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

Adding at least 3 to 5 photos and a 60 second video will give buyers a clear sense of what they're getting before they reach out. 

• Choose your cover photo carefully. It’s the only photo buyers see in the feed. Use the clearest, most flattering shot.
• Use your own photos. Don't use stock photos, photos taken from other websites, or photos that infringe on others' intellectual property. For Motors customers, don't use "Coming Soon" placeholder images.
• Show only the item or vehicle being sold. Photos should not include multiple items or vehicles.
• Show multiple angles. Include front, back, sides, and any close-ups of key details or features — for vehicles, this can include the dashboard, engine bay, and any notable features.
• Be honest about condition. Photograph any scratches, dents, stains, or wear.
• Photos may include text, banners, stickers, or pricing info, as long as the item or vehicle is the main focus.
• Add a 60 second video. Show the item from multiple angles, demonstrate how it works, or highlight any flaws.

Write a clear title

Your title should describe the item for sale in your listing. Keep it clear and specific so buyers know exactly what you're selling. Here are some things to consider: 

• Include the most important details first. Lead with the brand, product name, and model — for vehicles, lead with the year, make, and model.
• Keep it concise. Titles that are too long may get cut off in the feed, so put the most important information first.
• Skip the filler. Words like “great deal” or “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.
• Don't include website URLs or physical addresses in the title. This information can be included in the description instead.

Write a description that answers buyers' questions

A detailed description helps buyers understand exactly what you're selling. Start with the most important details — the first 200 characters of your description are used to match your listing to buyer searches. Try to cover the following in every listing:

• Specs. Brand, model, dimensions, color, material, and any compatibility details.
• Condition. Describe the condition in plain language, including any damage, wear, or known issues.
• What’s included. List any accessories, original packaging, manuals, or extra parts included.
• Business contact information. You may include your business's contact information and physical address.

For vehicle listings, also include:

• Year, make, and model.
• Mileage. Be as accurate and up to date as possible.
• Color. Include both exterior and interior color (if relevant).
• Title status. Clearly state whether the title is clean, salvage, rebuilt, or other.
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Including the VIN gives buyers the ability to run a vehicle history report.
• Condition and service history. Describe the vehicle’s condition, any recent repairs or maintenance, and any known issues.
• Features and trim. Highlight notable features such as trim level, tech packages, safety features, or upgrades.
• Test drive and availability. Let buyers know if test drives are available.
• Dealership contact information. You may include your dealership's contact information and physical address.

If applicable, you may include financing, custom pricing, and down payment information in the description — just make sure the full price is listed in the Price field.

Choose the right category

Selecting the right category helps buyers find your listing. Be as specific as possible — add a subcategory if one is available.

Highlight the services your business offers

You can add feature cards to your listings to show buyers what your business offers — such as financing, warranties, shipping, and more. 

Turn individual options on or off at any time from the Business Portal. For steps on how to add these to your listings, see Services your business offers.

When enabled, these cards appear in the This seller offers section on all of your listings, giving buyers a clearer picture of what to expect before they reach out. 

Available options vary by business type:

• Verified Local Businesses (Storefronts): Financing, Shipping, Local delivery, Trade-in.
• Verified Auto Dealers (Motors): Financing, Warranty, Delivery, Trade-in.

Keep your listings accurate and up to date

Outdated or inaccurate listings can create a poor experience for buyers. Here are a few things you can do to keep your listings current:

• Remove or mark sold any items that are no longer available.
• Update condition, mileage, and availability information regularly.

Use the OfferUp Business Portal to manage your listings faster. With the My Listings feature, you can quickly view, edit, and update your listings from a laptop or desktop computer.

For more information, see Manage listings with Business Portal.