15 min article

Item condition by category

Being clear and accurate about your item's condition is key to a successful transaction. On the listing form, you can choose from one of several preset item condition options, which vary depending on the category that you list your item in.

Here's why it's important to select an appropriate item condition for all of your items:

  • Buyers know whether they're getting something new, something used, or something in between. This helps avoid returns
  • In certain categories on eBay, all listings for the same product are grouped together based on the eBay catalogue. This makes it easier for buyers to find the specific product they want, and then narrow their search based on the item condition
  • Selecting the right item condition helps ensure you're following our selling practices policy

Tip
Most "Refurbished" item conditions are only available to pre-approved sellers. Learn more about the eBay Refurbished Program - opens in new window or tab.

Find out what each item condition means in a particular category by reading our list below.

Alcohol & Food

  • New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item. See the seller's listing for full details

Baby; Sporting Goods

  • New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details
  • New: Never Used A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Certified – Refurbished: The seller certifies that the item is in a like-new condition and that it has been inspected, cleaned and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications. The product will be in new packaging with original or new accessories. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Excellent – Refurbished: The item is in like-new condition, backed by a one-year warranty. It has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to excellent condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Very Good – Refurbished: The item shows minimal wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to very good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Good – Refurbished: The item shows moderate wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in a new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details

Books, Magazines

  • Brand New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Like New: A book that looks new but has been read. Cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket (if applicable) is included for hard covers. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining/highlighting of text or writing in the margins. There may be very minimal identifying marks on the inside cover. Very minimal wear and tear. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Very Good: A book that does not look new and has been read but is in excellent condition. No obvious damage to the cover, with the dust jacket (if applicable) included for hard covers. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining/highlighting of text or writing in the margins. There may be very minimal identifying marks on the inside cover. Very minimal wear and tear. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Good: A book that has been read but is in good condition. Very minimal damage to the cover including scuff marks, but no holes or tears. The dust jacket for hard covers may not be included. Binding has minimal wear. The majority of pages are undamaged with minimal creasing or tearing, minimal pencil underlining of text, no highlighting of text and no writing in margins. No missing pages. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Acceptable: A book with obvious wear. May have some damage to the cover but integrity still intact. The binding may be slightly damaged but integrity is still intact. Possible writing in margins, possible underlining and highlighting of text, but no missing pages or anything that would compromise the legibility or understanding of the text. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections

Cameras; Mobile Phones; PDAs; Computers/Tablets & Networking; Electronics; Home & Garden; Musical Instruments; Headphones; Portable Audio & Home Audio; Video Game Consoles; Smart Home

  • Brand New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Opened - never used: An item in excellent, new condition with no wear. The item may be missing the original packaging or protective wrapping, or may be in the original packaging but not sealed. The item includes original accessories. The item may be a factory second (i.e. it has a small flaw that does not affect the operation of the item such as a scratch or dent). See the seller's listing for full details and description
  • Certified – Refurbished: The seller certifies that the item is in a like-new condition and that it has been inspected, cleaned and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications. The product will be in new packaging with original or new accessories. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Excellent – Refurbished: The item is in like-new condition, backed by a one-year warranty. It has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to excellent condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Very Good – Refurbished: The item shows minimal wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to very good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Good – Refurbished: The item shows moderate wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in a new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Seller refurbished: The item has been restored to working order by the manufacturer, eBay seller or a third party. This means that the item has been inspected, cleaned and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in original packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories: Clothing and accessories; Jewellery & Watches

  • New with tags: A brand-new, unused and unworn item (including handmade items) in the original packaging (such as the original box or bag) and/or with the original tags attached
  • New without tags: A brand-new, unused and unworn item (including handmade items) that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box or bag). The original tags may not be attached
  • New with defects: A brand-new, unused and unworn item. Possible cosmetic imperfections range from natural colour variations to scuffs, cuts or nicks, hanging threads or missing buttons that occasionally occur during the manufacturing or delivery process. The apparel may contain irregular or mismarked size tags. The item may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box or tag). New factory seconds and/or new irregular items may fall into this category. The original tags may or may not be attached. Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Pre-owned: An item that has been worn previously. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories: Shoes

  • New with box: A brand-new, unused and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box or bag) and/or with the original tags attached
  • New without box: A brand-new, unused and unworn item that is not in original retail packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box or bag). The original tags may not be attached. For example, new shoes (with absolutely no signs of wear) that are no longer in their original box fall into this category
  • New with defects: A brand-new, unused and unworn item. Possible cosmetic imperfections range from natural colour variations to scuffs, cuts or nicks, hanging threads or missing buttons that occasionally occur during the manufacturing or delivery process. The apparel may contain irregular or mismarked size tags. The item may be missing the original retail packaging materials (such as original box or tag). New factory seconds and/or new irregular items may fall into this category. The original tags may or may not be attached. Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Pre-owned: An item that has been worn previously. Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections/damage

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories: Underwear

  • New with tags: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box or bag) and/or with the original tags attached
  • New without tags: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item that is not in original retail packaging or may be missing original retail packaging materials (such as the original box or bag). The original tags may not be attached

Collectables; Crafts; Dolls, Bears; Pet Supplies; Toys, Hobbies

  • New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item (including handmade items). See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: An item that has been used previously. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections

Health & Beauty

  • New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Opened - never used: An item in excellent, new condition with no wear. The item may be missing the original packaging or protective wrapping, or may be in the original packaging but not sealed. The item includes original accessories. The item may be a factory second (i.e. it has a small flaw that does not affect the operation of the item such as a scratch or dent). See the seller's listing for full details and description
  • Certified – Refurbished: The seller certifies that the item is in a like-new condition and that it has been inspected, cleaned and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications. The product will be in new packaging with original or new accessories. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Excellent – Refurbished: The item is in like-new condition, backed by a one-year warranty. It has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to excellent condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Very Good – Refurbished: The item shows minimal wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to very good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Good – Refurbished: The item shows moderate wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in a new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details

Industrial

  • Brand New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details
  • New: Never Used A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Certified Refurbished: The seller certifies that the item is in a like-new condition and that it has been inspected, cleaned and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications. The product will be in new packaging with original or new accessories. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Seller refurbished: The item has been restored to working order by the manufacturer, eBay seller or a third party. This means that the item has been inspected, cleaned and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in original packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details

Motors: Parts & Accessories

  • New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details
  • New other (see details) A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Certified – Refurbished: The seller certifies that the item is in a like-new condition and that it has been inspected, cleaned and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications. The product will be in new packaging with original or new accessories. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Excellent – Refurbished: The item is in like-new condition, backed by a one-year warranty. It has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to excellent condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Very Good – Refurbished: The item shows minimal wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to very good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Good – Refurbished: The item shows moderate wear and is backed by a one-year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in a new generic packaging. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Remanufactured: A properly rebuilt automotive part. The item has been completely disassembled, cleaned and examined for wear and breakage. Worn out, missing or non-functioning components have been replaced with new or rebuilt components. It is the functional equivalent of a new part and is virtually indistinguishable from a new part. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details

Movies; Music; Video Games

  • Brand New: An item that has never been opened or removed from the manufacturer's sealing (if applicable). Item is in original shrink wrap (if applicable). See the seller's listing for full details
  • Like New: An item that looks as if it was just taken out of shrink wrap. No visible wear, and all facets of the item are flawless and intact. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Very Good: An item that is used but still in very good condition. No damage to the jewel case or item cover and no scuffs, scratches, cracks or holes. The cover art and liner notes are included. The VHS or DVD box is included. The video game instructions and box are included. The teeth of the disc holder are undamaged. Minimal wear on the exterior of item. No skipping on CD/DVD. No fuzzy/snowy frames on VHS tape. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Good: An item in used but good condition. May have minor damage to the jewel case including scuffs or cracks, or to the item cover including scuffs, scratches or cracks. The cover art and liner notes are included for a CD. VHS or DVD box is included. Video game instructions are included. No skipping on CD/DVD. No fuzzy/snowy frames on VHS tape. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Acceptable: An item with obvious and significant wear but is still operational. May have tears or holes in VHS/DVD box. The video game instructions and box may not be included. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections

Tyres

  • New: A brand-new, unused tyre that has never been mounted on a vehicle
  • Retread: A used tyre that has had its old tread professionally buffed away and replaced with new rubber tread. Retread tyres are significantly cheaper than new tyres and are widely used in the trucking, bussing, and commercial aviation industries. See the seller's listing for full details
  • Used: A tyre that has been previously used, but remains in good working condition. The tyre may show visible signs of wear and must have at least 5/32" of tread remaining. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections
  • Damaged: A tyre that is not operable and may require repair or service. These tyres must have at least 4/32" of tread remaining. See the seller's listing for full details

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT): Art, Collectibles, Movies & TV, Music, Sports Mem, Cards & Fan Shop, Toys & Hobbies

  • Digital Good: A digital asset that is delivered electronically, including Non Fungible Tokens (NFT)

Trading Cards

  • Graded: A card that has been inspected by a third-party service. These cards are inspected for authenticity and assigned a score (usually on a 10 point scale) for the condition. These cards are then assigned an overall grade and usually sealed in a tamper-proof holder. Cards may be assigned both a numerical score, as well as a condition description such as Poor, Very good, Excellent, Near mint or better
  • Ungraded: A card that has been pulled from a pack and not graded by a third party company. These are often referred to as “raw” cards

Specifying your item's condition accurately lets the buyer know what to expect and helps set up a successful transaction.

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