eBay Item Condition Guide UK 2026: Choose the Right Condition and Cut Returns

1. Why condition matters more than most sellers think

Many buyers filter search results by condition before they look at a single photo. A shopper who only wants new items will never see a listing marked used, and a bargain hunter filtering for used items may never see a listing marked new. Getting the condition right puts your item in front of the buyers most likely to want it.

• Filters: condition is one of the main filters on eBay search results, on both desktop and the app.
• Trust: buyers compare the condition with your photos and description. If the three agree, they buy with confidence.
• Protection: an accurate condition is your best defence if a buyer later says the item was not as described.

2. The main condition groups

The exact options you see depend on the category you list in, and some categories use their own wording. Most fall into these groups:

• New: unused, unopened and in its original packaging where packaging applies.
• New in other forms: unused items that are not in their original sealed packaging, or that have a tiny cosmetic mark from storage. Many categories have a separate option for this, so use it rather than plain new.
• Refurbished: items that have been restored to working order. Some refurbished options on eBay are restricted to approved sellers, so only use the options your account is offered.
• Used: items that have been used before. Some categories, such as clothing, split this into grades so you can say how much wear there is.
• For parts or not working: items that do not work fully, are missing parts or need repair. This is the right choice for anything you cannot fully test.

Read the short definition eBay shows next to each option when you create or edit a listing. It is the standard buyers and eBay will hold you to.

3. How to choose when you are unsure

1. Has it been used or opened? If yes, it is not new, even if it looks perfect. Choose the unused but opened option if your category has one, or used.
2. Have you tested every function? If not, say so. An untested electrical item listed as working is one of the most common causes of returns.
3. Is anything missing? Missing cables, manuals, lids or accessories should be listed clearly, and a key missing part may mean for parts is the honest choice.
4. When in doubt, go one step lower. A buyer who receives something better than expected leaves good feedback. A buyer who receives something worse opens a return.

4. Write a condition note that does the work

Many categories let you add a short condition description next to the condition itself. Use it. Buyers on mobile often read it before they scroll to the full description.

• Be specific: "Small scratch on the left side, shown in photo 4" beats "some wear".
• Say what you checked: "Powers on, all buttons tested" tells the buyer exactly what you did.
• List what is included: and what is not, in plain words.
• Keep it consistent: the condition note, item specifics, photos and full description should all tell the same story.

5. Show the condition in your photos

Photos prove the condition you have chosen. Take at least one clear close up of every mark, scuff or fault you mention, in good light. Include the label or tags on clothing, the screen switched on for electronics and the inside of bags and cases. Our guide to eBay listing photos covers a full shot list.

6. Common condition mistakes

• Listing opened items as new because they were never used. Buyers expect new to mean sealed or in original packaging.
• Calling an item working when it is untested. If you cannot test it, say so and choose the right option.
• Using vague words such as "good for age" without saying what the wear actually is.
• Hiding a fault in the last line of a long description. Put it in the condition note and show it in a photo.
• Copying a condition from a similar listing without checking your own item.

Condition checklist

1. Condition option chosen from the definitions eBay shows for your category.
2. Every function tested, or the listing clearly says untested.
3. Missing parts and accessories listed.
4. Specific condition note written, with each mark described.
5. Close up photos of every mark or fault.
6. Condition, item specifics, photos and description all agree.

For more on making listings consistent, see our guides to eBay item descriptions and eBay item specifics.