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Contract Lists

Craigslist alternative in California

Contract Lists is a local marketplace that started in California. Sellers pay $5 per listing, and chats stay in the app.

Contract Lists vs Craigslist

Facts about Craigslist come from its own public pages, as of October 2026. They may change, so check its site for the latest.

Contract Lists compared with Craigslist, as of October 2026
Contract ListsCraigslist
Cost to post
$5 per listing, services or goods. Stays up 30 days, plus one free renewal.Free, except some categories. In the US these include $5 for services, $5 for cars, trucks, RVs and motorcycles by owner, and $5 for items for sale by a dealer.As of October 2026 · Source 1
How buyers pay
Paying in the app is coming soon. For now, buyer and seller agree how to pay.Its safety page says to deal locally, face-to-face, and not to pay or accept payment before meeting in person.As of October 2026 · Source 2
Messages
Chats stay in the app. Phone numbers, emails and links are blocked, and you both keep a record.Its safety page suggests using CL mail relay to talk about an item, service or job.As of October 2026 · Source 2
Reporting scams
A Report button on every listing, seller profile and chat. Listings reported by several people are hidden until we review them.Its safety page asks users to flag postings and emails that are scams.As of October 2026 · Source 3

What we do differently

  • A flat $5 per listing

    Services and goods cost the same to post. The small listing fee is for safety. It helps keep scammers off Contract Lists.

  • One place for pros, classes and goods

    Hire local pros, book classes, and buy new, used and handmade goods.

  • Chats stay in the app

    Phone numbers, emails and links are blocked, and you both keep a record.

  • Report button everywhere

    On every listing, seller profile and chat. Listings reported by several people are hidden until we review them.

  • ID checks for bigger sales

    Sellers of anything over $100 will pass an ID check. ID checks start soon.

  • Local, started in California

    Listings are for people who can meet nearby. We started in California; sellers anywhere in the 50 states and DC can post.

Questions

Is Contract Lists free for buyers?

Yes. Anyone can browse as a guest, and a free account lets you message sellers. Customers never pay Contract fees.

Why do sellers pay $5?

The small listing fee is for safety. It helps keep scammers off Contract Lists. Every listing stays up 30 days. Renew once for free for 30 more days. After that, relist for $5.

Can I sell services and goods?

Yes. Post jobs, lessons, classes and custom work, or new, used and handmade goods. One account lets you hire, buy and sell.

Where does Contract Lists work?

Anywhere in the 50 states and DC. We started in California, and our city pages cover California for now. Listings are for people who can meet nearby.

Sell on Contract Lists

A flat $5 per listing. Free. Customers never pay Contract fees.

See how selling works

Sources

  1. Craigslist, “posting fees” (checked October 2026): craigslist.org/about/help/posting_fees (opens in a new tab)
  2. Craigslist, “Avoiding Scams” (checked October 2026): craigslist.org/about/help/safety/scams/avoiding (opens in a new tab)
  3. Craigslist, “Reporting scams” (checked October 2026): craigslist.org/about/help/safety/scams/reporting/ (opens in a new tab)

Craigslist is a trademark of its owner. Contract Lists isn't affiliated with, or endorsed by, Craigslist.