The Ultimate Guide to eBay Descriptions That Convert (2026)
Buyers may compare several similar listings, including on mobile. A concise, accurate description and complete item specifics make the listing easier to assess than a long or complicated template.
What helps buyers find your listing
eBay publishes some Best Match factors and seller guidance, but not everything about how results are ordered. Its guidance recommends accurate titles, the right category and complete item specifics such as brand, size, colour and model. Requirements vary by category and site, so follow the fields and policies shown in your listing flow.
- Title (up to 80 characters): brand, model, item type, key attributes, size.
- Category and item specifics: as complete as possible.
- Condition: pick the right condition and describe defects.
Structure of a clear description
1. Summary
One sentence that repeats the essentials: "Nike Air Max 90, UK 9 / EU 44, used, good condition."
2. Condition and defects
Be specific: "Light creasing on the toe box, small mark on the left heel (photo 6)."
3. Key details (bullet list)
- Brand: Nike
- Size: UK 9 / EU 44
- Colour: white / grey
- Material: leather and mesh upper
4. Measurements
Essential for clothing: pit to pit, length, sleeve. Measure the item flat; a photo can't give reliable measurements.
5. Shipping and returns
State dispatch time, service and return policy, and set them in eBay's shipping and returns fields too.
Plain text or HTML?
A clean plain-text description with short paragraphs and bullet points is easy to read across screen sizes. eBay restricts active content in descriptions, so check the current policy before using a complex template.
Check the item-description and prohibited-items policies for the eBay site where you sell. Required disclosures, return terms and business-seller obligations can differ by country and seller status.
Where AI helps
SellFast AI drafts a title (within 80 characters), a plain-text description and an estimated price range from your photos. It does not fill in eBay item specifics, take measurements or look up sold listings: you add those details in eBay's form, and check recently sold items before setting your price.