Multiple Ads Equal Better Results

When posting items for sale it can be tempting to post several different items in one ad and be done with it. While it's perfectly OK to do this for a yard sale ad, it can greatly reduce your probability of finding the right buyer for your items if you don't post in separate ads. Most classified sites, including ZippyTrader, are optimized to give your ad maximum results in the search engines. Part of this optimization is presenting specific items in a structured format so that they display well when appearing in the search engines. When you mix items in an ad it can confuse the search engine. In some cases the search engine displays the correct ad, but because there are several differing items in the listing the wrong one will be displayed in the search results and a prospective buyer may overlook your ad completely.

No matter how many items you are selling, be sure to post on more than one classifieds site. Posting on multiple sites increases search engine exposure. The various search engines see sites differently. Add localization into the mix and each search engine can give very different result for the same search from a different location, even from the same search engine. Posting on different sites allows you to take advantage of each site's strengths. Some sites do better in metropolitan areas, while other sites like ZippyTrader provide strong results in smaller cities and towns. Take the time to list each item in a separate ad and post across multiple sites to get maximum results.

Trash or Treasure?

When I go to yard sales or to view an item listed in the classifieds, it sometimes amazes me at how dirty some items are. Some yard sales look like everything has been pulled from the attic where it has lived for 10 years and put on display without being touched. I've seen cars that could simply use a wash and wax, and silver pieces that were so tarnished they looked like antique bronze. Glass items that should sparkle look dull and boring. It's easy to neglect items when you no longer want them, but if you treat your items like junk when you are selling them, people will see your items as junk and pass them by.

Fortunately for me there are many sellers who ignore the most important step in marketing their items. Presentation. I find those diamonds in the filth, clean them up, then sell them online for many times my investment. The only difference is a few cents worth of cleaning product, a few minutes, and a little effort. Holding a yard sale requires a considerable amount of effort to begin with, so it makes no sense to go through the motions, then not take a little extra time to display your items in their best possible condition. Present your items as treasures and you will fetch a premium price.

Blow that dust off. Use a small brush to work dirt out of cracks and tight spaces. 70% strength rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle is fantastic for cleaning glass and crystal without spots or streaks. Clean silver with any quality polish. Virtually any other metal items can be restored to brilliance with Semichrome Polish. A good household cleaner like 409 is perfect for cleaning most large appliances. Automotive spray detailing products like are perfect for making appliances and other items shine like new. I prefer the Acrylic Polymer Detailer Quick Detail Spray.Wax-free furniture cleaners are good for most wood products. When cleaning electronic items, always spray the cleaning product on the cloth, never directly on the item. A car should look ready to go. Wash and wax cars and park them where you would normally park if it was driven daily.

Never forget that you are selling treasure. Take the time to present your items at their best and you will always get top dollar in return.