Hints on how to sell on A'gon?

Generally, mid fall and winter ads are more productive. Sales fall off when the weather warms and around Xmas. My personal turn off is the ads that link to a well known web site where you can bid on "it". And the classified and auction for the same item.

In addition to all the good advice above, decide for yourself very clearly what your bottom line is before you post a price. You'll get an amazing variety of offers with infinite variations asking if you'll accept a lower price, pay the shipping, split the Paypal fee, etc. It's fine to be able to factor those things but unless you know what you're willing to accept, it can be maddening.

It's inevitable that someone will make a lower price offer, especially if you mark the ad OBO, but you're not under any obligation to give the person an answer immediately. It usually works well to tell the potential buyer that you'll get back to them if that's the best offer you receive. If they tell you it's 'take it or leave it,' leave it.

there's a lot of good advice above. It's hard to disagree with any of it. I'll add some of my hot buttons.

1) provide a succinct and FACTUAL description. Especially describe the condition, age, and amount of usage/wear.
2) maybe provide a little bit about the features especially if the item isn't a well known. (eg, "tube preamp with 6 line level inputs, mm phono, remote control")
3) Include links to relevant internet info (ie Mfg website)
4) Don't bother with lengthy sales pitches, and don't make me read and essay on what a wonderful piece of gear it is. Instead, if you want to help, include a link to sales material and/or consumer reviews.
5) I don't generally care about why you're selling, unless it affects how motivated you are. If I become concerned there isn't total honesty, I may inquire about the reason for sale, but at that point I'm probably getting ready to move on.
6) Be realistic about your price.
7) knock off the knuckle head stuff like "if you're reading this you already know . . .".

I'm not saying you have to do all of these things, but IMO it improves your chances of selling.

1) multiple pics of ACTUAL item--no excuses
2) obsessive-compulsive quality, HONEST description--nothing should be be cut-and-pasted and there's never too much info
3) accurate condition rating based on AudiogoN rating system
4) proof read ad for typos, grammar, incorrect zip code, etc. (and for god's sake turn off the damn caps lock)
5) "if you are reading this, you already know how great 'X' is" should NEVER appear anywhere in an ad
6) the link to more info should be a link to more info of the exact product being advertised.

Contrary to popular belief, alot of books *can* be judged by their cover, so to speak. If the ad sucks I won't pursue the item. I'm a patient fellow--I'll wait for something to come along from a seller who seems like he or she made it past the third grade.

Be aware of the fact that there will be potential buyers who do not know the details of your product. All too often a seller will write 'no description needed, since if you're looking at this, you know what it is...' A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T!

Write a clear concise description, with more information than less.

Keep your paragraphs short and easy to negotiate.

IME ads with a better description will sell faster than a piece that is a few bucks cheaper.

In you list a reason for selling, as already stated, skip the BS.

If at all possible include those pictures.

Sell at an appropriate price. Too many people think because it was 'mine' it's worth more than the next ad, but at the same time keep in mind that price is not the only factor for the buyer.

Try to talk to the buyer once e-mail has been exchanged. It will go a long way to allaying any fears that a buyer might have. Something that is a cast-off for you can be a treasure to the next guy, and to him, a lot of money.

I have sold things to people who were unsure about the purchase till we were able to talk on the phone.

Be as helpful as reasonably possible.

Good luck!