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, be sure to review and follow these rules when you list your items. We realize 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.

Top questions

What are the rules and policies for listing items on eBay?

How can I report a listing that appears to be violating eBay rules and policies?

How can I end my listing early?

Why did eBay remove my listing?

Solve a problem

I\'m not sure whether the item I\'m selling is allowed on eBay.

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.

Click My eBay at the top of most eBay pages. In the left column, in the Sell section, click the Active link. Find the listing you want to change, and from the Actions drop-down menu, select Revise. You also have the option of revising multiple listings or ending your listing early.

My listing was removed and I don\'t know why.

First, check your messages in My eBay. If we remove a listing, we send an email explaining why. If you don't see it, check your spam folders. Then find out why eBay removes listings.

I don\'t think buyers are finding my listing.

When you create your listing, be as descriptive as possible. Write an effective title and description, list your item in the right category, use product details (if they're offered), and fill out all item specifics suggested for your item.
Learn more about improving your search standing.

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.

Profanity policy

Hateful, offensive, profane, or vulgar language isn't allowed, though there are a few exceptions.

Reserve price policy

Find out how you can avoid reserve price violations.

Payment methods you can offer

Accepted payments policy

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

PayPal payments policy

Learn the rules about offering PayPal payments.

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.

Duplicate listings policy
Sellers can't use separate listings to sell multiple identical items at the same time.

Links policy

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

Rules about offering to buy or sell outside of eBay:

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

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

Creating legally compliant listings
Learn how to create listings that follow the rules.

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

Listing your item with product details from our catalog
Learn how to add product details and a stock photo from our catalog to your listing.

How to report inappropriate buying and selling
Find out what we can investigate and the actions we'll take.

Meeting buyer expectations when you sell collectibles
Find out how to follow our policies and satisfy your buyers when you sell collectible items.

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

Have a question? We can help.

Ask eBay members

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

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