Product description tips: 3 secrets on how to attract buyers on Carousell


Your product description on Carousell makes all the difference when someone is choosing between your item or someone else’s.

So, here’s what many sellers on Carousell hope for as an ideal scenario.

First, you list an item in the marketplace, say a shoe. Then, an interested buyer jumps on the chance to buy what you’re selling and clicks on the “Make An Offer” button.

Finally, you gladly accept their offer and sell your used item. The decision is swift. You and your buyer sort out payment and delivery, exchange feedback, and live happily ever after.

But, here’s the reality for most sellers on Carousell who rush and skip writing excellent product descriptions of what they’re selling.

You list your second-hand shoe. A potential buyer checks out your listing but leaves immediately and ends up buying from another Carouseller. Bummer.

Why? Chances are, you forgot to write a detailed product description (e.g. size, colour or reason for selling). They probably had too many questions and was too lazy to bother.

Would you rather experience the ideal situation or the sad reality for most sellers?

My bet is on the ideal situation, so stick around because this guide will teach you some “secrets” on how to write an excellent product description that attracts buyers.

Writing an attractive product description on Carousell

Buyers want to be confident about their decisions.

They want you to convince them that your item is the best option in the marketplace (of course yours is). The only way for them to know is how detailed and convincing your product description is.

Here’s a brief look into what topics I’ll cover in this guide:
1. Writing an item title on Carousell
2. What essential details to include in your product description on Carousell
3. How to write an engaging product description

If you make it easy for them to decide, they’ll make it easy for you to sell.

Ready for the tips? Let’s begin!

1. How to write an eye-catching item title on Carousell

Now before I share some not-so-secret “secrets” (okay, maybe they are) about how to write a great product title, I have an activity for you to try.

Go to your Carousell app on your mobile and search for something you want to buy.

Then, take note of the titles they use to describe their used item. Notice how some of them get cut off while some don’t?

It’s not rocket science, but we merely reduce long titles, so your experience on the app remains neat and tidy.

Here’s an example:

How product titles get cut off if its too long on Carousell

So, why does this matter? Think about how you might feel if you’re looking for something online or on Carousell and you’re trying to decide between two choices.

It’s hard to pick because both of their product photos look amazing. But, you end up choosing one over the other because its title tells you exactly what it is.

So there’s one secret, buyers (both you and I) love clarity.

If you exaggerate your product title, a buyer might miss out what your item is. And yes, they will scroll past it and forget yours.

My recommendation? Include only essential keywords that are relevant to the item you are selling and keep it short and precise.

Let’s say you’re selling your TV. In your title, include what brand, size and type of television it is (E.g. Panasonic 40” Smart LED TV).

It’s as easy as pie! You can even use commonly used acronyms to help shorten your title significantly. Does BNIB ring a bell? Let’s decode them next.

What common acronyms on Carousell mean

BNWT: Brand New With Tag
BNIB: Brand New in Box/Bag
NWT: New with Tags
NWOT: New without tag
WTS: Want to sell
WTB: Want to buy

If any of these are relevant to you, use them!

Important note: We advise against spamming irrelevant keywords in your item title. You might annoy potential buyers and lose a sale.

Next secret, I’m going to share the details that buyers often look out for in your product description. Include these in and say goodbye to unnecessary questions from curious buyers.

2. Essential details to include in your product description on Carousell

For not-so-secret “secret” number two, I’ll share a personal example to explain how crucial it is to be detailed when you’re describing your second-hand goods.

So one day, I wanted to search for a dress on Carousell.

I shortlisted two dresses based on how appealing the product pictures looked. Plus, their titles told me precisely what it was, no unwanted surprises.

To decide between the two, I clicked on the listings and decided to read its product description.

One of them read like this:

How you should avoid giving brief product description on Carousell and give more details instead

And, the other product description looked like this:

How you should describe your product description in detail on Carousell

Any guesses on which dress I bought eventually? I’m confident you guessed it in a snap (yup, the second one).

The first one only told me its size, nothing else. How was I supposed to know what brand it was, its material, its colour? All these were unnecessary questions I had to waste time asking.

I barely had any questions about the second dress. Every information I needed was there. All I had to do left was to make an offer, and the dress would be mine.

What’s the secret? Elaborate, elaborate and elaborate.

You might spend more time writing a detailed product description, but you’ll save hours avoiding a ton of questions from buyers.

Here’s a breakdown of what buyers usually look out for in your product description:

What is the brand of your item?

Nobody should miss out the brand, nobody.

You should include your brand in your product description, especially if your item is a famous or reputable name. Imagine how excited a buyer would feel if you’re selling a brand they love?

Pro tip: For high value/luxury items, be sure to save a copy of the official receipt. Buyers often ask to see proof of purchase to verify the item’s authenticity.

Is your item in good condition?

If you leave the detail out about your item’s condition, and it’s not clear enough in your product photos, it’s going to be one of the first questions the buyer will ask.

Also, your item’s condition is one of the essential factors when it comes to justifying your asking price.

We touched more on how to price used items in a previous guide that you can read by clicking here.

So, what do you have to tell buyers about your product? In short, everything. Here’s a quick list of what might affect its condition:
– Estimate number of times you used your item
– When you purchased it
– Is there a valid warranty?
– Any defects or signs of physical wear

Keep it simple by rating your item condition on a scale of 1-10 (10 being mint, one being extremely poor).

Material or specifications

If your item’s a wearable product, buyers would prefer knowing its material.

Some people have strict preferences of what they wear while some are allergic to specific materials. So, let’s all be responsible and share!

But, if you’re selling gadgets or electronics, what the buyers are curious about is its details and technical specifications.

Measurements and size

It’s difficult for buyers to gauge how big or small your used item is based on your photos alone.

What do you do? I recommend providing the size, length, width and height in your item description. One of your pictures could also show a size comparison to an everyday item.

Going the extra would help interested buyers decide.

Important note: These suggestions are a rough guide and might not apply to everything. Don’t worry; our app will guide you when you’re listing your item for sale.

Now, on to the final “secret” in this guide, how you can spice up your product description and make the story stick.

3. How to write an engaging product description buyers won’t forget

Let’s just say everyone using Carousell reads this guide; everyone knows the “secrets”. How will you convince buyers to choose your item over others then?

A unique story will.

Don’t worry; nobody needs a 1000 word essay. If there’s an interesting backstory for selling your item, we recommend sharing it!

Why? The reason is, sharing the story behind why you’re selling your item could help buyers empathise with your situation.

Alternatively, you can include a brief reason for selling the item. It could be how you can’t fit in your pair of jeans anymore (exercising woes).

An interested buyer may decide to choose your item over others because even though the price of your used items is the same, it has a unique history.

Here’s an interesting example of an excellent product description of a Carouseller selling his ex-girlfriend’s chair:

How a memorable product description can convince buyers to buy your used item

Memorable enough?

So, the last not-so-secret “secret” is to be unique. Let others know what your second-hand item has been through and tell them how it needs a new home.

Writing a memorable product description attracts buyers

We’ve all been buyers before. To become a stellar seller, all we need to do is ask ourselves, “What item details do I want to see while shopping online?”

Chances are, it’s not too far off from what other buyers would hope to see from you!

Remember, if you make it easy for buyers to decide, they’ll make it easy for you to sell.

If you know a friend, who’s wondering how to write a product description that sells, share this guide with them too! Feel free to let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Happy Carouselling!

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