Secondhand is in demand. And KSL Classifieds is the place to cash in on your cast-offs. But if you want to sell your stuff swiftly — and for top dollar — you have to create a compelling listing. Use these pro tips to get noticed by potential buyers.
1. Love at first glance
In person, the average first impression is seven seconds. Online? You have mere milliseconds. It’s important that the title of your listing quickly communicates exactly what you’re selling. Make the most of the 95 characters you have on KSL Classifieds by using the formula below to optimize your title with key information. This improves its performance as potential buyers filter their search and offers a positive first impression.
Brand + Model Number + Model Name + Product Type + Defining Feature(s), Color
Examples:
Mongoose Legion L40 Freestyle BMX Bike With 20-Inch Wheels, Grey/Black
KitchenAid KSM96 Ultra Power Plus 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer With 10 Attachments, Ice Blue
Similarly, use a “swipe right” mentality when it comes to the first photo buyers see. The primary photo should always be taken with a landscape (4:3) orientation, as this is how it is displayed on the search results page on KSL.com. Be sure to leave a little space on the left and the right of the photo, so no important details are lost when it is cropped and displayed as a square on the KSL Classifieds app.
2. A deeper look
The first photo is important, but it is equally important to have a variety of photos. Potential buyers want to see it all — good and not so good. Don’t use stock photos found on other websites. Take your own photographs from various angles to show the condition of your item and differentiate it from competing listings. Include detailed close-ups of important features, brand identification and flaws (yes, really!). It doesn’t matter if your item is slightly worn or damaged, there are still things you can do to make it look more appealing.
For starters, wipe the dust off that desk. Clean usually equals more green. And try to photograph it in natural light. Shoot in light from a north-facing window or use sheer curtains to diffuse direct sunlight when necessary. If you aren’t able to lug that ginormous grandfather clock out of the basement without three generations of muscle, simply swap out any unflattering light bulbs. Soft white or warm white (approximately 2,700-3,000 kelvins) tends to be the most flattering. Clear any clutter from the area as well. Listing photos look best when surrounded by a solid foreground and background. Nobody wants to see your dirty laundry — literally or figuratively.
3. Keep it conversational
The goal of listing descriptions is to connect with the customer and quickly pique their interest. The initial tone of your writing and the lifestyle pitch is a large part of this. Don’t get too technical too fast. Product specs are important, but are better communicated as bullet points later in the description rather than the opener.
Example:
Where’s my jerky?! A hungry stomach turns the happiest campers into growling bears rummaging through a cooler in search of that certain something. This 100-quart rolling cooler comes with a divider (that doubles as a cutting board), giving Saturday’s snacks and drinks a space separate from Sunday’s salmon dinner.
- Materials: UV-resistant polyethylene (food grade), rubber
- Dimensions: 36.5” x 16.75” x 18.25”
- Style number: 389KIK17
4. Speak to the egocentric
People are inherently selfish. Why should they buy your item? What’s in it for them? What problem does it solve? Emphasize the benefits in your listing description. Let potential buyers know how the item fills a particular void and makes their life better.
Example:
Stop suitcase surprises. If you’ve ever unzipped your luggage to find your shampoo came open and saturated your favorite hoody or smelled the cologne on your backpack long before seeing it come around on the baggage carousel, you need this travel toiletry bag. Made from tarpaulin, this packing accessory prevents liquid leaks from penetrating the bag and ruining your trip.
5. Choose your words carefully
Our apologies to Picasso. It isn’t necessary to wield a brush to paint a picture — all you need are the right words. Think about what search terms you would use as a consumer and work those into the description. Choose adjectives intentionally and use industry lingo appropriately to appeal to your target audience, but don’t overdo it. Keep the copy clear and concise.
Example:
Love Bohemian style? This floral maxi dress is your rhapsody. Flowy yet flattering, it has a hidden drawstring in the waist for a tapered look tailored to your shape. The dusty mauve and grey dress is made from viscose. It moves with the gentlest breeze, keeping you cool and comfortable all day long.
6. Earn their trust
Be honest about the condition of your item on KSL Classifieds. Don’t select “Used - Excellent, like new” from the dropdown menu when it has scuff marks or other signs of wear. Similarly, let potential buyers know if any parts or pieces are missing in the listing description. You may also want to include your reason for selling the item to bond with buyers.
Example:
After stepping on Hot Wheels and Legos one too many times, I decided to get rid of a few things. This Ultimate Garage is missing one J-support that may or may not be a result of the tsu-Mommy that followed the daily toy-nado. A replacement part costs less than $2, but every level of the garage is still structurally sound without it.
7. How big is it?
No, this isn’t your cue to make an insulting joke about the circumference of your sister’s head. Rather, it’s a reminder to put dimensions and other size information in your listing description, especially those for furniture. This includes the height, width, depth and diagonal depth of sofas, love seats, desks and other pieces. A buyer can measure their space before calling you and wasting your time if that sofa won’t make the corner in the stairwell to their new apartment. (Pivot! Pivot! Pivooot!!!) If you are selling a futon or recliner, be sure to include both the folded and unfolded dimensions, as well as the wall proximity necessary for a full recline.
8. Game show strategy
KSL Classifieds is a lot like television’s most exciting hour of prizes — the price has to be right. List your item for too much and you’ll never win the showcase showdown. People will purchase that dinette set from another seller. But price it too low and you lose, too. Some sellers enter an unrealistic amount to draw more attention to the listing and plan to discuss the real price when potential buyers inquire about the listing. This strategy confuses potential buyers and creates a poor experience for everyone. Do your research to determine a price that is fair and competitive.
If you’re flexible on the price, you might consider including “OBO” in your listing description to let potential buyers know you are willing to negotiate. Otherwise, you might use “firm” in your listing. If you discover that your item isn’t worth much, consider the cost of your time answering calls and meeting with potential buyers. You may decide $5 isn’t worth it and use the Free category on KSL Classifieds instead.
9. Add video
Certain items are better displayed in action. Is your all-terrain RC truck capable of reaching 50 mph? Upload a video proving just how fast it goes! Does that Honda lawn mower really have the quietest gas engine on the market? Showcase its full features and let people hear it for themselves by adding a video to your KSL Classified listing.
10. Up the ante
In a hurry to sell your stuff? Including a deadline in the description gives potential buyers a sense of urgency. An incentive often helps as well.
Example:
Oh, baby! The nursery is being transformed into a child’s room this weekend and I need this convertible crib gone before then! Pick it up by Friday at 8 p.m.and I’ll throw in some sheets and a waterproof mattress protector for free.
You may also want to consider purchasing an upgrade for a nominal fee. Featured Listings are positioned prominently on KSL Classifieds, where they receive up to eight times more views. That’s a lot of eyeballs! You can upgrade your listing at any time during its 30-day run.
Whatever your reason or timeline for selling, KSL Classifieds connects you with other members of our community. Add a new listing or optimize your existing listings using these tips.
