How to Sell Anything on Kijiji or Craigslist
Filed under: Bargains, Economizer, Shopping
You'd be surprised what you can sell on Kijiji or Craigslist: clothes (clean and in good repair), used electronics, furniture, trinkets -- anything you can sell at a lawn sale you can sell online, often for a better price. So stop sitting at a table all day fretting about whether the clouds you see are bringing rain. Here are six tips for selling anything on online classifieds websites:- Take photos of what you're selling: Photos in ads have become so commonplace that you must include them. Just as you wouldn't want to meet someone from a dating site, sight unseen, people want to see your item before they stir themselves to come look at it. Items advertised without photos get fewer inquiries and sell for less. Clean the item well (no one wants to buy your grime), and take several photos from different angles, including close-ups of important details. Presentation is important; be mindful of the composition. Find a blank, neutral background, preferably a bare wall or table so that there are no other elements in the frame to distract from the object you're selling. If it's a vehicle or something that has to be photographed outside, you'll have more favourable lighting conditions two hours before sunset or after sunrise than any other time of the day – the angle of the light makes things glow. Noon-time lighting can be harsh, but is your second preference, as the strong light can wash out details. Mid-morning or late-afternoon sun can create shadows that make it difficult to get a good shot.
- Price it realistically and competitively: Do a search for similar items, see what they're selling for and note how long those ads have been online. If the item's been there two weeks, they're probably asking too much and you should price your item lower (or be prepared to wait a long time for the right buyer). If other posts for similar items are only a day or two old and your price is even $5 lower, you'll get called first. If the quality of your item makes it worth more than similar items listed, your description and photos should point that out. List the item for a little more than you'd actually be willing to accept, this allows a buyer to feel good about negotiating a bargain.
- Write a compelling search-friendly header: The words in your header need to do two things: be easily found in a search and stand out in search results. "*GREAT DEAL* on almost new MP3 player with extras" is better than "Six-month-old MP3 player plus case." MP3 will be the most common search term for this item and capitalizing *GREAT DEAL* and emphasizing it with asterisks helps it stand out in a list of search results. The description in your ad is where you tell them it's six months old; "almost new" is more compelling and will get more clicks. Most people don't just click a category and read the entire list of what's posted, they search for particular items. So think about what words people will likely type when searching for your item and put them in both your header and your ad. To make your header compelling, scan other ads and notice which ones got your attention. Make a list of the words that made you click and incorporate them into your header.
- Write an engaging and easy-to-read description: The words in your header get them to click, the words in your ad will get them to call. A sweater can be cozy, an item may be rare, one of a kind, or evoke nostalgia from another era. Old can be vintage and a bizarre colour can be "unique." Create a positive image of your item, but never lie. Always mention flaws. If possible, include photos of flaws. This provides you and your item with credibility: a buyer is less willing to haggle hard with someone they believe is honest. Use a spellchecker as bad spelling detracts from the value of your item. Make your description easy to read by writing complete sentences and grouping your text in logical paragraphs. Provide technical specifications, when possible, and use bullet points (rather than separating details by commas in a paragraph); bulleted lists are easier to read. Check descriptions for similar items being sold and mention anything about yours that makes it stand out. Don't forget to give the closest cross-street to your location, the hours people can see the item, if your time is limited, and note if you can be flexible. Be clear that you won't take anything but cash (no cheques, Paypal, money order, etc.) unless you're willing to trade -- and if you're willing to trade, specify what you will trade for.
- Monitor new, competing ads: Edit your listing if someone has posted something similar for a better price. Add more detail if your item has features theirs doesn't. If your item has been listed for more than a week, delete it, wait a day and write a new one. If you are flexible on price and have a timeline, it can be compelling for your header to say: "MUST GO THIS WEEK! Red leather couch in mint condition!" The urgency will attract bargain seekers, but be prepared to haggle.
- Respond quickly to inquiries and be accommodating: People may not remember responding to your ad if you wait more than 24 hours to reply. Don't forget to check your spam folder, legitimate emails land there and same-day responses are critical. Try to work with a buyer's schedule and be flexible. Meet them halfway at a safe, public place and be willing to negotiate the price, within reason. If you don't think their offer is fair, don't insult them. Just say that's less than you want to sell it for, but you might reconsider their offer it hasn't sold by a particular date. If you've received several responses you're in a good bargaining position. Set up appointments with them all and let the buyers know you're seeing other people. They'll likely want to move up the time they come to see you and won't be as likely to lob lowball offers.
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