How to write a good listing

You may be the best salesperson on the yard and be able to talk about a vehicle until the cows come home – but many salespeople struggle when putting pen to paper. Here is a checklist to help you construct an effective online listing.

Use your VMS to list the basics:

1.       Stock number

2.       Rego

3.       Make

4.       Model

5.       Year

6.       Price

7.       Transmission

8.       Mileage

Features:

Most VMS systems give you tick boxes to list features, so do load these up. However, leaving your listing at this point and adding nothing more will create a listing with nothing on it except for a list of features - most of which are stock standard - which will not entice viewers to contact you. An example of a scant listing with little information is below.

A buyer usually has a mental checklist in mind when they are looking for a car. Make a list of the things about the car you would tell a buyer on the yard, e.g.:

·         Reiterate the transmission – Auto/Manual

·         Reiterate the Colour

·         Leather seats

·         Low kilometres model

·         Economical

·         Reliable

·         Clean interior

Also tell the viewers what they should or might like to know about the car, and why they should buy it:

·         Has this car been AA appraised AA odometer verified

·         Has this car been serviced?

·         Are the on road costs included?

·         Is this car on special or reduced?

·         Does this car come with any extras?

·         How does it drive?

·         How is the exterior – any scratches, marks?

·         How many owners has it had?

·         Do you accept Trade Ins?

·         Do you offer finance options?

·         Do you help with freight if out of town?

Take these key words and points to construct a written description about the car. The key words you put into your description, as they will get picked up in Trade Me search results.

Also:

·    Load at least 5 photographs, front, back and interior/close ups

·    Don’t use capitals – IT LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING, is hard to read and puts people off

·    Balance information about your yard with information about the car – don’t fall into the trap of cramming your description with text all about your yard only

·    Avoid  abbreviations or industry terms that viewers may not understand to describe the car

If you do need more help, please remember your Account Manager is here to help. Email us here.