OutbidX Team · April 17, 2026 · 3 min read
A bidder should be able to understand what they will receive, what conditions apply and how they will collect it. A beautiful photo helps, but it cannot replace those facts. Use a repeatable listing structure to make your catalog easier to browse and easier to fulfill.
Give every description five jobs
- Name the item: use a specific title rather than “Amazing package.”
- List the inclusions: describe quantity, people, duration or contents.
- Explain the conditions: expiry, availability, exclusions and extra costs.
- Describe redemption: tell the winner how booking or collection works.
- Recognize the donor: use the approved name and wording.
Before and after: a local experience
Before: “Dinner experience for two. Great night out!” That leaves a guest guessing about the provider, value and restrictions.
Example listing, using fictional details: Dinner voucher for two at Harbour Table. Includes a three-course set menu for two adults. Drinks, tips and transport are excluded. Valid through June 30, 2027, Tuesday to Thursday, subject to reservation availability. The winner receives a voucher at the event pickup desk and books directly with the restaurant using its instructions. Donated by Harbour Table with permission.
Replace the fictional terms with donor-confirmed facts. If a fact is unknown, resolve it before publishing instead of copying language from a similar listing.
Take photos that explain the item
Use an uncluttered background and even light. Show the whole item first, then details a bidder would inspect in person. For a hamper, photograph the contents as well as the wrapped presentation. For artwork, show the full work, frame and any condition details.
- Avoid personal information on vouchers, shipping labels or certificates.
- Use accurate colors and do not hide damage with editing.
- Check that the donor permits the photographs and any logo use.
- Preview the image on a phone so the item remains recognizable at card size.
Respect the catalog's limits
OutbidX item titles allow 2–200 characters and descriptions up to 2,000 characters. Items support up to ten uploaded PNG, JPEG or WebP images, each at most 5 MiB. Display uploads are resized and recompressed, so keep original files separately if your organization needs them.
A concise listing usually works better than a dense essay. Put the essential terms early and use plain language. Verify real image links after a CSV import; a preview does not prove an image will load for a guest.
Review as a bidder and a pickup helper
Ask a reviewer to explain the purchase without speaking to the donation coordinator. Then ask a pickup helper how they would identify and hand over the item. If either person has to guess, the listing or internal handover needs more work.
Your next step: Rewrite your least clear listing using the five jobs above, then check the catalog guide and your pickup plan.
Useful resources
- W3C image accessibility tutorial — use it when preparing image descriptions for your promotional pages and documents.