Friday, 23 March 2012

Frugal Friday: Kijiji

When it comes to buying the things we need for the farm, house, or ourselves at an affordable price, Kijiji has been a game changer. The ability to quickly and easily determine if something we need is for sale locally is a huge time saver and a great tool for networking. We also like the fact that you can go take a look at the product that is for sale in person before deciding whether or not to buy it, and its interesting to meet people and here their stories about why they bought the item they're selling. Once when we went to pick up a $40 grain grinder from an elderly couple we ended up spending the whole evening with them hearing all about their off grid house and their family business. It was a fascinating and unexpected way to connect with people. We've bought both our current vehicles, numerous pieces of our farm machinery, lambing supplies, canning supplies, and tools all in good shape for much less than if they were purchased new. For example, a seed drill costs approximately $3,000 used from a farm machinery dealership. At auction, the price is unpredictable- sometimes you get a great deal, other times you aren't even in the bidding right off the bat. We recently obtained a used seed drill in excellent shape for $600 through Kijiji. That's a big difference! Definately worth the time it took to search the ads. We've also had success selling hay off of Kijiji.

If  you've used Kijiji or a similar site (like Craig's List), what is something you got a great deal on? If you've never used Kijiji or a similar site we encourage you to do so. You just might find exactly what you need, save some money and meet some interesting people in the process.

2 comments:

  1. Hey guys: one of the best deal I got off Kijiji is a used, Cdn made, 15 ft poly kayak. Brand new it retails for about $1500, and used, the model I bought still sells for anywhere btw $700-$900. I paid $350, plus the gas to go pick it up! The reason for the great deal was the fellow I bought it from had picked it up used for his wife at the same price, but she ended up not using it. He was selling it for the same price because he just wanted to make sure someone else got good use out of it! Very greatful, because I wouldn't have such a nice kayak otherwise, and it's been a great pastime!

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  2. I've been getting (and giving -- it's only fair) great deals on Kijiji for years. I think my favourite ones have been under the category of "one man's trash" ... stuff someone else would've thrown out that I've seen the value in, and turned it around on Kijiji at a perfectly fair price. I also run a site showcasing the *worst* of the Kijiji ads, if you'd like a laugh.

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