When you click on the 'Submit ad' option on the menu, you will initially be asked to select the appropriate category for your ad from a drop-down box. Generally this will depend on the type of item you are selling and the price range that it falls into.

You will then need to nominate a 'Promotion level' which will depend on the amount of information that you would like to enter for your ad - Free, Bronze ($20), Silver ($40) or Gold ($60). It is important to remember that the information that is ultimately displayed in your ad will be dependant on the Promotion level you choose here, and later purchase. This can be anything from a basic free ad (with no pictures) to a Gold level ad that allows multiple photographs, web links, and sound files. Gold level ads also gain extra prominence by being regularly featured at the top of the relevant page listing.

The Business level option should only be selected by sellers who have already purchased an advertising package with Musicale. For information about business advertising please contact us.

You can now begin to fill in the specific information for your ad. Note that the form is divided into sections, corresponding to the different Promotion levels - the first section applies to all of the levels:

First, enter a title for your ad. Make this concise but informative, such as '1914 Enrico Rocca violin'. Next you should write the basic description - this can include any information you think may be relevant, but it is a good idea to mention any criteria that would be important to a player, such as instrument measurements, condition, etc. For more details about the measurements that are most relevant (and how to take them) refer to the page on measuring your instrument or bow. If you can work out the size of the instrument or bow (4/4, 3/4, 1/2, etc) you can also enter this using the drop-down box provided.

To help you with your descriptive text we have provided a terminology page which explains some of the common terms used with stringed instruments and bows. You may find you need to refer to this page later as well, to better understand and respond to enquiries from prospective buyers. You might also like to include a label transcription, but please read the article on instrument labels to understand why this may not necessarily be meaningful or useful.

NOTE: We will reject any advertisements with descriptions that include web site addresses or invitations to request images by email.

With the tick boxes titled available on trial and accessories you can indicate whether the instrument can be taken by a prospective buyer for a short trial period, and if it comes with any associated accessories such as a case. A trial period is often permitted by shops and dealers to let the player make a more informed choice about the item. However, if you are uncertain or would like to decide this on a case-by-case basis just leave this choice blank.

The next field is the price you want for your item. Enter this as numbers only, in whole Australian dollars (the currency sign will be added for you automatically). If the price is negotiable you can tick the appropriate box in the next field. For instruments that are being sold as 'Price on Application', leave the price field blank and tick the 'P.O.A.' box.

All of the subsequent fields only apply to paid ads.

You may decide to include photographs with your advertisement, and the number will depend on your selected Promotion level (2 for Bronze, 4 for Silver and 8 for Gold). The specific location of the image on your computer can be selected using the 'Browse' button provided. It is strongly recommended that you include at least two photographs - ads with no images typically generate much less interest. PLEASE NOTE: All images will be resized to a maximum width of 800 pixels. It is a good idea to reduce the images to this width yourself before uploading them with your ad.

For Silver and Gold level ads there are then two text boxes that allow you to detail documentation and provenance separately. You should write a summary of any appraisals, valuations, authentications and condition reports that accompany the item. Note that it is very important to include the name of the person or firm that supplied the documentation. You could also consider scanning any documents (as a jpg) and adding images into the photograph fields. The provenance field allows you to discuss the past history of the instrument or bow, if known.

There are also some fields where you can post related digital information about the item - perhaps a YouTube video showing the instrument being played, an internet link to a business site or a sound file that can be downloaded (there is a 2MB limit on sound files). With Silver level ads you can have one link and one media file, whereas Gold level allows you to include two of each. Enter a name for the internet link and the exact URL (starting with http://) into the fields provided. For sound files, select the specific location of the file on your computer using the 'Browse' button.

The featured ad option is only available to Gold level advertisers and lets you nominate the ad to be more prominently displayed by appearing periodically at the top of the category listing. Tick the box to enable this feature.

We would advise you to take some time and care over the information that you present about your item so that you maximise your chances of a response and an eventual sale. Once you are happy with the ad, click on the Ok button and wait (if there are multiple pictures or a sound file it may take a few minutes to upload all the data). If you have selected a paid ad you will be immediately directed to a payment window where you can elect to pay using a credit card or through PayPal (the credit card transaction is handled securely by PayPal - you don't need a Paypal account).

Alternatively you can use the contact us option to notify us about your ad and receive details of other payment methods (cheque or direct bank transfer). Do not delete the ad at this stage or your infomation will be lost! Your ad will be displayed immediately and it will also be checked by the administrator (normally within 24 hours). Please note that the administrator may make some small editorial changes, but if any significant modifications are required then these will be discussed with you. Note also that any parts of the ad that do not conform to the promotion level criteria will be deleted.

All ads run for 3 months, and you will be notified by email 14 days before your ad is due to expire. If you need any more instructions or advice about placing your ad, please don't hesitate to contact us.