Good pictures can boost your classified sales. Follow these tips for taking sell-worthy
photos:

Camera: All you need is a basic point-and-shoot digital camera; they typically cost
around $100. Look for these features: image stabilization, zoom, and close-up
setting. Flash is less important, as you’ll be taking most of your product shots in
natural or ambient light.

Set-Up: A clean background is a must. If you can move the item, outdoor shots can
work well. Find a spot like your driveway, or against a wall or fence, that’s free of
background clutter. Ideally, shoot on a cloudy day or under a carport, so your item is
shaded but still well-lit. This will reduce distracting shadows.

If you must shoot in place, be sure to clear excess furnishings and so on from around
the item. Supplement the room light by placing a floor or desk lamp on each side of
the subject to give even, bright illumination.

Many sellers of small items like jewelry invest in “light tents” or light boxes. Use
these to highlight your item on a usually-white background with even light and no
shadows. Light tents can be purchased for under $100, or you can make your own.
Search online for do-it-yourself articles on photography light tents.

Software: Once you’ve transferred the pictures to your computer, photo-editing
software can get your images into sell-worthy shape. One favorite is Google’s Picasa;
get a free download of it at Picasa.com. Another utility known as Pic-nik is used
online. It’s a little slow, but it doesn’t require a download, and has a free version. Go
to picnik.com for more information. These photo-editing packages are loaded with
features; for your sales photos concentrate on:

-Cropping to tighten the view of the subject. Images cropped to a square or 8×10
format work well for most selling sites.

-Exposure control or tuning to brighten the image, highlight details, and balance
colors.

-Sharpening to bring out detail and avoid loss of image clarity when the photo is
uploaded to your ad listing.

With these pointers and a little practice, you’ll soon be taking sales photos that
scream “Buy Me!”

Classified ads online are a great way to sell that extra “stuff” and earn money as well. If you’re a new seller, you might be concerned about protecting yourself throughout the transaction. No worries here – following these simple, common-sense practices will give you the confidence you need.

Identity security: Take advantage of the anonymous e-mail feature that most online classified sites make available to their sellers. This allows the prospective buyer to send you a message through the site, without knowing your e-mail address or contact information. You’ll get their message by e-mail and can decide how (or if) you want to respond to their offer. To enhance your security while using this feature, remember:

• Never post any of your personal information, such as phone number or address, in the ad.
• Use an e-mail address that is different from the one you use most frequently with friends, family or business
  associates.
• Beware of phony-looking e-mails that don’t have subject lines or that ask vague questions such as “is your item still available?” without identifying the item. If in doubt, don’t answer the e-mail and report it as spam. And never click on a link within a suspect e-mail.

Financial security: It’s as easy saying “Cash only” in your ad. Also, request the correct amount and state you don’t make change. Never accept personal checks, money orders or traveler’s checks for a classified transaction.

Personal security: If possible, meet the prospective buyer at a busy public place, such as a shopping mall or a coffee shop. If that is not possible, do not allow the buyer into your home – bring the item to your porch so it can be viewed outside. Keep your cordless or cell phone close at hand. And for an extra measure of security, ask a friend, neighbor or family member to accompany you during the meeting.

Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be ready to sell like a pro. Now, all you need to do is clean out the garage and start placing your ads!