Tip of the Day: Smart moves when getting goods on Craigslist

Since its launch in San Francisco in early 1995 as an e-mail list of local events, Craigslist has blossomed into a sizable battalion of no-frills community Web sites offering local classified ads and forums for more than 570 cities in 50-plus countries on six continents. If you've ever visited a Craigslist.org site in your area, you know there's a tantalizing array of goods and services to buy, pick up for free, or swap. And as it has nationwide during the recession, bartering has boomed on the U.S. city sites, up about 100 percent in a year.

The key to the sites' success is "following through with basic shared values, like 'treat people like you want to be treated,'" says Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist who's also on the board of Consumers Union. He adds that that's "Easy to say, hard to follow through with." To be a solid citizen and to avoid disappointment over an item or, worse, getting scammed by a shady lister who might not embrace the Craigslist credo, follow Newmark's tips:

• When selling furniture, appliances, rugs, and the like, include a photo of the item with your listing and disclose all issues related to the product, including damage, wear, and performance problems.

• When you're buying, show up at the agreed-upon time and be sure your vehicle is big enough to hold the item you're buying. Also follow these personal-safety tips.

• When dealing with a party for the first time, insist on a public meeting place and consider having someone accompany you; if you don't, tell a friend or family member where you're going and bring your cell phone. Newmark advises against going to a stranger's home to pick up your latest great find.

• Finally, trust your instincts—if something seems wrong, walk away from the deal. If you encounter a scam, report the incident. Read the details on avoiding fraud.

Essential information: When you buy something through the classifieds or even at a garage or yard  sale, if applicable, ask for the warranty information and owner's manual/user's guide. Don't sweat it if you can't get the manual or guide, since you might be able to download it off the manufacturer's site. Also, if a piece of electronic equipment you're buying comes in what appears to be a factory-sealed box, open it to be sure you're getting what you paid for and not a cheaper model or even just a a couple of bricks. (Don't laugh. It happens.) And learn how to buy on eBay so you save money and don't get ripped off.