Better Listings Equals More Money

How to Write Listing for CraigsList, Nextdoor, Facebook

Word your listing to weed out lookers and time wasters. I had a 90% purchase rate when I sold furniture because I was overly honest and only made appointments with people coming to pick up their furniture. Before I turned over my address, I did the presale with my listing, photos, emails, and text messages.

Mid-Century-Modern Dresser

Detailed Description

  • Include who, what, how, when, and why
  • Color, list variety because my blue is your turquoise
  • Size (with measurements) Exact measurements
  • Year if applicable, or an estimate
  • Precise pattern name
  • Precise style, including close styles
  • photo, top, side, back, front
  • List flaws and repairs made if necessary; always list flaws in detail if they are sold as is. An exceptional piece can retain value with flaws to someone with the expertise or cash to repair it. Often, antiques or coveted mid-century-modern piece has value, even damaged. Photos of flaws with a coin or other object to demonstrate the size of the object and or flaw. Highlighting flaws helps with honest evaluations and stops haggling once the buyer arrives.

Contact Information

  • Create an Email just for sales to prevent lost messages.
  • Text via App only Nextdoor, Craigslist, Facebook, and all the other apps.
  • The closest major cross streets of the meeting place is enough. After a concrete meeting time, give a complete address.
  • Give times you are available and comfortable to close the sale.

Deals are in the Details

  • Be prepared to offer delivery or mail as an option, prepaid, of course.
  • Serious offers only; price is non-negotiable, as is.
  • Be specific and concise, so there are no questions about your listing.
  • Be specific and concise, so there are no questions about your listings.
  • List all possible names and uses for items in the description; for example, a low-long dresser could be listed as a credenza, dresser, bureau, entertainment cabinet/center, storage, six drawer dresser, and include style names. Somebody might be searching for several names. Please include them in your description. After you have circulated lots of inventory, you can reuse these listings and change the sizes as needed.

Money, Money, Money

Let buyers know what forms of payment you expect or they are comfortable with. Paypal, Zelle, Stripe, or credit card via whatever App you prefer. If you like cash, tell people to have exact change. Also, be ready to make change. Most forms of payment have easy access and are downloaded onto your smartphone. Take the time to interact with the payment apps so you look professional. Most apps have a feature to send receipts with business names and contact information. Use them to build later transactions. Get confirmation before the buyer leaves or loads the product for online payments. If you are delivering, insist on all or a portion of the sale price before delivery with no returns or include a prepaid delivery fee. I only accepted one check when I sold furniture, and that was a sweet little old lady who lived close by. I would ask the purchaser to have cash. Primarily, you need to be comfortable with whatever you are using. Creating more options for payment will make it easier to make more money. If you have any negative feelings about an interaction, stop interacting with the person and block them ASAP. Please keep a record in case they give a negative review to the App you are using. Your interactions will help to combat the negative issue. You should never feel uneasy about any transaction.

Holds

No holds mean I will make an appointment with you; however, there are other appointments, and someone may purchase the item before their appointment. This policy creates urgency and lets people know it is first come, first served. I admit there were times when people got angry about this; however, there were plenty more times when appointments did not show. Once the item has sold, send a group text to all interested buyers that the item has sold. Send a link to a similar item you have available or contact information for future sales.

Finally, if your listing has an answer to every possible question, you will have more sales and fewer questions. Further, some people will text you about things in the listing; if so, send them the link. I found people who asked fewer questions showed up and bought. CL buyers in my area usually have time constraints and need the item they want quickly. Respect them and their time, and they will respect yours. For example, if someone contacts you at 9 a.m. on Saturday, text them the address thirty minutes before the meeting. Give them one or two hours’ grace and change the listing to Pending Pickup. After two hours with no contact, remove and pending pick up and accept other offers.

Scam Rules

  • Only meet people at your home if you are comfortable. The times you list on your listing should be when you are not alone, during the day, and at your convenience only.
  • Make appointments for people who are coming to purchase. If they want to “look around,” they must go to the Mall.
  • Look for more information on Scammers in future posts.

I have had several online shops since 2006, and they all share my desire for sustainability. I worked in the Raw Furniture Store before I decided to refurbish and sell furniture from home. I went from home sales to a booth at a flea market and an Antique shop. I loved finding and reclaiming beautiful wood furniture. While doing this, I collected many wonderful things. My collection is much like the rag-and-bone man of times gone by, filled with treasures. I salvaged many items from reclaimed pieces

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