By now you might have checked out our first Buying & Seller Acronym Dictionary — Part I. Acronyms and abbreviations have taken over the world. You find new and interesting abbreviations and acronyms everywhere on the web. In particular, when you shop or even start to sell items online.
Some acronyms you’ll use in direct communication with a buyer or seller, while some are just impertinent to know in case you come across them on your online purchasing or listing journeys. But don’t panic if you’re unsure how to navigate the deep pool of what seems like endless wordplay — below, we’ve created the ultimate tome of acronyms and their meanings to have you ciphering the ecommerce universe in no time.
PL/WL
Meaning: Private Label/ White Label
Definition
If you procure your own inventory and create a brand for it, then you can slap this fancy acronym on what you offer. Many buyers search out independent labels like these over big box brands, both for the uniqueness, and to support small business.
SEO
Meaning: Search Engine Optimization
Definition
This is such a significant acronym to know, understand, and then implement! SEO is the root of how people find your offerings online. With the right keywords and phrases in your product descriptions, for example, your store/items can appear at the very top of all the most used search engines. Therefore, knowing how to optimize your eBay listing with SEO can yield additional sales.
TIA
Meaning: Thanks In Advance
Definition
Often used in product chats or DM/PM’s when someone is asking a question. They will ask it and end with TIA, as to say thank you for any answers you may provide.
NWT
Meaning: New With Tags
Definition
Be sure to never leave out the acronyms revealing the conditions of items you’re selling (and be on the lookout always when buying!) You’ll be amazed at how much more successful your ecommerce store will be just by adding in extra detail to let your potential buyers up front know what they’re getting.
BNWOT
Meaning: Brand New Without Tags
Definition
Another condition of item acronym, yet this one might be the most important one. Just because your product doesn’t have tags, doesn’t mean that the value has to drop exponentially. Inform buyers that what they’re getting is just as pristine as something with tags.
NIB/NIP
Meaning: New in Box/Package
Definition
Similar to an item NWT, this is an offering such as maybe a bigger or heavier pieces, or a collector’s edition of a toy or cards, that’s as it says: still brand new in the box.
EUC
Meaning: Excellent Used Condition
Definition
Here’s the finicky thing about condition: if it’s not NWT or NWOT, then the condition is subjective. When looking at tiers of condition, it helps to whip out a handy thesaurus in aiding you to know the difference in a universal sort of definition for conditions For example, to be EUC, a product needs to be “exceptional, sterling, exemplary, and first-rate”.
GUC
Meaning: Good Used Condition
Definition
See above. GUC should be “acceptable, satisfying, great, and superb”.
SFPF
Meaning: Smoke Free, Pet Free
Definition
This is an ultra-significant acronym, as it covers a basis for people buying with allergies especially. Sure, in general no one wants to buy something that harbors an odor of old cigarettes or a kitty litter box, but it can be something more serious for those that are allergic to these specific odors and danders.
PN
Meaning: Price Negotiable
Definition
Buyers love, love, love these two letters together because it makes them feel as though they can go in with some real purchasing power. It’s also a great way to show that you’re a seller that truly wants to do just that — sell your product while being open to what the consumer finds is a fair price.
TTS
Meaning: True To Size
Definition
This acronym is brilliant and so necessary when selling or buying pieces of clothing and accentuating accessories. Buying things like this online is a challenge for most people, so knowing that a garment is TTS helps to ease worry and the buying experience. Investing in a great tool like Sizely for your online store can take the TTS to the next level for everything you sell without a hitch or second guess. It also helps decrease returns and increase overall buyer satisfaction.
WTB
Meaning: Want To Buy
Definition
WTB is fantastic for faster place marketplaces like FB, LetGo, Varage Sale, and eBay. In the midst of tons of inquiries coming in about any of your products, WTB allows a customer that’s one hundred percent on board with buying to break through. Of course, always use your best judgement when it comes to situations like holding a product or stalling on other sales to accommodate a WTB request.
OBO
Meaning: Meaning: Or Best Offer
Definition
This is a lot like a PN, but it has conditions. Basically, this is like a fight for what you’re offering, and the person that can come in with the best of offers is the one who gets to buy.
PMs/ DMs
Meaning: Personal/ Direct Messages
Definition
When you’re selling on a platform like Poshmark or Mercari, a lot of times interested buyers will fill up the photo comment sections of your product pages. This makes it all too easy for those serious buyers to get lost, which is why it’s better to pick them out of that section when you can, and then request that they DM/PM you for more info.
MPU
Meaning: Must Pick Up
Definition
Selling big pieces like furniture, cars, or boats typically aren’t the easiest to figure out how to ship and do so while keeping your profit. This is why there are great selling platforms for these types of items in which buyers expect to see the MPU condition when purchasing. Ebay, Craigslist, 5Miles, OfferUp, and Trove Marketplace are all great places to set up your virtual shop.
ISO
Meaning: In Search Of
Definition
Sometimes when you’re looking for something so specific, it can save a ton of time and searching when you implement a good acronym. On a hunt to find that treasure from your childhood that’s no longer manufactured? Just send out an ISO on any marketplace, message board, or FB/IG of your choice to increase your chances of finding exactly what you’re looking for. On the flip side, you can also keep an eye out, or set up alerts for when potential buyers might be looking for something you sell in your own online storefront.
DERP
Meaning: Don’t Engage, Report Post
Definition
It’s not the most fun acronym to have to use, but it’s a must when it’s needed. Spam and bots are very real in the online universe, so if you spot something off, or see that someone else has sent up the DERP flag, run far, far away. Depending on what platform you use, you also have the option to block bidders from your eBay product listings.
POOS
Meaning: Posted On Other Sites
Definition
There will be times for certain higher-valued items (or items you just really want to sell quickly), that you post your products across multiple selling sights. It’s important to be open with potential buyers about this, and to keep careful watch on it yourself. This helps to avoid someone trying to purchase an item you just sold on a different website minutes before.
TIA
Meaning: Thanks in Advance
Definition
Sometimes, acronyms aren’t as much about getting things sold/bought, but more about conversation online. This is one such example. A buyer might ask you to hold an item, to negotiate a price, or maybe even just want more information, and they’ll end it with this polite lingo.
FFS
Meaning: Free For Shipping
Definition
This little gem of an acronym is up there in popularity with BOGO, PN, and TTS! Statistics show that buyers are 88% more likely to purchase an item that ships for free, so FFS is like a neon light leading the best of the best customers to your listings. Though it might cost you a little bit of what you’re taking in profit, the amount of sales accumulated will make up for this tenfold. Plus, there are great options with certain courier services that offer discounts to businesses for shipping.
DSI
Meaning: Don’t Sweat it
Definition
Okay, just kidding on this one! But really, don’t sweat it when it comes to the big, wide world of online selling and buying acronyms! With a little bit of practice with these we’ve listed up for you, you’ll be reciting them in your sleep in no time.
🤓 SELLER PRO TIP🤓
Cut your returns in half by accurately showing measurements in your listings. Creating size charts with Sizely takes seconds and saves you time in answering size related questions from your customers
Used by over 35,000 online sellers worldwide, Size.ly helps sellers illustrate sizing measurements.
- Cut returns in half & boost sales at the same time.
- Reduce the number sizing related questions from your customers.
- Works on any platform such as eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, Amazon & more.
- 220+ Designs across all categories.
- Imperial and metric system support for international buyers.
- Save, edit & share measurements in seconds.
Create Your Free Size Chart Now
Access over 220 Designs across all major eCommerce categories. 5 Star Reviewed.
More tips & tricks
For more measurement guides and other seller tips visit our Blog.
