Online selling
Describe the condition of a used item clearly
Say what you tested, what you saw and what you could not check. "Powers on, all four buttons respond, scratch about an inch long on the left side" gives a buyer something to weigh. "Good condition" does not. Tie each statement to something you observed.
A text to start with
I'm selling a used [item]. I tested these functions: [functions and results]. I noticed this wear: [location, size and type of each mark]. These parts are missing or replaced: [parts]. I could not test: [features]. Write a condition description from these notes only. Keep tested, observed and untested items in separate statements, and do not add reassurance I haven't given you.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Used item condition record
Item and model: [ ] Date tested: [ ] Function tested: [ ] Result observed: [ ] Function tested: [ ] Result observed: [ ] Wear observed, location on item: [ ] Approximate size or description of the mark: [ ] Photo that shows it: [ ] Parts missing, replaced or non-original: [ ] Features not tested, and why: [ ] Odors, stains or residue noted: [ ] Recall or safety check done, and where: [ ] Final condition statement, in my own words: [ ]
Vague grades and untested claims
Words like excellent, good or minor wear mean different things to different people. Replace each with what you saw and where. Confirm that every function listed as working was actually run, not assumed because the item looked fine. Put any feature you did not test in its own sentence, labeled untested. Match the text to the photos, since a scratch the text omits but a photo shows undermines the listing. Leave out guesses about cause or history.
Ask another agent to check the result
Find every vague condition word in this description and tell me what observed detail should replace it. Flag any statement that sounds tested but is not backed by my notes. Point out wear that appears in my notes but not in the text.
Match the text to the item
Hold the item next to the draft and check each statement against it. Test anything still unknown if you can do so safely, and update the text with the result. The CPSC online sellers FAQ addresses examining secondhand items for recalls and safety, so note what you checked before posting. Keep your test notes in case a buyer asks later.