Listia has lots of bad reviews out there because it says "get stuff free" but some sellers make the BUYER pay shipping (I never charge for shipping). That's not Listia's fault, and you can always use the search filter for "free shipping only".

I've been using Listia for years-I joined in 2011 and I still use it constantly today! Listia is an auction site for new or used stuff. As far as "free" goes, people are complaining because ALL sellers don't offer free shipping. I would like to think people understand this, but many don't. Someone must pay, and I don't think Listia deserves a bad rap because of this.

But if the seller offers "free shipping", you really do shop for free because you pay for your winnings with credits! If the seller asks you to pay for shipping (which CAN'T be paid for with credits) then you can decide if it's worth it to you or not. There is always the option, too, of using the "FREE SHIPPING" search modifier, which is what I use. I LOVE Listia! I list handmade jewelry, small household or toiletry items, cell phones and other small stuff. In turn, I use the credits I get to bid on old, silver coins, SS jewelry, or craft supplies for my beading. I am more than happy with my time on Listia.

When you sell something, you earn CREDITS, then use those credits to bid on stuff you want. Their aim is to keep stuff out of landfills and offer shopping for little money. Also, some sellers can be rude, or untrustworthy, like on any other site. YOU must check their ratings, verification and feedback before you buy!

Now, that said you never know what you'll find up for auction! Here's some pointers:

1) List items that are small, lightweight, and cheap to ship. Some of the things I've seen listed that are cheap to ship are silver coins, baseball cards, jewelry, collectibles, clothing, electronics, and more...

2) You need to 'sell' stuff to earn credits. I suggest listing items that don't cost a lot to ship, then offering Free Shipping. Some items that are in high demand and command a lot of credits for you are

Postage Stamps

SS or Gold jewelry

Collectible Coins

Baby Clothes

Cell Phones or cases

Books or DVDs (and you can ask for "media mail" at the PO for a discount!)

Gift Cards

And much more.

3) Always use tracking numbers when you mail something, by using padded envelopes, so buyers can't say they never received it. If the envelope is still thin, put a little piece of Styrofoam or the like in the envelope so it's thick enough to warrant free tracking.

4) BEFORE you bid on something, read the description thoroughly. If it doesn't say 'free shipping' then you will have to pay it, and there will always be someone trying to make an extra buck by overcharging for shipping (ALSO not Listia's fault!). If the item is broken, not what you thought, empty...Listia will only return your credits if the ad description didn't warn you ahead of time.

5) ALWAYS check a seller's profile before buying. Check to see if they have their verification badges-or at least their phone number badge and Facebook badge (you should check their FB profile, too), negative feedback from buyers...Use caution if someone 1-has no profile picture, 2-just joined and it's their first (or one of the first few) listing.

Final Word

All sites, especially shopping or auction sites are going to have some issues. They are going to have buyers and sellers who are unscrupulous. Ebay has all of these. So does Bonanza, Tophatter, and many others. But millions of people still use them and love the results. Don't bash it until you've bought and sold just ONE thing. Keep it cheap, see how the site works, THEN make up your mind!