Craig's List is helpful for finding out deals from local merchants in your area. Most on-line placement of ads carry no charge, except for seeking employment services.

However, it is a mixed bag for Trustworthiness and Child Safety because while we have had good experiences with Craig's List, our family has two new rules:

1.) We no longer put ANYTHING on the site that is a really big item requiring a potential buyer to come to the home. We communicate through E-mail and phone only as a sort of screening process. Everything is sent out.

2.) If you are negotiating on a big item that cannot be shipped without difficulty, agree to meet in a public place and take another trusted person that you know with you if possible. (i.e A Restaurant
or shopping center to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and to discuss your item.) Meet in public where there are going to be a lot of people around.

3.) Never accept an offer from the potential Craig's List buyer or seller to have him/her come pick you up. You should always meet where you arrive at the destination in your own car.

4.) Children should not be viewing Craig's List for obvious security reasons. All minors should be supervised by parents or guardians at the site to learn what conduct is and is not acceptable.

Craig's List can be a good site and for the most part is. However, users should discuss the safety tips with friends and family to insure a quality and safe experience at this site. "