How to write an eBay item description that sells

Buyers who click your listing are interested. Your description's job is to give them the confidence to buy. The best descriptions are clear, honest and easy to scan, especially on a phone.

Here's a structure that works for almost any item.

1. Start with a one-line summary

Open with a sentence that says exactly what the item is and who it's for, using the words buyers search for. For example:

Wireless over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling and 40-hour battery life, ideal for travel and working from home.

This reassures buyers they're in the right place.

2. List the key features

Most buyers skim before they read. Give them three to six short bullet points with the most important facts:

• What makes it useful or special
• Key measurements or capacity
• What's included
• Condition at a glance

Keep each bullet short. One idea per line.

3. Describe the details

Now add a few short paragraphs for buyers who want more. Good things to cover:

• Condition, honestly and precisely. Mention marks, wear or missing parts, and point to the photos that show them.
• Size and fit, with measurements where they matter.
• What's in the box, so there are no surprises.
• How to use or care for it, if that helps.

Short paragraphs of two to four sentences are much easier to read on a phone than one long block.

4. Add item specifics as a clear table

A tidy table of details (brand, model, colour, size, material) is quick to scan and helps buyers compare. Use the same details in eBay's own item specifics, which also help buyers find your item through filters.

5. Cover delivery and returns

Buyers look for this before they buy. Keep it friendly and clear:

• When you dispatch (for example, "Orders before 2pm are sent the same working day")
• That delivery options and costs are shown in the listing
• Your returns policy, in plain words

Avoid saying "no refunds": buyers are protected by eBay's Money Back Guarantee anyway, and the phrase puts people off.

6. Keep it within eBay's rules

eBay doesn't allow descriptions that send buyers off eBay. Leave out:

• Email addresses, phone numbers and social media handles
• Links to websites outside eBay
• Any mention of paying outside eBay

Instead, invite questions with "Message us through eBay". The Lystro policy check flags these problems before you copy your listing.

How long should it be?

Long enough to answer buyers' questions, and no longer. For most items, 150 to 300 words is a good target. Simple items need less; technical or high-value items often need more.

Make it look professional

A clean, consistent layout builds trust before buyers read a word. A good template gives you:

• A clear heading with your item title
• A photo gallery
• Easy-to-scan features and item specifics
• Delivery, returns and "about us" details in tidy tabs
• A layout that adapts to phones

That's exactly what Lystro templates are designed for. Pick one, fill in your item, and use the SEO tab to check you've covered everything.