Minimist's guide to product descriptions for second hand items

Imagine landing on an online storefront and seeing a pair of jeans for sale. You click on the description to find out more:

“Jeans have only been worn twice so far, unfortunately they don't fit me anymore, and I'm putting them up for sale” – A real ad seen on Willhaben.

Yikes.

There’s no faster way to lose potential customers than with a poorly written product description.

Writing effective product descriptions for second-hand goods is about finding a balance between being informative and not overdoing it. You want to clearly describe the product and its condition while also engaging the buyer's imagination. Read on for tips on how to write effective product descriptions that convert visiting clients into repeat customers.

1. Nail the Title

A clear and concise title, next to the product image, is one of the first elements a customer sees. You’ll want to nail it. Consumers are scanning for key information regarding price, size, or the exact model to decide whether to buy.

A great title should include:

• The name of the item (including brand or model, if applicable)
• Key descriptors (such as size, color, material)

Example: “Vintage Levi’s 501 Jeans, Light Wash, Men’s Size 32”

Including these details in the title not only conveys key information about the product to the customer but also improves your SEO by making the listing more likely to match specific search terms potential buyers might use.

If you choose Minimist as your trusted partner in listing your items online, we take care of this super important step for you. Learn more here.

2. What Makes the Product Special?

Once you’ve nailed the title, you’ll want to expand on the key features in the description. Second-hand shoppers love unique items, but they value honesty. Be sure to reference:

• Cool features that make the article special (e.g., denim with lace trim)
• A note on the condition (e.g., good as new, gently used, well-loved, etc.)

Example: “Stand out with these colorful striped trousers in size 16. Perfect for adding a splash of color to your wardrobe. Gently used and in great condition.”

As items should always be accompanied by a product shot, you don’t need to overdo it. Keep it concise and engaging.

3. Spark Buyer Imagination

While facts and features are important, storytelling is essential. By tapping into the customer’s lifestyle or aesthetic, you make the product feel more desirable. Paint a picture of how they might use or enjoy the product.

Example: “A stylish black denim skirt in size 52, perfect for casual outings. Featuring a mid-rise waist, this skirt offers both comfort and style.”

... And yes, the description above was generated by Minimist. 😉

4. Sneak in SEO

For your listing to be found online easily, using SEO-friendly keywords is a must. Include terms that potential buyers are likely searching for:

• Relevant product keywords (e.g., “second-hand,” “pre-owned,” “vintage,” or “used”)
• Specific details like size, color, brand, and material

... But, avoid keyword stuffing.

Minimist incorporates keywords seamlessly into product descriptions. Demo the software to see how it can enhance your listings.

Example Keywords for the Black Denim Skirt:

• Brand: Clockhouse
• Colors: Black
• Keywords: Black Denim Skirt, Casual Wear, Women's Fashion, Mid-Rise Skirt, Size 52 Skirt, Stylish Bottom

At the end of the day, writing effective product descriptions for second-hand goods is about more than listing facts. You’ll want to be clear and honest, but balance transparency with storytelling, and sprinkle in a little sparkle to boost search rankings and increase sales.

If doing all this manually feels like too much of a hassle, we’ve got you covered. This is why we developed Minimist. Why wait? Book a completely free demo now to see how the software can help you reduce listing time, increase revenue, and find customers you didn’t know you were missing.