If you’re an experienced tech writer, you may be asked to do more than just tech writing. You may have to write documents which try to sell a product, documents such as Release Notes or other marketing material.
Writing to sell is therefore an important skill to have, but not just for work. It’s handy when you are trying to sell something. On that note, I recently sold my 2001 Honda Civic.
Here’s the actual ad copy I used on Craig’s list and Kijiji, with my private info hidden to protect the innocent:
2001 Honda Civic LX
Contact Info
- Andrew Brooke
- 416 NNN-NNNN (home) or 416 NNN-NNNN (office)
- name@email.com
See pictures at:
http://website of pics
- Private sale – no GST.
General Features
- 4 door sedan
- 120,300 km: average of only 15,040 km/year
- automatic transmission
- air conditioning
- seats five comfortably
- beige exterior and interior
- 4 cylinder engine
- front-wheel drive
- body-side moulding
- original owner, non-smoker
- accident-free
- very well maintained
- very comfortable and spacious
- great on gas
- interior, exterior and engine all professionally cleaned
- rated “good bet” by Consumers Reports: “The Civic…has good crash-test results, handles well, and has outstanding reliability. A redesign for 2001 offered a bit more cabin space. It has a firm ride and relatively nimble handling.”
Comfort & Convenience
- cruise control
- power windows
- power door locks
- power adjustable heated side mirrors
- driver and passenger vanity mirrors
- adjustable tilt steering wheel
- power assisted steering
- interior remote (lockable) trunk release
- interior remote fuel release
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seat for extra trunk storage
- no floor hump in rear passenger section, giving extra room in back
- 4 speaker digital AM/FM CD player (holds 1 CD) with clock and multiple station presets
- remote door lock/unlock (two remote openers included)
- two extra front cabin lights
- height-adjustable front headrests
- two front seat cup holders
- centre console storage compartment
- intermittent wipers
- digital odometer/trip meter
- plenty of door storage space
- adjustable console brightness
- large trunk with cargo light
- driver’s side armrest
- accessory power socket
- rear window defrost and internal antenna
- ergonomic cloth seats
Safety Features
- driver and passenger side airbags
- ABS (anti-lock) brakes
- 3 month old tires
- anti-theft ignition (car cannot be started without the original programmable key)
- anti-theft radio
- rear door child-proof locks
- master power door lock
- master power window lock (locks all windows)
Extra Console Indicators
- tachometer
- automatic gear indicator on dashboard
- low fuel indicator
- low oil pressure indicator
- maintenance indicator
- low windshield washer fluid indicator
- seatbelt reminder indicator
- trunk open indicator
Maintenance & Testing
- all testing and oil change done July 27, 2009
- all service records included
- owner’s manual and all other original documents from dealer
- call my mechanic, Mario DiLeo for more information about the maintenance of this car: 416 NNN-NNNN.
Required Documentation
These required documents are included at no extra cost:
- Ontario Used Vehicle Information Package: $20 cost – included
- Emissions test/Ontario DriveClean program: $37 cost – included
- Ontario safety certification: $95 cost – included
Other Included Items
- two master keys + one chauffeur key
- two keyless remotes with panic button
- mini-spare tire with jack
- touch-up paint
- original Honda cloth floor mats
Free Extras!
- four free beige rubber all-season floor mats
- black plastic trunk liner
- two free summer windshield fluid jugs
- free 2007 Perley’s Toronto large print map book (like new!)
- free license plate covers
- free full tank of gas
Note: A cash deposit is required to purchase this car.
Ready to go – just buy and drive!
This is an ad only a tech writer could come up with. But it worked – I received many calls and had several showings. The car sold quickly because the ad was clear, concise, descriptive, and had lots of good photos. Plus, everyone loves a good Honda.
So, whether you’re trying to sell a car or get the user to learn a product, all writing must cause the reader to do something. If it doesn’t, then why are you writing?
Andrew Brooke 