Hints on how to sell on A'gon?

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!

when you get an email,just reply and ask for their phone numbers or leave a number for them to call you with further questions.That will eliminate all the tire-kicker and low baller real quick. remember OBO mean you ll get a low ball offer and FIRM also mean that you ll get a low ball offer..usually i like to sell my gear to the one with the most feedback..

Lots of great info above. I like to use the info link to link either to a review or a manufacturers page for the specific item. One thing to be careful of, a pet peeve of mine, when you use the info link Audiogon starts you off with an "http" so if you add http again it doesn't work. I see this constantly and it drives me crazy! A lot of times I'll email the seller to clue them in. Beyond that, a fair price, a thorough description, and lots of pics and you're all set. Good luck!

A lot of good ideas here...

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is packing - the bigger and heavier the item the bigger a concern it becomes. So I don't worry about power cables - I do worry about floorstanding speakers. FWIW I see original packing materials as the minimum standard since that stuff is not always designed to go more then once.

Take a look at how often the feedback here and elsewhere involves packing and prompt shipment - what else are you going to leave feedback about that is really helpful to the next guy?

I think it also helps to be prompt in replying to inquiries - there is a certain 'heat' or 'buzz' with a purchase and I feel that its important to strike while the fire is hot. Which leads me to a final point...

Get Paypal. If you want to charge for it fine, but at least have it available. Speeds up the whole deal. And as a seller it gets the money in your hands now - so when you mark the item sold or pending you don't have to wonder if you are ever going to get that money order...