Classified Ads Adventures

[Warthog]

I recently put my computer in the local classified ads. I want to sell it really, really, quick so that I can get a new computer as soon as possible. I also am really cheap and don't like to pay money for my ad to be printed....hehehe....the way this newspaper works is that products advertised for $100 and under are free (you get 35 words). Higher than that, they are charged $3 per weekly issue for 35 words.

Here's what I did http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif:

I jazzed up the ad by putting all the brands in it and putting every part in the description.

DELL, Intel 400mhz; 192mb RAM; 4mb video; 3Com 56k modem; Maxtor 6.4gb, 15" monitor; Office 2000 Small Business pre-installed, Sony 4x/2x/24x CD-RW; Dell 3 year warranty, unlimited tech support; AWESOME gaming system, only $100 ***-***-****

Notice the "only $100" at the end http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif. I pretended it was a typo - either on my part or theres - so that it actually is $1000. I also put a bunch of positive comments in the comment box of the online submission form. I kinda hoped that the person who was in charge of putting the ads in the paper, was not computer savvy. hehehe...I feel smart http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

I've already had one call about it (it just came out today). He was really impressed http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif. But he was buying it for his niece and had to talk to her, so he said he would call back.

What do you guys think of the price ($1000)? I don't think it's that bad of a deal.

Here's what it also had (what I told the guy who called):
* Office 2000 is only PRE-INSTALLED (CDs do not come with it)
* McAffee Virus Scan 4.0 is PRE-INSTALLED
* Encarta 99 CD
* Creative Labs Soundblaster 64 PCI
* Windows 98
* Internet Explorer 5.0
* Logitech scroll wheel mouse
* Pair of Harmon/Kardon speakers

I know, I know, some of this isn't that special, but like I said, I had to jazz it up a bit. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I know you guys don't really care that much, just thought I'd share it with you. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog

[This message has been edited by Warthog (edited 06-16-2000).]

[mudoggy]

Hahaha... as long as you can sleep at night! I do give you some points for ingenuity, though! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

About the software.. "CD's not included" on the Office 2000.. hmmmmm... I think that's a bad idea. Either install it AND give them the CD's, or take it out altogether.

#1, well, obvious on the license agreement. #2 and most importantly, it's nice of you that you offer to leave it on (more marketing to sell the system than altuistic offering, I am sure), but if they need to add another module/feature that isn't preinstalled (bloated hehehe), or something corrupts or is damaged and they need to reinstall, they are stuck. You may even get a phone call from them (or a visit!). And if they're bitter, they could rat on ya.. that would be my fear! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I would just leave it out altogether to avoid any issues, really, if you wish to keep using it yourself on your new system. Is it the same deal with Win98, or are they receiving a cd for that? That's even more critical than Office.

$0.02

[This message has been edited by mudoggy (edited 06-16-2000).]

[Warthog]

Thanks for the pointers. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I'll think about the Office 2000 deal. I was only including so I might possibly get more people to buy it. Well...I could give them the backup CDs http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif. When the next person that is really interested calls, I'll tell them that I think I'm going to leave out Office because of "legal" issues....yeah, that's what I'll do. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I've already had 4(!) people call today. They all laughed when I told them that it was a "typo". Unfortunately 3 of them weren't interested after I told them it was $1000. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks again.

Warthog