyer responsible for transportation. We had somebody call and come pick it up within an hour. Do I really care if it was somebody picking it up to resell it or someone "less fortunate" whose life could really be changed by a used 32" tube TV?

Donating something to make sure it goes to go someone who really needs it, or putting something up for free on CL are 2 different things, and grabbing something that is being given away for free on CL, turning around and reselling it for a profit, is not unenthical.

That is my opinion anyway, to each his own!

[Ken Leatherman]

Originally Posted by impact-productions

This will make money, but I'm sure I'm one of many people who thinks that this approach isn't ethical.

I'm sure that the suppliers who are giving these things away expect them to be going to someone less fortunate than themselves. For instance, think of all the families just starting out in a new place that would jump at the chance for free furniture. If you're of the 'make money at all costs' gang then this might make money for you, but otherwise, leave these items donated with goodwill to the people who could really benefit from them.

I'm sorry but why in the world would you think this is unethical and where do you get the information to base your opinion on. You are stating this as a fact in lieu of your opinion.

Frankly when I want to see others benefit from a useful piece of furniture, clothing or for that matter anything I want to get rid of; I make darn sure it goes to an organization that will benefit from the resell of the item and the person buying will get a lot value for a very low price.

Unethical I don't think so. And yes that's my opinion.

Ken Leatherman

The Old Geezer

[Ken Leatherman]

Oh heck, I forgot to mention this. Thanks Scott for a good tip

It's a good way to find decent items to spice up your yard sales. Of course you have to make sure the time picking up the item and gas expense, don't outweigh any potential profit.

Ken

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by getsmartt

WARNING: FreeCycle's TOS strictly forbids reselling items acquired from the FreeCycle service

I can't see that anywhere in their TOS. If they did have it, I don't think they can enforce it anyway. If someone gives me something it's mine and I can sell it, give it away, destroy it, or do what I wish as long as the person giving it has not put any restrictions on title. The contract between the giver and the getter are not trumped by published data that got them together.

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by impact-productions

This will make money, but I'm sure I'm one of many people who thinks that this approach isn't ethical.

I'm sure that the suppliers who are giving these things away expect them to be going to someone less fortunate than themselves. For instance, think of all the families just starting out in a new place that would jump at the chance for free furniture. If you're of the 'make money at all costs' gang then this might make money for you, but otherwise, leave these items donated with goodwill to the people who could really benefit from them.

I can see what you mean. The poor widow that is looking for a cook stove to feed her 3 children and can't afford one will miss out if you swoop in and pick it up for resale.

Isn't that life though? I wouldn't want that person to miss out either but how can I be sure that anyone that gets that cook stove if I pass on it really needed it?

It's not our job to ensure charity happens. That is the job of the person giving the cook stove away. If they care where it goes they will filter requests or give it to charity directly.

I've given stuff away via Craigslist and the first person to respond ( and picks it up ) gets it. Sometimes it's a thankful poor person but often its a guy with a truck that is going to sell it. I prefer the poor person that needs it badly gets it, but if I wanted to make sure of that I would have. Sometimes you just want it gone no matter where it goes.

Also,, the person reselling it, a lot of times really does need the money too. They have a family to feed and are doing everything they can. I've yet to have someone pull up in a Bentley to claim an item.

[Affiliateprocom]

That craigzoom.com Rocks.... I just did a search and found some pretty cool free stuff
Sweet... I got a buddy that is big on ebay, he'll love this idea

[TheJedi]

Your Craigslist idea is definitely a great one. Even used stuff can be worth something to someone.

I first learned of the second technique about 10 years ago when I ordered a report called 'How to Get $1,000 - $5,000 Free and Clear within 30 Days' from a place called Eden Press. I think I paid $10 for it then, so it definitely could be (and has been) sold as an info product. Eden Press doesn't really market its reports, though, so you would probably have pretty much the idea for yourself.

I ordered it because my wife and I were getting ready to have our first baby, and I needed some extra cash on top of what my real-world job was providing. Basically, it said exactly what you did: Make a flyer to pass around saying I would clean out your basement, garage, etc., for only $20 (which basically covers the gas). They even included a sample flyer and you just had to put your name and contact info in the box at the bottom before distributing. A lot of times you would find just junk, as you said, but sometimes I would come across things that either I could keep, re-sell as is, or fix and then re-sell. Eventually, I made a deal with a peddler at a local flea market to buy complete pickup truck-loads for a fixed price, and made a deal with a couple of high school kids to do the actual work and split the $20 between them, and bringing the load to me. (And, of course, I never told what I was doing with the 'junk') True, I never even came close to getting rich or making it a full-time profession, but it did make us some extra money during those lean times.

Thanks for the tip regarding Craigzoom, StaffPartyTrivia. That is very helpful, as I usually check Craigslist at least twice a day.

[coconutisa]

Scott,

If you still have that pdf copy you wrote I would like it and want to read it. Much obliged.
Isa.

[duncanb]

I like the entrepreneurial methoedology behind this post.

Wont be implementing the strategy myself but i sure can see the value in this post.

[Denise Million]

Another way to make quick cash if there is a flea market in your town - or there's always ebay.

You can get really high quality...sometimes new...stuff is at storage auctions. Now before someone says this isn't ethical...it is. The people who didn't pay their bill will never see this stuff again whether you bid on it or not. The storage facility has to clear out the space to make room for a paying customer.

I attended one of these auctions to see how they ran them and what you could get. A man walked away with a brand new washer and dryer for $1 because none of the other bidders wanted the construction odds and ends that were also in this unit.

Another unit was the largest unit and held an entire household of goods including like new living room furniture. It sold for $300 and was worth thousands.

All you have to have is a truck and a few friends because they do require you to empty the shed that same day.

One of the two men there doing the most bidding told me he takes the things he wins in the bidding to the flea market. He makes his living that way. I imagine this happens in every city where there are storage units. You just call them up and ask to be put on their phone announcement list and they will remind you of the next auction. At least that's how they do it here. You can probably get a schedule of their events as they seemed to be held on the first Friday of the month every 3 months.

[midjam]

wow, what a great idea, think i might try and impliment it soon thanks

[JMB Marketing Group]

Here is a free report that I found on my hard drive today that I would like to share.

This report contains screen shots to show you what to search for and what to look for when using Google and eBay in conjunction with Craigslist. This report is detailed with step-by-step instructions on how to implement Scott's idea. However, this report talks about buying low and selling high. Nonetheless, it gives you an idea of what Scott is saying here.

It also includes a sample email blurb on how to deal with interested buyers for your stuff.

In addition, the report also reveals many other sites that you can advertise on for free.

I hope you find it useful.

Cheers,

JMB

[TylerF]

Awesome idea mate.

You just increased some traffic to craigslist. LOL

[gjabiz]

This isn't trying to sell you something, I couldn't even if I wanted to because I have sold the rights to my works on "Chatteling". Chatteling is the buying and selling of personal property for a profit.

In 1995 I wrote "The Chatteling Report; The Sprint to Freedom" which contained a 12 week step by step plan to turn a hundfed bux into a grand, and continue to do so whenever you wanted too.

In 2005 I released The Beginner's Guide to Chatteling, and the link takes you to the sales page for that report. My friend Leo Quinn, the "Own Your Own Paycheck Again" maestro and the leading teacher of how to get out of debt and stay out of debt now owns the rights to the report, I believe he uses it as a bonus for his customers, although, I'm not sure on that.

Anyhow, if you just read the sales page and SEE the examples, from REAL people who have made a quick few bucks in a weekend to those that have made thousands in a few days, all by buying and selling personal property, many on Craigslist and eBay, and others who use other ways to buy and sell.

Just by reading the page and getting some ideas, you could have a light bulb moment and some of you could be paying for your IM deals with profits you've made from putting this BUY/SELL idea to good use.

The url is Whether you need a very quick 100 bucks

gjabiz

[brchap]

I did this, about 7 or so years ago, when I was trying to get my fledgling IT consulting business off the ground.

Back then, I didn't have enough steady clients to pay the bills. Every week was hit or miss. So, I would hit the refresh button on my computer about every five minutes, searching for free or cheap computer equipment.

Most of the time, people would be selling an old computer for $10 or $15, when all it had was a virus, or maybe a bad power supply. Sometimes people would sell laptops for less than $50 because the battery couldn't hold a charge. I would, of course, fix the problems or order a new battery... and then turn around and list it on eBay.

Most of the time, I could make $200 to $300 profit easily. Sometime more. One time, I found a business giving away some old console-type "dumb terminals" (hardcore geeks or old admins will know what I'm talking about).

They had about 10 of them. They just wanted to get rid of them. They were old and dirty. I spent an afternoon cleaning them up with some rubbing alcohol and paper towels (a $5 investment + my time), and then sold each one of them on eBay for about $100 each. It was an easy $1000 profit.

These days, I get paid a lot more for my consulting services and my schedule is booked solid all the time, so I don't really do that sort of thing much any more. But, if something were to happen to my company for some reason, or I had to start over in a new city, it would be the first thing I'd do. Even if I didn't have a computer, I could do it from a public library to get started.