An eBay duplicate listing occurs when the exact same product is listed multiple times on the platform. In other words, an eBay duplicate listing occurs when more than one listing is made for the exact same item at the same time. To improve this situation, an eBay duplicate listing policy was established.
eBay’s duplicate listing policy ensures that buyers have a wide variety of options from different sellers and prevents a single seller from monopolizing the search results with identical listings.
In this article, we will give you more details about the eBay duplicate listing policy in three cases:
- When are you allowed to use eBay duplicate listings?
- When are you restricted from using eBay duplicate listings?
- When are not allowed to use eBay duplicate listings?
With the following content, we hope that sellers understand and follow the correct policy. And now, let’s start right away!
How Can eBay Duplicate Listing Policy Benefit Sellers?
While the eBay duplicate listing policy might seem like a restriction at first glance, it can benefit sellers in a few key ways:
- Creates a level playing field: An eBay duplicate listing scanner stands out by keeping sellers from dominating search results with numerous copies of the same thing rather than giving all sellers an equal opportunity to be seen by shoppers. This advantage is significant to smaller retailers. They wouldn’t be able to compete with a more prominent seller if the search included other duplicates. People should have equal chances of getting the right consumers for themselves.
- Improves buyer experience: Duplicate listings can clutter search results, making it harder for buyers to find the variety of options they’re looking for. The eBay duplicate listing policy prevents this, offering a cleaner and more efficient browsing experience. Satisfied buyers are more likely to return for future purchases.
- Reduces management hassle: Managing multiple listings for the same item can be time-consuming, especially if you need to update prices or descriptions. The eBay duplicate listing policy eliminates this by encouraging sellers to create a single, high-quality listing that effectively showcases the item.
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The Breakdown of eBay Duplicate Listing Policy
The full eBay duplicate listing policy is divided into three main parts: allowed duplicate listing, restricted duplicate listing, and duplicate listing. Let’s explore this policy in detail!
When are you allowed to use the eBay duplicate listings?
In eBay duplicate listing policy, the platform specifies some cases where you can create more than one listing for similar items. Those cases include:
- Slightly different items: You can have separate listings for similar items but not exactly the same. Just be sure to clearly describe the differences in the title, description, photos, and other details.
- Multiple of the same item: You can sell the same thing in different quantity variations (.e. 3, 5, or 10 packages of coffee beans) by using one fixed-price listing for each package.
- Bundles: Creating bundles of different items is okay as long as the bundles cater to different buyer needs. You can use the “Bundle listing” option for these. For example, a camera with a lens is different from just the camera body.
- Compatible parts: Listing one item that works with multiple products (like a phone case compatible with different phones) is allowed. Just make sure it follows eBay’s search guidelines.
- Condition variations: You can create separate listings for identical items with different conditions (new, used, refurbished).
When are you restricted from using the eBay duplicate listings?
Here are some situations where the eBay duplicate listing policy limits you from creating multiple listings for similar items:
1. The same item on different eBay sites
Separate listings for the same item are okay on different international eBay sites. However, creating a single listing with your international shipping options would be better. This will not flood the same items’ search results on any site.
2. Bundles with small variation
Suppose you have a single item with slightly different options (like a camera with other memory card sizes). In that case, eBay’s duplicate listing scanner policy will limit your ability to split each variation into independent listings. Instead, you should combine them all as variations within one fixed-price listing.
3. Parts for specific products
When selling items designed to fit specific products, models, or brands, you can create separate listings for each compatibility. However, eBay’s duplicate listing policy limits these products to up to 5 fixed-price listings per item.
Let’s say you are selling phone cases made explicitly for different iPhone models. You can create separate listings for each compatibility. For instance:
- One listing with the title “Slim Fit Case for iPhone 11;
- One listing with the title “Slim Fit Case for iPhone XR;
- One listing with the title “Slim Fit Case for iPhone 8 Plus;
- One listing with the title “Slim Fit Case for iPhone SE (2nd generation);
- One listing with the title “Slim Fit Case for iPhone 12 Pro;
However, this doesn’t apply to generic items that fit many products (like AA batteries).
4. Parts-compatible listings in the Motors category
eBay duplicate listing checker policy allows you to create separate listings for identical parts. However, it limits the number of your listings with the following conditions:
- Each listing has a different compatibility table showing the specific vehicles it fits.
- Each compatibility table is filled to the maximum number of vehicles (between 1,000 and 3,000, depending on the category) before creating another listing.
- This maximum number cannot include vehicles already listed in other parts compatibility listings you have.
When are you not allowed to use eBay duplicate listings?
eBay’s duplicate listing policy focuses on situations where creating identical listings is off-limits. Let’s explore those scenarios in detail:
1. Generic accessories
These are everyday items like AA batteries or universal cables. You can only have one listing for such an item, even if it works with multiple specific products. In more detail, you simply mention all compatible models in the description for better searchability.
2. Same item, different wording
It is not allowed to create separate listings for identical items that are compatible with multiple products; the same compatible models must be displayed in all the listings.
Here’s an example to clarify this: Let’s say you are selling memory cards compatible with different camera models. You cannot create separate listings with the same compatible models as follows:
- One listing for a “64GB Memory Card for Canon EOS Rebel, Nikon D3500, Sony Alpha”
- One listing for a “64GB Memory Card for Nikon D3500, Sony Alpha, Canon EOS Rebel”
- One listing for a “64GB Memory Card for Sony Alpha, Canon EOS Rebel, Nikon D3500”
3. Minor accessory tweaks
Selling an electronic item with some extras? There are many possible combinations. However, eBay’s duplicate listing policy doesn’t allow you to create separate listings for every possible combination.
For example, you want to create one listing for a tablet with 10 accessories and another for the same tablet with 13 accessories. You are not allowed to do this. Instead, use a single listing with a quantity option for each accessory. You can even utilize “Promotions Manager” to let buyers choose which accessories they want with their purchase.
4. The same listing on different accounts
You can’t list the same item multiple times under different eBay accounts, even if they belong to you, friends, family, or businesses you control (fully or partially).
This includes:
- Multiple accounts from the same person.
- Multiple accounts from a single business.
- Accounts from businesses with common ownership.
- Accounts of related individuals (family, friends, etc.).
For this policy, the eBay duplicate listing checker considers multiple accounts under the same individual or business as one seller.
5. The same listing on multiple categories
While listing in a second relevant category might be okay (like listing a jacket in both “Clothing” and “Winter wear”), you can’t have the same item listed in entirely different categories to trick the system.
6. Fixed price vs. auction with Buy It Now
This might seem like offering buyers two options, but identical items are prohibited. With the “Buy It Now” option, you can choose either a fixed-price or auction-style listing, but not both.
7. Multiple auctions, same issues
If you’re using auctions, you can’t have multiple listings for the same item with any variations like:
- “Buy It Now” option (defeats the purpose of an auction)
- Different starting prices (creates an unfair advantage)
- Different reserve prices (similar to different starting prices)
- Different titles or descriptions (confusing for buyers)
8. More than one listing for an inconsequential bonus
This policy prohibits having separate listings for identical items with an additional item of insignificant value added to create a listing that appears different.
For example, one listing for a Dell computer with a mouse pad and another for the same Dell computer with a package of paper clips are not allowed.
9. Identical parts with different vehicle titles (eBay Motors)
In the eBay Motors Parts & Accessories section, you can’t create separate listings for identical parts compatible with multiple vehicles.
For instance, you cannot make individual listings for a fuel pump compatible with a Dodge Dakota, Ram Van, or Durango. You need to make one listing with all the vehicles mentioned as compatible.
More About eBay Duplicate Listing Policy: FAQs
Here’s how to cancel duplicate listings on eBay: Duplicate listings are generally not allowed on eBay in order to maintain a fair and diverse marketplace for buyers. However, there are still some cases where you can use duplicate listings, such as: Listing the same item twice on eBay depends on the format. For fixed-price listings, eBay won’t allow duplicates. For auctions, they might hide all but one listing until the first gets a bid or ends. This can be confusing for buyers and is against eBay’s policy. It’s best to just make one listing.
Make Sure You Follow eBay Duplicate Listing Policy!
Adhering to eBay’s duplicate listing policy is crucial for you. This helps you maintain their credibility and reputation. At the same time, you can ensure a better experience for potential customers.
Avoiding duplicate listings can prevent search results from cluttering and allow other sellers to showcase their items. Remember, only one fixed-price listing per identical item is allowed.
On the other hand, if you are on the journey to make your business available on many different eCommerce platforms, LitCommerce will be a powerful right hand to simplify your journey. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more details. Finally, remember to follow our blog to get the latest information about the eCommerce world. Happy selling!
