How to write a listing that sells
My top tips to turn your unwanted items into cash
I’ve sold dozens—maybe hundreds—of items online: everything from baby gear and blazers to bar carts and even my husband’s old BMW. It’s a great way to declutter, give unwanted items a second life, and make a little extra cash in the process.
After years of selling (and plenty of trial and error), I’ve learned that how you present an item can be the difference between making a sale and just giving it away.
A strong listing really does the heavy lifting. Here are the details I never skip:
Start with great photos
Photo quality can make or break your listing, since it’s the first thing people see.
Take a few clear shots from different angles (some close-up, some wider angle) using diffused, natural daylight and a clean background. If you’re savvy, give your photos a quick edit. Simply boosting the brightness can make the item look better and stand out in a feed.
Show furniture or decor in a tidy, well-lit space to help buyers picture it in their own home. For clothing, give it a quick press and hang it against a light-colored wall—it’ll look much more polished than laying it on the floor or bed.
Add important details
Make sure you include the following:
Selling & original purchase price: Saying something like “Purchased new for $, asking $” helps highlight both the value of the item and the deal you’re offering. Bonus points if you can link to the original item online.
Brand: For gear, electronics, or appliances, include the item’s year and model info.
Condition: Terms I like using include new (with or without tags), like-new, gently used, vintage, or well-loved with plenty of life left. Be sure to point out any stains or imperfections—honesty builds trust and helps avoid surprises later.
Size or measurements: For shoes and clothing, size, weight, or age references—and notes on how the item fits (runs small, true to size, or roomy)—are really helpful for potential buyers.
Shipping or pickup info: Include how the item will get to the buyer. For shipping, something like “Ships free within 1 day” gives people a sense of how quickly they’ll receive it. For local pickup, I usually mention the part of town we live in and whether it can be a “porch pickup.”
Include a use case or something you love
In addition to the essential details, include a quick use case or something you love about the item. It helps buyers imagine it in their own lives:
“This chair would be perfect in a reading nook or nursery,” or “Great dress for a summer event or wedding!”
Offer (free) shipping
I love Facebook Marketplace for local sales, but if your item is mailable, offering shipping expands your audience and increases the chances of it selling. If you can, slightly raise your price and offer “free shipping”—it feels like a better deal, and in my experience, it leads to more sales.
Post at the right time
Every platform has its own algorithms, but I’ve found that morning hours get the most traction, and Fridays (payday for many) tend to bring more saves and faster sales.
Bonus tip: Ask for a quick review
Good seller ratings build trust with both the platform and future buyers. After a sale, I like to send the buyer a simple review request:
“Hello! I’m so glad you’re happy with the [ITEM]. If you have time to leave a quick rating, I’d really appreciate it. Good ratings help others discover the items I’m listing. Thank you! 🤗”
If a buyer has a good experience, they’re usually happy to leave a review—especially if they know it’s helpful.
Here’s to a lighter home—and a little extra cash in your pocket!
