Hints on how to sell on A'gon?

This is not Ebay in that most respondents already know the intrinsic value of item(s) up for sale. Thus, the seller can set a reasonable price on Agon with less risk of underselling. Seasoned hobbyists also know what is a "classic" within their own fields of interest.

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.