Help
Help
Search the Help pages (Does not search for items or products) Search Help Pagestips

Rules for listings

It may seem like a lot of rules, but they help provide a better and safer experience on eBay. To help make things run smoothly, make sure you review and follow these rules when you list your items. We realise sometimes not following an eBay policy is an honest mistake. If your item is allowed, you may just need to edit your listing so that it meets our guidelines.

Solve a problem

There are some items that, due to legal restrictions and other considerations, aren't allowed or can only be listed under certain conditions. If you're not sure whether your item is allowed, you can learn why some items are prohibited or restricted and see a detailed list of items you can't sell.
  1. Click on My eBay at the top of most eBay pages

  2. In the left column, in the Sell section, click the Active link

  3. Find the listing you want to change

  4. From the Actions drop down menu, click the Revise link

First, check your messages in My eBay. If we remove a listing, we'll send an email explaining why. If you don't see it, check your spam folders. Learn more about why eBay removes listings
When you create your listing, be as descriptive as possible:

Help topics

Basics

Prohibited and restricted items

Find out if the item you want to sell is prohibited or subject to restrictions

Selling practices policy

Become a better seller by providing excellent customer service and following the guidelines in this policy

Rules about intellectual property

Find out how we're protecting copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights

Policies about avoiding eBay fees

Before listing items, be sure to learn the rules about avoiding eBay fees

Image and Text Policy

Use only images or text that you create yourself or those from the eBay product catalogue. Don’t use photos or text from other eBay users or websites

Payment methods you can offer

Accepted payments policy

Find out the payment methods you can—and can't—offer

Payment surcharges policy

Find out what kinds of surcharges sellers are and aren't allowed to charge

Listings policies you should know

Search and browse manipulation policy

Find out how to list items in the appropriate category, how describe items accurately, and how to include a keyword or a brand name that doesn't manipulate eBay's search feature

Links, logos, and videos policy

Find out the types of links you can—and can't—include in your listing description

No item listings and inappropriate comments policy

Listings that don't offer anything for sale or those that offer intangible items aren't allowed. A listing also shouldn't include personal opinions, political views, or offensive comments about eBay members.

Rules about the following types of listings:

Item location misrepresentation policy

Learn how to accurately describe your item's location

Publishing contact information policy
Learn how to keep other members' contact information private

How to

Sell with improved results
Find out how to create better listings that follow the rules


Create legally compliant listings
Learn how to create listings that follow the rules


Create effective listings
Get tips and tools on how to create a listing that attracts buyers


Use product details from our catalogue
Learn how to add product details and a stock photo from our catalogue to your listing


Report inappropriate trading
Find out what we can investigate and the actions we'll take

Tutorials

Fee circumvention tutorial

Learn what fee circumvention means and why you need to avoid violating this policy

10—15 minutes

Marketplace policy tutorial

Find out why eBay has policies and how these rules help provide a better and safer experience

40—45 minutes

Search and browse manipulation policy tutorial

Learn why it's important for buyers to be able to find the items they want and what we're doing to make that easier

10—15 minutes

Contact us

Have a question? We can help.

 Contact us

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Centre to post a question.