Before writing the listing
The information to collect before you start: model, condition, accessories, functionality and supporting material.
Before writing the title or setting the price, identify the item accurately.
Collect at least:
- brand;
- exact model;
- series or revision where applicable;
- year or production period, when verifiable;
- country of manufacture when relevant;
- configuration;
- serial number;
- any variants that distinguish your unit.
Do not assign specifications based only on appearance. Products that look similar may have different components, origins and values.
If you cannot verify a detail, do not present it as certain. Writing “year not verified” is better than publishing a potentially incorrect claim.
Before creating the listing, perform checks appropriate to the type of gear.
For example:
- guitars and basses: electronics, switches, pots, output jack and tuners;
- amplifiers: inputs, channels, controls, speaker and unusual noises;
- pedals: power, bypass, footswitches, controls and connections;
- synths and keyboards: keys, display, controls, outputs, MIDI and essential functions;
- recording equipment: inputs, outputs, display, encoders and main connections.
Record what you tested and what you could not verify.
“Untested” and “working” are not the same thing.
Before publishing, decide exactly what will form part of the sale.
Check for:
- gig bag, case or flight case;
- power supply;
- cables;
- manuals;
- available documentation;
- replaced original parts;
- specific accessories;
- original packaging;
- additional components.
Avoid vague phrases such as “with all accessories” unless you have specified what those accessories are.
This initial inventory will later support the description, photos, price and final listing review.
Before focusing on positive aspects, create a list of known defects.
This may include:
- scratches and dents;
- wear;
- unusual noises;
- irregular controls;
- missing components;
- replaced parts;
- repairs;
- modifications;
- intermittent problems;
- untested functions.
This list does not need to appear word-for-word in the listing, but it should ensure that no relevant information is forgotten.
A credible listing is not one that describes the item as perfect. It is one that lets the buyer understand its condition accurately.