Search and browse manipulation policy

You can describe an item by its brand, designer, model, product or its celebrity endorsement in a listing, as long as the information accurately describes what you're selling. Making a comparison or reference to a brand that is not the actual brand of the item you are selling makes it difficult for buyers to find what they're looking for (see also keyword spamming).

Allowed

• A brand name can be mentioned in a listing, as long as the item is authentically branded with that brand or product name
• A celebrity name can be included in a listing, as long as the celebrity created, officially endorsed, owned or signed the item. You can also mention celebrities if they're depicted in the item for sale, such as on posters or photos
• For homemade items, be sure to:
  • Use the words 'made with' to describe a brand-name product that you used in creating your item
    For example, if you're offering curtains made from Laura Ashley fabric, you can describe them as 'homemade curtains made with Laura Ashley fabric'.
  • Use the words 'made for' or 'fits' to describe how your item is used for a brand-name product
    For example, if you're selling homemade clothes for Barbie dolls, you can describe them as 'clothes made for Barbie dolls'.
• Multiple brand names can be used, as long as there are items by each of those brands in the listing. You can specify various designer names only if you're selling more than one item (known as 'lots') made by those designers in a single listing
• Multiple brand names in the title when they describe a product line of a company
  For example, 'Miu Miu by Prada' would be allowed.

Restricted

For accessories that are functionally compatible with certain brand-name products, ensure you:

• Verify that compatibility is for function rather than appearance. If you're not sure of this, fully explain the functionality. The Not allowed section below provides more detail
• Use the words 'compatible with', 'fits', or 'for' before the brand-name of the compatible product
• Spell out the word 'for'. Using the number 4 isn't allowed, such as 'this charger is 4 Nintendo 3DS'
• When listing accessories that are made to fit a specific brand-name product, follow our intellectual property policies, including our trademark and compliant listings policies

Not allowed

• Brand names, celebrities or other product details can't be specified in a listing if you're not selling an item by those brands
  For example, if you're selling a Coach handbag, you can't mention Gucci or other brand-name handbags.
• Using the words 'compatible with', 'fits' or 'for' before a brand name in the title of your listing to describe items that are universally compatible or that are compatible with an entire product class
• Using parts compatibility with universally compatible items.
• Using the words 'fits', 'for' or 'compatible with' before the brand name of jewellery and clothing items or accessories
• Comparing the item you're selling to a popular product
  For example, you can't say 'this MP3 player is just like the iPod'.
• Hiding unrelated brand names in a listing by using white-on-white text, tiny fonts or special HTML or JavaScript code
• Misspelling brand names to try to circumvent the rules
  For example, using a dollar sign '$' instead of the letter 'S' isn't allowed.
• Promoting your other listings and naming brands in those listings
  For example, you can't say things like 'Check out my other listings for Adidas, New Balance, Nike, and Puma shoes'.
• Using a question mark '?' when you're not sure about the brand
  For example, you can't describe an item as 'McCoy? cookie jar'.
• Including multiple brand names in a title when they describe a subsidiary of a parent company
  For example, you may not say 'Old Navy by Gap' in your title.
• Providing details such as MPN or UPC that don't match the item you're listing.
• Using inaccurate or misleading information for required product details (such as "Does not apply" or "N/A") when describing required product identifiers (such as brand, UPC, or MPN) or information other than what the manufacturer provided, if the manufacturer has provided that information about your product.
• Describing a compatible item as 'comp'

Be sure to select a category that matches the item for sale so buyers can find your listing. If it's in the wrong or inappropriate category, we may move the listing to another category (which may have a different listing fee), or the listing may be removed from our website to avoid confusion.

Allowed

• Select a category that matches the item for sale~
  For example, an iPod Nano should be listed in the MP3 Players category
• Select an applicable secondary category
  For example, you can list a real diamond ring in the Fine Jewellery Ring category for Diamonds and for Wedding/Engagement
• Select the Other category when there isn't one that exactly matches your item

Not allowed

• Brand new items can't be listed in categories for antique or vintage items
• Informational products can't be listed in a category for physical goods
  For example, a user guide for Wii games can't be listed in the Systems category. It can only be listed in the Everything Else, Information Products category.
• Selecting a category that doesn't match the item in order to include details for a different product isn't allowed
  For example, if you sell a generic MP3 player, you can't list it in the Mobile Phones category just to add information about an iPhone.
• Selecting a secondary category that doesn't match the item isn't allowed
  For example, if you sell a case for the iPod Nano, you can't select the MP3 Players category.
• Selecting a similar category that doesn't match the item
  For example, listing a superhero comic book in a toy category isn't allowed; it should be listed in the Books category.
• You can't list an item outside of a fixed fee category when it actually belongs there
  For example, listing a car in the Vehicle Parts and Accessories category instead of the appropriate car category on eBay Motors isn't allowed.
• If the item you're listing matches an item in our product catalogue, be sure to list it in the main category for the item and not in Other or less specific categories.

Providing clear and accurate details about your item helps people make informed buying decisions - and they'll know what to expect when they receive your product. So be truthful and provide complete details.

Allowed

• Describe only the item you have in hand and are selling

Not allowed

• Selecting product details from our catalogue that aren’t an exact match for what you're listing
  For example:
  • If you sell a paperback book, don't provide information for the hardcover version
  • If you sell a video game controller, don’t provide product details for a video game console
• Selecting product details that are similar to but don’t exactly match the item for sale
  For example, if you list an Android phone, don't include information about the iPhone.
• Choosing an item that doesn't match your item description, such as 'New' item condition for an item that has been used.
• Providing details such as MPN or UPC that don’t match the item you’re listing.
• Contradicting your item condition in item specifics with pictures or your item description.
• Including terms in the wrong field of your listing, such as including postage terms in the Condition description field.
• Including extra or unrelated keywords or brands in your item specifics.
• Including information that is not specific to that field, such as colour in the manufacturer part number or the brand of your item in the item specific for size.
• Using inaccurate information such as “Does not apply” or “N/A” for required product information (such as brand, UPC, or MPN) when the manufacturer has provided that information for your product.

Keyword spamming is when people use words or details (such as brands, item condition, model names, pop culture terms, product names, style and type) that have nothing to do with their items so that their listings will show up in search results. Since this clutters eBay and makes buying and selling more difficult, we don't allow keyword spamming (see also brand names).

Allowed

• All the words in your listing have to be completely true and refer only to the item for sale
• For lot listings, you can specify all the different items in the lot
  For example: 'This lot includes 2 pairs of shoes, 2 shirts, 1 pair of pants, 3 pairs of shorts and a jacket'.
• You can use synonyms to describe an item
  For example, a handbag can be called a purse.

Not allowed

• Calling out similarities
  For example, when selling a DVD, don't talk about Blu-ray discs.
• Comparisons between products aren't allowed
  For example, you can't say 'shirt not pants' or 'video not Nano'.
• Descriptions that promote items in other listings
  For example, a listing for shoes can't say things like 'Check out my other listings for hats, shirts, pants, coats, gloves and underwear'.
• Hiding unrelated keywords in a listing by using white-on-white text, tiny fonts or HTML or JavaScript code
• Keywords in any part of a listing that aren't related to the item you're selling
  For example:
  • If you're selling a shirt, the title can't say 'Nike shirt size M - shoes, hat, shorts'
  • If you're selling a synthetic stone such as a cubic zirconia (CZ), the title can't include the word 'diamond'
  • If you're selling an MP3 player, the listing description can't have keywords like 'purse, shoes, baseball hat, DVD, toys, cell phone, etc'
• Words with question marks (such as 'carved wood dresser - antique?'). If you're not sure about a detail, don't mention it at all. Doing so can be misleading
• Describing items that are used as 'Like New' or 'As New' in the title because using such terms can affect the search results for buyers looking for new items. If you want to make it clear in the listing title that your item is in excellent condition, you can use alternative wording such as 'mint condition'

Including pictures in your listings helps buyers decide whether to purchase your item. Always provide clear and detailed pictures that truly represent your item so there's no confusion about what you're selling.
And remember: Never copy or use someone else's pictures or logos without their permission (see the Images and text policy).

Allowed

• Pictures clearly showing the item for sale

Not allowed

• Including unrelated pictures to try to get people to look at the listing
• Picture of an item that isn't for sale
  For example, selling a generic MP3 player but showing a picture of an iPod isn't allowed.
• Pictures that don't represent your item

When you create a listing, make sure all your text and other information are complete and consistent throughout. For example, you can't say one thing in the title and then describe it differently in the description.

Allowed

• Be specific about your terms and conditions and make sure those details are consistent throughout your listing
• Provide clear, accurate and consistent information throughout a listing

Not allowed

• Conflicting information
  For example, the title says the item is 'new', but the description says it 'was used'.
• Inconsistent details throughout your listing (titles, descriptions, product details, postage & packaging, payment information and so on)
• Inconsistent or unclear terms and conditions
  For example, you can't select free postage and packaging when you list your item if the buyer has to meet conditions to make it free, such as 'free P&P applies only if you choose the Buy it now option'.
• Incorrect or incomplete information
• Misrepresenting the item for sale

Keep listing titles and subtitles clear and 100% accurate. Being honest about what you're selling helps buyers find exactly what they're looking for. Avoid giving false details just to attract people to your listing. Remember that inaccurate or misleading titles aren't allowed on eBay.

Allowed

• If you list multiple, different items in a listing (known as a 'lot'), you can describe each item in the title or subtitle
• To be clear to buyers, you may want to state:
  • the brand name associated with the item
  • the quantity of items for sale
  • the type of item for sale
  • whether the item is new or used

Not allowed

• Confusing or unclear titles or subtitles
• Incorrect or inconsistent information
  For example:
  • Saying 'quantity 5' in the title, but saying 1 item is for sale in the listing description
  • Selling a book about yoga and dieting, but using the title 'I lost 30 pounds in 3 months'
• Misrepresenting an item in the title or subtitle
  For example:
  • The title 'Louis Vuitton Handbag, Cartier' is not allowed (even if a Cartier item is included as a bonus gift with purchase of the handbag) because it is unclear whether you are offering 1 or 2 items
  • If you list an item simply as 'Apple iPod', you must be selling an actual Apple iPod, not accessories to an Apple iPod or items related to or unrelated to an Apple iPod
• Keywords describing bonus items cannot be included in the title