Listing on Trad Market

How to List an Instrument on Trad Market

Ready to find a new home for an instrument? Listing on Trad Market is straightforward, and this guide will walk you through every step. Whether you're selling a well-loved fiddle or a set of uilleann pipes, the process is the same.

Step 1: Navigate to the Listing Form

From any page on Trad Market, click your profile icon in the top-right corner. In the dropdown menu, select Your listings, then click the button to create a new listing. You can also use the green "Have an Instrument to Sell? List it now!" banner at the top of the page.

Step 2: Upload Photos

Good photos sell instruments. You can upload up to 10 photos by clicking Upload Photos or dragging and dropping files directly. A few tips:

Use natural lighting and a clean background.
Include shots of the front, back, headstock or keywork, and any wear or unique details.
If the instrument comes with a case or extras, photograph those too.
Your first photo becomes the listing's thumbnail, so make it count.

Step 3: Add a Title and Description

Your Title should include the maker, model, and key (if applicable). For example: "Martin Doyle Keyless D Flute" or "Vega Senator 5-String Banjo, 1920s". Keep it clear and searchable—buyers will find your listing through these words.

In the Description box, tell the story of the instrument. Mention its playing characteristics, materials, any repairs or modifications, and why you're selling. The description editor supports bold, italic, and lists to help you organize the details.

Step 4: Select a Category and Condition

Use the Category dropdown to place your instrument in the right spot. Trad Market's categories are organized by instrument family (Wind & Reed, Strings, Percussion) and then by specific instrument type. Choosing accurately helps the right buyers find your listing.

Then select a Condition rating:

New – Never used other than for a quick demo. If packaged, never opened.
Excellent – Mint to near-mint. No initially noticeable marks, scratches, cracks or any other defects.
Good – Light markings from being well loved. Repairs (if any) must be near invisible and described below.
Fair – Still fully functioning but well worn from countless sessions and/or gigs!
Poor – Has seen better days but someone might be willing to use or restore.

Be honest—accurate condition ratings build trust and reduce returns.

Step 5: Set Up Shipping

The shipping section lets you configure how your instrument will get to the buyer. You'll need to confirm your Shipping Address (where you'll be shipping from) and enter the Package Weight and Package Dimensions for the instrument in its shipping packaging. You can toggle between Imperial (lbs, in) and Metric (kg, cm).

For both Domestic and International Shipping, choose a Cost Type:

Calculated – The shipping cost is calculated based on the buyer's location, package size, and selected carrier service. This is the most common choice.
Flat Rate – You set a fixed shipping price that applies regardless of the buyer's location.

Select a Primary Service (like USPS Priority Mail) and add any additional services if you'd like to give buyers more options. You can also add an optional Handling Cost to cover packing materials and your time.

If you don't want to ship internationally, check the Disable international shipping box in the International Shipping section.

You can also enable Local Pickup if you're willing to meet at a public place, and Offers if you'd like buyers to be able to submit offers below your listed price.

Step 6: Set Your Price and Publish

At the bottom of the form, set your Stock quantity (usually 1 for individual instruments) and your asking Price.

When everything looks good, hit Publish and your listing goes live. You can always edit it later from Your listings in the profile menu.

Tips for a Great Listing

Price competitively. Check what similar instruments have sold for recently to set a fair price.
Be thorough in your description. Buyers of traditional instruments want to know about materials, tuning, maker history, and playing feel. The more detail you provide, the fewer questions you'll field.
Disclose everything. Cracks, repairs, replaced parts—mention it all. Transparency prevents returns and builds your reputation as a seller.
Weigh and measure before listing. Accurate shipping dimensions mean accurate shipping quotes during checkout.

That's it! Once your listing is live, buyers from around the world can find it.