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Friday, December 13, 2024
Michiana's Popular Farm Paper Since 1926

Completing the Classified Ad Form - FAQ's


Tips for Writing Your Ad Copy

  1. Be sure you include a method for contacting you in your ad. Include a phone number, e-mail address, website, or postal address. The phone number and address information you enter in the customer information section does not get included in your ad copy.
  2. Type the ad as you would like it to appear in the paper using proper grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. This includes being sure to use spaces between words, in other words, don't string together numerous words with commas/semi-colons/dashes. This will result in a recomputation of your ad charges.
  3. Minimize the use of abbreviations, except for those which most readers will already know. Some examples of common abbreviations would include:
    • OBO for or best offer
    • JD for John Deere
    • NH for New Holland
    • Other standard equipment manufacturer abbreviations

How are my Charges Calculated?

Ad charges are based upon the number of charge words and the number of times the ad is scheduled to run (number of insertions), plus any billing or blind ad charges. You can view the rate card to see a chart showing the ad charges for varying charge words and number of insertions.

The web form automatically calculates the charges for you based on the ad copy you enter. In order to correctly compute your ad charges, please be sure you have used spaces between words (in other words, don't string together multiple words with commas, semi-colons, or dashes and no spaces). Your ad will be revised, and charges recomputed and a bill sent, if you did not properly use spaces in your ad copy.

What if I Want the Same Ad in Two Classifications?

You can click the link called "I want to place this ad in another classification" on the classified ad confirmation screen. You will then be able to change the classification. The first issue will be the same as the original ad (and can be changed), but you must specify the number of times you want the ad to run, all other information will be completed automatically for you based on your input for the original ad. You are allowed to edit the fields if you wish; new ad charges will then be calculated accordingly. You will be charged for two ads when you place the same ad in multiple classifications.

Why is My Personal Information Needed?

We collect your name and address in order to generate invoices for customers. We also use this information to apply payments to the appropriate customer when a payment is remitted without an invoice. We collect this same information from you when your ad is placed over the phone.

Your phone number and e-mail address are optional and are helpful in the event we need to contact you regarding your ad.

If you have further questions regarding our use of your name and address, please review our privacy policy.

What is 'E-mail in Ad Copy' Field?

If you would like an e-mail address to appear in your ad, then you must enter the e-mail address in the 'E-Mail in Ad Copy' field. The e-mail address will appear at the end of the ad.

E-mail addresses will be counted as two words when calculating your charge words.

What is 'Website in Ad Copy' Field?

If you would like a website address to appear in your ad, then you must enter the website address (in the form of www.yourwebsitename.com) in the 'Website in Ad Copy' field. The website address will appear at the end of the ad after the e-mail address (if entered).

Website addresses will be counted as two words when calculating your charge words.

What is 'First Issue Date' Field?

Enter the date (in mm/dd/yyyy format) of the paper in which you would like your ad to first appear. This date must be a Friday (since the publication date is Friday). The webform will check to ensure the date is properly formatted and is a Friday.

What is TF in The Number of Times to Run Ad?

TF means " 'til forbidden." We will run your ad until you tell us to stop. Placing a TF ad means you will be billed for all charges and the applicable $2 billing charge will be added to each ad.

What are My Payment Options?

The Farmer's Exchange accepts payment in the form of check or cash in person (please do not mail cash). The Farmer's Exchange does not accept credit cards.

Customers who place ads must remit payment as soon as they have placed their ad. Any ads remaining unpaid at the end of the month will be invoiced to the customer and a $2 billing charge will be added.

Alternatively, customers may elect to be invoiced at the end of each month. Customers electing to be invoiced will have a $2 billing charge added to the ad cost.

What are Blind Ads?

A blind ad is a classified ad where the advertiser's name is not used and all ad responses are received by The Farmer's Exchange on behalf of the advertiser.

Blind ads are subject to an additional $5 charge per ad, per insertion.