eBay Condition Guidelines: Describing Items Accurately
Mayank Makwana
Selling on eBay is a fantastic way to build a thriving resale business. But to truly succeed and build a loyal customer base, getting the details right is non-negotiable. One of the most critical details? The item's condition. Being clear and accurate about an item’s condition lets your buyer know exactly what they’re getting, which helps set up a successful transaction every time.
Understanding the specific ebay item condition guidelines isn't just good practice; it's a requirement of eBay's selling practices policy. Misrepresenting an item can lead to negative feedback, returns, and a damaged reputation.
This guide will walk you through the official ebay condition definitions, break down the crucial differences between new vs used ebay items across various categories, and show you how to describe your products accurately to build trust and boost sales.
Why Your eBay Item Condition Description is Crucial
Accurately specifying an item’s condition does more than just inform the buyer; it builds the foundation for a successful transaction. When a customer knows whether they’re getting something new, used, or something in between, their expectations are set correctly from the start.
This transparency is key to customer satisfaction and helps you avoid costly returns and negative feedback. Furthermore, selecting the correct item condition from the preset options on the listing form is a core part of following eBay's selling practices policy.
Getting these details right consistently is the first step to scaling your resale business. When your process is streamlined and accurate, you can list more items with confidence. If you're looking to optimize your entire listing workflow, from photos to flawless descriptions, our platform is designed to help you sell smarter and faster.
A Deep Dive into eBay Condition Definitions by Category
A common mistake for new sellers is assuming that a condition like "New" or "Used" means the same thing across the entire marketplace. However, eBay’s item condition options vary significantly depending on the category you list your item in. What qualifies as "New" for a toy is different from what qualifies as "New" for a car.
Let's break down the specific definitions for major categories.
Baby, Collectibles, Crafts, Toys, Health & Beauty, and Pet Supplies
These categories share a common set of straightforward condition definitions, with a focus on whether an item has been used or opened. They also include several tiers of refurbished conditions for items that have been professionally restored.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New | The item is brand new, unused, unopened, and undamaged (including handmade items). |
| Used | The item was previously used. |
| Certified - Refurbished | The item is in a pristine, like-new condition. It has been professionally inspected, cleaned, and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet specifications. It comes in new packaging with original or new accessories. |
| Excellent - Refurbished | The item is in like-new condition and backed by a one-year warranty. It has been professionally refurbished, inspected, and cleaned to excellent condition by qualified sellers. It includes original or new accessories and comes in new generic packaging. |
| Very Good - Refurbished | The item shows minimal wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected, and cleaned to very good condition by qualified sellers. It includes original or new accessories and comes in new generic packaging. |
| Good - Refurbished | The item shows moderate wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected, and cleaned to good condition by qualified sellers. It includes original or new accessories and comes in a new generic packaging. |
| Digital Good | A digital asset that is delivered electronically, including Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT). |
Books & Magazines
The condition of books is all about their reading history and physical state. The definitions are highly specific, covering everything from the dust jacket to writing in the margins.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| Brand new | The book is new, unread, and unused in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. |
| Like new | The book looks new but has been read. The cover has no visible wear, the dust jacket is included for hardcovers, and there are no missing pages, creases, tears, or markings. It may have very minimal identifying marks on the inside cover. |
| Very good | The book does not look new and has been read but is in excellent condition. It has no obvious cover damage, no missing/damaged pages, and no markings. It may have minimal wear and tear or identifying marks inside. |
| Good | A read book in good condition. It may have minimal cover damage (scuffs but no holes/tears) and binding wear. The dust jacket may be missing. Most pages are undamaged, with possible minimal pencil underlining but no highlighting. No missing pages. |
| Acceptable | The book has obvious wear but is still operational. The cover and binding may be damaged but are intact. May have writing, underlining, and highlighting, but no missing pages or anything that compromises legibility. |
Business & Industrial
For industrial and business equipment, the focus is on functionality, packaging, and whether the item has been professionally restored.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New | A brand new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging. Packaging should be the same as retail unless it's a handmade item or came in non-retail packaging. |
| New—open box | An item in excellent, new condition with no functional defects. It may be missing original packaging and could have been used for testing or demo purposes. It includes original accessories and may have a warranty. |
| Certified refurbished | A pristine, like-new item professionally inspected, cleaned, and refurbished by the manufacturer or an approved vendor. It comes in new packaging with original or new accessories. |
| Seller refurbished | An item restored to full working order by the eBay seller or a third party. It is in excellent condition but may or may not be in its original packaging. |
| Used | A previously used item that may show cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended. It could be a floor model or store return. |
| For parts or not working | The item does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes defective items, those needing repair, or items missing essential components. |
Electronics, Home & Garden, Musical Instruments & More
This broad group of categories, which includes Cameras, Cell Phones, Computers, and Video Game Consoles, has detailed definitions for new, open-box, and various refurbished states. Functionality is paramount.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where applicable), same as found in a retail store. |
| Open box | An item in excellent, new condition with no wear. It may be missing original packaging/wrapping or be in unsealed original packaging. It includes original accessories and may be a factory second. |
| Certified - Refurbished | Pristine, like-new condition. Professionally inspected, cleaned, and refurbished by the manufacturer or approved vendor. Comes in new packaging with original or new accessories. |
| Excellent - Refurbished | Like-new condition, backed by a one-year warranty. Professionally refurbished, inspected, and cleaned by qualified sellers. Includes original or new accessories in new generic packaging. |
| Very Good - Refurbished | Shows minimal wear, backed by a one-year warranty. Fully functional and professionally refurbished by qualified sellers. Includes original or new accessories in new generic packaging. |
| Good - Refurbished | Shows moderate wear, backed by a one-year warranty. Fully functional and professionally refurbished by qualified sellers. Includes original or new accessories in new generic packaging. |
| Seller refurbished | Restored to working order by the seller or a third party. Inspected, cleaned, and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition. May or may not be in original packaging. |
| Used | Previously used. May have signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational. Could be a floor model or store return. |
| For parts or not working | Does not function as intended and is not fully operational. Defective, requires service/repair, or is missing essential components. |
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
This is one of the most popular areas for resale, and the condition definitions are nuanced. They are broken down further by item type.
Clothing
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New with tags | Brand new, never worn, with original tags and/or packaging. |
| New without tags | Brand new, never worn, but missing tags and/or original packaging. Has no flaws or imperfections. |
| New with imperfections | Brand new, never worn, but has a defect (e.g., irregular item). Tags may or may not be attached. |
| Pre-owned: Excellent | Previously worn but in excellent condition. Any signs of wear should be shown and described. |
| Pre-owned - Good | Gently used but in good condition. Might have a few signs of wear, which must be shown and described. |
| Pre-owned - Fair | Has significantly visible imperfections and signs of wear, all of which must be shown and described. |
Shoes
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New with box | Brand-new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (box or bag) and/or with original tags. |
| New without box | A brand-new, unused, and unworn item not in original packaging. For example, new shoes with no signs of wear that are no longer in their box. |
| New with defects | A brand new, unused, and unworn item with possible cosmetic imperfections from manufacturing or delivery (e.g., scuffs, irregular size tags). May be missing original packaging. |
| Pre-owned | The item was previously used or worn. |
Jewelry, Watches, Sporting Goods & Underwear
These categories share similar definitions, focusing on tags, packaging, and wear.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New with tags | Brand-new, unused, and unworn item in original packaging and/or with original tags attached. |
| New without tags | Brand-new, unused, and unworn item not in original packaging or missing packaging materials. Tags may not be attached. |
| New with defects | Brand new, unused, and unworn but with possible cosmetic imperfections from manufacturing or delivery. May be missing packaging or tags. |
| Pre-owned | (Jewelry, Watches, Sporting Goods only) The item was previously used or worn. |
| Refurbished Tiers | (Jewelry, Watches, Sporting Goods only) Follows the same Certified, Excellent, Very Good, and Good definitions as the Electronics category, including the one-year warranty for Excellent, Very Good, and Good tiers. |
Movies, Music & Video Games
For media, the condition is about both the disc/tape and its packaging. The definitions distinguish between an item that's sealed and one that's simply flawless.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| Brand new | Never opened or removed from the manufacturer's sealing. In original shrink wrap (if applicable). |
| Like new | Looks as if it were just taken out of shrink wrap. No visible wear, all facets are flawless and intact. |
| Very good | Used, but in very good condition. No damage to the case or cover. All inserts (liner notes, instructions) are included. Disc holder teeth are undamaged. Minimal exterior wear. CD/DVD doesn't skip. |
| Good | Used, but in good condition. May have minor damage to the case (scuffs/cracks). All inserts are included. CD/DVD doesn't skip. |
| Acceptable | Obvious and significant wear but still operational. The case may have tears or holes. Instructions/box for video games may be missing. |
Motors
Selling vehicles and parts has its own unique vocabulary, especially concerning legal status like titles and registration.
Cars & Trucks
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New | Purchased from a franchise dealer, not yet registered or titled. Covered by manufacturer warranty and has been driven only for demonstration purposes. |
| Certified pre-owned | Meets strict age, mileage, and inspection requirements from the manufacturer. Often sold with warranty and financing options. |
| Used | Has been registered and issued a title. Has had at least one previous owner. Condition can vary. |
Parts & Accessories
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New | Brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging. |
| New other (see details) | A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. May be missing original packaging, could be a factory second, or have minor defects. |
| Remanufactured | A properly rebuilt automotive part that has been disassembled, cleaned, and examined, with worn/missing components replaced. It is the functional equivalent of a new part. |
| Used | Previously used with possible cosmetic wear but is fully operational. |
| For parts or not working | Does not function as intended, is defective, or requires repair. |
Tires
For tires, condition is all about whether they've been mounted and the amount of tread remaining.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unused tire that has never been mounted on a vehicle. |
| Retread | A used tire where the old tread was professionally buffed away and replaced with new rubber. |
| Used | A previously used tire in good working condition with at least 5/32" of tread remaining. |
| Damaged | A tire that is not operable and may require repair. Must have at least 4/32" of tread remaining. |
Trading Cards
The trading card market revolves around the authentication and condition scoring provided by third-party services.
| Condition | Definition |
|---|---|
| Graded | A card inspected for authenticity and condition by a third-party service. It is assigned a score (often on a 10-point scale), given a grade, and sealed in a tamper-proof holder. |
| Ungraded | A card that has been pulled from a pack and not graded by a third party. Often called a "raw" card. |
New vs Used on eBay: Understanding the Key Differences
While the tables above are detailed, sometimes you just need a quick reference for the core distinction between "New" and "Used." This is a crucial concept to master, as it directly impacts buyer expectations and your bottom line.
General Merchandise (Electronics, Business, Toys, etc.)
For most hard goods, the difference is simple. A "New" item is unused, unopened, and undamaged, often in its original retail packaging. A "Used" item has been previously used and may show signs of cosmetic wear but remains fully operational.
Books & Media
"Brand new" books are unread and in perfect condition. For media like video games or DVDs, "Brand new" means it has never been opened and is still in the manufacturer's sealing. Anything that has been read or opened, no matter how carefully, falls into a used category like "Like New" or "Very Good."
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
The line here is about wear. "New" items have never been worn. "Pre-owned" or "Used" items have been worn, even just once. The presence of tags helps further define the "New" category ("New with tags" vs. "New without tags").
Motors & Tires
For vehicles, "New" is a legal distinction: it means the car has never been registered or titled. Once a title is issued, it becomes "Used." For tires, "New" means it has never been mounted on a vehicle. A "Used" tire has seen road time.
How Reeva Helps You Master eBay Listings and Scale Your Business
As you can see, remembering all these specific ebay item condition rules can be overwhelming, especially when you're listing dozens of items across different categories. This is where having a powerful tool built for resellers becomes a game-changer.
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The biggest bottleneck for any reseller is listing. We solve that. You can simply upload photos, and our platform will create complete listings with titles, descriptions, and prices. Our AI helps generate descriptions that include all the necessary details eBay loves, like brand, style, model numbers, and even potential flaws you might have missed.
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Beyond Condition: Best Practices for Standout eBay Listings
Choosing the right condition is just one piece of the puzzle. To create listings that convert, follow these eBay best practices:
- Choose the Most Relevant Category: Make sure your item is listed where buyers are looking for it. You can even add a second category for more visibility.
- Write a Great Title: Start with relevant keywords. Don't use all caps or confusing acronyms. Keep it readable and logical.
- Use Item Specifics: Provide as many recommended item specifics as possible. This helps your listing show up in filtered searches.
- Include Product Identifiers: If your item has a UPC, EAN, or ISBN, include it.
- Write a Detailed Description: Go beyond the basics. Include brand names, styles, model numbers, unique qualities, and always be upfront about any flaws.
- Use Quality Photos: Clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles are essential.
- Optimize for Mobile: Use bullet points, concise sentences, and a base font size of at least 16 pixels to make your descriptions easy to read on a phone.
Our platform helps you implement these best practices effortlessly, from generating keyword-rich titles to creating mobile-friendly descriptions that are organized and easy to read.
Your Partner in Reselling Success
Mastering eBay's condition guidelines is a fundamental step toward building a professional and profitable resale business. Understanding the nuances of each category, the clear distinction between new and used, and the importance of total transparency will set you apart from the competition.
While the rules can seem complex, they are manageable with the right approach and the right tools. By systemizing your listing process, you can ensure accuracy and efficiency every single time.
Stop juggling spreadsheets and complicated rules. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best—sourcing and selling. Start your free 7-day trial of Reeva today and see how top resellers are saving time, increasing sales, and growing their businesses with ease.