PLEASE NOTE: Ads that are submitted online after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays will miss the deadline and may not be included in the following Friday's editions. If the deadline is past, we may still be able to squeeze your ad in. Call 703-437-5886.

Holiday Deadlines:
On holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, when The Observer offices will be closed, classified deadlines for the week will be 5 p.m. the Friday before the publication date for the Reston and Herndon editions.

To talk with a classified advertising representative, call us at 703-437-5886.

WORD ADS:
Details: Classified word ads consist of advertising items for sale, yard sales, property for rent or sale, used vehicles, prayers, etc. Word ads are purchased in all three editions. All ads are posted to this Web site.

Rates: $24 for 20 words and 50 cents for each additional word. All ads must be prepaid.

EMPLOYMENT:
Details: Employment ads are individually boxed on a 1.5-inch column format. The Observer's column width is larger than other newspapers in the market, giving you more space for your message for a better price. Take advantage of our "Buy 3 Weeks, Get the 4th Free" offer to get the most exposure. Contact our sales staff for details.

Rates: $49 per column inch, $36.75 per inch for a full month's advertising. Our most popular size is 2 by 1.5 inches.

CLASSIFIED DISPLAY:
Details: This includes all commercial advertising. Classified display ads are individually boxed on a 1.5-inch column format. Ads are sold at a combination rate for all three editions. Ads are posted in text format on this Web site. Contact our sales staff for details.

Rates: $49 per column inch, $36.75 per inch for a full month's advertising.

BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY:
Details: Business & Services ads are individually boxed on a 1.5-inch column format. Consistency is key to maximize exposure. Your costs are reduced by half with a six-month contract. Contact our sales staff for details.

Rate: $30 per column inch. $15 per column inch with a signed contract. There is an eight-week minimum, and advertising must be prepaid and secured with your credit card.

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY:
Details: The Business Card Directory consist of business cards published in a special section of the newspaper. Dimensions for ads are 2.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep. Contact our sales staff for details.

Rate: $40 per week with a 12-week commitment. Advertising must be prepaid and secured with your credit card.

WORSHIP DIRECTORY:
Details: Worship ads are individually boxed on a 3.25-inch column format. Contact our sales staff for details.

Rate: $15 per column inch. Our most popular size is 2 columns wide by 1 column deep. There is a four-week minimum. Special Holiday Worship section advertising is available.

 

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE:
Name the Item: Begin your ad by identifying the item you are selling by its most common name.

Describe the Features: Describe the item by listing its best features, such as physical condition, brand name, size, age, color, rarity, or the history of its care.

Name a Price: Always include the price. Many people will not respond if there is no indication how much the item is worth. If you are flexible, use the words "negotiable" or "best offer."

Your Phone Number: End your ad with your phone number, including area code, and the best time to call. If you prefer another method of contact, include your e-mail address.

EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING
Name the Position: Begin the ad with the title of the position or with a one- or two-word description of the type of work.

Job Requirements: List the qualities you are looking for in a candidate, including preferred education, skills, professional experience, location and background.

Benefits: Explain why job-seekers would be interested in your position. Include such details as medical and dental plans, the pay or salary range, paid vacation, and opportunities for promotion, advancement, travel, etc.

Application Details: Provide a deadline for application if there is one. If you prefer resumes to be faxed, e-mailed, mailed, or if candidates should arrive at a certain time and place for interviews, include this information.

Your Contact Information: Complete your ad with the name, phone number, fax number or e-mail address candidates should use to contact you.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT:
Basic Information: Name the location of the property and tell the reader whether it is a house, townhouse, condo, apartment, room for rent, basement apartment, etc.

Describe the Features: List the physical and environmental benefits of the property, such as new carpet or paint, appliances, the great view, large yard, location near a bus stop, etc.

Name the Price: For rentals, include the rental rate and whether it includes utilities, kitchen privileges, parking, cable, etc. For homes for sale, include the listing price and any closing benefits.

Your Contact Information: Complete your ad with the name, phone number, fax number or e-mail address prospoective buyers or renters should use to contact you. Include the best hours to call or stop by.