What type of craigslist vehicle ads do you prefer?

[Rich Sandor]

jgresch: That ad is fine. The pics are a little bit much for lower end machines.. but otherwise I love it.

[Jgresch]

Originally Posted by 06TLer

^ I like it. Simple and straight to the point with enough pictures to show the state of the car. Only suggestion that I can think of is maybe to make the fonts for the different headings bigger. (Features, Warranty, Financing, etc) It's just easier to spot and to me is a more effective way to differentiate the different categories.

Thanks man.

Originally Posted by Rich Sandor

TWO things piss me off on craiglist ads:

1: No price. PUT A FUCKING PRICE.

2: Misleading tags. When I search for an F150, I do not want to see 1000x ads for your stupid toyota corolla.

Other things, such as matching photos, reasonably sized photos, correct spelling and punctuation, etc; should be no-brainers.

As a salesperson, I can fully understand if the salesperson posting the ad, does NOT want to disclose the dealership in the ad, in order to force any potential customer to communicate directly with him instead (as opposed to showing up at the dealer and another sales guys getting the sale) I can understand that.. However it's unacceptable for 5 different sales guys at a dealer to advertise the same car.

jgresch: That ad is fine. The pics are a little bit much for lower end machines.. but otherwise I love it.

#1 and #2 absolutely kill me as well. I spend close to 2 hours a day on craigslist and actually rage over keywords lol.

Also, the part I bolded, do you mean that if it was like a basic civic or w.e that would be too many pics? Or that the pics are overkill for the car it is anyways?

Normally for basic cars (popular, everyday ones) I tone it down to 4-5 pictures because most people know what they look like anyways.

Thanks for the input

[MRSky88]

If you take a look at the mazda ad again, it is the best. Why?

The information is right there where the potential buyer wants it, coupled with a good picture.

Also another thing to note. Look at the Dodge Charger ad, and look back at the mazda one.
There is a difference in the way the information is presented. Its easier to read on the mazda, and thats what people like.
The google map is a good addition, people like directions.

Onto the Lexus ad. The information is nicely laid out, but theres a couple problems. Because its a long list, theres a lot of white space to the right. Not making effective use of white space.
Also your eyes have to keep scrolling down the list, which may be uncomfortable for some.
The pictures are too far down and too big. People like to see the beautiful car they're going to purchase as they read the options the car comes with.

[06TLer]

I think what Rich Sandor meant is more like 56k beware ads.

[Jgresch]

Originally Posted by MRSky88

If you take a look at the mazda ad again, it is the best. Why?

The information is right there where the potential buyer wants it, coupled with a good picture.

Also another thing to note. Look at the Dodge Charger ad, and look back at the mazda one.
There is a difference in the way the information is presented. Its easier to read on the mazda, and thats what people like.
The google map is a good addition, people like directions.

Onto the Lexus ad. The information is nicely laid out, but theres a couple problems. Because its a long list, theres a lot of white space to the right. Not making effective use of white space.
Also your eyes have to keep scrolling down the list, which may be uncomfortable for some.
The pictures are too far down and too big. People like to see the beautiful car they're going to purchase as they read the options the car comes with.

Agreed, that mazda ad is awesome.

I never though about the white space/scrolling downlike that. Thanks.

I think what Rich Sandor meant is more like 56k beware ads.

ohhh machines like computers. lol makes sense now.

[deep87]

First thing I do is click 'by Owner only'.. probably not the only one

[Jgresch]

A lot of the time I do that as well lol. But a lot of people click only cars+trucks or even the dealer only category.

Originally Posted by deep87

First thing I do is click 'by Owner only'.. probably not the only one

@MRsky88

What if I used a similar layout and put the First/second picture to the right of the text. So there is no blank space. Then under the contact info, list the pictures in 2 colums. With the higher end cars I usually like to put up quite a few pictures because we get a lot of e-mails asking for more pictures.

It's hard to make a single universal ad that appeals to everyone, that's why I'm trying to update the old one so maybe I can rotate between the two.

[kkttsang]

Oh yea you may wanna put a link in there that links ppl to your other CL ads, like a Click here to view our other CL ads.

I bought a car thru CL recently, i was searching for a TSX and this guys from burrard acura had a nice decent ad but what he did was link all his ads so then i clicked on a link that brought me to all their CL ads, thats when i found the car that i actually bought.

just an idea

[MRSky88]

Originally Posted by Jgresch

A lot of the time I do that as well lol. But a lot of people click only cars+trucks or even the dealer only category.



@MRsky88

What if I used a similar layout and put the First/second picture to the right of the text. So there is no blank space. Then under the contact info, list the pictures in 2 colums. With the higher end cars I usually like to put up quite a few pictures because we get a lot of e-mails asking for more pictures.

It's hard to make a single universal ad that appeals to everyone, that's why I'm trying to update the old one so maybe I can rotate between the two.

This MAY be better. I forgot to mention that all the text is aligned to the right, its really close to the edge of your monitor. You might want to think about centering it so the reader can just pop up a link and the information is dead centre so their eyes don't have to move "so far" (people are lazy).

As for the pictures, I know I said they look too big for the lexus, but looking again at the mazda pics, they look to be about the same dimensions. The drop shadow effect gave an illusion that they were smaller, and again, its because it was centred
Something to think about.

[Jgresch]

*Aligned to left?

Never thought about centering either. I'll play around with it for a bit to figure out what is easiest on the eyes.

Once we finally get our dslr/photoshop I'll be able to make the pictures look a lot nicer.

@kkttsang- Thats not a bad idea thanks.

Ran out of 'thanks' lol

[speedking]

>picture of actual car
>price of the car
>financing rate
>leasing rate
>phone number and address of dealership
>monthly payment

here's an example >> http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...243553956.html

i like this ad a lot coz it gives me an idea if i can actually afford the car or not. this way, i dont need to waste my time and the dealer's time trying to figure the monthly payment. all i have to do is ask if i can test drive the car then discuss the finacing or leasing payment after.

[HollyZ32]

These are my craigslist adds
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...244958932.html

I like to keep mine simple but give basic info and the 4 pics.
You keep an add simple then people are gonna call and ask about it, there it's easier to make an appointment!
You put to much stuff on the add then they are gonna look right passed it, it's gonna be just like every other add, when someones looking for a car they are gonna be seeing a lot of other adds, no way they are gonna remember everything your car has on it.

Keep it simple.

IMO

[baggdis300]

PRICE is a BIG thing, some don't put that on there or they put "call to find out"... and key word tags are a piss off

clear picture with basic info
some people put Milage: call to find out!, thats a total waste of time due to most of the time its a HIGH milage car.

[ilvtofu]

Price is important because when I'm searching for a car I always set a minimum price, if you have no price your ad won't show up in my results

As for the charger ad

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rd...245941654.html

A little too much IMHO, don't really need to know it has dual airbags, and am/fm stereo lol. One picture that I love to see especially with cars that have leather seats is a direct shot at the drivers seat to see if there are any obvious cracks etc.

[baggdis300]

Originally Posted by HollyZ32

These are my craigslist adds
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...244958932.html

I like to keep mine simple but give basic info and the 4 pics.
You keep an add simple then people are gonna call and ask about it, there it's easier to make an appointment!
You put to much stuff on the add then they are gonna look right passed it, it's gonna be just like every other add, when someones looking for a car they are gonna be seeing a lot of other adds, no way they are gonna remember everything your car has on it.

Keep it simple.

IMO

that ad is perfect, if i was looking for a car def would have to check it out...

[underscore]

My biggest pet peeves with dealers on CL:
1) Crap about finanacing IN CAPS in the title
2) When 4 guys from the same dealer list the same damn car, with nearly identical ads, but different names and phone numbers
3) No price.
4) No KM

Originally Posted by Jgresch

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pm...246055378.html

I like this, except for:

1) Don't re-list the vehicle and price at the top of the ad. CL already puts it there with the title, don't waste space with redundancy (plus it makes the poster look like they either 1) are a CL noob or 2) someone who just slaps this same ad all over the place and don't proofread)

2) Don't waste more space listing the colour. That's what pics are for. In addition, try to group a few things on a line, this helps get me to the pics faster. I also nixed a couple details that I think most people would find irrelevant (and the people that care, should be able to tell from the pics)

3) Post fewer pictures. Maybe 3 exterior and 1 interior, about the size you have there. For this car 1 showing off the roof retracting is kind of neat, but 2 is overkill. If you have more pictures, post a link to your companies site (if possible) or at least some kind of photo album with more pictures

ie:

4.3L V8 Automatic with 38,000 KM
Retractable Hardtop
Full Power Options with Navigation and Memory Seats
Mark Levinson Stereo

Local Vehicle with No Accidents

Warranty:
1 Year/40,000kms Bumper to Bumper
3 Year/74,000kms Powertrain

<dealers name>
We offer purchase and leasing financing with $0 down on approved credit, please call for details.
sales@jpsuzuki.ca
604-788-3804 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting$$$$$$$$$$$$$$604-788-3804$$$$$$end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Toll Free:1-877-788-3804

<link to your site/more pics>

<pics>

This one from HollyZ32:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...244958932.html

I like because I can see a couple pics right away (no scrolling), but none of the features of the car are listed (power options etc) which would make me less inclined to inquire further into the car, if there are others available

This one someone posted http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nv...244563523.html I like the layout of, except that they fail with all the "n/a" and blank spots. If you're gonna list information, be sure you only put revelant stuff. Stating it's a white 4 door right beside a side shot of the car is pointless.

[jpark]

Originally Posted by HollyZ32

These are my craigslist adds
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...244958932.html

I like to keep mine simple but give basic info and the 4 pics.
You keep an add simple then people are gonna call and ask about it, there it's easier to make an appointment!
You put to much stuff on the add then they are gonna look right passed it, it's gonna be just like every other add, when someones looking for a car they are gonna be seeing a lot of other adds, no way they are gonna remember everything your car has on it.

Keep it simple.

IMO

i cant agree more with you, these types of ads are the best ads, super easy to read clean and simple

including shit loads of pics and uneccessary information is rediculous
and what i hate the most.... WHEN THEY TYPE IN ALL FUCKEN CAPITALS OMG CAR FOR SALE NO FUCKEN ACCIDENTS, LOW KM'S CALL NOW 0% FINANCING

[Nlkko]

I only read the ad given they:

1. Must have a price.
2. Must have pictures OF THE CAR. Best is link to a slideshow of multiple pics.
3. Must not included stupid specs that tell me nothing I need to know about this specific car like: brakes, 4 cylinders engine, etc.
4. I don't care for VIN, I only scan the VIN after the test drive and before bringing to my mechanic.
5. Tell me if the car have been in (an) accident(s), ODOMETER please.
6. Must not include owner's life story and cliche' like "woman drivers", "car is babied", "run like new", "drive like new". Nobody cares.

I'm easy going.

[Stealthy]

Originally Posted by shantz

Good ad.

Post price in title.
Don't add BS 'keywords' at the bottom to flag every single vehicle

Yes that.

Mostly a clean ad with clear and concise details, not leaving any (even small) information out. Some decent quality photos and not just taken from a cellphone cam. In my own taste, I'm keen on having a neat title without EXCESSIVE CAPS LOCK USE in unneeded areas.

[jack3d]

Pictures for me. The more the better, the bigger the better as well. Gotta have KMs, price, year, accident or no

[quasi]

If there is no price or the mileage isn't listed I'm not going to go any further. I assume if they aren't listed there is a good reason why so I'll just skip to the next ad.

[Greenstoner]

i really like to point form

- year
- km
-price
-contact
-accident
....etc

you get the point.

as long its simple and easy to read im all for it


forgot to add the most important - pictures. Interior and exteior , 2 of each pics should be good enough

[bloodmack]

When I look at a CL ad I want straight to the point
Price First
Car specs i.e. base model
Mileage
Accidents
MODs interior/exterior
Pictuers, front interior/rear interior/engine bay and all 4 sides. If rims are on the car picture of any damages rims may have incurred.

If the ad doesn't have pictures i'm not going to check it out unless its something very rare. I don't mind the colours some dealerships have on their ads but I perfer black and white, easy on the eyes and does the job. No need to fix something if it aint broke .

[GabAlmighty]

I didn't read the thread. But you know what I look for in an ad?





























THAT IT'S NOT FUCKING SPAM FROM A DEALERSHIP!!

[PJ]

Nothing fancy needed. No colors needed, etc.
Pictures, accident history, number of owners and mileage are my biggest concerns.
The more concise the better.

Put enough info so they have nothing left to ask; so you also filter out all the bullshit e-mails.