Use a 7-section template — hook, details, measurements, condition, flaws, price, logistics — for every listing. Measure every item, fill the flaws section even if empty, and always state the price.
Quick Answer
A good ukay product description template covers seven sections: a hook line (brand + why it's worth buying), item details (brand, size label, color, material), flat-lay measurements, a condition rating with specifics, a flaws section (even if 'None noted'), a price, and a logistics block (payment methods and shipping). Using a template cuts per-item writing time from 5-7 minutes to 2-3 minutes while making listings more consistent.
A good ukay product description follows seven sections: a hook line with the brand and key selling point, item details (brand, size label, color, material), flat-lay measurements, a condition rating with specifics, a flaws section (even if there are none), the price, and a logistics block covering payment and shipping. This template cuts per-item writing time from 5-7 minutes down to 2-3 minutes while keeping every listing consistent — which is what builds buyer trust and repeat customers in secondhand selling.
This isn't a robotic copy-paste thing. It's a flexible framework that makes sure you never forget important details. Below is the full template built specifically for how ukay and secondhand sellers work in the Philippines, plus filled-in examples for dresses, jackets, and bags you can reference.
Key Takeaways
- Use a consistent template with these sections: hook line, brand/size/color/material, flat-lay measurements, condition rating, flaws section, price, and logistics
- Measure every single item — it takes 30 seconds and prevents the most common buyer DM and return reason
- Always fill in the flaws section, even if there are no flaws ("None noted" proves you checked)
- Customize which measurements you include based on item type — tops need pit-to-pit, bottoms need waist and inseam
- State your price clearly instead of "PM for price" — clarity moves inventory
What Should a Ukay Product Description Template Include?
A complete ukay listing template should cover seven sections: a hook line, item details, measurements, condition, flaws, price, and logistics. Copy this and keep it somewhere accessible — your Notes app, a Google Doc, wherever you draft listings.
``` [ITEM TYPE] — [BRAND if known] [KEY DETAIL or HOOK]
Brand: [Brand name, or "Unbranded" / "Tag removed"] Size on tag: [What the label says] Color: [Be specific — not just "blue" but "navy blue" or "light wash"] Material: [If you can tell — cotton, polyester, knit, denim, etc.]
Measurements (flat lay):
- Pit to pit:
- Length:
- Shoulder:
- Waist:
- Hips:
(Include whichever measurements apply to the item type)
Condition: [Rate honestly — like new / excellent / good / fair] [One or two sentences describing actual condition with specifics]
Flaws: [List any — or "None noted"]
Price: PHP [amount] Bundle discount: [If applicable]
Shipping: [J&T / LBC / Grab / meet-up location] Payment: [GCash / BDO / BPI / COD]
[Optional: one line about styling or why you like the piece] ```
For low-value items (under PHP 100) where the full template feels like overkill, use this quick version:
`` [BRAND] [ITEM TYPE] — [SIZE], [COLOR]. [CONDITION in one sentence]. PHP [price]. GCash/J&T. ``
Here's the quick version filled in:
`` Uniqlo Basic Tee — M, Navy Blue. Worn a few times, no stains or holes. PHP 80. GCash/J&T. ``
That quick version still covers the essentials a buyer needs to decide without DMing you.
The hardest fields to fill in are often brand (when the tag is cut or faded) and material (when there's no care label). If you're not sure whether something is cotton, polyester, or a blend, you're not alone — most sellers guess or skip the field entirely. Oonch can identify brand, item type, color, and material from your product photo, so you're filling in measurements and condition rather than staring at a blank template trying to remember fabric names.
How Should You Rate the Condition of a Preloved Item?
Rate preloved items using a four-tier scale: Like New, Excellent, Good, or Fair. After the rating, add one or two sentences with specific details — what you actually observed, not just the label. "Good" with no explanation means nothing. "Good — light pilling on the cuffs, no stains, all buttons intact" gives the buyer enough to decide. Consistency builds trust: once a repeat buyer knows what your "Good" means, they'll buy with confidence.
| Condition Rating | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Like New | Worn 0-1 times, no flaws at all, tags may still be attached | "Wore once for a photo, then stored. No washing, no wear signs." |
| Excellent | Minimal wear, no notable flaws, looks almost new | "Worn 2-3 times. No fading, no pulls, no stains." |
| Good | Light wear, minor flaws present but item is fully functional | "Some pilling on the underarms. Small mark on inner collar. Still very wearable." |
| Fair | Visible wear or flaws, still functional, priced to reflect | "Fading on the shoulders. One button replaced with a non-matching one. Priced low." |
How Do You Customize This Template for Different Item Types?
Swap the measurement fields based on what the buyer actually needs for that item type — tops need pit-to-pit, bottoms need waist and inseam, bags need height and strap drop. The other six sections (hook, details, condition, flaws, price, logistics) stay the same regardless of what you're listing.
| Item Type | Key Measurements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tops (shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets) | Pit to pit, length, shoulder width | Add sleeve length for long-sleeve pieces |
| Bottoms (jeans, trousers, skirts) | Waist, hips, rise, inseam or total length | Specify if waist has elastic and how far it stretches |
| Dresses | Pit to pit, waist, hips, total length | Note if there's an empire or drop waist |
| Bags | Height, width, depth, strap drop | Note number of compartments if it's a selling point |
| Shoes | Size on tag, insole measurement in cm | Insole measurement is more reliable than the size number |
What Does a Good Ukay Dress Listing Look Like?
Lead with the brand and a compelling detail, include all three key dress measurements (bust, waist, length), and note whether elastic or stretchy elements affect fit. A dress listing that covers these points gives the buyer enough to decide without DMing. Here's what that looks like filled in:
``` FLORAL MIDI DRESS — Zara
Brand: Zara Size on tag: S Color: Black with small white floral print Material: Lightweight viscose, slightly textured
Measurements (flat lay):
- Pit to pit: 16.5 inches
- Waist: 13.5 inches (has elastic at the back, stretches to about 16 inches)
- Length: 42 inches from shoulder to hem
Condition: Excellent Worn twice. No fading, no pulls in the fabric. Elastic is still snug.
Flaws: None noted.
Price: PHP 350 Take 2 dresses for PHP 600
Shipping: J&T (buyer shoulders shipping fee) / Meet-up Cubao Payment: GCash or BPI transfer
Flattering cut — nipped at the waist so it doesn't look boxy. The print is subtle enough for the office but works for casual too. ```
How Do You Describe a Preloved Jacket for Sale?
Separate intentional aging from actual flaws, and describe each flaw with its size and visibility so the buyer knows exactly what to expect before purchasing. A good jacket listing distinguishes character (natural denim fading, patina) from defects (stains, tears) and prices accordingly. Here's an example:
``` OVERSIZED DENIM JACKET — Levi's
Brand: Levi's (orange tab) Size on tag: L (fits M-L for oversized look) Color: Medium wash Material: 100% cotton denim, heavyweight
Measurements (flat lay):
- Pit to pit: 23 inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Shoulder: 20 inches
- Sleeve: 24 inches
Condition: Good Has the kind of natural fading that makes vintage denim look better. Buttons are all intact. No holes or tears.
Flaws:
- Light discoloration on the inside collar (not visible when worn)
- One small spot near the left pocket, about the size of a grain of rice
Price: PHP 800
Shipping: J&T nationwide / Meet-up Makati or BGC Payment: GCash / BDO
Levi's orange tab — see close-up photo of tag for details. Hard to find in this condition at this price point. ```
How Should You List a Secondhand Branded Bag?
Include hardware condition, interior lining status, and any included accessories (dust bag, authenticity cards) — these are the details branded bag buyers check first. Bags require more detail than clothing because buyers are evaluating both condition and authenticity signals before committing to a higher price point. Here's a complete example:
``` CROSSBODY BAG — Coach
Brand: Coach Color: Tan / camel brown Material: Pebbled leather
Measurements:
- Height: 7 inches
- Width: 10 inches
- Depth: 3 inches
- Strap drop: 21 inches (adjustable)
Condition: Good Leather has a nice patina from use. Hardware (gold-tone) has no chipping or tarnishing. Interior lining is clean with no pen marks.
Flaws:
- Light scratches on the bottom — typical leather wear, barely noticeable
- Minor darkening on the back panel from contact with clothing
Price: PHP 2,500 Price is firm — already priced lower than market
Shipping: J&T with bubble wrap + box / Meet-up Ortigas Payment: GCash or bank transfer (BPI / BDO)
Fits a phone, wallet, keys, and a small pouch. Perfect everyday size. Comes with the original dust bag. ```
What Are the Most Common Mistakes Sellers Make When Using a Listing Template?
The five most common template mistakes are: skipping measurements, inflating condition ratings, leaving the flaws section blank, using a generic hook line, and hiding the price. Here's how to fix each one:
Measure every item. Yes, every one. It takes 30 seconds and saves you from the most common DM question ("What are the measurements po?"). More importantly, it prevents returns and disputes from sizing issues.
Be honest about condition. If you rate something as "excellent" and the buyer receives it with fading you didn't mention, you're getting a return request or a bad review. Under-promise, over-deliver. If it's in good condition, say good. If it's fair, say fair and explain why.
Fill in the flaws section even when there are none. Writing "None noted" tells the buyer you actually checked. Leaving the section blank makes them wonder if you just didn't look.
Customize the hook line. The first line of your listing is what shows up in search previews and thumbnails. Make it count:
| Weak Hook | Strong Hook |
|---|---|
| Dress for sale | FLORAL MIDI DRESS -- Zara, barely worn |
| Jacket | OVERSIZED DENIM JACKET -- Levi's vintage orange tab |
| Bag | COACH CROSSBODY -- pebbled leather, comes with dust bag |
"[BRAND] [ITEM TYPE]" is the minimum. Adding one compelling detail -- "barely worn," "vintage," "rare colorway" -- is what makes a buyer stop scrolling. If you can't identify the brand from the tag, AI tools like Oonch can often identify it from the product photo -- giving you the hook ingredient you'd otherwise skip.
Don't be afraid of the price section. Some sellers leave the price out to force a DM. This works for some niches, but for most ukay and secondhand selling, it just annoys buyers. State the price. If you're open to offers, say so. If the price is firm, say that too. Clarity moves inventory. As of 2026, both Facebook Marketplace and Shopee let buyers filter results by price range — listings without a stated price are excluded from those filtered searches entirely.
How Do You Speed Up Writing Product Descriptions for Large Batches?
Separate measuring from writing — photograph and measure your entire bale first, then write all the listings in one sitting. Sellers who batch this way consistently report finishing 25 items in 2-4 hours, compared to 3-5+ hours when processing each item from photo to upload individually. The time savings come from staying in one mode instead of context-switching between tasks.
The first few times you use this template, it might feel slow. That's normal. By the fiftieth listing, you'll have your own rhythm — you'll know which details your buyers care about most, which phrases get responses, and where you can trim.
The goal is consistency. When every listing from your shop follows the same clear format, buyers learn to trust your page. They know exactly where to find the info they need. That trust turns browsers into repeat customers — and that's where the real money in secondhand selling is.
For reference, here's what a typical batch workflow looks like once you've internalized the template:
| Batch Step | Time per Item | Time for 25 Items |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph the item | 1-2 min | 25-50 min |
| Measure and note flaws | 1-2 min | 25-50 min |
| Fill in the template | 2-3 min | 50-75 min |
| Upload to platform | 1-2 min | 25-50 min |
| **Total** | **5-9 min** | **~2-4 hours** |
Compare that to the 5-7 minutes per item (and much more inconsistency) when writing from scratch without a template.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best product photography tips for ukay listings?
Photograph in natural daylight near a window, or outside in the shade — avoid direct sunlight, which washes out colors. Use a plain white or neutral background (a bedsheet works fine). Take at least four photos per item: full front, full back, close-up of the tag or label, and close-up of any flaws. For clothes, flat-lay on a clean surface is faster than using a mannequin and photographs more consistently across items.
How do I price ukay items in the Philippines?
Start by checking what similar items sell for on Facebook Marketplace and Shopee — that's your market range. A common markup formula: buy cost per piece (typically PHP 15-50 from a bale) times 5-10x for standard brands, 10-20x for premium or in-demand brands like Levi's or North Face. Don't forget to factor in Shopee's transaction fee + commission (roughly 6-8% combined as of 2026) and shipping costs. Price slightly above your floor so you have room for bundle discounts without eating into your margin.
What shipping options work best for secondhand sellers in the Philippines?
J&T Express is the go-to for most online sellers — nationwide coverage and rates starting around PHP 80-100 for small parcels (as of 2026). LBC covers areas where J&T doesn't reach. For Metro Manila, Grab delivery handles same-day orders when a buyer wants something fast. Many sellers also offer meet-up at MRT stations or malls to skip shipping costs entirely. Always specify who pays — buyer-pays is the norm for ukay, but absorbing shipping on bundle deals (say, "free shipping on 3+ items") can push buyers to add that extra piece.
Should I use the same product description for Shopee and Facebook Marketplace?
The template works for both, but adjust the format. On Shopee, fill in the structured fields (brand, size, material) in the product attributes section and put measurements and condition in the description box. On Facebook Marketplace, put everything in the description since there are fewer structured fields. Shopee also penalizes listings with contact info in descriptions, so skip the payment/shipping section there — the platform handles that.
How do I handle buyers who ask for more photos after reading my listing?
Respond within the hour if possible — speed matters on both Facebook Marketplace and Shopee, where buyer interest drops sharply after 2-3 hours. Keep a folder of extra photos (detail shots, different angles, measurements with a tape measure visible) organized by item name so you can send them immediately. If multiple buyers ask for the same extra photo, add it to the listing permanently. Having 5-6 photos per item from the start reduces follow-up DMs by roughly half.
Can I use the same product description template for all secondhand items?
Yes -- one template handles clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories. Only the measurement fields change between item types. The real advantage of keeping a single framework is that repeat buyers learn your format. They know where to find measurements, where to check for flaws, and where the price is -- which means faster decisions and fewer DMs. Consistency across your shop signals professionalism to buyers browsing multiple listings.
How do I write honest flaws descriptions without scaring buyers away?
Use the formula: what the flaw is, where it is, how big it is, and whether it shows when worn. "Light pilling on the underarms, coin-sized, not visible under arms" gives the buyer everything they need to decide. Pair the flaw with pricing context when relevant — "one small stain near the hem, priced PHP 200 below comparable listings to reflect" signals fairness. Buyers who receive an item that matches the description don't file returns or leave bad reviews, so detailed flaws descriptions actually protect your seller rating.
What is the best listing format for Facebook Marketplace ukay sellers?
Use a keyword-rich title (brand + item type + size + color), then paste the seven-section template into the description field. Make sure all text information appears in the description, not just on photo collages — Facebook's search engine cannot read text embedded in images, so buyers searching "Zara dress medium" won't find your listing if that information only exists on a photo overlay. Include your price, payment methods (GCash is most widely used as of 2026), and shipping options directly in the text.
How do I identify the brand of ukay items when the tag is missing or unreadable?
Check for brand indicators beyond the main tag: interior labels, zipper pulls, button engravings, and stitching patterns. Many brands use distinctive hardware or label placement — Levi's uses a red or orange tab, Uniqlo has a small interior size label with a specific font, and Nike often marks the inside collar. If the tag is completely gone, list the item as "Unbranded" or "Tag removed" and focus on the material and quality in your hook line instead.
What return and refund policy should ukay sellers use?
State your policy clearly in your shop bio or pinned post — not in every listing. A common and fair policy for secondhand sellers: no returns for change of mind, but refunds or replacements for items that don't match the description. Since detailed listings with measurements and flaws already set accurate expectations, most sellers who use a template like this report very few return requests. If selling on Shopee, the platform enforces its own return window regardless of your policy. If the template helps but you still dread the writing part — especially during the "fill in the template" step in the batch workflow above — that's worth addressing head-on. The blank-page problem is real when you're staring at 25 empty templates after a measuring session. [Oonch](https://oonch.ai) tackles this by generating AI-powered descriptions directly from your product photos. It identifies the brand, material, color, and item type, then drafts a description that slots right into the seven-section template above. Instead of starting from scratch and trying to remember what fabric that jacket is made of, you start with a draft that already has the hook line, brand, color, and material filled in. You add the measurements you took by hand, the flaws you spotted in person, and your price. It turns the slowest step of the batch process — the writing — into the fastest, so you can spend your energy on the details that actually require a human eye.