A good eBay description answers the questions a buyer would otherwise message you about: what condition it’s in, how big it is, what’s included and what’s wrong with it. It doesn’t repeat the title, tell your life story or promise things you haven’t checked.
This guide covers eBay Australia’s description rules, a simple structure that works for most second-hand items, and templates you can copy.
eBay Australia’s description rules
Before writing, know what isn’t allowed:
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| No links that send buyers to a site other than eBay, even unclickable ones | Links policy |
| Allowed links (other eBay pages, product videos) must use HTTPS | Links policy |
| No active content such as JavaScript, Flash or form actions | JavaScript policy |
| All content must relate directly to the item | Item description policy |
eBay’s listing optimisation guide also recommends keeping formatting simple: black font, size 12 to 14, on a white background. Most buyers read on a phone, where heavy formatting and wide tables are hard to read.
A structure that works for most items
Use the same five parts in every description, so buyers know where to look:
- One opening line saying what the item is, in plain words.
- Condition, honestly, including what you tested.
- Measurements or specifications.
- What’s included, and what isn’t.
- Flaws, each one specific and matched to a photo.
eBay Australia’s Seller Centre puts it simply: focus on useful information rather than repeating your title. Brand, size and model belong in the item specifics; the description is for everything the fields can’t hold.
Template: clothing
Levi’s denim trucker jacket, blue, men’s size M.
Condition: Pre-owned, good. Light fading on the cuffs and collar from wear. No holes, stains or repairs.
Measurements (laid flat): Pit to pit 56 cm. Length (collar to hem) 64 cm. Sleeve (shoulder to cuff) 63 cm.
Material: 100% cotton denim (see care label photo).
Flaws: Small mark on the left cuff (photo 7).
Measurements matter more than the size label for second-hand clothing, because sizes vary by brand and garments shrink. Say how you measured.
Template: electronics and gaming
Sony DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, black.
Condition: Used. Tested: charges, pairs with a PS4, all buttons and both sticks respond. No stick drift noticed.
Included: Controller only. No cable or box.
Flaws: Light wear on the left stick grip and a scuff on the rear (photos 4 and 5).
If you haven’t tested it, don’t describe it as Used. See untested vs for parts on eBay for how to describe untested stock.
Template: cameras
Canon EOS 600D DSLR with EF-S 18–55 mm lens.
Condition: Used. Tested with a charged battery: powers on, takes photos, autofocus and zoom work, screen is clear.
Included: Camera body, 18–55 mm lens, battery, charger, strap. No memory card.
Flaws: Light scuffs on the base plate. Lens glass is clean with no haze or scratches (photos 5 and 6).
Template: homewares and collectables
Vintage ceramic vase, blue glaze, maker’s mark on base.
Condition: Good vintage condition. No chips or cracks found under bright light. Light crazing to the glaze, typical of age.
Measurements: 24 cm tall, 11 cm across at the widest point.
Markings: Stamped maker’s mark on the base (photo 6).
Phrases to avoid
| Avoid | Why | Write instead |
|---|---|---|
| ”Works perfectly” | You probably haven’t tested everything | What you tested and the result |
| ”Barely worn” | Vague and hard to verify | The specific signs of wear, or none |
| ”As is” on its own | Doesn’t tell the buyer what is wrong | The known faults |
| ”See photos” for flaws | Buyers miss details in photos | Describe the flaw and name the photo |
| Keyword lists | eBay’s search manipulation policy prohibits unrelated keywords | Use item specifics for searchable details |
Don’t forget the title
The description won’t be read if the title isn’t found. eBay Australia’s Best Match guide limits titles to 80 characters, and its Seller Centre says longer titles of 65 to 80 characters are more likely to sell. Lead with the words buyers search for: brand, item type, model, size and colour. The search manipulation policy also rules out unrelated popular keywords.
Where Listalong Snap fits
Listalong Snap is a phone app we are building that drafts titles and descriptions from your photos and seller notes, following a consistent structure. Quick condition notes such as Tested & working, Untested and For parts / not working, plus space for faults the photos don’t show, keep the condition wording accurate. You edit every draft before publishing to eBay.
Snap is in private iPhone testing, with Android on the way. Sign up for launch updates to hear when it’s available.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an eBay description be?
Long enough to cover condition, measurements, what’s included and any flaws, and no longer. eBay Australia advises focusing on useful information rather than repeating the title. For most second-hand items, a short opening line and a few bullet points are enough.
Can I put links in my eBay description?
Only certain kinds. eBay Australia’s links policy doesn’t allow links that direct buyers to a site other than eBay, even if they aren’t clickable. Exceptions include other eBay pages and product videos, and allowed links must use HTTPS.
What font should I use in an eBay description?
eBay Australia recommends simple formatting: black font, size 12 to 14, on a white background. Active content such as JavaScript isn’t allowed.
Sources and review date
Rules and recommendations checked 31 October 2026 against eBay Australia’s links, JavaScript, item description and search manipulation policies, its Best Match guide and its Seller Centre listing optimisation and create listings pages. The templates are editorial examples with illustrative measurements.