The 6 Ws: a simple formula for listings that sell in under a week
Most listings that sit unsold for 30+ days have the same problem — they answer 'what' but not 'who', 'why', or 'what's the story'. Here is how to fix that in 20 minutes.
After reviewing thousands of listings at Corido, we can tell within about 30 seconds whether a listing will sell quickly or sit for months. The difference is almost never the item itself — it's the information the seller chose to include, and how they wrote it.
Here is the framework we teach sellers who come to us asking why their listing isn't getting enquiries.
W1 — What it is (be specific)
"Samsung TV" is not a listing title. "Samsung 55-inch 4K Smart TV, model UA55AU7000, 2022, remote included" is. Buyers search with specific terms. If your title does not include the model number, the year, and any key accessories, you are invisible to the buyers most likely to buy.
W2 — What condition it's actually in
"Good condition" means nothing. "Screen has no scratches, one small dent on the lower left corner of the back panel, all original accessories included" means something. Buyers who are surprised by undisclosed condition issues become dispute cases. Buyers who knew what they were buying become positive reviews.
W3 — Why you are selling
This is the most underused trust signal in any secondhand listing. "Selling because I'm upgrading to the M3 MacBook Pro" tells the buyer you're not offloading a broken item. "Moving abroad in three weeks so priced for a quick sale" explains why you're below market. One sentence of context converts browsers into buyers.
W4 — What's included
List everything. Original box: yes or no. Charger: original or third-party. Warranty: remaining months if any. Manuals. Cases or covers. A missing charger is fine — but the buyer needs to know before they arrive. Surprises at handover are the primary cause of failed sales.
W5 — Where you are and how you'll transact
Buyers in Nairobi are not willing to travel to Kisumu for a KES 8,000 item. Be specific: "Westlands, Nairobi. Happy to meet at Java on Waiyaki Way. Corido Secure Pay preferred, can do cash on inspection." This removes every logistical doubt the buyer has before they ask.
W6 — What's your best price
If your listed price has room, say so: "Listed at KES 25,000, open to reasonable offers via the Corido offer tool." If it doesn't: "Firm at KES 25,000 — priced at current market rate for this condition." Buyers who know whether to negotiate stop wasting everyone's time on lowball messages.
Apply these six Ws, add at least five photos taken in natural light against a plain wall, and your listing will outperform 90% of what's on the platform. The items that sell in three days are not special items — they are items with complete, honest information.