How to Write eBay Listings That Actually Sell

I've created thousands of eBay listings and managed accounts that turn over thousands of items a month. The difference between a listing that sits unsold for weeks and one that sells on day one almost always comes down to the same handful of factors.

The Title: Your Most Important 80 Characters

eBay gives you 80 characters for your title. Use every single one. The title is the primary ranking factor in eBay's Cassini search algorithm — it's how buyers find your item.

The formula that works:

Brand + Product Type + Key Attributes + Condition + Size/Quantity

Bad title: "Ladies dress blue"

Good title: "ZARA Women's Blue Floral Wrap Midi Dress Size 12 Summer Holiday BNWT"

Tips for titles:

Include the brand name (even for generic items, include the type)

Add the condition (New, BNWT, Used, Excellent)

Include size, colour, and model number where relevant

Think about what buyers actually type when searching

Don't waste characters on punctuation or filler words like "look" or "nice"

Photos: The Silent Salesperson

Buyers can't touch your item. Photos are all they have. Listings with high-quality photos consistently outperform identical listings with poor photos.

The minimum standard:

White or plain neutral background (a white sheet works fine)

Good natural light — near a window, no flash

Minimum 6 photos per listing

Show front, back, sides, close-up details, label/brand tag, any flaws

For clothing specifically: a flat lay AND a hanging photo both perform well. Showing the item on a mannequin increases conversions further.

The Description: Answer Every Question Before They Ask

Your goal is to eliminate every reason a buyer might have to message you or not buy. Cover:

Exact measurements (don't just say "size 12" — give chest, waist, length in cm)

Condition description — be honest and specific about any marks or flaws

Brand and material

Your postage terms and timing

Your returns policy

What's included in the sale

Keep it scannable — use short paragraphs and bullet points. Nobody reads walls of text.

Pricing Strategy

Research before you price. Search eBay for your exact item and filter by "Sold" listings. This shows you what items like yours have actually sold for — not what people are asking, but what buyers paid.

Strategies that work:

•Buy It Now with Best Offer — catches both decisive buyers and negotiators

•Auction for rare or collectible items — competition drives price up

•Bundle related items — increases average order value and reduces competition

Seller Performance Matters

eBay rewards good sellers with better rankings. Protect your metrics:

Dispatch within your stated handling time, every time

Upload tracking as soon as you ship

Respond to messages within 24 hours

Resolve disputes quickly and professionally

A 99%+ positive feedback score and top-rated seller status will give your listings a visibility boost that no title optimisation can replicate.

Want Help With Your Store?

If you'd like me to audit your listings and create a plan to increase your sales, message me on WhatsApp. I've helped eBay sellers increase monthly sales by 5-10x with these exact techniques.

How to Write eBay Listings That Actually Sell