I am a fairly heavy user of Craigslist as are many of you out there. And most of you have the same complaint I do about the service, that being it can be a little difficult to get around and there’s more or less no way to search multiple areas at the same time.

Well, now you can. CraigsList Reader is a free app that makes it a whole lot easier to find stuff on CL. And you can search any number of combinations of different regions and categories.

However the software is not without its flaws. I’ll say up front it is a great app and you will like it if you use CL at all, but here’s my complaint list:

Location update takes forever

When you first start using the app you’ll want to update all the locations from the CL system. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and I’m not kidding. Fortunately once it’s done you most likely won’t have to do it again.

Somewhat difficult to cancel a search

When a search is executed and you cancel it, the software "hesitates" a bit before canceling. And sometimes search results continue to show up even though you instructed it to cancel.

Using IE engine to display listings

The HTML engine the software uses is IE and not its own. Not really a big deal but I can’t stand the way IE renders web pages.

Interface somewhat confusing

The top left where the search options are "one for all" style. Would be nice if this was laid out in layered menus instead particular to category.

Here’s what the app looks like in action:

Even with my complaints I do sincerely like where this app is going. I really dig the fact you can search multiple states/locations at once. I like you can sort listings by date, category, name, price and so on. There’s a whole lot to like about this app.

IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE DOWNLOADING: This app does use the Microsoft .NET framework. Most of you already have this installed so you shouldn’t have to worry about it.

Link: CraigsList Reader.

Did you try this app? What did you think? Let us know by writing a comment.

Said honestly it’s amazing that if you ask someone, "Where’s the best place to buy or sell stuff online?", the the typical answer is "eBay".

I disagree with this. The best place is Craigslist (abbreviated commonly as just "CL").

First, a few facts about CL:

• It’s been around just as long as eBay has (since 1995).
• It’s far easier to use than eBay overall.
• It loads way faster than eBay does.
• You can place ads for free.

I don’t know about other countries, but in the United States people genuinely appreciate being able to conduct business on a local level. eBay has never really been able to accomplish that, but with CL you can quite easily.

For example, my local is tampa.craigslist.org and chances are your local is listed here somewhere.

My reasons for preferring CL over eBay when buying and selling items are as follows:

Staying local works

As noted above, with eBay it’s a challenge at best to go local and stay local. Sure, you can set options on your item when selling it to keep it regionalized – but why bother forking over cash just to post an auction when all you want is a quick local sale?

PayPal is annoying

I’m sure there are more than a few readers out there who can say how much PayPal sucks at times. With eBay it’s more or less required to use PayPal just to buy or sell. How many auctions have you seen that state very loudly "PAYPAL ONLY"?

If you use PayPal, you only do so because you have to, not because you want to.

Better for the bargain hunter

Are you cheap? No, seriously.. are you really cheap? You’re in luck because CL has a "free" category for every local. Here’s an example from the Tampa local. You’d be surprised at the stuff people are willing to give away.

Some quick Q and A

Can you get scammed on CL?

You can get scammed anywhere, be it online or in person and CL is no exception. You know the old saying "let the buyer beware". If you think something sounds like a scam, it most likely is.

CL states very clearly to deal locally with people you can meet with in person, never wire funds, don’t do checks or money orders, don’t give out any of your personal fiscal information, avoid deals involving shipping or escrow and so on.

Even if you decide not to use CL, you should go to that link anyway just to get educated on how to spot scam stuff. It’s a good read.

Can you meet "scary" people from CL?

Of course. But CL has tips on that also.

Can I really post an ad for free and sell using straight cash in person?

Absolutely.

Can I get everything I want from CL?

Possibly – but I don’t know what you want to buy or sell. CL is free to use so you have nothing to lose by checking it out.

Are you doing your holiday season shopping now?

If you are you should definitely check CL out for yourself whether you’re buying or selling.