How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (2024)

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Written by Dave Johnson

How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (1)

  • You can reply to any post on Craigslist — just click the "reply" button at the top left of a post, and complete the Captcha puzzle if you're asked to.
  • Some Craigslist listings will offer a phone contact to call or text, though most listings will only offer an email contact.
  • You can click an email link to open your email app automatically or copy and paste the link into an email program later.

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Craigslist is a modern-day bulletin board, filled with countless classified ads that you can post and reply to for free.

While using Craigslist to respond to a post isn't difficult, the site's unrefined interface can sometimes feel imposing. Here is how to reply to any post on Craigslist.

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How to reply to a post on Craigslist

1. Open the Craigslist website in your browser and find a post you want to reply to.

2. Click "reply" in the upper left corner of the page.

How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (2)

3. Craigslist might require you to complete a Captcha test to make sure you are human. If so, answer the question, such as finding all the squares that contain a certain kind of object.

4. In the pop-up menu, choose how you want to reply. There may be an option to show a phone number or email address; if you see "show phone number," you can click it to call or text the poster directly.

How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (3)

5. Most postings, though, will only display "show email." Click it to see your email options:

  • If you use an email client on your desktop, like Microsoft Outlook, you can click the link under "reply by email." That should open your email app with the email address automatically inserted.
  • If you use webmail like Gmail or Yahoo Mail, click the appropriate link in the "webmail links" section. This should open your webmail in a browser, with the address inserted.
  • If you want to reply another way, you can click the email address at the bottom of the window and copy it by pressing Ctrl+C on your PC keyboard or Command+C on a Mac. Then you can paste the address into any email program or webmail service you prefer.
  • Once you've done that, you can write and send your email as usual. If you're concerned about your privacy, you may want to use a "disposable" email account such as a webmail service you use infrequently and not for any important personal mail.

How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (4)

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How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (5)

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways (2024)

FAQs

How to reply to a post on Craigslist in several different ways? ›

To reply to a Craigslist post, just click the reply button. To use your device's default email app, select the first link. Otherwise, select the web-based email you use (like Gmail or Yahoo) or copy and paste the email address at the bottom of the window into a new email manually.

How do you reply to a post on Craigslist? ›

To reply to a Craigslist post, just click the reply button. To use your device's default email app, select the first link. Otherwise, select the web-based email you use (like Gmail or Yahoo) or copy and paste the email address at the bottom of the window into a new email manually.

Is it safe to reply on Craigslist via email or text? ›

Unfortunately, no such protection exists for those replying to posts. When you reply directly from Craigslist, your email address will be visible to the recipient. To reply anonymously, you need to create a free Web-based email address, which does not contain identifiable information.

Why can't I reply to Craigslist emails? ›

Make sure the post you are responding to is still active by refreshing the page. If the recipient has opted out of the conversation, you will no longer be able to email that address. Try sending your message again with less content, fewer or no attachments, and reduced file sizes.

Should I use a different email for Craigslist? ›

Craigslist provides proxy email addresses to sellers, and it's a good idea to use them so browsers can't spam your actual email address. Once a potential buyer is truly interested, however, it's okay to switch communication to your cell phone; most buyers appreciate being able to text.

Does Craigslist hide your email when you reply? ›

Craigslist uses email obfuscation to protect your actual email address from exposure. When you click on the response button in the Craigslist ad, the site generates for you a Craigslist email address. When the other user responds to your message using this address, you receive the message into your real email address.

Should you give your phone number on Craigslist? ›

Craigslist email relay hides your email address when communicating with buyers or sellers. It's a great security feature that you should take advantage of. That means you shouldn't give your real email address or phone number to someone you're dealing with, especially if they're pressuring you.

How to know if a Craigslist reply is real? ›

Craigslist Scam Alert: 5 Signs a Con Artist Is Replying to Your...
  1. They Won't Come See the Item in Person. ...
  2. The Email Reply Doesn't Refer to the Specific Item You're Selling. ...
  3. The Buyer 'Accidentally' Overpays. ...
  4. They Ask for Personal or Financial Information. ...
  5. The Buyer Refuses to Meet at a Public Place.
Mar 21, 2019

Is Venmo safe for Craigslist? ›

How the scam works: A scammer negotiates a purchase with you on an online marketplace like Craigslist, then says they've paid or Venmo is holding the payment until you upload the shipping information. They usually send a spoofed email with a faked screenshot so it looks like they've made the payment.

What can a Craigslist scammer do with my email? ›

With just your email address, scammers can:
  • Target you with sophisticated phishing emails.
  • Find more sensitive information about you — including where you live.
  • Attempt to hack into your social media or other online accounts.
  • Impersonate you and scam your friends and family.

How do I post on Craigslist without email? ›

However, you cannot create a Craigslist ad without providing your email address. But you can make your email address anonymous using Craigslist's ad creation settings. This hides your identity from those responding to your ad.

What happens if you flag a Craigslist email? ›

Free classified ads sufficiently flagged are subject to automated removal. Postings may also be flagged for removal by CL staff or CL automated systems.

What does everyone use instead of Craigslist? ›

Are There Local Classified Websites Similar to Craigslist? Numerous local classified websites, such as Gumtree, Oodle, and Backpage, mirror Craigslist's format. These platforms cater to specific regions, facilitating localized transactions and community connections.

How do I reply to a listing on Craigslist? ›

How to reply to craigslist postings
  1. Click "Reply."
  2. A window with response options will appear. ...
  3. Make sure the response address is highlighted and copy it to your clipboard. ...
  4. Now open your email program and start a new message.
  5. Paste the response address into the "To" field.

Do people see your email address Craigslist? ›

To protect buyer and seller privacy, Craigslist keeps email addresses hidden. However, even with this security system, you might want to take additional precautions when responding to emails from Craigslist.

How do I know if a Craigslist response is real? ›

Scammers often use fake sites to lure buyers into paying for items that don't exist. Always check the URL before finalizing a purchase. Craigslist does not back any transaction on its site. If you receive an email or text trying to sell you purchase protection, you're looking at a scam.

What happens when you repost on Craigslist? ›

When you repost a current paid post you are creating a copy with a new post ID number; the original post will remain on the site under its original date and location. The fee for reposting a listing is the same as submitting a new post, and you will be asked to re-enter your payment information.

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