: Run your hand along the piping and seams. Look for tiny dark spots (bed bug droppings) or small white casings (eggs).
: Legitimate "new" sales often stem from "wrong size" orders, moving unexpectedly, or missed return windows for online "bed-in-a-box" brands. Safe Inspection and Pickup buying new mattress on craigslist
: A truly new mattress should have a faint "new foam" smell or no smell at all. Any hint of perfume, smoke, or mustiness indicates it has been in a home. : Run your hand along the piping and seams
: Most Craigslist sellers prefer cash or a secure app like Venmo/Zelle, but only pay once the mattress is loaded into your vehicle. Safe Inspection and Pickup : A truly new
: Even if a mattress looks clean, it can harbor allergens, bodily fluids, or odors that are impossible to remove entirely.
: Use a dedicated mattress bag for transport to keep it clean and dry during the move. Negotiation and Payment