


          
      How To Write A Classified Ad
          

                                                      by Gary Bryant
          
                        
          How do you get the most response from that  classified ad that
      you want to put in the paper so you can  sell your SR-5? You don't
      have an SR-5? Are you sure?  Let's start by looking at the
      fictitious ad  below and see if we can't improve it.  "FOR SALE:
      SR-5, Needs work.  You haul away.  Make offer.  Call 555-1234 
      after 5 and before 8 weekends only."

          I can't wait to  call this guy!  Not only do I get to have
     this person's  headache, but I have to play phone tag to do it! 
       
          Let's take this one step at a time.  The first  thing to do is
     to state briefly what you are really  offering for sale.  In this
     case, it's a 1984 Toyota  Corolla SR-5 hatchback.  With this
     information the  newspaper can place the ad under automobiles
     instead of  computers or miscellaneous. 
               
           Next, omit the phrase "needs work."  In an ad you  really
     don't have the space to explain exactly what  work needs to be
     done.  The "work" could be a simple  thing like charging the
     battery or  a more complex task  like rebuilding the transmission. 
     You can explain the situation  better once an interested party
     calls.
       
           What does the buyer get?  We all want something when they  fork
     out a out a lot of cash.  What are the benefits in this  case? Air
     conditioning? Good tires? AM-FM Stereo. There  must be something!
              
           Finally, always put the price  in the ad.  Studies show that
     many people will not  respond to an ad that doesn't show a price. 
     If no price  is stated in an ad,  many of us will think the item
     will  be overpriced (This is usually the case).   
                
           Speaking of price, be realistic.  So you paid $9995  for your
     SR-5 in 1984 and you'd like to get $9850 for  it now.  After all,
     you figure it's still running and  you need $9850 to get that Chevy
     Blazer.  

          Remember, you can only sell something if someone  is willing
     to buy it.  Keep your price in line.  Check  other ads of
     comparative items.  One other thing, make  sure that the people who
     answer the phone at your house know  you've got  something for
     sale. Keep a copy of the ad  by the phone. Good luck.
          
          
                         
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