A good listing helps buyers find your item and trust you enough to buy it. Most of that comes down to a clear title, complete details and honest photos.
The title
eBay titles allow 80 characters. Use them for words buyers actually search for:
- Brand, item name or title, and model or edition.
- Format or type (hardback, Blu-ray, PS2, sealed).
- Important details such as size, colour, year or "complete".
Avoid words that waste space and nobody searches for, such as "wow", "look" or "L@@K".
Item specifics
Fill in every item specific that applies (author, format, platform, brand, size and so on). Buyers filter searches by these, and listings with missing specifics can be left out of filtered results.
Photos
- Use natural light or a bright room, and a plain background.
- Show the front, back, labels, any serial or set numbers, and every flaw.
- For books and media, photograph the spine and the copyright page or disc.
- Use several photos; buyers want to see exactly what they're getting.
Condition
Choose the right condition and add a short, honest note: "Light shelf wear to the corners, no writing inside." Under-promise slightly. Surprised buyers leave good feedback; disappointed ones send things back.
Price and format
Buy It Now with Best Offer suits most second-hand items. Check what identical items are listed for and what recently sold (eBay's Sold items filter) and price to sell within a few weeks, not to sit for a year.
Best Offer and relisting
If you allow offers, set an automatic decline below the lowest price you'd accept so you aren't answering silly offers all day. If an item hasn't had views or watchers after a few weeks, look again at the title and photos before you cut the price: a missing keyword is a more common problem than a high price. Sending offers to watchers is a quick way to turn interest into a sale.
Postage
Weigh and measure the packed item before you list, so you choose the right service. See our UK postage guide for resellers. Dispatch quickly and upload tracking where you have it.