Tips when Placing an AD

We've all had something that we wanted to sell. Most of us have had some type of experience when placing an AD in a newspaper or online marketplace. What can we do to get the best info on our items out there, and in turn get the best offers?

Below I am going to go through some of the things I use and think about when placing and AD. You can use these tips for most anything that you may want to sell, trade, or buy.

When placing an AD for something you want to sell in a newspaper or trader magazine you need to think of several things beforehand. First you want to think of the best section to place your item or items. Once you have decided this, next you need to think of ways to better market those items. Most publications now whether it is a newspaper or online market place will allow photos to be included with your AD. If you have access to a digital camera or scanner utilize these when trying to market the items you want to place up for sell or trade.

When writing your AD think of a few words to highlight and make your AD stand out in the sea of other Ads that people are wadding through. If you have a unique item be sure to add that in your info. If you have a Limited Edition item try placing that somewhere along the way to add appeal to your item.

If you have an item that you want to sell, but you are unsure of what the worth of that item is, do some research. Look around the publications for similar items, do an online appraisal of your item, or take it to an expert in your area. After doing your own research if you are unable to find the right number, think about placing your item as BEST OFFER ACCPETED. Even if you have that perfect number in your head still think about placing OBO (or best offer). You will more then likely get more calls on your item from people looking to make a deal. Always keep your lowest number in your head. You can always come down on price but you can never go up!

Include in your AD the best time to reach you at whatever number you give for reference. Nothing is more annoying then coming home and going through 50 messages on the voicemail, and trying to write down all the info you need on each perspective buyer.

I can not emphasize enough how important it is to leave out unnecessary info. Most likely the people calling on that must have collectable really do not care that you paid five hundred dollars five years ago for the add on to that collectable. They are interested in the here and now. This is not to say that if someone comes to see your items that they will not ask the questions of when did you get this item, or what was it's worth five years ago. However as far as your small AD goes it is not necessary to put that info in.

Keep a copy of each AD you place with you or in hands reach of you. This way when someone calls and says I was calling about your AD, you can quickly glance through your list and see which AD they are referencing after a couple of questions. This is especially handy if you have placed several Ads in several different areas of a paper or different publications.

If you have an item that is easily transportable and someone wants to see this particular item, try and come to a half way point or common meeting area to show your items. Best advice as with everything choose a public area where if there is trouble other people are around. DO NOT INVITE PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW TO YOUR HOME! Last thing you want is someone that has other motives knowing where you live or work. Meeting them somewhere other then your home if possible is some of the best advice you could ever get.

It also is not a bad idea that if the person seems highly interested in your item that you both sign a simple piece of paper saying that you have agreed on a certain price. If you sell your item at the meeting be sure to give a receipt of some sort and be sure to have SOLD AS IS on that receipt. You do not want Mr. Smith looking for you because you sold him an item that once he leaves decides to break or not work. Cover yourself with the simple SOLD AS IS statement in writing.

Just remember when placing items for sale to keep the AD simple and to the point. Do not include any unnecessary info. Try for a neutral meeting area for smaller items. Give receipts to those that are buying your item.

These tips may seem simple and easy to remember, but when you are writing out that AD for placement the simplest things can slip your mind. Keep in mind what you are trying to sell and keep to the point of that item. Happy selling and good luck with your next AD.