# Decatur Service URLs Scraper (`getdataforme/decatur-service-urls-mp-scraper`) Actor

Automate Craigslist job listing extraction with the Decatur Service URLs Scraper. Customize queries, use proxies, and export results in JSON, CSV, or Excel. Perfect for market research, competitive analysis, and business automation. Seamlessly handle large data volumes with high reliability....

- **URL**: https://apify.com/getdataforme/decatur-service-urls-mp-scraper.md
- **Developed by:** [GetDataForMe](https://apify.com/getdataforme) (community)
- **Categories:** AI, Automation, E-commerce
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $9.00 / 1,000 results

This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

Actors are web data automations that power AI and operations. They run on the Apify platform to scrape websites, process data, connect APIs, and automate workflows.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.
Actors are written with capital "A".

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.
The best way to integrate Actors is as follows.

- **AI agents and MCP clients** — the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/integrations/mcp.md) at `https://mcp.apify.com` (remote, streamable HTTP, OAuth on first use).
- **Agentic workflows and local Actor development** — [Agent Skills](https://apify.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json) with the [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md): `npm install -g apify-cli`, then `apify login`.
- **JavaScript/TypeScript projects** — the official [JS/TS client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md): `npm install apify-client`.
- **Python projects** — the official [Python client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md): `pip install apify-client`.
- **Any other language** — the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md).

For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below.

For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt).

# README

## README.md

### Decatur Service URLs Scraper

#### Introduction

The **Decatur Service URLs Scraper** is an Apify Actor designed to efficiently extract job listings from Craigslist based on specified search queries. This tool empowers users with data-driven insights by providing comprehensive and structured access to Craigslist's vast repository of service-related posts.

#### Features

- **Automated Data Extraction**: Seamlessly scrape Craigslist for specific job listings.
- **Customizable Search Queries**: Tailor searches using user-defined terms.
- **Flexible Output Formats**: Export results in JSON, CSV, or Excel formats.
- **Proxy Support**: Configure proxy settings to enhance privacy and access control.
- **Scalable Performance**: Handle large volumes of data with ease.
- **High Data Reliability**: Ensure consistent and accurate data retrieval.

#### Input Parameters

| Parameter          | Type     | Required | Description                                                                                   | Example                  |
|--------------------|----------|----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| `searchQuery`      | string   | Yes      | Search term to look up on Craigslist.                                                         | `"account"`              |
| `maxItems`         | integer  | No       | Maximum number of job listings to scrape (0 = unlimited).                                     | `100`                    |
| `proxyConfiguration` | object  | No       | Proxy settings for the scraper, including whether to use Apify's proxy.                       | `{ "useApifyProxy": false }` |

#### Example Usage

##### Input JSON

```json
{
  "searchQuery": "account",
  "maxItems": 100,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": false
  }
}
```

##### Output JSON

```json
[
  {
    "postingId": 36067878,
    "title": "Midwest's largest piano store - open Sat & Sun!",
    "priceCents": 699,
    "priceDisplay": "$699",
    "url": "https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/0jm0am/spSrJE2PTeaDFEsKvFVo1j",
    "images": [
      "https://images.craigslist.org/00b0b_grXIvF8O17v_0jm0am_600x450.jpg",
      ...
    ],
    "hasImages": true,
    "hasMap": true,
    "location": "1:1~39.934~-88.8052",
    "latitude": 39.934,
    "longitude": -88.8052,
    "repostToken": "spSrJE2PTeaDFEsKvFVo1j",
    "bundleGroup": null,
    "searchQuery": "account",
    "searchPath": "sse",
    "areaId": 569,
    "scrapedAt": "2026-07-15T08:49:27.238Z"
  }
]
```

#### Use Cases

- **Market Research and Analysis**: Gain insights into market trends by analyzing job listings.
- **Competitive Intelligence**: Monitor competitor activities in the service industry.
- **Price Monitoring**: Track pricing strategies across various service offerings.
- **Content Aggregation**: Collect data for content creation or aggregation platforms.
- **Academic Research**: Use structured data for research projects and studies.
- **Business Automation**: Automate data collection processes to enhance operational efficiency.

#### Installation and Usage

1. Search for "Decatur Service URLs Scraper" in the Apify Store.
2. Click "Try for free" or "Run".
3. Configure input parameters according to your needs.
4. Click "Start" to begin extraction.
5. Monitor progress in the log section.
6. Export results in your preferred format (JSON, CSV, Excel).

#### Output Format

The output is a JSON array of objects, each representing a job listing with fields such as `postingId`, `title`, `priceCents`, `url`, and `images`. Key metadata includes `location`, `latitude`, `longitude`, and timestamps like `scrapedAt`.

#### Error Handling Information

- **Invalid Search Query**: If the search query is invalid or returns no results, an error message will be logged.
- **Proxy Configuration Errors**: Ensure correct proxy settings to avoid connectivity issues.
- **Rate Limiting**: Handle rate limits by adjusting request frequency or using proxies.

#### Rate Limiting and Best Practices

- Use Apify's built-in proxy service to manage rate limiting effectively.
- Configure `maxItems` to control the volume of data processed, reducing server load.
- Regularly monitor logs for any errors or warnings during execution.

#### Limitations and Considerations

- **Craigslist Changes**: The scraper may need updates if Craigslist alters its site structure.
- **Data Volume**: Large queries might require increased processing time.
- **Proxy Dependency**: Proxy settings are crucial for uninterrupted data access.

### Support

For custom/simplified outputs or bug reports, please contact:

- Email: support@getdataforme.com
- Subject line: "custom support"
- Contact form: [Contact Us](https://getdataforme.com/contact/)

We're here to help you get the most out of this Actor!

***

## Description

Discover market insights with the **Decatur Service URLs Scraper**. Automate Craigslist job listing extraction, customize searches, and export data in multiple formats. Ideal for market research, competitive intelligence, and business automation. Start scraping today!

# Actor input Schema

## `searchQuery` (type: `string`):

Search term to look up on Craigslist

## `maxItems` (type: `integer`):

Maximum number of job listings to scrape (0 = unlimited)

## `proxyConfiguration` (type: `object`):

Proxy settings

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "searchQuery": "account",
  "maxItems": 100,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": false
  }
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `results` (type: `string`):

No description

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("getdataforme/decatur-service-urls-mp-scraper").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = {}

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("getdataforme/decatur-service-urls-mp-scraper").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"])
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{}' |
apify call getdataforme/decatur-service-urls-mp-scraper --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "mcp-remote",
                "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=getdataforme/decatur-service-urls-mp-scraper",
                "--header",
                "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_TOKEN>"
            ]
        }
    }
}

```

## OpenAPI specification

Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/24XVedJbkW5KFlKaK/builds/AO30diKxodkZtLbnO/openapi.json