TL;DR
A good description answers the questions buyers would message you anyway. State what it is, its condition, dimensions, and pickup details, plainly and honestly.
Most buyers decide from the photos, but the description is where you close the sale and cut the endless back-and-forth. Every question you answer up front is a message you do not have to reply to later, and every honest detail builds the trust that gets someone to actually show up.
A structure you can reuse
- 1Line one: what it is, brand, and model in plain words.
- 2Condition: honest wear, flaws, and what works, with no surprises.
- 3Measurements: dimensions or size so buyers know if it fits.
- 4Details: color, material, age, and anything included.
- 5Logistics: pickup area, cash or app payment, and porch or in-person.
Buyers reward honesty. If a table has a scratch, say so and mention it is barely visible from standing height. Naming a small flaw yourself makes buyers trust the rest of your description, which usually means fewer lowballs and fewer no-shows.
Keep it scannable
Use short lines, not a wall of text. A buyer skimming on their phone should catch the condition and size in a couple of seconds. Break details onto their own lines so nothing important gets lost in a paragraph.
Do not oversell. Skip "rare, must see, wont last" filler. It reads as pushy and does not help. State the facts clearly, price it against recent sold comps, and let a fair listing do the convincing.
Common questions
How long should a Marketplace description be?
Long enough to cover condition, measurements, and pickup details, but keep it scannable. A few short lines that answer the common questions beats a long paragraph a buyer skims past on their phone.
Should I mention flaws in the description?
Yes, always. Naming a small scratch or stain up front builds trust and cuts no-shows, because the buyer knows exactly what they are getting. Hidden flaws lead to cancellations and bad interactions at pickup.
What details do buyers ask for most?
Dimensions, whether it is still available, pickup location, and payment method. Put all of those in the description so you answer them once instead of replying to the same questions over and over.
Should I include measurements?
Yes, especially for furniture, appliances, and anything that has to fit a space or a vehicle. Measurements cut down on wasted messages and stop buyers from backing out when an item does not fit.
Do keywords in the description help search?
The title carries most of the search weight, but a clear description with the plain words for your item does not hurt. Focus the description on answering buyer questions rather than stuffing it with keywords.
Can I copy the same description for similar items?
You can reuse a template structure, but always update the condition, measurements, and specific details for each item. A copied description with the wrong dimensions creates confusion and no-shows at pickup.
Keep going
Get description feedback from members for $9/month
Get the other 13 in the starter stack, plus the full FB Marketplace Resellers Club community - $9/mo, cancel anytime.
Join the Club