Description Templates That Convert

Your title gets them to click. Your description closes the sale. A well-structured description answers buyer questions before they're asked, builds confidence, and reduces returns.

Here are proven templates you can adapt for any platform.

The Essential Structure

Every description needs four components in this order:

1. Opening hook — What makes this item worth buying
2. Specifications — Hard facts: size, measurements, materials
3. Condition notes — Honest assessment including any flaws
4. Policies/Closing — Shipping, returns, contact info

The sequence matters. Hook them first, give them the facts they need, be honest about condition, then make purchasing easy.

Clothing Template

[BRAND] [ITEM TYPE] in [COLOR/PATTERN]. [One sentence about style, era, or appeal.]

DETAILS:
• Brand: [Brand name]
• Size: [Tag size] — see measurements below
• Color: [Color name]
• Material: [Fabric content from tag]
• Style: [Specific style name if applicable]
• Era: [Vintage/Contemporary]

MEASUREMENTS (laid flat):
• Pit to pit: [X]"
• Length: [X]"
• Sleeve: [X]"
• Shoulder: [X]"

CONDITION: [Excellent/Good/Fair]. [Specific notes: "No stains, holes, or odors" OR "Small mark on sleeve — see photo 4."]

Ships within 1-2 business days. Questions? Just ask!

For Poshmark, measurements are especially important—returns for fit issues hurt your stats. For eBay, include everything because international buyers can't easily ask questions across time zones.

Electronics Template

[BRAND] [MODEL] [ITEM TYPE]. [What it does or why it's notable.]

SPECIFICATIONS:
• Brand: [Brand]
• Model: [Full model number]
• Year: [If known]
• Dimensions: [L x W x H]
• Weight: [If relevant for shipping]

FUNCTIONAL STATUS:
• Powers on: Yes/No
• All features tested: Yes/No [List what was tested]
• Issues: [None / List specific issues]

COSMETIC CONDITION:
[Detailed assessment: scratches, wear, missing parts]

INCLUDES:
• [Main item]
• [Accessories, cables, manuals, original box if applicable]

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• [Anything expected but missing]

Ships securely packed within 1-2 business days.

For electronics, functional status is everything. Buyers need to know exactly what works and what doesn't. "Tested and working" means nothing without specifics.

Shoes Template

[BRAND] [MODEL/STYLE] in [COLOR]. [Brief appeal statement.]

DETAILS:
• Brand: [Brand]
• Model: [Specific model name]
• Size: [US/UK/EU as applicable]
• Color: [Official color name if known]
• Material: [Upper material / Sole material]

MEASUREMENTS:
• Insole length: [X]"
• Outsole length: [X]"
• Width at widest point: [X]"

CONDITION:
• Uppers: [Description]
• Soles: [Description — wear percentage if applicable]
• Insoles: [Description]
• Heel wear: [Description]

FLAWS: [None / List specific issues with photo references]

INCLUDES: [Original box? Extra laces? Dust bags?]

Ships within 1-2 business days, securely packed.

Shoe buyers care about fit and condition. Insole measurements help buyers who know their foot length. Sole wear percentage ("70% tread remaining") gives honest condition assessment.

Home Goods Template

[BRAND if applicable] [ITEM] in [MATERIAL/COLOR]. [Style note or era.]

DIMENSIONS:
• Height: [X]"
• Width: [X]"
• Depth: [X]"
• Weight: [X] lbs

MATERIAL: [What it's made of]

CONDITION: [Assessment]. [Specific notes on any wear, chips, cracks, or repairs.]

NOTABLE FEATURES:
• [Maker's mark, signature, label info]
• [Special features]

Perfect for [suggested use/room/style].

Ships securely packed. Fragile items are double-boxed.

For fragile items, mention your packaging. Buyers hesitate on glass and ceramics because they fear shipping damage. Reassure them.

Writing Better Condition Notes

Condition descriptions make or break returns and negative feedback. Be specific and honest.

Instead of Vague Terms

Don't say: "Good condition"
Do say: "Light wear on collar, no stains or holes, fabric shows minimal pilling"

Don't say: "Some wear"
Do say: "Heel shows scuffing consistent with 10-15 wears, soles have 80% tread remaining"

Don't say: "Minor flaws"
Do say: "Small 1/4" stain on inside hem — see photo 6. Not visible when worn."

Photo References

Always reference specific photos for flaws: "See photo 4 for closeup of mark on sleeve." This proves you're being transparent and helps buyers find exactly what you're describing.

Platform-Specific Adjustments

eBay

More detail is better. International buyers and collectors appreciate comprehensive descriptions. Include keywords naturally—Cassini reads descriptions for relevance.

Poshmark

Keep it scannable. Poshmark buyers browse quickly on mobile. Bullet points work better than paragraphs. Emojis are culturally acceptable here (sparingly).

Mercari

Descriptions can be shorter—Mercari's casual buyer base skims more. Focus on condition and size. Save the storytelling for higher-end platforms.

What NOT to Include

Personal stories: "I wore this to my cousin's wedding" doesn't help buyers decide. Cut it.

Excessive emojis: One or two on Poshmark is fine. A wall of emojis looks unprofessional.

Pressure tactics: "Won't last long!" or "Rare find!" feels desperate. Let the item speak.

Policies that differ from platform rules: "No returns" doesn't override platform policy. It just makes you look difficult.