Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Your Desi Items for Sale on PurvX

1. Not Providing Measurements

One of the biggest reasons sellers fail to make sales is the lack of proper measurements in their listings. Buyers want confidence when purchasing online, and size is critical when it comes to clothing. If you don’t include chest, waist, and length measurements, buyers may hesitate or move on to another listing.

Tip: Include accurate measurements in inches or centimeters for chest, waist, and length. Avoid using size labels like US 8, AU 8, or UK 8, as sizing can vary between countries and even brands. While you can mention these sizes as a general guide, it's always best to provide the exact measurements. This helps buyers make quick and confident decisions and reduces the chances of disputes later on regarding sizing.

2. Overpricing Your Items

Pricing is a common pitfall for many sellers, especially in the secondhand market. Some sellers price their items too high, hoping to recover the original purchase price—or even make a profit. Unfortunately, buyers on platforms like PurvX are looking for affordability and value.

For example, listing an item you bought for $600 at $550 (plus $100 shipping) is unlikely to attract buyers. Instead, consider that secondhand shopping is about bargains and savings.

Tip: Research similar listings to price your item competitively. Remember, buyers are more likely to purchase pre-owned items if they feel they’re getting a good deal.

3. Misunderstanding the Commission Structure

Some sellers mistakenly increase their prices to cover the 25% commission PurvX takes from each sale. This results in higher prices that may drive buyers away. Compared to traditional thrift or consignment stores, where sellers often receive only 20-30% of the item value, PurvX’s model offers a much better deal by giving sellers 75% of the final price.

Tip: Focus on competitive pricing rather than inflating prices to account for commission. Affordable prices will lead to more sales and higher earnings overall.

4. Not Including Enough Photos

Images are the first thing buyers notice, and incomplete photos can lead to hesitation. Many sellers upload only a front view of the item, forgetting that buyers want to see all angles, including the back, close-ups of details, and any flaws. If you only upload a single front-facing image, buyers can’t fully assess the item and may choose another listing with more visuals.

Tip: Use clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. Showcase the item’s front, back, and details like embroidery, fabric texture, or tags. The more transparent you are, the more likely buyers will trust and purchase from you.

5. High Shipping Costs

Nothing discourages buyers more than seeing excessive shipping fees. In some cases, shipping costs are higher than the item itself, which can immediately turn buyers away. Some sellers list shipping fees as high as $50-$100, discouraging potential customers from completing their purchase.

Tip: Use affordable shipping options like PirateShip, where you can find discounted rates. For high-value or designer items, consider offering free shipping to make your listing more appealing. Typically, shipping within the US costs around $15-$20, so aim to keep your prices within that range.

6. Not Responding to Buyer Messages Quickly

In the fast-paced world of online shopping, buyers don’t want to wait for answers. If a potential buyer has a question and the seller doesn’t respond promptly, the buyer will likely lose interest or move on to another seller. This is especially important when they need clarification about an item or shipping details.

Tip: Keep notifications on and respond to buyer inquiries as soon as possible. A quick reply builds trust and increases the chances of a sale.

7. Not Adjusting Pricing Over Time

If your item hasn’t sold after being listed for a while, it might be time to reevaluate the price. Holding out for a higher price can keep your item unsold for weeks or even months.

Tip: Monitor your listings and consider lowering prices if they remain unsold. A small adjustment can make your item more appealing and help you close the sale.

8. Using Generic Descriptions

A bland or incomplete description doesn’t capture buyer interest. Listings that lack details about fabric, style, or condition leave buyers guessing, which often leads to fewer sales. Buyers want to know what makes your item special and why it’s worth purchasing.

Tip: Write detailed descriptions highlighting unique features, such as intricate embroidery, fabric type (e.g., silk, chiffon, or cotton), and any special care instructions. This not only makes your listing more attractive but also builds buyer confidence.

9. Listing the Same Item on Multiple Platforms

While it might seem like a good idea to list your item on multiple platforms to increase visibility, it can actually hurt your chances of making a sale. Cross-listing leads to complications like managing multiple listings, inconsistent pricing, and even the risk of selling the same item to different buyers without realizing it.

Tip: Focus on listing your items exclusively on PurvX. Not only will this streamline your process, but it also ensures that you don’t face complications like double sales or mixed-up pricing. PurvX is a dedicated marketplace for South Asian items, and concentrating on it can give your listings the best chance to succeed in a targeted environment.

10. Not Thinking About Return on Investment

Some sellers hesitate to list their items because they feel selling them at a lower price than the original cost is a loss. For example, if you bought an outfit for $500 and wore it just once, selling it for $250 might seem like a big hit. However, this mindset overlooks the fact that selling the item allows you to recover part of the cost.

Think of it this way: instead of paying $500 for a single use and letting the outfit sit unused in your closet, you essentially only paid $250 to wear it once—and made room for future purchases or savings. This is far better than leaving the item to collect dust without any return.

Tip: Focus on the value you’re recovering rather than the amount you originally spent. By listing your items on PurvX, you can give them a second life while recouping a significant portion of their cost.

Boost Your Sales with These Simple Tips

Selling on PurvX is easy when you avoid these common mistakes. From providing measurements to pricing your items fairly and responding promptly to buyer inquiries, small changes can have a big impact on your success.

Ready to start selling? Follow these tips, and watch your listings turn into cash!

Sell Your Desi Items on PurvX