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Describing the item’s condition


Is your item new or used? Does it include the original tags, packaging, or manuals?

Item condition is one of the top factors buyers consider when deciding whether to purchase an item. When you create your listing, let your buyers know exactly what they’ll be receiving by specifying its condition.

Specifying the item’s condition

When you create your listing, you’ll be given the opportunity to specify the item’s condition.

To specify the item’s condition:
  1. In the Item specifics section of the Sell Your Item (SYI) form, click the Condition dropdown menu. Then select the condition of your item.

    Although the options vary by category, the Condition dropdown menu generally lets you specify whether the item is new or used. For example, the condition choices for apparel include 'New: With Tags', 'New: Without Tags', and 'Used'.'

  2. In the Describe the item you’re selling section, provide additional details about the item’s condition, such as its age, history, packaging, and whether it has any flaws.

Advantages of specifying the item’s condition

Listings that specify the item’s condition provide useful information and as a result, are more likely to sell.

When you specify your item’s condition, you:

Help buyers make an informed purchase decision.
Your choice for item condition appears at the top of your listing description. Any additional details that you provide appear within the listing description.
Help buyers find your item.
When buyers search for items, they often use the Refine search column to narrow their search based on the item’s condition. Your listing will appear in search results only if you selected the matching condition from the Condition dropdown menu when you created your listing.

What 'new' means

An item is considered 'New' when it meets the following guidelines:

  • It's in the original condition from the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.

  • It has not been refurbished or used for any purpose.

  • It has no known defects or damages.

Handmade or custom-made items that have never been used for any purpose can also be considered 'new'.

Note: Item condition is not an indication of the item's age. If you know the age of the item, specify the creation and/or release date of the item (for example, Autumn 2008) in the listing description.

How to include more details about the item’s description

As a seller, you can use the listing description area of your listing to help buyers learn more about the condition, age, and history of your item. Provide buyers with answers to these questions if applicable:

  • Does the item have any flaws or defects?

  • Is the item in its original packaging or has the packaging ever been opened?

  • Does the item include all manuals, accessories, and additional documents?

  • Does the item have a valid warranty that can be passed on to the buyer?

  • Does the item have an expiry date (for example, in the Health & Beauty category)?

  • Does the item have shop tags attached (for example, in the Clothes, Shoes & Accessories category)?

  • Does the item come with any certificates (for example, in Jewellery & Watches categories)?

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If you have an additional question about this subject, please email us at Customer Support.
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