The condition line is the part of a listing buyers read twice. It decides whether they trust the photos, whether they pay your price, and whether they open a return when the box arrives. A good condition description is specific, defect-first and boring. This manual gives you a working scale, wording that holds up, and a list of claims to leave out. Marketplaces publish their own condition categories; when a platform's definitions differ from yours, follow the platform's.
Start from a scale you can apply the same way every time
A personal scale keeps you consistent across hundreds of listings. Five steps are enough:
- New, unused. Never used, with original packaging and all parts. If the packaging is opened or damaged, say so.
- Like new. Used briefly or not at all, no visible wear, all parts and accessories.
- Good. Normal signs of use described specifically, fully working, nothing missing.
- Fair. Obvious wear or cosmetic damage, or a missing non-essential part, still working.
- For parts or not working. Does not work, could not be tested, or is missing essential parts.
Map each step to the marketplace category you use, and write the mapping down. The value of the scale is that "good" means the same thing on every listing in your shop.
Lead with defects
Describe the flaws first, then the positives. "Two light scratches on the back panel, 1 cm and 2 cm, shown in photos 5 and 6. Screen has no scratches. Fully working." reads as more honest than "Great condition!! Minor wear." Buyers forgive flaws they were told about.
Useful habits:
- Locate each flaw. Front, back, left sleeve, lower right corner.
- Size it. Measure, or photograph next to a coin or ruler.
- Say what it affects. Cosmetic only, or does it affect use?
- Number the photos and refer to them.
Say what you tested, and how
"Tested" is a promise without content. Replace it with what you did:
- "Powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, made a call, charged from 20 to 100 percent."
- "Ran a full wash cycle on the hottest setting; no leaks."
- "All keys checked in a text editor."
- "Could not test; no charger. Selling as untested."
If you could not test an item, say so and grade it accordingly. "Untested" belongs in the for-parts category unless you have a good reason otherwise.
Measurements beat sizes
For clothing, shoes, furniture and anything that has to fit, give measurements taken the same way each time: chest pit to pit, length from shoulder, inseam, outer dimensions. Labeled sizes vary by brand and era. Measurements also cut down on "does not fit" returns.
Completeness
List what is included, and what is not. Chargers, cables, manuals, remotes, lids, boxes, shelves, keys. A missing accessory a buyer assumed was included is one of the most common reasons for a dispute. If a part is generic rather than original, say "generic charger, not original."
Claims to leave out
Some words create obligations or invite trouble:
- Safety claims. "Safe for babies," "child-safe." CPSC's Reseller's Guide puts the responsibility for compliance on sellers; you cannot certify safety by inspection. Describe the item and its condition, and check recalls. See baby and children's items.
- Authenticity claims you cannot back. "Authentic" or "genuine" without proof of origin. If you have a receipt or certificate, describe it. If not, describe what you see and let the buyer decide.
- Rarity and value claims. "Rare," "worth $500," "investment piece." Report comparable sold prices in your research, not in the listing.
- Absolute promises. "Perfect," "flawless," "100 percent working" on a used item.
- Delivery promises you cannot keep. A stated shipping time is also a commitment under the FTC mail order rule. See shipping time promises.
Smells, pets and smoke
Many buyers care about odors and pet hair, and photos cannot show them. If an item came from a home with smoke or pets, or has any odor, say so. If you do not know, say you do not know. Stating that your storage area is smoke-free is fine if true; it does not tell the buyer about the item's past.
Photos and words should agree
Every flaw in the text should appear in a photo, and every flaw visible in a photo should appear in the text. The photos and listings manual covers lighting and angles. Before you publish, read the description while looking at the photos, as a buyer would.
A template to start from
Condition: Good. Two light scratches on the lid (photos 4 and 5). Small scuff on the base, cosmetic only. Tested: powered on, all functions work, held charge for an hour. Included: unit, original charger, manual. Not included: box. Measurements: 30 x 20 x 8 cm. From a smoke-free storage area; origin unknown.
The description takes three minutes. The dispute it prevents takes much longer.
Should I mention a small flaw if it barely shows in photos?
Yes. A flaw you disclose is part of the deal; a flaw the buyer discovers is a return, a dispute or a bad review. Name it, show it in a close-up photo, and say where it is. Small, clearly described flaws rarely stop a sale at the right price.