Your item's title and description are your advertisement, an opportunity to both inform and excite buyers. Writing a good title and description will significantly increase your chances of your listing being found and sold.

• Writing an effective title

• Writing a great description

• Examples of titles and descriptions

Writing an effective title

Make a clear, compelling first impression by writing a great title for your item.

Here are some title Do’s:

• Use multiple, descriptive keywords that clearly convey what you are selling. Use all 55 characters.

• Include your item's brand name, artist, or designer. 

• Include item-specific attributes. For example, if selling shoes—include size, color and condition. 

• State exactly what your item is, even if your title repeats the category name.  

• Use correct spelling.  

• Omit punctuation marks and asterisks. 

• Try not to include "wow" or "look". Buyers don't search for words like these.

Be sure to follow eBay's rules regarding titles. The following types of titles are not appropriate for eBay listings.

Do not have titles that:

• Fail to state what the nature of the item is.  

• Contain Web site addresses, email addresses or phone numbers. The only exception to this rule is the sale of domain names.  

• Contain profane or obscene language.  

• Use the following words in an attempt to market or advertise their item: "prohibited", "banned", "illegal", "outlawed" or any other descriptive word which may bring into question the legality of an item by either governmental or eBay standards. 

• Include brand names other than the specific brand name used by the company that manufactured or produced the item you are listing. This is called keyword spamming and is not allowed on eBay. For additional information and examples, read eBay’s Keyword Spamming policy.

These types of listings are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

Read more information on eBay's search manipulation policies including Keyword Spamming and Misleading Titles.

Other title don’ts

• Don’t worry about creating a grammatically correct sentence. 

• Don’t use acronyms wildly.  

• Don’t use ALL CAPS.

Writing a great description

Writing a thorough description can really pay off in the price you receive for your item.

Here are some questions you may want to consider when writing your item description:

• What is the item? 

• What material is it made of?  

• When was it made?  

• What company/artist/designer/author made it?  

• What condition is it in?  

• Is the item new, used, or still under warranty? Be sure to mention any flaws or repairs.  

• What are its dimensions?  

• What country/location is it from?  

• Does it have any notable features or markings?  

• Does it have a special background or history?

Telling your story - Many sellers have found that adding a creative, human approach to their descriptions boosts bids and sales.

Do consider including:

• What you especially like about the item.  

• Who you think it would appeal to and why  

• An interesting story about the item (for example, how you acquired it).  

• How the item might be used.  

• Highlight the value and savings for buyers.  

• Payment and shipping: Be clear about payment methods you accept. Also, be as specific as you can about your shipping costs.  

• When you are finished, spell check your description for accuracy.

Do not include:

• Anything that is not true.  

• Keywords that are unrelated to your item in order to try to lure buyers searching for these words. (For example, do not say, "If you like Ralph Lauren, you'll like these towels.") This is known as "keyword spamming" and it is against eBay's listing policies.  

• Prohibited and restricted content (see eBay's Prohibited and Restricted Items - Overview).  

• Item descriptions copied word-for-word from other sources (i.e., e-commerce Web sites, other eBay listings, manufacturer Web sites, etc.).  

• Trademarked logos unless you have permission to use them.

Examples of titles and descriptions

Example 1

Mobile Phone with SIM Card. New in Box

Item completely new! I bought it 2 months ago...

• 250 hours battery duration  

• Vibracall agenda of 100 contacts  

• Weight: 80 gr.  

• Call duration: 300 minutes  

• 32 different tones of calls (SPN) SIM  

• Screen of 96x64 pixels with 4 gray tones and TFT screen

Example 2

Madelman soldier action figure in original box

Madelman, second generation. Very well preserved for its age.

• Arms and legs are OK, slight scratch on left arm.  

• Height of 2 and a half inches.  

• The action figure is in the original box.

Please contact me within 3 days after the listing ends. I prefer to be paid with PayPal. You can see your shipping cost in the payment details. Please don't forget to leave me feedback after you get your item!

Example 3

Superbike Videogame for PC – Original, Never Opened

• Great and exciting race of motorbikes across 10 different countries  Videogame has original box + instructions  

• Minimal requirements: Windows 95-98-2000, Pentium 2000, 200Mhz, 32 Mb RAM, 100 Mb available in the hardware, 4 Mb Graphics card  

• The item is new and was a gift, I'm selling it because I already have it!!!

Please see my other videogames by clicking in View Other Items. Payment by cash on delivery. I charge actual shipping cost to your area. Thanks for your interest!