Thoughts on this car ad

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Possibly because it’s a six speed manual. A lot of people that can afford that BMW can’t drive a manual shift car.

Probably the greatest factor. Manual is almost a negative in the auto/manual mode with paddle shifter world we live in. I wouldn't necessarily open the ad with the fact that it's a 6 speed manual. I don't think that's the most important feature of the car.

And as others mentioned, the pics aren't very flattering. Feature/benefit do more of it in the short description. I didn't see a video walk around which seems more and more popular. Add maintenance history and offer to provide carfax if you didn't. Price check against local dealers and make sure your price stands out. If you're too close to a dealer price on a private sale, you're going to lose that battle.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Too many good points for a multi-quote, thanks for all the good feedback.

I'll have the front bumper done for him.

We thought the 6 speed would be a plus but now I think it may actually be a negative.

Depending on weather, I'll take all new pics this weekend. Scott, he took them with an iPhone, yes, same topic as always, I am now desperate to learn how to use the Nikon but a greater challenge than ever currently. Even with Delta, I'll see if my local shop is doing lessons at night.

I don't know why he did the 499, I listed at 42,500

I would like to put it on BaT. For that, I'll have to take 100+ pics. Will look into that. Also timing.

Car is also on FBMP, no real interest there.

I think one issue is it's really a commodity car when we thought it was more of a special car. But it's really not. Even with all the good input here, changing the car to a 911, none of it would have mattered to me or anyone else. But clearly does for what is essentially an average BMW.

Just looked at weather. Going to rain (is now) for the next week.

Thanks for all the good responses, appreciate it.

[cabmandone]

There's actually sound marketing theory behind that ....99 thing. One of the advertising companies I used explained it to me one. I don't recall the whole thing I just remember there being something about a mental break with numbers. I don't do the ...99 thing but a good friend does and he swears by it.

Nothing wrong with using an Iphone, just rotate it so the pics are landscape (I think) Depending on the model, Iphone has a really nice camera. Change the angles of the pics. Too many straight on shots. Use angles.

Take a look at the pics in the ad. Nose cut off showing two windows down and almost a straight on side pic. Not a good look. Look at those pics of the Caddy on page one. That's what you're after.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

We thought the 6 speed would be a plus but now I think it may actually be a negative.

I think one issue is it's really a commodity car when we thought it was more of a special car. But it's really not. Even with all the good input here, changing the car to a 911, none of it would have mattered to me or anyone else. But clearly does for what is essentially an average BMW.

The 6 speed will be a plus for folks like the guys on this board. The problem is that people like us are a tiny minority of car buyers.

And it sounds like a special car to me based on it's options, but again, really only to gearheads and car guys who are the minority.

[1990C4S]

When one statement in a car ad sounds like bs I move on immediately...

- ran when parked
- AC just needs a recharge
- should buff out

That's a nice car, fix the ad, and if it doesn't sell then it's overpriced.

[cabmandone]

And by all means... put some women in Bikini's in the ad! Seems to work on ebaymotors!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by cabmando

And by all means... put some women in Bikini's in the ad! Seems to work on ebaymotors!

Make sure they look a little trampy, maybe some tats and piercings too. Then post back here, and we'll provide more analysis and guidance.

[Scott Douglas]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Depending on weather, I'll take all new pics this weekend. Scott, he took them with an iPhone, yes, same topic as always, I am now desperate to learn how to use the Nikon but a greater challenge than ever currently. Even with Delta, I'll see if my local shop is doing lessons at night.

Thanks for all the good responses, appreciate it.

That camera is smart enough that you don't need lessons on how to use it to get good photos out of it, Shaun. The problem with the iPhone is the 4mm or whatever focal length it chooses for those frontend shots distorts too much. You'll have to back up further with your lens but you can crop the pics to get them right.
Note the pics of the Caddy in a previous post. Almost all of them are taken at a level most humans don't view a car from ie BEND your knees and get down there.
A black car must be spotless to photo well.
I'd even go so far as to say rain may help you. Wash the car, go out and find a place to take the pics, wait for it to stop raining for a while (in between showers), dry off the car and shoot it before it starts raining again. Clouds offer a lot of indirect light which is what you're looking for.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by masraum

Make sure they look a little trampy, maybe some tats and piercings too. Then post back here, and we'll provide more analysis and guidance.

I agree. We can and should be the arbiters of the proper amount of trampiness.

[drcoastline]

Certainly learn to use a good camera but an Iphone takes some amazing pictures and can be edit if needed, so don't let that hold you up.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

That camera is smart enough that you don't need lessons on how to use it to get good photos out of it, Shaun. The problem with the iPhone is the 4mm or whatever focal length it chooses for those frontend shots distorts too much. You'll have to back up further with your lens but you can crop the pics to get them right.
Note the pics of the Caddy in a previous post. Almost all of them are taken at a level most humans don't view a car from ie BEND your knees and get down there.
A black car must be spotless to photo well.
I'd even go so far as to say rain may help you. Wash the car, go out and find a place to take the pics, wait for it to stop raining for a while (in between showers), dry off the car and shoot it before it starts raining again. Clouds offer a lot of indirect light which is what you're looking for.

I absolutely agree and I would add hit the car with a little quick detailer so water beads, A shot of water beading on a car is eye catching. May even plant the idea the car was taken care of?

[cabmandone]

Great minds think alike. I was thinking a quick spray wax inside so the water beads. The gray sky might actually make the car look pretty cool.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

That camera is smart enough that you don't need lessons on how to use it to get good photos out of it, Shaun. The problem with the iPhone is the 4mm or whatever focal length it chooses for those frontend shots distorts too much. You'll have to back up further with your lens but you can crop the pics to get them right.
Note the pics of the Caddy in a previous post. Almost all of them are taken at a level most humans don't view a car from ie BEND your knees and get down there.
A black car must be spotless to photo well.
I'd even go so far as to say rain may help you. Wash the car, go out and find a place to take the pics, wait for it to stop raining for a while (in between showers), dry off the car and shoot it before it starts raining again. Clouds offer a lot of indirect light which is what you're looking for.

Outside you may be correct, but inside shots are still poor. I think part of the problem is I have fluorescent lights overhead and big window bright sunlight behind me. Closing the blinds doesn't help. Have to do a lot of color correcting and it still doesn't look right. But if I can get off Auto, that will be a big help. And get lights.

[Scott Douglas]

Try turning the lights off and see what the camera gives you.

[john70t]

(if it hasn't been said)

The M Sport Package designation and Manual should be in the title.
Yours is at $40K, while most of the other 2018's are $25-30.
People don't know the difference, and without clicking on the ad it just sounds like a highball price.
"Exclusive. Select. Rare. Limited edition. Premium." blah blah

The reflection with the picked fence looks like a boat motor brushed past it.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Try turning the lights off and see what the camera gives you.

I've tried everything. I need lights and I need to know how to use the camera.

[Scott Douglas]

If I can do it I'm sure a smart guy like yourself won't have any problem.
The biggest 'aha' moment I've had in my digital exploits is when I took a picture of a black piece of paper (so it filled the frame) and a white piece of paper (so it filled the frame) both at the same setting on the camera. Guess what it did?

[Scott Douglas]

Check the pics out in this thread Shaun.
My latest acquisition...
https://www.talkemount.com/threads/first-outing-with-the-a9.20415/

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Great minds think alike. I was thinking a quick spray wax inside so the water beads. The gray sky might actually make the car look pretty cool.

Yep I think so.

[sugarwood]

Crack pipe seller. Like Miata, that is always the answer.

MSRP was $46k. 3 years and 30k miles later, you think you'll get $40k ?
Clearly, you missed the memo regarding the spectacular German car depreciation thing.

In 7 more years, that car will be worth $8k.