How to Write eBay Listings That Sell: Title, Item Specifics, Photos and Description
A listing that sells is complete, accurate and easy to find. Nobody can promise a ranking or a sale, because results depend on demand, price, photos and your service. But you control the basics: a clear title, the right category, full item specifics, honest condition notes, good photos and a fair price. This guide walks through each part in the order eBay's listing form asks for it, so you can build a better listing in less time.
Start With The Product, Not The Template
Before you type anything, collect the facts. Write down the brand, the exact model or manufacturer part number, the size, the colour, what is in the box and the condition. Check the label on the product or its packaging for an EAN or UPC barcode. Every strong listing is built from these facts, and every weak listing is built from guesses. If you are not sure about something, find out first or leave it out. A buyer who receives something different from what the listing implied will open a case, and that costs far more than the minutes you saved.
Our free AI eBay Listing Generator follows the same idea. It asks you only for the facts it is missing, and it never invents a specification, dimension or barcode.
Writing The Title
The title is the most important text on your listing because buyers search with words, and eBay uses your title to match those searches. You have 80 characters including spaces, so use most of them, but keep the words natural.
- Brand first. Buyers often search by brand, so lead with it when the item has one.
- Product type next. Say what it is in the plain words a buyer would type, such as beard trimmer, lightning cable or dog grooming glove.
- Model or MPN. Add the exact model number. It must match the Model or MPN item specific character for character.
- One or two key attributes. Size, colour, capacity, pack quantity or compatibility are the details buyers filter by.
- Stop there. Do not repeat words, add emoji or use hype such as WOW or L@@K. Repeating a word does not help, and it makes the title look spammy.
Here is a simple before and after. A seller wrote "Braun BT5060 Beard Trimmer nd Hair Clipper for Men - Black/Silver". It has a typo ("nd" should be "and"), and if the product's real model is BT5260, the title does not match the item specifics. A cleaner version is "Braun BT5260 Beard Trimmer and Hair Clipper for Men Cordless Black/Silver". It is accurate, it fits in 80 characters, and the strongest keywords come first.
Choosing The Right Category
The category decides which item specifics you see and where buyers browse. Search for similar items that have already sold and look at the category path they use, for example Health and Beauty, then Shaving and Hair Removal, then Clippers and Trimmers. A wrong category hides your listing from the right buyers and can lead to a policy warning. If two categories look possible, choose the one used by the most similar sold items.
Filling In Item Specifics
Item specifics are the structured fields under your title: brand, type, model, colour, material, size, compatible brand and many others, depending on the category. Buyers use them as filters, and eBay uses them to understand what you are selling. Listings with complete, accurate specifics are easier to match and compare.
- Fill in every field you can support with facts, starting with the required ones.
- Use eBay's standard wording for values, such as Cordless, Lightning or 1 m, where it offers a choice.
- Add EAN, UPC and MPN when the product has them. Check the barcode digits twice.
- Leave unknown fields empty or choose Does not apply. Never guess a value to fill a gap.
- Keep values short and consistent with your title and description.
Photos That Build Trust
Photos are often what decides a sale. Your first photo should show the whole item clearly on a plain, light background with good light and no watermark, logo of another seller or text overlay. Then add more angles, a close-up of the model number or label, the packaging, everything that is included in the box, and something for scale. For used items, photograph every flaw so the buyer knows exactly what to expect. Use as many clear photos as eBay allows, and remember that most buyers look on a phone, so check that the item fills the frame.
Writing The Description
The description answers the questions a buyer would otherwise ask. Keep it scannable on a small screen: a one-sentence headline, a short list of key features, the specifications, what is in the box, the condition and the delivery details. Use the words buyers use, and let the same keywords from your title appear naturally rather than repeating them. Be specific about condition. If the item is used, describe every mark, scratch or missing part.
Keep to eBay's rules. Do not include phone numbers, email addresses, website links or any request to buy or pay outside eBay. Avoid claims you cannot prove, such as best price or guaranteed results.
Brand Names And Authenticity
Using a brand name is allowed when you are selling that brand's product, or when you honestly state that your item is compatible with it. Do not describe an item as genuine, authentic or original unless it truly is, and keep proof such as invoices from an authorised supplier. If your product is a compatible accessory, write compatible with the brand and model rather than putting the brand first as if it made the item. This protects you from takedowns and protects your account.
Pricing And Delivery
Choose Buy It Now for most items, and note that variations such as size and colour are available only with Buy It Now. Look at sold listings for the same item to see what buyers actually pay, then work out your costs. Our Etsy and eBay Profit Calculator and Profit Margin and Markup Calculator show your break-even price and profit after fees. If many similar sellers offer free postage, consider building the postage cost into your price. Be realistic about handling time and returns, and measure and weigh the parcel instead of estimating, because wrong package details can cost you money.
Check Before You Publish
- The title is 80 characters or fewer, has no typos and puts the main keywords first.
- The model number in the title matches the Model or MPN specific.
- The category is the one used by similar sold items.
- Item specifics are complete, accurate and use standard values.
- The condition is honest and any flaws are described.
- Photos are clear, with a clean first image.
- There are no contact details, links or false claims.
- Price, postage, handling time and returns are checked.
You can run this list automatically: the AI eBay Listing Generator includes a quality report that flags title length, typos, model mismatches, invalid barcodes and risky words. AI can still make mistakes and cannot see live eBay search or sold data, so always review the result yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can an eBay title be?
An eBay title can be up to 80 characters including spaces. Use as much of it as you can with natural, relevant words.
What are item specifics on eBay?
Item specifics are category fields such as brand, model, colour, size and material. Buyers use them as search filters, so complete and accurate values help your listing get found.
Should I write genuine or authentic in my title?
Only if the item really is genuine and you can prove it. For compatible or unbranded items, say compatible with the brand instead of using the brand as the item's own.
Do I need an EAN or MPN?
Many categories use EAN, UPC or MPN to match products. If your item has one, add it. If it does not, choose Does not apply rather than guessing.
Can I put my phone number or website in an eBay description?
No. eBay does not allow contact details or links that take buyers off the platform.
Can AI write my eBay listing?
AI can write a strong first draft, but it can make mistakes and cannot see live search data. Always check every detail before you publish.
How many photos should I upload?
Use as many clear photos as you can, starting with a clean main photo on a plain background, then angles, close-ups of labels and the box contents.