How to Write a Marketplace Listing That Sells | Expert Tips

Before going any further, let us clear something.

The majority of the listings on the marketplace are agonizingly dull.

"Good condition. Hardly used. No time wasters."

That's not a listing. That's a cry for help.

When you are attempting to work out how to sell online in Australia style, that is, real buyers, real cash, minimum drama, then your listing must be more than a listing. It needs to persuade. Subtly. Without sounding desperate.

I have used three types of Australia Buy and sell website in the past few years, and to be honest, one of them was like a ghost town on the internet. The other one had traffic but all the listings were the same. Same phrases. Same energy. Same zero personality.”Then where”, you must be thinking, wait.

And nothing can be identified when it all appears to be the same. Here’s my guide that i learnt and will surely help you.

Step 1: Quit Writing Like a Robot.

You are not filing a tax return. You're selling something.

It can be a couch, a bike, a treadmill, slightly-too-ambitious that you bought during lockdown 2021, but regardless, the listing needs to sound like a human.

Instead of sounding like a robot like:

“Good exercise machine in good condition.”

Give a try like a human:

“Bought at the time of lockdown with large fitness ambitions. Used for three months. Since then? It has cost me a lot of clothes rack.”

That honesty does something. It relaxes buyers. It makes them feel that they are dealing with a person, rather than a template.

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Step 2: Your Title Is Everything. Almost.

Most buyers scroll fast. Very fast.

So your title must be particular.

Bad example:

"Sofa for sale"

Better:

“3-Seater Grey Fabric Sofa - Great Condition - Pick Up South Yarra.”

You have added size, colour, condition hint and location now. That's searchable. That's clear. When a person enters the terms grey sofa Melbourne, then you have a chance.

Vague listings sink. Specific ones float.

Step 3: It's Time to Price It with Your Brain, Not Your Heart.

This one hurts.

That dining table cost you 2,000 dollars. You love that dining table. On that table, where you were the hostess at Christmas.

Buyers don't care.

They are comparing five comparable listings in your suburb currently.

Should you desire the most effective method to sell things online, you want your price a bit low enough, not significantly, but to get some clicks. Increase of enquiries brings about competition. The final price is more due to competition.

Incidentally, another point, which is worth considering immediately: round numbers are heavy. $500 is solid. $480 is a bargain.

Psychology. Strange, but true.

Step 4: Photos. Please. Good Ones.

On one occasion I encountered an ad on which the product was taken in a dark garage with half the tarp over it. This is what I do not know what they were selling.

Natural light works wonders. Take photos during the day. Show different angles. Close-ups of details. If there's a scratch, show it because transparency saves time.

Buyers are wary in online marketplace Australia. The more transparent your photos, the less embarrassing encounters you have, when one person tells the other, Oh... it was bigger in the pictures.

Step 5: Answer Before It is Asked.

Your buyer sends you simple questions each time they do this and this slows down the process.

Include:

• Dimensions
• Brand or model
• Age
• Condition (be honest)
• Pickup location
• Reason for selling

The last iPhone that I sold included the battery health percentage in the description. Guess what? Fewer messages. Faster sale.

Everything is faster with clarity.

Step 6: Do Not Sound Desperate (Although you are)

You might need the money. We've all been there.

But writing: "Need gone ASAP!!! Urgent sale!!!"invites lowball offers.

Peaceful assuredness is more effective: “Ordered this week, pick up available. Fairly priced according to condition.”

It is an indication that you are not panicking, you are reasonable.

Step 7: Select the appropriate Platform.

Marketplaces are not all equal.

Others are busy yet competitive. Some are quiet but targeted.

Sellers can list in various categories such as motors, property, and marketplace without an account jumping through platforms such as Dealin. It can be useful in case you are clearing several items or have a small side hustle to incorporate it.

But here is the fact, even the finest platform cannot resolve a poor listing.

Your words still matter.

Step 8: Timing Is Underrated

Post at the right time.The timing you should choose based on my experience are -Evenings, Weekends, Payday weeks.

Listing a heater in summer? Harder sell. Air conditioner in winter? Same story. People do not want to admit that seasonality influences demand.

Step 9: Process Enquiries as an ordinary individual.

You will get:

• "Is this still available?"
• Offers 40% below asking.
• Individuals that disappear in the middle of a conversation.

Don't let it frustrate you.

Reply politely. Keep messages short. Suggest clear pickup times. Serious buyers tend to make fast moves when logistics are made clear. And yes, you will overlook somebody. That's fine too.

A Quick Real Example

One of my friends in Brisbane was selling a used gaming chair. First listing was bland. No bites.

Second attempt:

• Better photos
• Specific measurements
• True remark regarding minor wear of armrest.

Sells at a discount of $20 lower than others of its kind. Sold in three days. Nothing magical. Its just clearer communication.

One may wonder where to buy or sell marketplace items. Then I must tell you that Dealin is an all in one platform for selling and buying not only marketplace items but also bikes, motors and you can even post listings for jobs, businesses for sale, property and services. The wide category of Dealin provides an opportunity to trade local in Australia. And if you are an individual Dealin is totally free for you. Australia classifieds Marketplace items can be listed on Dealin with certain percentage (4.90% - 9.90%) depending on the item. And the best thing is that there is no other fees like success fee etc. other than listing fee. You can check the fee here.

Concluding Remarks (Partly Biased)

Selling a marketplace listing is not difficult. But it does require effort.

• Be specific.
• Be honest.
• Be human.

And perhaps, perhaps, cease repeating the same weary formulae that all other people repeat.

Since in a sea of similar listings, personality prevails.

Not an over-the-top personality. Only enough to keep the buyers in mind that there is another person on the other side of the screen.

And that is usually the distinction between "still available? and "When can I pick it up?