How to create a great listing

A great listing can make all the difference when it comes to selling on OfferUp. Below are some tips to help yours stand out.

Add photos that show exactly what you’re selling

Photos help buyers get a better sense of what you're selling. Keep these tips in mind when adding photos to your listing:

• Choose your cover photo carefully. It’s the only photo buyers see in the For Sale feed. Use the clearest, most flattering shot.
• Add up to 12 photos. Cover every angle (front, back, sides, top, and bottom) to give buyers a complete picture of the item.
• Show the item in context or at scale. Try placing it next to a common object like a quarter, or show furniture styled in a room, so buyers can get a sense of size and proportion.
• Photograph every flaw. Being upfront about any scratches, stains, or damage helps set the right expectations for buyers.
• Add a 60 second video. Show the item from multiple angles, demonstrate how it works, or highlight any flaws.

For tips on getting the best results, see How to take great photos and videos.

Create a title that stands out

Your title sets the first impression. Being clear and specific helps buyers know exactly what you're offering.

• Include the item name plus the details that matter most. Brand, year, dimensions, or size — whatever is most relevant to your item.
• Lead with the most specific identifier. Brand, product name, and model number (if there is one).
• Keep your title concise. Titles that are too long may get cut off in the For Sale feed, so put the most important words first.
• Skip the filler. Words like “great deal” and “must go” take up space that useful keywords could fill.
• Avoid all caps and excessive punctuation. They can be harder to read and may make your listing look less credible.

Write a description that answers buyers’ questions

A good description gives buyers the information they need before they reach out. Try to cover these elements in every description:

• Specs: Brand, model, dimensions, color, material, year, compatibility (e.g., “works with iPhone 14 and later”).
• Condition in plain language: The condition label gives a rating, but your description should explain it in your own words — including any damage, how the item works, and when you bought it.
• What’s included: Original box, charger, case, remote, manuals, extra parts. If it’s missing the original accessories, say so.
• How you’ll sell it: Pickup only, cash preferred, available weekends only, willing to negotiate. Set expectations before the buyer reaches out.
• Reason for selling (optional but useful): “Upgrading,” “moving,” or “got it as a gift” adds a human touch and can help build trust.

A few things to leave out: 

• Warnings like “no lowballers” or “serious buyers only.” They aren’t necessary and can come across as unfriendly.
• Vague superlatives like “amazing” or “must-have.” They don’t add useful information for buyers. 

Don’t share personal information

To protect your privacy and safety, keep your personal details out of your listing. OfferUp's messaging system is here to help keep your communication private and your transactions safer.

• Don’t include your home address, phone number, or email in your listing. Direct interested buyers to message you through the app instead.
• Choose public locations for meetups. Suggest meeting in a busy, public location rather than your home or a private address.
• Keep all communication in the app. Keeping your communication in the app helps keep your personal information private.

Price it to sell

Pricing your item competitively can help attract the right buyers. A little research goes a long way.

• Search OfferUp. Look for the same or similar items before you set your price to see what others are listing it for.
• Adjust for condition. A Like New item with original packaging commands more than a well-used one without. Price accordingly.
• Leave room to negotiate. Consider pricing your item slightly above your target to give yourself room to negotiate.
• Use round numbers. Prices like $75 or $80 can feel more approachable than uneven numbers.

Choose the right category and condition

Choosing the right category and condition helps set clear expectations for buyers before they even read your description.

• Be as specific as possible with your category. Select the category that best fits your item, and add a subcategory if one is available.
• Use OfferUp’s condition labels honestly. New, Refurbished, Open Box, Used, Broken, and Other — when in doubt, round down rather than up. Buyers will see the item in person, so make sure the condition you select reflects what they can expect.

Set your location accurately

Setting your location accurately helps connect you with buyers in your area.
 

• Set your location to where the item is actually available for pickup, not just where you live if those are different.
• Don't enter a different city to reach a wider audience. This can create a poor experience for buyers who travel to meet you.

Pre-post checklist

Before you tap Post, take a moment to review your listing:

1. Does my title include the brand, model, and a key detail like size or color?
2. Is my category and subcategory as specific as they can be?
3. Does my condition label accurately reflect the item?
4. Have I added enough photos to show the item from all angles, including any flaws?
5. Is my cover photo clear and well-lit?
6. Does my description cover specs, condition, what's included, and how I'll sell it?
7. Did I check spelling, grammar, and punctuation?
8. Is there any personal information (address, phone number) I need to remove?
9. Is my price in line with comparable active listings?
10. Is my location set to where the item is actually available?

Item not selling?

If your item hasn’t had any inquiries after a week or so, try editing your listing before dropping the price. Here are some things you can try:

• Retake your photos in better light or from a different angle.
• Rewrite your title with different keywords.
• Expand your description with more detail or clearer language.
• Reconsider your price based on current comparable listings.
• Use Promotions to get more visibility for your listing.