#tenantking

Refresher Course

2015 was a big year for Tenant King.  Our communities became increasingly vibrant as both the number of users and the frequency with which they post spiraled higher.  We hope that you too got a lot out of TK this year, and that our hints, prods, and tips helped you maximize the site.  In order to continue that momentum into the New Year, we’re going to put you through a little Continuing Ed.

The first thing we’ll remind you of, is that Tenant King isn’t just for ‘stuff.’  It’s also a place you should go to for services, questions, conversations, and advice regarding your neighborhood.  Secondly, if TK is being used for stuff, specifically that which you are looking to unload, be descriptive: include photos (multiple preferably), measurements, color, and condition.  Third, if you’re contemplating buying something on Tenant King, don’t be afraid to make a bid lower than the asking price.  Who pays retail anyway?  

Fourth: think seasonal and sharing economy.  Tenant King should be your first thought when moving into a new home, moving out of one, doing a Spring or end-of-year cleaning in your apartment, or looking to rent it out, temporarily or long-term.  Finally, remember that the cost to you for doing all of the above on Tenant King is zero, and that the people on it are your verified neighbors.  

Service King

When people dream of winning the lottery, their first thoughts usually gravitate towards material possessions such as cars, boats, and vacation homes.  But increasingly in the 21st century, many of us look towards ways to free up more time, and therefore seek services that allow us to do so. Even if we don’t win the lottery.

These services might include baby-sitters, dog-walkers, maids, masseuses, and personal trainers, and for those really fortunate butlers and home chefs.  I’m pretty sure you won’t find the latter two, but for every other need you may have, there’s no better place to find the right person is Tenant King.  Why?  Because the local nature of the website means your maid/masseuse etc. is focused on your particular neighborhood.  Which means they find it worthwhile economically to do business there, and they are looking to attain/maintain a good reputation in that locale.

Make a bid

Don’t let an offering price turn you away from an item on Tenant King.  On the site, as in life, everything is negotiable.  

As brilliant as we’d like to think all of our users are, it’s not uncommon that we notice an item priced somewhere between ‘wishful thinking’ and ‘ain’t gonna happen.’  That’s just the way it is in the imperfect market for second hand sales.  Some sellers make too direct a link between what they paid for something, and what it’s worth now.  Others have an emotional or visceral attachment to a possession.  This is especially true for unusual items, say a hurling stick or a lavender afghan versus an iPhone 5.  

So instead of completely writing it off, may we suggest that you send a PM to the seller with a counter-offer?  We won’t proffer any bargaining or negotiating tactics here, just use your common sense, and please be civil about it.  Nevertheless, you might find that some sellers are willing to take a slightly lower price than they would from other venues, due to your being verified on Tenant King and someone local and probably less likely to flake.

How To Write a Classified Post on Tenant King

In the last few months we’ve noticed the big uptick in postings here on Tenant King, and we’re very, very appreciative.  Now we’d like to help you increase the chances of finding a local buyer, by providing you with a few reminders as to what makes an ideal classified. One general thought to keep in mind, is that many people want to know everything without having to ask.

Use More Than One Picture:  Sounds obvious right?  Yet so many users still don’t do this.  First of all, like everything on Tenant King, they are free.  Secondly, in light of the “camera” in everyone’s pocket today, what excuse do you have not to?  It’s not like way back in the 20th century when you had to get the old Nikon out and then wait for film to be developed.  So click away - a picture’s worth a thousand words, even better make it three thousand.

Measurements Please:  Most of us don’t live in one of those pads with a private keyed-elevator entry.  Instead we’re wrestling with whether there’s enough room to sandwich a chair or a double-loveseat.  One thing a picture can’t tell you is the actual size, so get out the tape measure and save yourself and everyone else some time.

Include Color and Condition:  This is what I get for using the tired saying “A picture’s worth…,” now I get to eat all one thousand.  That’s because the truth is that sometimes a picture doesn’t reveal the true color of an item, and frequently can’t state the real condition.  Let buyers know using words.

Price It Right:  Sorry folks, that never-used crystal sugar bowl someone paid $300 for off your registry at Tiffany’s, is not going to find a new home at $250.  I hope you didn’t spend the cash already.  If you want it to move, you’ll need to offer it at a price where someone develops an urging for an item like this. C’mon, it’s not an iPhone 6.

Fitness for moms arrives in LIC

Jessica recently moved to Long Island City with her husband and she wanted to grow her personal trainer business. Once she found out about Tenant King, she started posting, and the success of her stroller fitness classes, called “Fit Mom LIC”, snowballed from there. Meet Jessica:

Moving In, Moving Out. Think Tenant King

May is moving month - not in an official manner like Cinco De Mayo or National Defense Transportation Day, but certainly in a de facto one.  That is because it is when everyone from college decamps and moves into civilian housing.  Think bachelor and bachelorette pads, sometimes split amongst 2-4 others, and frequently requiring a walk up a flight or three to reach.  

Nevertheless, it’s time to say goodbye to lava lamps and mini-fridges, and hello to martini shakers and leather couches.  After seven hard years of toiling at university, you deserve to start moving upscale.  Unfortunately your new employer doesn’t fully recognize the value of your contribution yet.  So while you might not be ready to drop eight-grand on a brand new Maurice Villency, you can stretch and buy some associate investment banker’s lightly-used Crate & Barrel - lord knows, he’s never at home to sit on it.  And whether it’s a couch, table, bed, or armoire, do you know what the best part is?  It’s already assembled!  No need to read instructions written by an ESL writer halfway around the world, with stick-figure like diagrams that are inevitably missing a step.  Oh, and it’s probably close by and easy to pick up too.

So whether you are moving into the city, moving out of it, or moving within, the very first thing you should be thinking is listing or looking on Tenant King.  Everything - most of what you are selling or buying during a move is optimally suited to be listed locally.  Best of all, it costs nothing, as in free.  You can’t say that about your moving men.

Balconies, Patios, & Terraces

Don’t let the short term cold spell fool you, Spring and Summer are right around the corner.  For those fortunate enough to have balconies, patios, and terraces, it’s time to start preparing.  Maybe you’re thinking ‘Hmm, it’s time to upgrade my tiki chairs and pink flamingo.  The winter took it’s toll on them and I am nearing thirty.’  Well guess what, there’s probably someone nearby thinking ‘Gee it is getting nice. I just want an outdoor chair to plunk my butt down on and drink a beer while I gaze over the rooftops.’

So if this is your current mindset, the next thing you should be asking is ‘Who wants to drive from the UWS to the LES to pick up a lounge chair?’  In fact, who wants to drive anywhere in the 5 boroughs for used furniture, anytime?

If you’ve read this far, the answer should be simple: Tenant King!  It’s so much easier, and less sleazier, to coordinate purchases and sales with people in your neighborhood.  The last thing you want to hear on a beautiful day is “Uhh, I’m stuck on the BQE and will probably be an hour late.”  

Oh and let’s not forget barbecues!  For many New Yorkers it’s their raison d’etre given the long hours we put in at the office.  Well do you know how much work it is to assemble an outdoor grill from Home Depot?  That comes on top of standing in the weekend checkout line, waiting in the parking lot, and/or trying to hail a cab.

Or, maybe you’ve graduated from burgers and dogs and are ready to display your inner Bobby Flay.  Well guess what, the answer for the both of you, whether a buyer or seller of bbq grills, is also ta-dah: Tenant King!  I’ll take mine with mustard and relish please.

Tenant King User Stories

Amadeo has lived in Long Island City for about a year. Even though he enjoys the community, he thinks New York City has a bad habit: even if people live on right top of each other, no one actually knows one another. He thinks Tenant King can be a powerful tool to break down the barriers we build around each other and ourselves. He started a potluck for young parents, and its success far exceeded his expectations: Meet Amadeo