How to Write a Great Description
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List your item so it will sell!
This listing was picked at random from another site - there are millions of bad listings out there; make yours a good one!

This is what not to do:

Winnie the Pooh engraved cot bed

Lovely cotbed engraved with Winnie the Pooh at both ends. Bought from toy r us. It has a draw that goes under the bed for storage. I am also including in sale matching bedding inc matteress, sheets, duvet and cot bumper also a Winnie the Pooh cot mobile from mothercare. It has hardly had any use as our daughter wanted to go in a big bed like her brother at the age 15 mnths! It is for children up to age of 5. It does have a few scratches from being up in kids room and them bashing things into it (pls look at pic) But apart from this it is good condition. This whole lot cost me £400 1 1/2 yr ago!

Problems with this listing:

  • One block of text - you can't read it quickly
  • Unnecessary detail - you have to trawl for the facts
  • Spelling mistakes - "toy r us", "draw", "matteress", etc.
  • Coloured text - poor contrast and hard on the eyes
  • Misleading description 1 - the only "engraving" pictured is of Piglet. The other end might or might not be Pooh himself; who knows? And I'm being pedantic... but it's a carving.
  • Misleading description 2 - at least some of the "scratches" pictured are dents. This needs to be said in the text.
  • Misleading description 3 - being picky... but it's unlikely that the mattress is matching too.

In addition, the supplied photographs are out of focus, cluttered and have camera shake - see How to take a great photo.

See how this description can be improved:

Carved Winnie the Pooh Cot Bed

  • Only 18-months old - cost £400 new! - from Toys R Us
  • Both ends carved with illustrations from Winnie the Pooh
  • Under-bed storage drawer
  • Items included:
    • matching bedding: sheets, duvet & cot bumber
    • Winnie the Pooh mobile (Mothercare)
    • mattress
  • Good condition - a few scratches and dents only
  • Sadly outgrown

    Please see photos for more details

This says exactly the same, but much more clearly.

DO...

  • say if your home is smoke-free and/or pet-free, otherwise people will assume it isn't.
  • give specific details of any damage or disfunction: tears, marks, stains, dents, scratches, etc. Give your buyers confidence that your definition of your item's condition is the same as theirs (see also: How to take a great photo)
  • give as much detail as possible (materials used, original price, manufacturer, features, etc.).
  • say if fabrics can be machine washed.
  • say if your item is compatable with another product.
  • describe exactly what's included in the sale.
  • check your description for spelling errors.

DON'T...

  • DO NOT omit details of damage in the hope that 'no one will notice'. They will.
  • don't waffle - buyers aren't so interested in domestic arrangements.
  • don't litter your text with too much text decoration; too many jazzy colours, font styles or sizes, are distracting.
  • don't use bad pictures...
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