Photo-Illustration: New York Magazine
When our “Classifieds” section debuted in 1971, the listings, in their way, reflected the moment: There was a polar-bear-pelt rug priced at $2,500, a build-your-own-dulcimer kit, wild rice from Minnesota going for $4 a pound, and “Scientology jewelry.” The majority of the ads were for services, and by the ’90s, that included yacht rentals, psychics, and gift-basket-makers. At one point, there were eight listings for party caricaturists for hire. While the demand for the last has waned, New Yorkers’ desire for other people’s stuff has not.
That’s why we’re bringing back our “Classifieds” just for New York–based subscribers. Each edition will have a theme (“I Love It, But It’s Just Not ‘Me’” is our inaugural installment). Unlike in the ’70s, there’s no fee to submit a listing, and it’s up to the buyer and seller to coordinate payment and pickup. And unlike the listings on Facebook Marketplace or Depop, our “Classifieds” give you the chance to engage other New York readers. As one of our first ads in 1971 read, “Wouldn’t you feel better renting your house to someone who reads your magazine?”
Want to browse the listings, or have stuff that you’re ready to sell? Subscribe, and fill out the submission form here.