My wife has bought quite a few pieces of furniture through CL. She generally asks if the item is still available and if so, when would be a good time to take a look at it? We normally go together and more often than not, when we look at it, it isn't in good enough condition or doesn't match what she is looking for. We thank them for their time and we walk. No haggling and there is no arranged sale before we get there. If the price is way off, she doesn't contact the seller. If the price is close but the condition of the piece doesn't meet what she is willing to pay, she will counter their asking price with what she believes the piece is worth to her. Sometimes they accept, sometimes they counter back, and often we end up thanking them for their time and wish them luck with their sale. I don't think one of these transactions has taken more than ten minutes. Some items have worked out well, and others not as well. We have sold a few things but often things are given to friends or relatives and when all else fails, there is always the ARC or Goodwill.

I've been to estate sales with her, but I can't say that I am a fan. Some decent deals but it often feels to me like I am walking through someone's (usually elderly) home picking through their life. Depends on what you are looking for, but I've learned that mid-century modern, i.e. everything in my parent's house while I was growing up is going for stupid prices IMO.