The Hidden Costs of Online Freebies

Are you trying to find something that costs absoutely nothing? If so, then you may just find yourself at the Craigslist.org. Craigslits is on online classified site and service that gives user free stuff section. Try clicking on your local page and you will likely see hundreds of free things. What you will then find would include books, movies, clothes, furniture, appliances, and a whole lot more. With that said, watch out for hidden costs. Even though the Craigslist ad boasts the word 'free', you will only end up spending a little amount of money.

Hidden Cost #1 - Gas
Although not necessarily a hidden cost, it is one that Craigslist free takers rarely think about. Now, if you would be driving two blocks away just to pick a free couch, that isn't such a bad idea. However, driving two hourse for that free couch will even cost you more. You can drive as far as you want to get free things (like a $2,000 used swing set for free), but consider the cost of gas the cost of the swing set.

Hidden Cost #2 - Repairs
It is either hit or miss as to whether you would get an honest person on the Craigslist. Plus, you can just use your best judgment. A person that would be giving a 2 - year old laptop computer is likelt to be doing so, because it was broken, even if they would not say it. If you buy an item (knowingly or not) that is broken, you have a choice to make. You can either trash the item or pay for repairs. In some cases, repairs are considered the best. What if that free laptop only needed a $30 power cord? You still get an awesome deal, but it really isn't free anymore.

Hidden Cost #3 - Cleaning Supplies
Rarely does a Craigslist poster go out of their way to scrub down kid's toys and other items. It is absolutely free, so they will not get anything in return in doing so. You will never know and probably do not want to know where most of these stuffs on the Craigslist have been.