It’s Spring Cleaning Time! The weather is getting warmer and it's time to dig through those closets, garages and storage areas and turn your unused items into cash! Traditionally, this is the busiest time of the year for classified advertising. Automotive vehicle and RVs are especially big sellers during the warm weather. If you're considering selling, now is the time. Hundreds of potential buyers are out there reading the Sunday morning newspaper each week, so make the best of the opportunity to sell your items. Below you'll find some great tips to help you get the ball rolling.
1.PREPARE: Determine the items around your home that you no more need. Once you've collected these items, confirm that they're in working order and in good selling condition. If items have been in storage for by time period, you may need to clean them up to make them more attractive to potential buyers.
2.RESEARCH: After all items are collected, do your research. Determine the value of your items and decide whether it would be worth you time and effort to place a classified advertisement. Some things will do well on their own while others may do better in a yard sale setting. If certain items don't have enough value to justify placing an advertisement and you're not interested in hosting a yard sale, donate these items to a local charity for a nice tax deduction.
3.WHERE TO ADVERTISE: Once you've the items assorted, you need to decide the best method of advertising. Most items will do best advertised in your daily newspaper since you'll be able to reach a local audience. Online classifieds generally don't receive as many local buyers, but most are free so you may prefer to place an ad there also just to cover all the bases. If you're selling a larger item such as a car, motorcycle, motor home, etc., You'll also prefer to place prominent for sale signs on the items themselves. You are able to also utilize bulletin boards in your local community to post a free advertisement.
4.DRAFTING YOUR AD: What are the most attractive selling features of your items purchasable? Decide which of these features you prefer to highlight in your advertisement. Look for classified ads for similar items to get an idea of how they are written. Check out the competition to see how your item is better or different than the items that will be running along side your ad.
5.WRITING YOUR AD: Create a catchy title to get your reader’s attention. This will spark an interest in your classified advertisement. Always include the trade name when applicable. Price should only be included in the title if it's an obvious selling point. Next, you need to write the body text of your ad and entice buyers even further with the details. Make your description clear and factual. Provide specific details in what it's that makes your item stand out from the others. Be honest in your representation and don't make your item appear better than it actually is. Always include the price in your ad. Take some time to view other classified advertisement for similar items in your newspaper. This will help you determine a fair asking price for your item. Keep in mind, just because you paid $1,500 for your diningroom suite, doesn't mean you'll receive that much for it on resale. Be realistic in your expectations. Furthermore, if you'll only be available during certain times of the day to discuss your item, make a note of this in your advertisement so buyers know the best time to reach you. If possible, include your email address.
6.INCLUDING PHOTOS: A picture is worth one thousand words. Some local newspapers provide you with the option to include photos with your classified advertisement. Be sure to include the photos! When buyers have the opportunity to see an article purchasable they've a higher degree of interest and are more expected to buy when they carry out by telephone or email to ask questions or to get more information. If your newspaper does not offer photos or the photo option is too expensive, you are able to use an online classified photo hosting service. Visit http://www.seethisitem.com for information on how to include free digital photos with your newspaper classified.
7.COMMUNICATING WITH BUYERS: Do your best to be available when customers ask information regarding your item. Be polite and helpful and answer all questions to the best of your knowledge.
8.SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS: If you receive numerous asks your item, make certain to space out the appointments so that you'll have enough time to spend with each buyer and your appointments won't overlap. Safety tip: Whenever possible, have someone home with you when a buyer is coming across to look at your item. You really can never be overcareful when dealing with people you've never met before.
9.NEGOTIATION: Decide before you negotiate, the lowest amount you'll be willing to accept for your item. This will assure a smoother negotiation process.
10.PAYMENT: Never accept a check for your item. You should only accept cash or money orders. If a buyer decides they want the item, but they don't have cash on them, always take a deposit to hold the item until they're able to get back. Make certain to set a deadline for them to return with the balance due. Even though you've a deposit, don't stop showing your item since the deal is not final until you've the cash in your hand. If someone else is also interested, tell them you just received an offer, but you'll be happy to bring down their name and number just in case the deal falls through. This will give you more options should the original buyer back out of the sale.
That’s it! Keep these selling tips in mind and you'll be on the road to a successful sale. Take your time, be thorough and most of all have fun! If you follow the steps outlined above, you'll be turning your unused items into cash in no time.
No comments:
Post a Comment