Using Gumtree to Save Money Easily
OK, I admit it. I am an Internet addict. I tend to start conversations with the caveat that ‘the Internet is the NOT the silver bullet’ and then proceed to discuss ad naseaum and at length its silver bullutesque qualities. I love it. I use it for answers to all my questions. I once found out how to open a coconut from a website of exactly that name.
I have learnt the intricacies of how to do 1930s makeup, now understand the rules surrounding most sports (except for AFL which I would argue is just anarchy on a field) and have self-diagnosed my medical complaints to my heart’s delight.
I tweet, blog, get facebooked and tell my friends I’ll myspace them. I can digg it, think it’s deli.ci.ous and flickr in and out with the best of them.
The older and wiser denizens around me seem to suggest that it’s all a big waste of time. How little they know. Not only can I keep up with lots of people I went to school with, without actually having to ever have to talk to them, but I also save money. And while eBay and CraigsList get a lot of attention, Gumtree remains my stalwart in the swirling world of Internet bargains.
Advertise rooms on Gumtree
I think one of the major reasons I love it so much is you can practically find anything you need. You can advertise rooms that have suddenly become available due to the unfortunate incident with your flatmate’s fish and its sudden death. Advertising is free, and you can usually get responses from like-minded people who understand that sometimes you just forget simple instructions like ‘could you feed my fish when I go away for a couple of days?’
Finding jobs on Gumtree
It also works in the other direction. Gumtree would be the first place I would look for a new job, or a new place to live. It’s worked for me every time so far, and I’m not the kind to be fickle.
Swapping items on Gumtree
Got some tickets to a show, but can’t go on the day you booked? Why not try and swap them on Gumtree? The Gold Coast Big Day Out only went on sale a couple of days ago and people are already trying to swap them for Sydney tickets.
If you’re an online bargains kind of person, this is for you. Secondhand stuff is listed under categories, and is usually significantly cheaper than store-bought. It’s always potluck with the items, and Gumtree doesn’t offer any buyer protection. Having said that, in my experience, the people who comprise the Gumtree crew are good community folk who wouldn’t rip you off.
As a final parting shot to my anti-Internet detractors, I also find the Internet to be a wonderful way of keeping up with the kooky events that might save you a bob. My favourite of this week is a Brisbane special, hosted in the Alibi Room.
Basically, you create a mix tape of some cool tracks, head to the Alibi room, sip away at your free beer, pick up someone else’s mixtape and head home to enjoy the vagaries of someone else’s music taste. All for the best price there is- free.
Internet geek I may be. But at least now I have a flatmate who doesn’t plan to own any fish. It’s a lot more peaceful that way.
Have you ever used Gumtree?
It’s free and easy, I suggest you give it a try!
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