As you are all aware, we promote the use of craigslist.com heavily as it can be a really helpful resource when promoting your listings. We also stress in our workshops, training sessions and support channels that abusing craigslist.com is not acceptable and the result will be craigslist.com charging for the ability to load listings.
I was just reading Craig’s (of craigslist.com) blog about the changes they have made to the system for New York Apartment Brokers. Here is a piece of his post:
Well, we just starting charging apartment brokers in NYC for apartment rental listings, looks good so far, overposting may have already gone away. Volume has dropped a lot, quality higher, really good.
As expected, some brokers started posting in owner, and with volunteer help, we’ve been shooting ’em down. Similar problem in registration fee, but people know that’s a low priority source.
Also, I’m finding that most of the problematic brokers have gone away, people who do stuff like posting fee ads in no fee, or who flood the no fee section for big buildings.
I do suspect to see more attempted bait and switch, and am already planning on how to pursue that.
This is why we preach that all real estate agents follow the craigslist.com rules and abuse policies. craigslist.com is an excellent asset that is free in most cities. Follow the rules and hopefully it stays that way for your city.