Creating a Classified Ad That Sells

Developing a great classified ad for your car significantly increases the chance of selling quickly. Below are some guidelines to follow when writing and posting your ad.

Organize

• Decide on what aspects you think a buyer would be most interested. Keep in mind you want to get the potential buyers attention, not deceive them, so do not lie about the car. Important things to note: vehicle's make, model, year, mileage and color. Using creative words and phrases can also generate interest, such as "must sell," "runs excellent," "like new" and "spotless." If the car has any special features, list them as well.
• If you decide to list the price, there are a few terms to learn. If you do not want to negotiate on the asking price, list it as "firm." If you are willing to take below the asking price, list price with "OBO" (or best offer).

When

• Once the ad is ready, make sure the car is ready to be sold. It should be thoroughly cleaned and in good working order so the buyer can see the car in its best possible condition. Do not publish the ad until the car is showroom quality.

Where

• There are many places to list your car. Check with local newspapers to compare rates in the classified section. Generally, weekends are a better time to advertise, as there are more readers. Some newspapers also offer online classifieds. There are many websites that also publish classified ads. Some allow you to post a picture of the car with the ad, which can attract buyers.