Video Could Be Key For Selling Your Things Online
BOSTON (CBS) - If you're interested in selling some stuff around your house to make extra money, you might want to think about making a quick video.
Whether it's a car, lawnmower, or old musical instrument, many people are using sites like YouTube to help generate interest in things they no longer want.
Nathan Turner uploaded a video of a 2006 Jaguar he wants to sell.
"The first time I ran the ad without the video, I didn't really get the response I was expecting," he explained.
WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben reports
Posting a video changed all that, however.
"I got a lot more people calling about it, emailing about it. It brought a lot more traffic to the ad," said Turner.
Industry experts say the number of video links appearing in sales ads is growing. A recent YouTube search confirmed that as we found "For Sale" videos for 600 lawnmowers, 1,300 musical instruments, 19,000 cars, and 31,000 homes.
To be effective, the video has to be produced with a few things in mind. First, keep it simple, but make sure you walk around the item so a prospective buyer can see it from all angles.
Provide some narration so you can highlight the features that will make it more attractive. Phil Reed of Edmunds Automotive says that can add another dimension as well.
"You feel like you've already met the buyer. You hear the narration, and you may feel comfortable with that person," said Reed.
Try to keep the video under a minute and make sure you choose a setting that shows the item in the best possible light.
Experts say to avoid mentioning a price in the video because you might end up reducing it if it doesn't sell initially.
Most classified sites are not accepting videos yet, so a site like YouTube is considered the best option for the time being.
