Quick answer: Paste the manufacturer's spec sheet into a free AI chat tool like ChatGPT or Gemini, tell it who your shoppers are, and ask for a short, benefit-first description that uses only the facts you gave it. Then check every spec before it goes on your website, shelf tag or listing. Most independent dealers and local retailers can turn out a week's worth of listings in an evening this way.
Most product pages at independent stores say one of two things: nothing, or the manufacturer's copy word for word. Neither helps a shopper at 9 p.m. decide whether that sofa, mattress, range, TV or plank flooring is right for their house. It doesn't help Google or AI assistants understand what you sell, either.
AI is good at this job because it's mostly rewriting. You supply the facts and it supplies the words. Your job is to be the editor.
Try it in 30 minutes
Pick 5 products that get a lot of questions or sit on your website with weak copy. (5 min)
Copy each spec sheet (PDF text, vendor portal or the box) into a document. (5 min)
Fact-check and edit every draft against the spec sheet. Fix anything that sounds like hype. (10 min)
What to measure: - Minutes per description, before and after. Time one the old way first. - Number of factual errors you caught. This tells you how closely to keep checking. - After 30 days, compare views and enquiries (calls, chats, form fills) on those 5 product pages against 5 you didn't change. Your website platform or Google Business Profile insights will show views.
The copy-paste prompt
You write product copy for [Store], an independent [type] store in [town, province/state].
Our shoppers: [e.g. young families and retirees who want it to last and want it delivered].
Write for this product: [product name and model]
Specs (use ONLY these facts): [paste spec sheet]
Give me:
1. A 2-sentence summary for the top of the product page. Lead with who it's for and the main benefit.
2. A 100–130 word description. Plain language, Canadian spelling, no hype words
(no "luxurious", "revolutionary", "best-in-class"). Mention care, size or fit if the specs cover it.
3. 5 bullet points of key specs, with units.
4. A shelf tag: a headline under 7 words and 3 short benefit lines.
5. 3 questions a shopper might ask about this product, answered ONLY from the specs.
If the specs don't answer a question, write "Ask us in store" instead of guessing.
Rules: don't invent features, warranty terms, certifications, prices or stock levels.
If a spec is unclear, list it at the end under "Check with vendor".
The last two parts matter. The shopper questions give you ready-made FAQ text for the product page, which is the kind of plain answer AI assistants like to quote. The "Check with vendor" list catches the spots where the AI would otherwise guess.
Make it sound like your store
Give the AI one or two descriptions you've written and liked, and add: "Match the tone of these examples." Read the result out loud. If it doesn't sound like you talking to a customer across the counter, change it.
Good habits: - Lead with the job, not the feature. "Fits a 30-inch opening, so it drops into most older kitchens" beats "30-inch slide-in design." - Say who it's not for. "Firm feel; side sleepers may want a topper" builds trust and cuts returns. - Keep your local service in. Delivery, setup, haul-away, installation and financing are reasons to buy from you rather than online. Add one line about them to every page.
Tool options (prices checked Oct 20, 2026)
Tool | Price | Good for | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
Free plan; Plus is US$20/month (OpenAI) | Writing and rewriting; Plus allows more file uploads (plans) | The free plan limits uploads, so paste text rather than attaching big PDFs | |
Free plan (Google) | Same job; handy if your store runs on Google | Same rule: only use the facts you paste in | |
Your website or POS | Check your plan | Some platforms have a built-in "write with AI" button | Built-in tools still need the same fact-check |
You don't need a paid tool to start. Do the 30-minute test on the free plan first.
Watch-outs
Check every number. Dimensions, BTUs, wattage, warranty years and certifications are where AI slips. A wrong spec on a listing is a return or a complaint waiting to happen.
Don't copy competitors' text into the prompt and ask for a rewrite. Use manufacturer specs and your own knowledge.
No customer details. You never need them for product copy.
FAQ
Will Google penalize AI-written product descriptions? Google's own Business Profile guidance asks for posts without "auto-generated or distracting content" (Google). Keep a person editing every description so it's accurate, specific and useful to shoppers, and it reads like your store.
How long should a product description be? Long enough to answer the questions shoppers actually ask. For most big-ticket items, a 2-sentence summary, about 100–130 words and a spec list covers it.
Can I use the same prompt for Facebook Marketplace or Google posts? Yes, with a shorter format. See How can AI write your Facebook, Marketplace and Google posts?
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AI Tips for Dealers is written by Al Ruttan in Winkler, Manitoba, for independent dealers and local retailers.