2 min article

Item description policy

Your item description is one of the most important parts of your listing because it helps buyers decide whether to buy your item and what to expect if they do.

Item descriptions that don't accurately describe your item can mislead buyers. To help avoid this, read our full policy below.

What is the policy?

  • All content in a listing must be directly related to the item or the seller's terms and conditions
  • Item descriptions must be accurate
  • The Item Condition selected must match the item and should be consistent across all areas of the listing (title, description and item specifics)
  • The following are not allowed:
    • Subscript, superscript, or other special characters
    • Symbols should be replaced with words (For example, Use "Copyright" instead of ©)
    • Confusing or unclear titles or subtitles
  • When item specifics are required, they must be accurate and filled out completely
    • The following are not allowed:
      • Including terms in the wrong field 
      • Including information that is not specific to that field, such as the brand of an item in the item specific for size
      • Use of inaccurate information such as "Does not apply," unbranded/generic, or "N/A" for required product identifiers (such as Brand, UPC, or MPN) when the manufacturer has provided that information for the product
  • Product details must match the item exactly when creating a listing using the eBay catalog
  • Items must be listed in the correct category
  • Item descriptions, including pictures and video, must be in the primary language of the eBay site where the item is listed

Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.

Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.

Why does eBay have this policy?

When item descriptions are accurate, and in the primary language of the eBay site the item is listed on, buyers get a clear understanding of what the item is and any terms and conditions related to the item before they buy.

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