How to buy & sell using online classifieds...

One of the most under used, but highly effective ways of buying and selling online is using online classifieds. This traditional method that you may have seen in your local newspaper or business directory book has been adapted for the Internet and is one of the many methods businesses and individuals use to buy and sell.

Because online classifieds are simply that... classified adverts... then you do not need to worry about making payments through the site like auction sites or online stores. There may be another website to go to or the usual method of calling a phone number. Below are some top tips when buying and selling online using online classifieds.

Searching...
You can start by using a search engine to find a classified site local to you. It’s possible one of your town’s newspapers or council run such a site. If not it may be better to use a larger online classified site that has different sections for different regions. Many big sites do it like this.

What you want to Buy or Sell...
If you are buying then you may want to start with broad terms such as “vacuum cleaner” instead of “hoover rx32 bagless tornado model 2.” This is because the seller may not have put the exact model number and there may be plenty of adequate products with the same features. Remember this is not a catalogue and not everything is going to be there, but you may find a bargain.

If you are using online classifieds to sell then again it is a good idea to find a local site, but if you are fine with delivering your item all over the country then your country’s category on a larger site is your best option. Classifieds don’t always give a lot of space so be specific and attention grabbing e.g. “perfect working condition bagless vacuum cleaner going cheap.” To give out some trust make sure you give as many contact details as possible (name, phone number, mobile number and email address). Refrain from just listing a website or using an answer phone message. It spells scammer.

Be Polite...
Simple common courtesy is great when negotiating a deal. Don’t simply send an email saying “yeah I’ll buy it.” Introduce yourself, explain that you need the item and what you are willing to pay, leaving your own contact information and thanking them for their time. This goes the opposite way if you are a seller. If a buyer phones you and you sound tired, grumpy or defensive, you aren’t going to make a sale. In both cases practice makes perfect and it’s only natural to be nervous on the phone, but staying polite will keep things smooth.

Middle Ground...
Using online classifieds does hold dangers so it is important for both buyers and sellers to let each other know they are not scammers. Meet each other half way. Don’t argue over who should send what first. Work out a non refundable deposit (a percentage of the item’s full price). Then agree to pay the rest when the item is received. It may be easier for the buyer to pick up the item themselves.

Avoid the classics...
If you see an advert that is too good to be true then avoid it. Things like “make $20,000 a day at home” are usually scams or over exaggerated statements. Similarly if you are selling a book about working from home don’t over hype it so it sounds like a scam. List is as “Great guide to working from home.”

Following these tips should allow you to have a great experience when using online classifieds.

And when it comes time to find the best online classifieds, visit Linkwizz (www.linkwizz.com.au) ...our specialist online classifieds and car classifieds are ideal to buy and sell cars and general items online – Linkwizz is simple, straightforward and easy to use online classifieds.