Select the correct condition

Although many categories use the same condition IDs, buyers may interpret the conditions differently in each category. It is very important that sellers understand what each condition means for each category because it is part of the contract between the buyer and the seller. GetCategoryFeatures returns links to eBay's help pages that give the official definitions of all item conditions. These URLs will be returned in the Category.ConditionValues.ConditionHelpURL field.

Item.ConditionDescription

The Item.ConditionDescription field is passed in via Add/Revise/Relist calls to help buyers more quickly find and understand an item's condition which may then help reduce the number of Significantly Not As Described (SNAD) cases since many buyers miss item condition comments that are buried deep in a seller's item description.

The Item.ConditionDescription field helps sellers more clearly describe the condition of items that are not brand new.

Item.ConditionDescription is available for all conditions except:

• new
• brand new
• new with tags
• new in box

Item.ConditionDescription also applies to categories where the condition type is not applicable (e.g., Antiques).

When creating a listing:

• Choose the item condition type that most accurately describes the wear and tear on your item.
• Use the Item.ConditionDescription field to further clarify the condition of the item. For example, "The right leg of the chair has a small scratch, and on the seat back there is a light blue stain about the shape and size of a coin."
• Do not use the Item.ConditionDescription field for branding, promotions, shipping, returns, payment, or other information unrelated to the condition. If you do, the listing request may fail or the listing may be administratively removed later.
• Make sure the item condition, the Item.ConditionDescription field, pictures, and item descriptions for a listing do not contradict one another.

To avoid contradictory or confusing descriptions:

• Move condition details out of your item description and into the Item.ConditionDescription field.
• Do not duplicate content in both the item description and in the Item.ConditionDescription field, as this may confuse buyers, or your listing request may fail.
• Do not split the condition details between the item description and the Item.ConditionDescription field. For example, don't partially describe the condition in the Item.ConditionDescription field, and then add See description for the rest of the details, as this may confuse buyers and lead to disputes.

Refer to Item conditions by category for additional information.