If you’ve ever tried to sell a phone on a Friday night or hunted for a decent rental near a bus route, you know how quickly “I’ll check and call” turns into radio silence. Classifieds still work here—really well, in fact—but only if you treat your listing like a tiny storefront: clear photos, straight facts, and replies that don’t take all day.
This guide keeps it simple: how buyers think now, how to write a listing that gets real messages (not “last price?” spam), and how to stay safe while you trade.
Table of Contents
Where to start (and why)
If you’re posting today and don’t want to overthink it, try Lanka Ads. Clean categories, easy photo uploads, and you’re live in minutes. Use it as your main spot or as one of a few places you cross-post to widen your reach.
How buyers scroll in 2025 (and what they actually notice)
- Photo 1 decides everything. Bright, front-facing, in focus. If it’s a house/rental, show the exterior or living room first.
- Two-line summary = make or break. On mobile, people read the first 120–160 characters and decide.
- Proof beats hype. Service bills, IMEI/serial checks, emission tests, and clear shots of any flaws make you look legit.
- One contact method. Too many options = drop-off. Pick WhatsApp or calls and stick with it.
A listing that works anywhere (copy this structure)
Title: Brand/Model + Key Spec + Year + Area
“Samsung S22 256GB | 95% battery | Dehiwala”
“1BR Furnished | Near Maharagama | Parking”
Five-line description:
- What it is (make/model/size/year/condition)
- Why it’s worth it (two real benefits, no hype)
- What’s included (box, charger, bills, extras)
- Logistics (exact area, pickup/delivery window)
- Price & terms (fixed or slightly negotiable after inspection)
Call to action: “Call/WhatsApp 07X XXX XXXX (6–9 PM weekdays; flexible weekends).”
Photos: quick wins
- Daylight near a window; wipe the lens.
- Full set: front, back, sides, close-up of any wear. Rentals: exterior, living, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, street view.
- Avoid heavy filters. Real beats glossy.
Pricing that gets replies (not lowballs)
- Check the going rate and sit within 5–10% of reality.
- Leave mini wiggle room (3–7%) if negotiable—say so clearly.
- Don’t hide the price. “DM for price” kills trust.
Reply scripts (steal these)
- Availability: “Yes, still available. Pickup at ___ (public place). Today 6–8 PM or Sat morning works.”
- Negotiation: “Open to a small adjustment after inspection if everything’s good for you.”
- Location: “I’m in ___, 5 mins from ___ stop. I’ll drop a live location before we meet.”
- Proof: “I can show the receipt/IMEI/service record at meetup.”
Safety checklist (non-negotiable)
- Meet in daylight at a busy spot (supermarket car park, bank lobby).
- Cash or verified transfer before handover.
- Verify IMEI/serials together; vehicles: match NIC to documents, check emission/revenue license.
- If the price looks magical—it’s not. Walk away.
For side hustles and small shops
- Template everything. Same structure, same tone, every time.
- Tiny watermark on photo 1 (bottom corner) for brand recall.
- Response time wins deals. Aim to reply within 10 minutes during business hours.
- Track leads in a simple sheet (date, platform, item, quoted price, result). Patterns appear fast.
Posting checklist (print or save)
- Clear title with brand/spec/year/area
- 5–8 bright photos (show any flaws)
- Honest condition + included items
- Exact area + one contact method
- Price + “fixed” or “slightly negotiable after inspection”
- Safety line (“Meet at ___ public place”)
Three mini examples
Phone
Title: iPhone 13 | 128GB | Battery 92% | Rajagiriya
Price: LKR 185,000 (slightly negotiable after inspection)
Notes: One owner, box + cable, tiny corner scuff in photo 4. Meet after 6 PM. Call/WhatsApp 07X XXX XXXX.
Vehicle
Title: Honda Fit GP5 2015 | 118k km | Service Records | Gampaha
Price: LKR 5,350,000 (negotiable after inspection)
Notes: Hybrid battery check July 2025, reverse cam, new tires (2024). 2 keys, service book, latest emission. Safe meetup only.
Rental
Title: 1BR Studio | Furnished | Near Nugegoda Flyover
Price: LKR 110,000/month (1-year lease)
Notes: Bright living, AC bedroom, equipped kitchen. Evenings 6–8 PM for viewing. Call 07X XXX XXXX.
Final word
Good listings respect the reader: show the thing clearly, price it fairly, and reply fast. If you want a straightforward place to post or browse right now, Hela Ads is an easy win—simple layout, the categories Sri Lankans actually search, and quick photo uploads so you can get on with your day.
