I posted why when I posted on the classifieds but they took it down cause I havent met requirements yet still.Although many forum participants are hesitant to purchase a used airgun from a seller without both a prior history of successful sales and sane forum posts, I have usually had good luck when selling airguns because I include some background (how/why did I end up with the item for sale), a bunch of clear pictures showing the condition of the item, and I always include the cost of shipping (within the US since I'm in the US) in the total price for the item.
Asking people to 'split the cost of shipping' means that they can't just purchase the item, but need to wait around a few extra days for you (the seller) to calculate the additional cost. Many purchases are impulse buys. If the seller can't immediately place an order they will often just move onto something else.
Setting a reasonable low price is also important if you are in a hurry to sell. Some people post the same ad with the same price in the classifieds for many months before something actually sells or just goes away. Many more people start to reduce their asking price within a few days of posting an item for sale if it doesn't get any nibbles.
If I want something to sell very quickly I price it between 50% up to maybe 75% of the current retail price (free shipping included). Most airguns seem to sell when listed for 50% of retail, except maybe break barrel spring or gas piston rifles which don't have as much of a following as they used to. I finally just gave away a half dozen nice break barrel rifles a few years ago because no one would buy them even for less than 1/2 of their original cost. Sellers often over estimate the value of their items at time of sale and it can be a shock when no one is interested in buying a person's favorite airgun at fire sale prices.
A pinch of luck probably plays a role in some successful sales as well. We've all heard the generally good advice to stay away from sales with suspiciously low prices. That's where a sellers history of previously successful sales comes in. Many of my sales prices have been suspiciously low, at least according to some comments I've received from potential buyers who passed on an excellent deal. I don't blame them, their conservative approach was just protecting their money from an unknown level of risk. Based on my own history of low priced sales, I would buy anything that someone like me put up for sale without hesitation. For a person with less history I'd want lots of pictures and prior communications with the seller before deciding. Many people are also active sellers on eBay. If that is the case a new seller in AGN Classifieds might do well to mention their high level of 100% ratings in their eBay sales.
Good luck
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