OK, so you want to sell some stuff. Whether it’s that set of wheels you took off your Jeep when you upgraded, or the dirt bike you don’t ride anymore (hopefully because you’re into some other fun toy!), you need it gone. You need the space in garage back. We get it. And that’s why we’re here. We just know that there’s someone else out there who would love to take that stuff off your hands, and we want to help you find each other.
So here are some tips to make sure that your ad gets in front of the right eyes.
1. Choose Appropriate ad for your item
If you are selling a dirt bike then most likely a five photo ad will suffice but a beautifully built Trophy Truck with gobs of detail needs more photos to show all of those selling points to buyers. Buyers need as much info as possible so don't be shy with your photos or content.
After you decide how many photos your item needs then it time to choose a standard or featured ad. Standard ads post immediately in the lower section of the categories, so if you post a standard ad today it will be behind all other Featured ads. Featured ads get more than 10 times the views than standard ads because they are displayed on the home page and above all standard ads in the same category. Featured ads are also promoted across our social media network to drive buyers to your ad.
Choosing the right ad is key.
2. The Right Title
This is key. People are busy. We just don’t have the time to browse through multiple pages of items looking for that needle in a haystack. We want our information upfront and in our faces. Make sure your title does exactly that. Give key information in your title to direct the attention of the viewer to your ad.
A partial list of key information is this: Year; Make; Model; Condition
For example, 2005 Honda CRF 250X in good shape makes a strong title. I pretty much know what to expect when I look at that title so it won’t be a waste of my time if I decide to click on the ad. But a title like Bike For Sale gives me no idea what I might find, so I’ll probably skip over that one in favor of ads that tell me a little about the item.
Getting the title right is important for another reason, too. Search engines and our site look at titles and will find your ad based off of what people search. Think about what key words you might use to find your item and make sure those words show up in your title.
3. The Right Price
You want to get as much as possible for your stuff. We know, because we do, too. But pricing it right is important if you really want it to sell. If you have the time to wait for that perfect buyer, pricing high might work for you.
However, if you want it gone now, do a bit of research to find out what like items are actually selling for (not just listing prices), and price yours accordingly.
Also beware of pricing an item too low. If your item is priced way below market value, some buyers may be skeptical and pass over it thinking something must be wrong with it. And if there is a reason for your “fire sale” price (blown motor, must move, etc.) include that information in the title, too.
You also have the option of selecting “Or Best Offer” in your Money Pit Classifieds ad. Make sure to check that box if you will entertain offers.
4. The Right Photos
They weren’t lying when they said a picture is worth a thousand words! Make sure to take a photograph that really shows off your item in the best way possible.
If you have a fairly straight-forward item, let’s say a set of shocks, a single photo will probably do the trick, so long as the quality is good and the lighting is right.
However, if your item is all complex, you’re going to want an ad that allows you to show off some important details. It’s one thing to say you upgraded the handlebars, but to show a clean shot, focused on how awesome they are is entirely different. And it could make the difference between selling and not selling.
Also, by placing more photos in your ad, you’re giving the buyer more information, which will save both of you the potential hassle of buyers emailing to ask you for what? More photos! Go ahead and give them what they want up front. This will make everybody happy.
Finally, if your item has some damage, make sure to mention that in your ad, but also show it with a picture. If your bike has a tear on the seat, show it with a close up so buyers know exactly what they’ll be getting. Saves them and you any grief later on.
While we can’t guarantee that your item will sell in a specific amount of time for a particular price, we can tell you that if you follow the tips above, you’ll place yourself in strong selling position!
Photos via moneypitclassifieds.com