eBay item condition guide: what each option means by category.

eBay says being clear and accurate about condition tells the buyer whether they are getting something new, used or in between. On the listing form you choose from a set of preset options, and the options vary with the category.¹ eBay also states that selecting the correct condition is part of following its selling practices policy.¹

That means two things for you. Pick the option whose definition your item actually meets, not the one that sounds nicest. And remember that you choose the category first, because it decides which options you get. If you are unsure of the category, start with our category guide.

The table below lists the option names eBay's help page gives for several common groups. It is not the full list, and eBay can change it, so check the live list on your own listing form.

Notice how little overlap there is. A paperback and a camera both have a "Good" in everyday speech, but eBay only offers that word for the paperback.

In the Baby, Collectibles, Crafts, Toys and similar group, New means brand new, unused, unopened and undamaged, including handmade items. Used means previously used, and eBay says the listing should describe any imperfections.¹

Electronics and similar categories add more steps. New there also expects the original packaging where packaging applies. Open box means excellent, new condition with no wear, possibly missing the original packaging or with the packaging opened, and it includes the original accessories. It may be a factory second.¹ Used means previously used, possibly with cosmetic wear but fully operational, and it may be a floor model or a store return that was used.¹

For parts or not working is for items that do not function as intended, need repair or are missing essential components.¹ If a phone powers on but the screen is cracked, read the definitions before choosing between this option and Used, because Used requires that the item is fully operational.¹

Refurbished has levels. Certified - Refurbished is a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved process. Seller refurbished means the seller or a third party restored it to working order.¹ If you simply cleaned and tested a used item, that is not the same as either, so Used with a clear note is the more honest fit.

Clothing uses New with tags (brand new, never worn, original tags or packaging), New without tags (brand new and never worn, with no tags or missing the original packaging, and no flaws), and New with imperfections (brand new and never worn but with a defect, such as an irregular).¹

Shoes use a similar scheme with a box: New with box, New without box and New with defects. eBay gives the example that new shoes with no signs of wear that are no longer in the original box belong in New without box.¹

Worn items use Pre-owned - Excellent, Pre-owned - Good and Pre-owned - Fair. For all three, eBay says the signs of wear should be shown and described in your listing. Fair means significantly visible imperfections and wear.¹ For jewelry, watches and sporting goods, the Good and Fair definitions go further and name examples such as light scratches, tarnishing, dents and broken or missing parts.¹

These categories use a five-step scale, and the definitions are specific about what you can see and play.

• Books: Like new is a read book with no visible cover wear and no missing or damaged pages, no underlining and no writing in the margins. Good allows very minimal cover damage such as scuffs, and a hardcover's dust jacket may be missing. Acceptable means obvious wear, with possible underlining, highlighting or margin writing, but no missing pages.¹
• Movies, music and video games: Brand new means never opened and still in the manufacturer's seal where one applies. Very good and Good both expect that the disc does not skip, with Good allowing minor scuffs or cracks to the case or cover. Acceptable means obvious, significant wear but still operational, and a case or game manual may be missing.¹

Each of these definitions ends by pointing the buyer to the seller's listing for full details, so the condition word is a starting point and your description does the rest.¹

Coins and trading cards split first by whether a third-party service has graded the item. Graded means inspected by such a service, assigned a standardized grade and sealed in a tamper-proof holder. Ungraded means not graded by a third party, often called raw.¹ Coins can also be described with wear-based levels from Uncirculated down to Below Fine.¹

Motors: Parts & Accessories adds options you will not see elsewhere, including New other (see details) and Remanufactured, which eBay describes as a properly rebuilt part that has been disassembled, cleaned, examined and had worn components replaced.¹ For tires, eBay lists a minimum tread depth for Used and for Damaged, so check the current numbers on its page before you list.¹

The condition option is one word. The description is where you make it believable. This checklist is our suggestion, not an eBay rule.

1. Name the flaw plainly: "two scratches on the back, longest about 2 cm" beats "minor wear".
2. Say what works and what you tested. "Powers on and charges" and "not tested" are different statements.
3. List what is included and what is missing: charger, manual, box, dust jacket, case.
4. Photograph every flaw you mention, close up and in good light.
5. Keep the wording consistent with the option you chose. If your notes say cracked screen, do not choose a New option.

The same details belong in your title and item specifics where they fit; see our title guide and item specifics guide. A sample note: "Pre-owned. Hardcover with light rubbing on the corners, no writing inside, spine tight. Dust jacket included." That is a sample, not a template to copy for every book.

When you compare your item with other listings or sold items, match the condition as well as the model. A Used item and a New one are not the same comparison. Our guides on how much an item is worth and finding sold prices go through that. Then use the eBay fee calculator to see what remains after fees, and plan packaging with the shipping supplies guide.

In Strooply, you pick the condition yourself. The listing draft writes condition notes from your photos and anything you tell it, and you review and edit every field before anything goes to eBay. The draft can be wrong, so check its notes against the item. Strooply does not decide which condition option fits eBay's definitions for your category. See the AI eBay listing generator and how Strooply works.