Interior designer Victoria Solomon of Victoria Elizabeth Design [1] has turned Craigslist bargain hunting into an art form. Not only does she use the resale website to source fantastic pieces for her greater New York and Boston-area clients' spaces, but she's also had major personal success on the site; Victoria's NYC apartment [2] is a treasure trove of designer steals. It contains a spectacular campaign dresser she scooped up for a jaw-dropping $65 and an authentic 1970s Pace Collection brass and glass coffee table she purchased for $85 — it retails for around $3,500.

Beyond incredible patience and diligence (it took her eight months to find all the furniture in her apartment), we wanted to know the nitty-gritty of Victoria's winning Craigslist technique. Here's what she had to say.

POPSUGAR: What types of furniture pieces is Craigslist best for?

Victoria Solomon: Craigslist is definitely best for case goods like tables, cabinets, chests, or desks. Buying anything fabric-related on Craigslist would definitely freak me out (unless you're planning on replacing the upholstery)!

PS: Any search secrets?

VS: I use an app to find what I'm looking for — it's called cPro Craigslist [3], and it's fantastic. It allows you to search for an item across any geographical area in the US . . . if you use the app I mentioned, it's relatively quick and just scrolling through quickly until you see something. It's an easy thing to do while you're watching TV!

PS: Do you have any tactics for getting the seller to commit to you?

VS: The trick is to message or call the seller as soon as you find an item you like — even if you're not sure, begin a dialogue with them so they know you're is interested. If you really love the item, then set up a time — the sooner the better. That way you can ensure that you'll get first dibs on the piece.

PS: What happens if the piece doesn't live up to your expectations in person?

VS: Don't feel bad about changing your mind once you see the piece in person. Once I made the trip to see a wooden desk that looked fantastic in the photos, but when I showed up, it was veneer and it was chipping. I told the seller politely that I wasn't sure it would fit in my space and that I wanted to go back home and measure (an excuse I made up).

PS: Any price negotiation tips?

VS: Try hesitating for a bit. Ask some questions about the piece such as, "Oh, it looks a little scratched here?" or "Oh, it seemed much bigger in the photo." This might push them to offer a lower price. But if you know you're getting a fantastic deal, just take it.

PS: What are your tips for determining if an item is authentic?

VS: Do your research beforehand to figure out how you can verify if an item is authentic. If you're unsure, reach out to a local antique shop and send them a photo of the piece. Ask them if they think it's real. Don't send the whole link — they might realize what a good deal it is too!

PS: What are some of your other favorite sites for finding vintage furniture?

VS: Etsy [4] — I found my fantastic Hollywood Regency brass desk there as well as my leather brass chair. They really have great pieces on there. I also love Chairish [5]. eBay always has some good finds too! And a lot of the dealers on Etsy are open to negotiating as well. I always email them beforehand.