Online Classifieds: Craigslist vs. Walmart
I have been a huge fan of Craigslist over the years. The site is about the most boring looking site out there, but is also about the best place to buy or sell used local items. I still sell most goods with eBay when I need a little quick cash, but for the larger items Craigslist has been the way to go.
Can Walmart beat Craigslist at their own game?
Enter Walmart. The giant that has gotten just a little bit too big has launched a similar classified service.
Quick side note: My grandpa has owned a small appliance store for most of his life that was passed down from his father. A few years back when Walmart decided to start selling appliances, my grandpa told me that Walmart was selling them (to customers) for less than he could buy them from his dealer. Quick business lesson - Since Walmart was purchasing the appliances in such a huge quantity, the dealers gave them a much greater discounted price than they gave my grandpa.
While I know, “it’s just business,” I am not a fan of super-corporations running the little guys out of town. The story ends well: my 84 year old grandpa still goes into work everyday, his business made it through it, and I think Walmart has left the appliance business to find more profitable opportunities.
Back to the topic: Walmart’s new classifieds offer a few conveniences that craigslist doesn’t:
- Pictures on the results page - so you don’t have to actually click the item to see the picture
- Prices on the results page and in the same location - it makes it quick to scan prices for bargains
- The ability to refine your search by various criteria - this saves a lot of time if you have something very specific in mind
Even with Walmart’s size it is going to take them a while to get the users that Craigslist has gotten. If you check it out don’t expect much right now - I browsed through the electronics category for my town and there really isn’t much yet. It will get there. I am sure. It’s Walmart.
Do you use online classifieds? Do you think Walmart will run Craigslist out too?
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Comments on Online Classifieds: Craigslist vs. Walmart »
Hmm - Wal-Mart. I’m actually addicted, living within walking distance of one and enjoying having access to decent prices. The problem is that I want what every American wants: CHOICE. I want to choose better service, a more knowlegeable staff, or higher quality products. If I give in to my urge to shop too much at Wal-Mart, I’ll be giving up the rich and varied choice I enjoy now in the long run.
I know that wasn’t the question, but there’s a lot to say about Wally World.
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you bring up a good point - I think we all want that choice and it seems that most people choose to pick the company with the lowest prices… Walmart. And as you mentioned giving the giant our devotion will untimately end our ability to choose. Hmmm… what to do?
Another resource to sell all that stuff we don’t need!
I shop at wal-mart all the time, for my groceries even now too because they’re so much cheaper than the closest grocery store. Go figure.
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we use Walmart as well as Craigslist. but we get more visiters from Walmart.