List Items on eBay From Your Sale (and what gets through)

eBay has strict rules about what they'll list. Your items need to meet three criteria:

**1. Category eligibility** eBay accepts most items, but not:

• Weapons, ammunition, explosives
• Illegal items
• Recalled products (eBay maintains a blocklist)
• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, batteries)
• Restricted items (certain animal products, counterfeit goods, bootlegs)
• Items that need FCC approval (radios, walkie-talkies without proper documentation)

Category tip: Vintage electronics usually work. Modern electronics need serial numbers or proof of authenticity. Clothing works if it's clean. Kitchenware works unless it's a recalled model.

**2. Condition and quality standards**

• **Photos:** Minimum 4 photos. Must show the front, back, and any damage or wear. eBay rejects blurry or dark photos. Use natural light and close-ups for details.
• **Description:** Must be accurate. "Excellent condition" when the item has dents or stains will get your listing removed.
• **Functionality:** Items must work as described. A toaster that doesn't heat up can't be listed as "working."
• **Cleanliness:** Items should be clean. Visible dirt, stains, or odors are grounds for rejection.

Condition tip: Be conservative. If you're unsure, mark it "For parts or not working" and mention what you know. eBay will accept it.

**3. Title and description match eBay's expectations**

• **Title:** Must include the brand, item type, and key details (size, color, material). Example: "Vintage Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set, Butterfly Pattern, 3-Piece, 1970s" works. "Old bowls" doesn't.
• **Description:** 3–5 sentences minimum. Include dimensions, materials, any damage, and why you think it's valuable or interesting.
• **Price:** You set the starting bid or fixed price. eBay will reject wildly overpriced items compared to similar sales.

**1. Mark items for eBay** In your FindA.Sale inventory, tap the item and toggle "List on eBay." This doesn't submit it yet—it just flags it.

**2. Fill in eBay details**

• Starting price (or reserve price if you want)
• Auction duration (3, 7, or 10 days) or fixed-price (14 or 30 days)
• Shipping cost (or "Free shipping" if you absorb it)
• Additional photos or notes specific to eBay

**3. FindA.Sale submits to eBay** Once you approve, FindA.Sale creates the eBay listing using your FindA.Sale photos, title, and description. If eBay accepts it, the item goes live.

**4. Monitor the sync** If it sells on eBay, FindA.Sale marks it sold and removes it from your local shop. If it sells in your sale, FindA.Sale ends the eBay auction. The two are linked.

**5. Handle the payout** eBay deposits money to your account when the auction ends or payment is received. FindA.Sale doesn't touch eBay payments—that's separate from your sale settlement.

Too common (low sales potential):

• Mass-produced items (generic plastic containers, undated dishware)
• Items from recent brands (10-year-old Target kitchenware)
• Worn-out clothing (fading, pilling, broken zippers)
• Broken furniture or appliances (unless "for parts" and priced accordingly)

Too niche:

• Local collectibles (local newspapers, high school memorabilia)
• Items with personal meaning (family photos, personalized gifts)
• Single items from a set (one shoe, one fork, one earring)

Quality issues:

• Stained fabrics (eBay will request you have it professionally cleaned first)
• Electronics missing power cords or batteries (if required for testing)
• Mismatched pairs or incomplete sets

Condition issues:

• Rust or corrosion
• Cracks or chips (large ones; tiny ones are okay if disclosed)
• Odors (smoke, mold, pet smell)
• Non-original parts or repairs

**Tip 1: Take 5+ photos.** Front, back, close-up of any wear, side view, and one of it in use (if relevant). Good photos = 20–30% higher bids.

**Tip 2: Price competitively.** Check "Sold listings" on eBay for similar items to see what they actually sold for. Price yours 10–15% below the highest if it's in good condition.

**Tip 3: Mention the era (1970s, vintage, collectible, etc.).** Nostalgic items sell better when you highlight the era.

**Tip 4: List items with shipping included.** "Free shipping" listings convert better than "Buyer pays shipping." Absorb the ~$5–10 cost and get a higher final bid.

**Tip 5: End auction listings on Sunday evening.** That's when eBay traffic peaks in the US.