Rule 1: Avoid the clichéd phrases written in all caps as seen above.

Joking aside (though wasn't really a joke), the format of your ad is as crucial as the car's condition in determining how fast it sells and for how much. The same car, presented in a carefully crafted, well-prepared ad that uses the right language and doesn’t skimp on a few minor investments, can sell faster and at a higher price than a hastily posted, poorly crafted listing.

Over the past seven months of live streams, I’ve reviewed over 1,000 listings, not to mention thousands more that I’ve analyzed previously because it’s a personal interest. During my time in the U.S., I gained experience not only with buying and selling but also with the procedures behind the scenes on major auction sites like Bring-a-Trailer and Cars & Bids. In those cases, a serious amount of preparation is required for a listing to meet the platform’s standards, especially in terms of photography. I’m thrilled whenever I encounter ads of this caliber that meet international standards. Today, our goal is to bring your ad up to this level.

Our aim is to ensure potential buyers feel confident in you from the moment they click on your ad, sensing that you respect them. We should prepare a transparent, honest, and detailed listing that leaves no questions for the buyer to ask when they reach for the phone.

Let’s go over the points you need to focus on and list all the steps that will add value to your ad:

Title

Avoid terms like "unique," "no expenses spared," or "loaded with extras" in your title, as everyone else claims the same. Also, don’t write entirely in uppercase like everyone else. A clear, grammatically correct title that highlights the key benefits of your car will appeal more to your target audience: something like “Accident-Free Skoda Octavia, New Mechatronics, Erya Serviced.”

Photos

Use a good camera or, if possible, a professional camera. Avoid direct sunlight (e.g., midday); aim for early morning or late afternoon. Be mindful of backlighting, keeping the sun behind you. Make sure your car is the only vehicle in the shot if possible, and find an appealing background. Avoid indoor shots.

Capture each cosmetic or functional defect clearly and in detail—scratches, dents, cracks, or any other flaws—and include them in the ad to prevent unpleasant surprises when the buyer comes to see the car.

Take close-up photos of the tires, showing the brand, manufacturing date, and remaining tread depth. Photograph any documentation of work done or maintenance performed; if you have original documents like a spare key or user manual, include them too. It’s also worthwhile to have the car thoroughly cleaned before the photo shoot, including under the hood. Don’t cover the license plate.

Description

Write a clear, grammatically correct, and well-organized description, breaking down the car’s standout features, maintenance history, and any paint or replaced parts into separate sections. Avoid mixing all the information together. Use a polite, respectful, and professional tone, steering clear of sharp or provocative language.

Starting with a simple “Hello” can create a positive impression, prompting the reader to pay more attention to your ad. Include a detailed maintenance history, specifying any major work done recently and the associated mileage. Also, mention the brand, model, manufacture date, and mileage of the tires.

If your car has a regular service center or mechanic, share this information, along with their contact details, if possible. Like the photos, write down every detail, including flaws the buyer might not even need to know about. Such thoroughness, including a detailed inspection report, will make your ad stand out from the rest.

Bargaining

Of course, you’re under no obligation, but I’ve never seen phrases like “price is firm, no negotiations” in a listing increase a car’s value or accelerate its sale. Bargaining is as much a psychological matter as it is financial, so setting the price somewhat above your bottom line benefits both parties, as this is generally expected. There’s no need to write anything about this in the description since phrases like “negotiations only in person” might encourage people in this direction.

Damage-Paint-Replacements

If you’ve made personal modifications to the car (such as an Android display), consider removing these and restoring the vehicle as much as possible to its original condition. First, the buyer’s taste probably won’t match yours, and second, originality in accessible, relatively high-performance cars, such as factory wheels, adds significant value.

Include images of the inspection report and accident history inquiry. Even if you’re the first owner and there’s no accident record, show an inspection report anyway; this saves the buyer from having to rely solely on your word, though they can still conduct their own inspection if they wish.

If you have photos of any accident-related repairs, include them in the ad images and explain how the accident happened in the description. Specify if there was any frame or chassis work or airbag deployment. Mark any paint or replacements in the schematic at the bottom of the ad. Most sellers skip bumper paint, considering it “minor,” but don’t make that mistake; mark it if there’s paintwork there.

If you’re tempted to think, “who has time for all this,” remember: someday, you’ll be a buyer searching for just this kind of ad like finding a needle in a haystack.