How to Sell on eBay: A Beginner’s Guide
How to start selling on eBay: setting up your account, researching sold prices, writing listings that sell, auction vs Buy It Now, fees, shipping and ratings.
How to Write Listings That Sell
How to write product listings that sell: keyword-rich titles, honest condition notes, key specs, photos and pricing, plus templates for any marketplace.
Key takeaways
- Put the words buyers search for in your title: brand, model, item type and key attributes.
- Lead the description with facts (condition, size, what’s included, faults) in short bullet points.
- Honest descriptions and clear photos reduce questions, returns and disputes.
On this page
A listing that sells answers a buyer’s questions before they have to ask: what exactly is this, what condition is it in, will it fit or work for me, how much is it and how do I get it? Put the words people search for in the title, lead the description with the facts, show flaws honestly and back it all up with clear photos. The same principles work on eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark or anywhere else.
The anatomy of a great listing
| Element | Its job |
|---|---|
| Title | Get found in search and tell buyers exactly what it is |
| Photos | Prove condition and make the item look appealing |
| Price | Signal value and match your goal (fast sale or top dollar) |
| Condition | Set honest expectations |
| Item specifics | Help filters and search match your listing |
| Description | Answer remaining questions quickly |
| Shipping, pickup and returns | Remove doubts about getting the item |
Write a searchable title
Use this formula: brand + model + item type + key attributes + condition.
| Weak title | Strong title |
|---|---|
| Nice camera | Canon AE-1 Program 35mm film camera, 50mm f/1.8 lens, tested |
| Jacket for sale | Patagonia Nano Puff jacket, women’s medium, navy, like new |
| Blue dresser | Solid wood 6-drawer dresser, navy blue, 58 in wide |
Tips:
- Use the words buyers use, not internal jargon.
- Front-load the important words; titles get cut off on phones.
- Skip filler like “L@@K”, “WOW” or ALL CAPS.
- Respect the limits: eBay allows 80 characters and Etsy 140, so use them for useful keywords, not repetition.
Describe condition honestly
Consistent, honest condition terms reduce returns and bad reviews.
| Term | What buyers expect |
|---|---|
| New with tags | Unused, with original tags or packaging |
| New without tags | Unused, but tags or packaging missing |
| Like new | Used briefly, no visible wear |
| Good | Normal signs of use, fully working |
| Fair | Obvious wear or cosmetic damage, still works |
| For parts or not working | Doesn’t work properly; sold for repair or parts |
Describing an item as better than it is isn’t just bad practice. Misleading claims can breach platform rules and consumer protection law, and they lose you disputes.
Lead with the facts buyers need
Put these near the top, in bullet points:
- Measurements: dimensions, clothing measurements or capacity.
- Model and serial details: model numbers help buyers check compatibility.
- What’s included: box, cables, manuals, accessories, spare parts.
- Faults: scratches, stains, missing pieces, with photo references.
- Testing: “Tested and working: powers on, all buttons respond.”
- Home environment: smoke-free and pet-free, if true.
Make the description easy to scan
- The first two lines matter most; many apps show only a preview.
- Use short bullets, not a wall of text.
- Include keywords naturally, such as alternative names for the item.
- Add a line of context only if it helps: “Selling because we’ve moved to a smaller apartment.”
Photos do half the work
Even perfect words can’t rescue a dark, blurry photo. Shoot in daylight on a plain background, show every angle and photograph each flaw. Our guide to product photos with your phone explains how.
Price to match your goal
Search sold listings for the same item and condition, then decide whether you want a quick sale (price at or just below the going rate) or top value (price higher and wait). Our guide to pricing used items walks through the research.
Copy-and-paste templates
Local pickup (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp)
[Brand] [item], [key detail], [condition]
- Condition: [good, fully working; small scratch on top, see photo 4]
- Size: [W x D x H]
- Includes: [what comes with it]
- Pickup: [area], [days/times available]
- Price: $[amount] [firm / or best offer]Shipped item (eBay, Etsy vintage, Poshmark)
Title: [Brand] [model] [item type] [size/color] [condition]
Condition: [grade] - [one-line honest summary]
Details:
- [spec 1]
- [spec 2]
- [measurements]
Included: [items]
Flaws: [list, with photo numbers]
Shipping: ships within [x] business days with tracking
Returns: [policy]Words that help and words that hurt
| Helps | Hurts |
|---|---|
| “Tested and working” | “Should work” or “untested” with no explanation |
| “Small scratch on left corner (photo 5)” | “Some wear” with no detail |
| Exact measurements | “Big” or “standard size” |
| “Original box and manual included” | “Rare!” without evidence |
| A polite pickup note | “No lowballers, don’t waste my time” |
Refresh listings that stall
If a listing gets views but no messages after a week or two, change one thing at a time: a new lead photo, a clearer title or a lower price. Platform-specific tips are in our guides to selling on eBay and selling clothes online.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a listing description be?
Long enough to answer the common questions, usually 50 to 150 words of bullet points. Detail matters more for expensive or technical items.
Should I mention flaws in a listing?
Yes, always. Disclosing flaws with photos builds trust, prevents returns and protects you in disputes.
What keywords should I use in a listing title?
The brand, the model, the item type and the attributes buyers filter by, such as size, color and material. Look at how successful sold listings are titled.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Keep reading
Etsy vs eBay vs Facebook Marketplace for Sellers
Where to sell online: Etsy, eBay and Facebook Marketplace compared on audience, fees, shipping, effort and what sells best on each, with tips for choosing.
Cheapest Shipping Options for Small Sellers
How small online sellers can cut shipping costs: carriers, flat-rate vs weight-based, marketplace labels, packaging, dimensional weight and free shipping.