Posting ads without pictures

[chip]

This should enliven a little spirited discussion...
I've noticed numerous times that people are attempting to sell pricey instruments but yet don't post a picture but have the availability to do so. Some say, "email for pictures" others don't. So, I guess what my question would be is, would you spend $5000, $10,000, $15,000 etc. for something without seeing it, test driving it, touching it, etc. If you have the ability, camera, etc and have pictures why not just post it with the ad and not waste the time sending it later if that's the case. I find it a turnoff not to see the item even though I am looking for a certain instrument. I don't even feel like responding to the ads as people seem to think that one should just accept the fact that the mandolin must be worth that much and such and such a brand name that one should just fork out the dough and be happy that it's available. Is it just me that finds this type of selling irritating? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[bikebum]

Well, I've done that on Craigslist. Mostly to start a dialog with someone who was at least interested enough to inquire. But in general, I concur with what you have stated.

Jerry

[allenhopkins]

Is it just me that finds this type of selling irritating?
Not irritating, but perhaps a bit naively presumptuous. I'm generally such a "hands-on" type that I won't buy a $100 used guitar unless I've played it for an hour. On the other hand, I have plumped down five times that or so for instruments on eBay that I didn't think I could get elsewhere, although the listings did include pictures.

There is a sort of "insider" attitude that pictureless listings foster: "Of course you as a connoisseur of mandolins, are aware that the Fretzenheimer Moonburst is worth $15K; I needn't actually show you one." But there darned few mandos that have that unassailable a reputation. As the people who have played them often say, even with Lloyd Loar F-5's, some are better than others.

On the other hand, there are probably people who have difficulty posting pictures. However, were I to be selling a big-ticket instrument, methinks I'd find some way to hang its mug shot in the advt.

[thistle3585]

I find that there are a lot of people wary of others that cut and post photos around the internet, as well as use them for scams. I think sellers want to qualify their buyers before sending them a lot of information. No different then the people who list a partial serial number. If you're serious, its no big deal to ask for photos.

Of course, there are others that are posting instruments for sale to gauge the interest and potential market for said instrument and not necessarily to sell it.

[chip]

"Fretzenheimer Moonburst"...now that's FUNNY! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[PseudoCelt]

I like to see a photo with the ad, but mostly just because I'm just window shopping. I also think that a photo is part of good selling technique, like having a nice window display to entice people into a store.

OTOH, how much can you tell from one, often lo-res photo? If I'm genuinely interested in an instrument, I would normally request good, hi-res photos, with close-ups of things like repairs, areas of wear, etc. I think it's part of checking out a seller - if they cannot provide a photo of what I want to see, I would back out.

If I was after a Dude, Loar or other top dollar mandolin, I doubt I would be put off by a lack of a photo in the ad.

Patrick

[tnpathfinder]

Maybe it comes down to effort? It takes time to set up a good mandolin picture. If they get interest they shot images? If not, they don't spend the time.

I certianly think that good photos help sell the product and generate interest. I bought a mandolin on the cafe that the first pictures were terrible. As a result he had not had a much interest in it, I asked the seller to reshot a few and I made an offer. I got a great mandolin at a better price because the seller posted bad shots on the ad.

[Greenmando]

Same with autos, I bought a VW Thing that no one even looked twice at. All it needed was some leaves blown off and a good wash. The girl posted it on ebay and we were the only ones to bid on it.

The few mandos I have sold I cleaned up, replaced strings cleaned off the cob webs and dusted between the frets. Presentation is important.

[Frank Russell]

Tom, are you the guy who offered me a VW Thing in exchange for a mando a few years ago? That was the most interesting offer I ever got. Frank

[David Horovitz]

Including a (nice) photo can only help attract interest and improve the chances of selling it. On the other hand, as a buyer, if you know what you want, you may be able to get a better deal on a photoless ad because there are likely to be fewer people willing to contact the seller for additional info.

[Lee]

Yeah, I like the photos too, just because I like to see 'em. Not because I'm shopping.
And sometimes I ask for photos, even if I'm not really serious. But I always ask graciously, and I'm always truly thankful.

[mandomick]

"Fretzenheimer Moonburst"...now that's FUNNY! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif





I used to play in a band called Fretzenheimer Moonburst. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif (with mandodude of course)

[JeffD]

"Fretzenheimer Moonburst"...now that's FUNNY! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif





I used to play in a band called Fretzenheimer Moonburst. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif (with mandodude of course)
Yea, the Fretzenheimer Moonburst two and a half point mandolin.

[Wheel Man]

Good Topic, seems to me I remember something about "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand words". I would sure like to at least look at somethig before I plunk down the $$. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[pjlama]

For ebay the pics are very important and do effect the amount the instrument will sell for. tnpathfinder is right though setting up good pics takes a little time, I threw up my Fern recently and then added pics later but I haven't gone all out on the glamore shots until I'm either going for ebay or someone gets serious. The way I buy and sell though I should send them out for a full day of beauty shots before I even take um home http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif