Craigslist Market: Who’s your dealer?
By Sophie Slesinger at April 13, 2010 | 4:16 pm | Print
I’m all about cheap stuff. Thrift store on a half-price Monday? Check out my new earrings on Tuesday. No club cover before 11? I’m there at 7:30.
A few weeks ago my friend gave me some of her family’s 50-year-old yogurt culture. The fact that I’m enjoying my yogurt every morning for the cost of just a few cups of milk brings me satisfaction sweeter than my one- dollar-per-pound homemade granola. Now, I can survive almost exclusively on milk, granola and Groupon.
I recently read a New York Times article on Kombucha, a fermented tea that is the latest of the do-it-yourself craze. Similar to making your own yogurt, you need a starter culture, often called a “mushroom,” to brew your own batch. One of the most popular places to get a starter, surprisingly enough, is Craigslist.
Now, Craigslist is great. Last minute concert tickets, a sturdy end table, a late — night phone companion–all this and more can be found for a bargain on Craigslist. I’m just not sure how I feel about browsing anonymous online classifieds for my groceries.
On a recent search of the Atlanta Craigslist I found I could get eggs, a Kombucha mushroom, jabuticaba fruits, and heirloom tomatoes for just a couple a bucks. I’m reluctant. Who is selling it? How did they get it? Did they spit on it?
There is something comforting about knowing your grower. They shake your hand and they talk to you about the weather. You find out that they have a golden retriever, too.
If I were to get those Craigslist tomatoes, should we meet in a parking lot? Should I bring along a friend just in case? I know it’s a bit irrational. And I’m sure that the food sales — like most of the other sales on Craigslist-are quality products from lovely people. Still, for something as precious as my groceries, I’ll stick to the face-to-face vendors for now.
Nina, 1 year ago
Cool! I use Craigslist a lot but I’ve never bought food before on it. Don’t know how comfortable I’d be with that, either.
Ann T., 1 year ago
Yes…way to go…I agree with Sophie. I’ll stick with Craigslist for items that don’t go in my body like cars, condos and calculators…
kimmie, 1 year ago
You can buy food on Craigslist? Who knew? Who would?
Gwen P., 1 year ago
Very interesting, Sophie! Sounds as ominous as “dumpster diving”….which is also a thrifty and no-waste way to garner other-wise good food….at a real bargain! “Real shoppers” also do that, too! I’ll stick to clipping coupons and visiting our local grocery store for now.