Are you struggling to sell your items on Poshmark? Do you find that potential buyers are not engaging with your listings? One of the most important factors in making a sale on Poshmark is having a compelling description. Here are some tips on how to write descriptions that will catch the attention of potential buyers (and also search engines, because that’s important too!).

1. Be Specific

When writing your Poshmark listing, be specific about your item. Include details such as the brand, size, color, and any flaws or damage. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to attract the right buyer.

Think, for example, the last time you searched for an item to buy online. Did you search “cute red pants” or “Athleta Scupltex Mid Rise Jeans size 10 red”? Okay granted, that’s a crazy thing to search for, but many online buyers of used clothing are looking for something they’re lusting after (a certain Reformation dress by name and pattern), or a duplicate of something they already have (a favorite pair of jeans in a cut that fits perfectly and their size). Make it easy for them to find your item and quickly get a sense of whether it will work for them. That also means disclosing condition high up in the listing; you don’t want someone hoping to wear your item for a job interview to waste their time reading about the features of it first.

2. Use Keywords

Poshmark has a search function that allows buyers to search for specific items. And, surprise, buyers often find Poshmark listings through Google! To make your listing appear in these searches, include relevant keywords in your description. For example, if you are selling a pair of Nike sneakers, include keywords such as "Nike", "sneakers", and the specific model name, plus size, gender, and colorway. And don’t sleep on trend keywords! Adidas Sambas in Burgundy Suede Size 8 Women’s is a great start, but you’ll want “Y2K” and/or 2000s in there somewhere too.

3. Highlight Unique Features

If your item has any unique features or qualities, be sure to highlight them in your description. This could be anything from a rare color to a special design detail. By highlighting these features, you can set your item apart from others on Poshmark.

Some examples:

-Special functionality: pants that pack down into their own pocket, or turn into shorts

-Great fabric: 100% silk, or  a quick dry nylon/spandex blend

-On-trend details: “high-waisted” jeans, and “oversized” sweatshirt

-Little details you might get asked about: do the pants have side hand pockets, or is the skirt lined? Note it!

4. Be Honest

It's important to be honest about the condition of your item. If there are any flaws or damage, be sure to mention them in your description. Honesty is key to building trust with potential buyers and can help prevent any issues or returns.

Not sure how to assess condition? Check our our post on correctly identifying flaws--or better yet, learn how to evaluate an item’s condition before you leave the thrift store with it.

And don't forget to mention overall condition. It's great to detail spots and snags, but is the item overall looking faded and worn, or pretty fresh? Be transparent.

5. Use Descriptive Language

When writing your description, use descriptive language that will help potential buyers visualize the item. Use words that describe the color, texture, and overall look of the item. This will help buyers get a better idea of what they are purchasing.

The best way to do this? Go get the item and hold it while you list, and think about its use case for a buyer. Is it a linen top for summer? You might describe it as lightweight, crisp, or breathable. Cashmere for winter? Be sure to note if it’s two-ply and nice and thick on top of being soft, warm, and luxurious.

Is your item beige? Neutral, closet-staple, or “goes with everything” might be notes you want to add. I also like to mention fabric weight (ie. a “mid weight” jacket, or “heavy twill” pants), pattern details (ie. which kind of plaid it is, or whether it’s space dye vs. just heathered), and overall presentation, condition-wise. You might have noted a small flaw on an item, but is it looking worn overall, or fresh and new? Your buyer will want to know that.

When in doubt, use the ol’ Who, What, When, Where, and Why to guide your listing:

Who: does this appeal to a specific aesthetic or age group? (ie. a Lagenlook artistic type, coastal grandma, Y2K-styled Gen Zer)

What: what’s your buyer doing with this item? (impressing a potential boss at a job interview, or seducing a crush at a party?)

Where: is this for the office, a night club, or the side of a mountain?

When: is this for December (red cashmere) or the first weeks of spring (floral skirt)?

Why: is your buyer trying to feel more comfortable at the office (Betabrand), or keep up with their stylish sorority sisters (Reformation)?

Bonus tips:

1. Include Measurements

Measurements are crucial for helping buyers determine if an item will fit them. Be sure to include measurements in your description, especially for items like clothing, shoes, and accessories.

2. Show Your Item in Context

Include at least one photo of your item being worn or used in context. This will help potential buyers visualize how the item can be incorporated into their own wardrobe or lifestyle. Stock photos, however you feel about them, are great for this.

3. Be Clear and Concise

Avoid using overly flowery language or complicated jargon in your description. Buyers should be able to quickly and easily understand what you are selling and what the item's features are. Bonus points for bullet points!

4. Keep Your Description Organized

Your description should be easy to read and organized in a way that makes sense. Use headings and bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make important information easy to find.

Even better: it’s faster and easier to write descriptions this way if you used a template. Did you know? ClosetWitch’s inventory system even auto-generates description bullets for you based on the details you input about the item and the desired order you want to include them in. Learn more about inventory management in Pro mode here.

So those are our best tips for writing great Poshmark descriptions. By implementing them, you can write even more compelling descriptions for your listings and increase your chances of making a sale. Happy selling!

Love and magic,

ClosetWitch