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Author Topic: Tips for Posting in the Buy & Sell  (Read 16323 times)

DionJL

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Tips for Posting in the Buy & Sell
« on: April 05, 2010, 03:18:52 PM »

When posting a new thread or topic in the Buy & Sell sub-forum there are a few things you should do to ensure your sale or purchase goes smoothly for both you and the person you are buying/selling to.

1.   The Title: Use an accurate thread title. Quick abbreviations like “FS:” (For Sale), “WTB:” (Want to Buy), “LF:” (Looking for) are easy ways to help readers filter through the threads they wish to click on. Following an abbreviation (if you use on) should be the make, model  and possibly size of the item. For example a good thread title would look like:

“FS: Sage, Z-Axis, 905-4”

2.   The Post Body: At the top of your thread you should include details about your item. Describe any defects, wear marks, or other notable deficiencies. Be accurate in your assessment of its condition. “Good Condition” is not a good description of a belly boat with ripped pockets and a leaking bladder. An inaccurate description of the item will cause frustration in the long run.

Avoid posting dissimilar items in the same thread. For example; an 8wt fly rod combo including the rod, reel, line and extras should be posted together. However, a 5wt fly rod and an 10’6” casting rod should not be posted together.

3.   Pictures: POST PICTURES. Every for sale thread without pictures posted will result in someone asking for pictures.  If you do not know how to post pictures, see this thread and scroll down to the “posting pictures” section. If you cannot take pictures of your item for some reason mention that in your post to avoid everyone replying “Please send me pictures.”

Good quality pictures that reinforce the accuracy of your description of the items condition will greatly improve your chances of selling the item.

4.   Price: The price of your item has the largest impact on your ability to sell it. Simply; cheaper items sell faster. An item in “new” condition will not sell for 80% of the ticketed price. People would rather buy the item new from a store (and pay the extra 20%) and avoid any hassle when it comes to warrantee or returns. Price your item for 80% of what you think it’s worth and it will likely sell quickly.

When posting your price an easy way to make it stand out is using the bold function. Simply highlight the text and press the little “B” button at the top of the thread body section.

If you are posting multiple items, such as a fly rod combo, price each piece separately (if you are willing to separate them) and give a “combo price.” The combo price should be less than the sum of all the individual prices. For example: If you are selling anchors for $25 each do not post “Buy two for $50, or three for $75.” That would go without saying.

Adding suffixes to your price can also help you filter out wanter/unwanted offers. Posting "OBO" (or best offer) means you are willing to view any offer, and that over a given amount of time you will accept the highest offer. Posting "Firm" means that you are only willing to view reasonable offers (likely within 5-15% of the asking price).

5.   Contact information: At the end of your post be sure to leave a method of contacting you. Leave a phone number or email address. This is also the place to mention your location, whether you are willing to ship the item, or if you are willing to deliver it locally.

6.   Sold or Bought: Finally, when you have sold your item, or found what you are looking for make sure to go back to your thread and post “SOLD” or “No longer looking” so a moderator can delete the thread.

By following these posting tips you will increase the likelihood of your item selling by making your topic more readable.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2010, 03:23:25 PM by DionJL »
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Matt

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Re: Tips for Posting in the Buy & Sell
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2010, 12:18:18 AM »

Maybe also, instead of deleting the entire post and replacing it with SOLD, just add SOLD at the top, so we can see the price to come up with a fair selling/asking price.  That would be helpful.
« Last Edit: April 21, 2010, 02:10:59 AM by Matt »
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DionJL

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Re: Tips for Posting in the Buy & Sell
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2010, 09:52:08 AM »

Actually all sold items have the entire threads deleted.
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