June 15, 2016

TIPS FOR SELLING CICHLIDS

These tips I'm going to talk to you about are from my own experience and are simple tips for the average person who is looking to sell off some stock. More in the mind to make room than to make money.

TIPS AS THE SELLER

PHOTOS
It's very important to have good clear photos of the actual fish unless they are too small to capture in a clear image. You can add parent photos as they will give the buyer and idea of what they will look like as adults since many fry look very much the same.

ADD CONTENT
Use an eye catching title on your add to encourage people to continue reading. Clearly list your items, whether fish, supplies or anything else you may be selling for that matter. Beside each item give a detailed description of the item. And finally list the price you are asking. You can also add the reason you are selling to make your add a little more personal.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Leave clear instruction as to how to best get in touch with you. Include best times to call. If possible leave at least three options for contacting you to make it easier for your potential customer.

ONCE CONTACTED
Make sure to have clear pictures to send if asked for. Make valid points that will enhance the chance of the sale. Don't get too wrapped up in price. Satisfying a potential buyer is the best way to bring them back. If they leave with a sense of success and confidence in and your product they will tell others - word of mouth is the most effective form of advertisement.

DISPLAY TANK
This is my display "for sale" tank. 
When you have a customer come to your home have all the fish you are willing to sell in one tank. A display tank with go a long way in showing your care for the fish and also the quality you are offering. It's important to separate the fish you intend to sell. If you have to catch a few in a tank with your own fish that can sometimes lead to disappointment as they will see fish they would like to buy that you are not selling. This gives the customer the idea that the fish you are selling to them are not as good. Don't let the customer compare.

MAKE AN OFFER
Naturally people have a desire to bargain. Put aside your listed price as it should only be a guideline. Watch what they seem to be interested in and make them an offer. Combining to make it look like more for less is a great strategy. Talk from experience and share information or experiences you have had with the item making it more desirable.

These next points are for the buyer/trader.

PHOTOS
If you are answering a add be sure to have clear photos ready to send of the items you are willing to trade. Don't bother sending blurry undefined photos as they will only send negative feelings. Do not ask to see photos of their items/fish unless you have good clear photos to send in return. Be clear on size and history of your product. Don't ever say "I don't know". better to say "I'll have to find out for you". Most of these tips can you used on either end of the transaction.

Yesterday I had two experiences with buyers. One experience was good. We talked on the phone. This very nice guy came by. We talked hobbies and got a little background. He chose the fish he wanted. After we concluded our business I gave him a little tour of my tanks. Be sure to only show the best you have. It gives the buyer confidence in you and your product. It's always a good feeling when you have left a customer feeling satisfied and happy. Remember they will pass on the word and no advertisements equal testimonials.

The second and not good experience - It began as text messages. The bad experience started off on the wrong foot and only went down hill from there. It was a young person (not sure how young - thinking teen) He/she started out asking about the fish I had for sale, then wanted to know about what I have in other fish stock. They wanted to trade not buy but had nothing to trade that I was interested in. They called their 1" fry juveniles. Sent pictures that were just a smudged fish. He expected me to drive there, which the seller should never do. At best a mutual location to meet is fair in the event of a long drive. Suffice it to say I ended the deal by saying thanks for your interest but this deal is not worth an hours drive for me. He offered me a free brand new Aqueon filter if I drove there. Just not good from start to finish. The fish he wanted I wasn't sure I wanted to part with anyway. Never set yourself on fire to keep others warm.

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