If you want buyers to seriously consider what you’re selling, your advert needs to do the heavy lifting.
A clear, detailed and honest ad builds trust, reduces time-wasting enquiries, and helps you sell faster. Here’s how to get it right.
Start with a Strong Brief Description
Your brief description appears in search results — it’s the first thing buyers see.
Keep it:
Clear
Accurate
Specific
Easy to read
Avoid writing in ALL UPPERCASE. Most people find it difficult and annoying to read — and it won’t help your item sell any faster.
Example:
✔ “Apple iPhone 13 – 128GB – Excellent Condition”
✘ “IPHONE FOR SALE CHEAP!!!”
Write a Detailed Description
This is your opportunity to explain exactly what you’re selling (up to 1,000 characters).
The more detail you provide, the fewer unnecessary questions you’ll receive.
Include:
Type of item
Make / model / brand
Key specifications
Colour
Material / texture
Size and measurements
Condition (be honest)
Age of the item
Original price
Whether it’s new, unused gift, second-hand, etc.
Any faults, scratches or issues
What’s included (box, charger, accessories, manuals)
Warranty details (if applicable)
Honesty builds trust. Always mention known faults upfront.
Additional Details to Consider
You can also clarify:
Is the price negotiable?
When are you available to be contacted?
Are texts preferred?
Do you accept private numbers?
Clear expectations save time for both you and the buyer.
Add Photos or Video
High-quality photos significantly increase your chances of selling.
Use up-to-date photos.
Show the item from multiple angles.
Include close-ups of any wear or damage.
A short video can demonstrate that the item is working properly.
Good visuals reduce time-wasters and give buyers confidence.
Include the Price
Always include your asking price.
This:
Reduces “How much?” messages
Filters out unsuitable buyers
Makes your ad look more complete
If you’re open to negotiation, say so clearly in the description.
Provide Clear Contact Details
All ads must include a valid phone number.
Your phone number appears on the ad.
Your email address does not appear publicly.
You may choose to allow contact by phone, text or email — but a valid phone number is required.
One Item Per Ad
If you’re selling multiple items:
Create a separate ad for each item.
This makes it easier for buyers to find what they’re looking for — and allows you to remove sold items individually.
Including Links
You may include helpful links that provide additional information about the product.
However, links must not:
Direct to other classifieds or auction websites
Promote competing platforms
Links should only add useful information about the item itself.
Remove Sold Ads
It’s your responsibility to remove ads once an item is sold.
This:
Avoids unnecessary calls
Keeps the marketplace up to date
Ads are automatically removed after two months if not manually deleted.
Email Requirements
An email address is required to publish an ad — even if you choose phone contact only.
We use your email address to:
Send confirmation emails
Notify you about your ad
Communicate important account information
Your email address is never displayed publicly.
To ensure you receive important updates, add support@donedeal.ie to your email contacts.
Final Tip
Clear. Honest. Detailed.
That’s what sells.
Take a few extra minutes to write a strong advert — it will save you hours later and help you seal the deal faster.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.