SearchTempest is a free search engine tool that allows you to search all of Craigslist nationwide and internationally. It’s extremely useful for finding specific items or bargains that may be scarce in your local area. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use SearchTempest effectively:
1. Go to the SearchTempest Website
The first step is simply to go to the SearchTempest website. You can find it by searching for “SearchTempest” in any search engine. The URL is www.searchtempest.com.
2. Select Your Search Parameters
Once on the SearchTempest homepage, you’ll see a set of search filters on the left side. Here are the different parameters you can set:
- Location – Select the city, region, or country you want to search. You can search all of the United States & Canada or specify a certain distance from a zip code.
- Category – Choose a specific Craigslist category like “for sale” or “housing.”
- Query – Enter the search term(s) or phrase you are looking for.
- Price – Narrow results by specified price range if desired.
- Posted – Filter by when ads were posted, such as “last 24 hours.”
Set any parameters that are relevant to your search. The more you refine, the more targeted your results will be. But you can also leave fields blank to search more broadly.
3. Perform the Search
Once your filters are set, simply click “Search” or hit enter. SearchTempest will scan all of the selected Craigslist sites for matching ads. This may take a few seconds depending on how broad your search is.
4. Browse and Evaluate Results
You will now see a page of search results, displaying summaries of each matching ad. You can click on any listing to visit the full ad on its original Craigslist site. As you browse, look for:
- Good prices on the items you want
- Ads with lots of details and photos
- Sellers who seem reliable based on post history
- Listings in your desired condition (new, used, etc)
The search results will display the city and state for each ad, so you can also filter by location. Focus on ads from sellers who seem trustworthy and are offering what you need.
5. Refine Your Search Further
If your first search turns up too many or too few results, you can refine the parameters and search again. Try adjusting the location range, adding or removing search terms, filtering different categories, or setting a tighter price filter. SearchTempest makes it easy to tweak a search quickly without having to start over.
6. Contact the Seller
Once you’ve found some promising listings, contact the sellers just as you would for a normal Craigslist ad. Email them using their listed contact info or the Craigslist email relay option. Ask questions, request more photos, negotiate price, and set up a time to complete the purchase.
Because SearchTempest displays third-party ads, you’ll still complete transactions through the original Craigslist site, not on SearchTempest.
7. Stay Safe When Meeting Strangers
When purchasing items through Craigslist and SearchTempest, it’s smart to follow basic safety precautions, since you’ll often be meeting strangers:
- Meet in a public place like a coffee shop or store
- Bring a friend or family member
- Avoid meeting at your home or the seller’s home
- Meet during daylight hours only
- Trust your instincts – if a deal seems shady, walk away
Taking basic safety measures helps transactions go smoothly when connecting online.
8. Leave Feedback
After completing a transaction, consider leaving feedback about your experience. This helps other SearchTempest users identify reliable sellers. You can usually leave feedback directly on the original Craigslist ad.
Pro Tips
Here are some expert tips for getting the most out of SearchTempest:
Search Nationwide
Don’t just search your own city. Broaden your search to nationwide – you’d be surprised what awesome deals you can find a few states over.
Filter by NEW Ads
Try filtering your results to only show ads that were posted in the last 24 hours. Newly listed items often get snatched up quickly, so this helps you see them first.
Bookmark Searches
If you do a search for something like “mountain bike” that you want to check regularly, bookmark the search URL. Then you can visit periodically to see new results.
Set Alerts
For saved searches, click “Alert” to get emailed when new results are found. This way you don’t have to constantly recheck manually.
Browse All Categories
Don’t just look at “for sale.” Great deals can pop up under housing, gigs, services, and other sections too.
Search Outside the Box
Searching unexpected terms can turn up hidden gems. For example, try misspellings that sellers may use accidentally.
Common Questions
Is SearchTempest really free to use?
Yes, SearchTempest is 100% free. There are no paid tiers or upgrade options. The service is supported by advertising revenue.
Is it safe to buy things on Craigslist?
Craigslist is generally safe if you use common sense precautions. Meet in public, bring friends, avoid giving sensitive info, and trust your instincts. Deals are not guaranteed so assess each ad carefully.
Why are some areas missing on SearchTempest?
SearchTempest can only index areas of Craigslist that allow automated searching. Some regions like Canada and Australia are not fully included because they prohibit scraping.
Can I search multiple countries at once?
Unfortunately no – SearchTempest only allows searching one country at a time. But you can search the entire US & Canada together.
Does SearchTempest list ads from other sites besides Craigslist?
No, SearchTempest exclusively searches Craigslist listings. However, Craigslist has such a massive volume of classified ads that SearchTempest is still very useful.
Conclusion
SearchTempest is an invaluable tool for finding incredible deals on secondhand items, rare collectibles, cheap housing, and more. By searching all of Craigslist at once, you gain access to classified ads well beyond just your own town. Just use common sense when contacting strangers and meeting up for transactions. With its simple interface and powerful nationwide search capabilities, SearchTempest can help you save money and uncover hidden gems across all categories.