Writing product listings that win enquiries

Write for the buyer’s decision

A useful listing helps a business decide whether to ask for a quotation. It should identify the product, explain the relevant specifications and show the conditions that may affect an order. Clear information can improve enquiry quality; it cannot guarantee enquiries or sales.

Begin with a specific product name. Include the product type and meaningful identifiers, such as a model, material or size, where accurate. Avoid vague titles, repeated keywords and claims such as best quality without supporting detail.

Select the correct sector and sub-category. ATP has 23 sectors and more than 150 sub-categories. Accurate classification helps buyers understand the listing and supports the matching of approved buying requests to relevant suppliers.

Use photographs that answer questions

Show the actual product wherever possible. Use a clean background, consistent lighting and enough resolution to inspect important details. Include different angles or close-ups where the portal supports them.

A useful photo set may show:

• The complete product and its proportions.
• Connections, finishes, controls or other critical details.
• Packaging and the quantity inside it.
• A clearly explained scale reference, where helpful.

Do not use another business’s photographs without permission. If an image is representative, state that and explain what may differ. Avoid treating a catalogue image as proof that stock is available. Portal image limits and upload specifications are [TO CONFIRM].

Provide specifications in consistent units

Describe the characteristics that determine suitability. Depending on the product, these may include material, dimensions, capacity, grade, ingredients, shelf life, voltage, compatibility or tolerances.

Use one clear unit system, or provide conversions carefully. Write dimensions in an explained order, such as length, width and height. Distinguish nominal values from tolerances. A buyer should not need to guess whether a quantity means individual pieces, cartons, metres or kilograms.

Separate confirmed standard specifications from available customisation. If a requested variation requires technical review, say so. Never imply compliance with a standard or certification unless the claim can be supported for the listed product.

Explain the minimum order quantity

MOQ means minimum order quantity. State both the number and the unit: for example, pieces per order or cartons per design. Any example is a format suggestion, not an ATP rule or a recommended commercial quantity.

Explain whether the MOQ changes for custom colours, private labels, packaging or samples. If mixed products can be combined in one order, describe the conditions. If you cannot confirm an MOQ yet, mark it [TO CONFIRM] rather than presenting an arbitrary figure.

Make lead time meaningful

A lead time needs a starting point. Clarify whether it begins after specification approval, sample approval, agreed payment or another agreed event. Distinguish production time from shipment transit time and local delivery arrangements.

State whether an item is made to order or currently available, if known. Do not promise a delivery date based only on production capacity. Explain factors that may change the estimate, such as customisation or material availability, and confirm the final schedule in the quotation.

Keep commercial details clear

Where pricing is shown, identify currency, unit and scope. Explain whether packaging, freight, taxes or other costs are included, excluded or still to be quoted. Do not publish a low headline figure that depends on unmentioned quantities or specifications.

Buyers send enquiries directly from product pages. All messages go through the portal, with email addresses and phone numbers hidden. Ask buyers to describe their requirements in the enquiry instead of placing outside contact instructions in the listing.

Review before publishing and after changes

Check that the title, photos, specifications, MOQ and lead time describe the same product. Remove outdated claims and keep a dated internal record of changes. Product publication and editing workflows are [TO CONFIRM].

ATP is a platform only. It does not buy, sell, stock, deliver or handle payments between users. Final price, payment, delivery and returns are agreed directly between buyer and supplier, and ATP takes no commission on trade.

Next step: Check the right sector and sub-category for your listing.