Creating great listings

What goes into a listing that sells — a clear photo, an honest description, the right category, and a fair price.

A listing is a single, real item for sale. The better your listing, the faster it sells and the fewer disputes you’ll deal with. Here’s what makes a good one.

Before you can list

You must have payout onboarding complete before you can publish anything — this is how MerkatoHQ guarantees every item has a seller who can actually be paid. If listing is blocked, finish payout setup first.

A clear photo

Every listing needs at least one photo of the actual item — not a stock image pulled from the web. Good photos:

• Show the real item in good light, from a few angles.
• Reveal any flaws honestly (a scratch shown up front prevents a dispute later).
• Are accepted in common formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP).

An honest description

“As described” is the standard every dispute is measured against, so describe the item accurately:

• State the condition plainly — new, like-new, used, or for parts.
• Note defects, wear, or missing pieces.
• Include the details a buyer needs — size, model, dimensions, what’s included.

Over-describing flaws costs you nothing; under-describing them costs you a dispute (see Refunds & disputes).

The right category

Pick the category that fits your item. Some categories are prohibited and will be rejected at listing time — weapons, drugs, stolen or counterfeit goods, and others. Review Prohibited & restricted items before you list.

A fair, fixed price

There’s no bidding on MerkatoHQ — buyers pay the price you set. When you price, remember:

• You keep your sticker price minus commission (92% of the price on a standard sale under $1,000). Do the math on Fees explained.
• The buyer sees a small processing surcharge added at checkout, so your price is what they compare against similar listings.

After it’s live

Once published, buyers can purchase immediately. When someone buys, their payment is held in escrow and the item is marked sold. Ship promptly — fast, accurate fulfilment is what gets you paid quickly and earns good reviews.