Thesellerplaybook.

Getting started

Before you list your first item, take 15 minutes to set up your closet properly. A complete profile converts 3× better than an empty one.

• Profile photo: Use a clear, well-lit photo of yourself or your closet logo. Not a blurry selfie.
• Username: Pick something memorable. You'll share this URL everywhere.
• Bio: One sentence about what you sell. "Preloved Ankara & designer pieces, Lagos based 🌸"
• Verify your phone and BVN: Verified sellers get a ✓ badge and 2× more sales on average.

Photographing items

Photos sell the item. You don't need expensive equipment — your phone is enough — but you need to follow a few rules.

The rules

1. Natural light is free. Shoot near a window during the day. Never use your camera flash.
2. Plain background. A wall, a bedsheet, or a neutral surface. Clutter kills conversion.
3. Show the full item. Your first photo should show the entire piece, front-on, fully visible.
4. Show the details. Photo 2 and 3 should show labels, fabric close-ups, any defects.
5. Show it worn. If you can, add one photo of someone wearing the item. Worn items sell 40% faster.

"I stopped using flash and started shooting by my window. My sales doubled in one week. That was the whole secret."

Pricing strategy

The hardest part of selling pre-loved items is pricing. Too high and it sits forever. Too low and you leave money on the table. Here's our framework:

• Tier 1 (New with tags): 60–70% of retail price
• Tier 2 (Like new, worn 1–2 times): 40–55% of retail
• Tier 3 (Good condition, regular wear): 25–40% of retail
• Tier 4 (Visible wear or defects): 15–25% of retail

Always toggle negotiation on and set your minimum at 60% of your listing price. Buyers feel better when they negotiate down, and you still hit your floor.

Writing descriptions

Great descriptions answer three questions: what is it, what condition is it in, and why would someone want it?

Here's a template that works:

• Line 1 — what it is (brand, type, color)
• Line 2 — size and fit notes
• Line 3 — material and quality
• Line 4 — condition and any flaws
• Line 5 — why you're selling / how you wore it

Handling offers

When you get a negotiation offer, respond within 2 hours. Buyers often have multiple items in their cart and whoever responds first wins. Counter-offers should be reasonable — if someone offers 70%, don't counter at 95%. Meet in the middle.

Running drops

Closet drops are the single highest-converting feature on Clinkit. Our top sellers run a drop every 2 weeks. Read the full drops guide here.

Shipping well

Pack items properly. Use a plastic wrap and a proper envelope or box. Add a small thank-you note if you can. Ship within 48 hours — slow shippers lose buyers fast.

Building reputation

Every 5-star review makes your next sale easier. Ship fast, communicate clearly, over-deliver on packaging. Ask satisfied buyers to leave a review — it's the fastest way to build trust.

Scaling up

Once you're consistently selling 5–10 items a week, you're ready to scale. That means running drops, building a follower base, cross-promoting on Instagram, and treating this like a real business. Our top seller makes ₦400k/month. That can be you.