Detailed item description hard to find

[arkh_angel]

Recently a buyer contacted me, infuriated that I had put no description for one of my item he purchased. After exchanging a few message, I found out that, as a user of the Mobile App, he was not aware that a more detailed description, the one entered by the seller, was available by scrolling over the Ad-ridden screen and selecting the tiny "show more" under "Item Description" (or simply Item Description).

People used to the desktop version of eBay don't have such issue because they know such field exists and the description is shown in full screen. If they use the mobile version, they will search for the extended description. Even myself, who use it regularly, sometimes have to fiddle to find out the tiny link between all ads.

But not all the new users going exclusively on the mobile app.

OK, some people don't take the time to read, but the point is still valid: The detailed item description should be either shown directly in the listing (maybe not the best option since one would have to scroll down trough all description to see shipping other details), or simple be MADE MORE VISIBLE.  Maybe just under "Add to Watchlist" with a similar button?

From now on and until this gets fixed, I think I will add the following text to the Item's condition or anywhere so it will be shown in the "Item Description" field: MOBILE USER: Please select "Show more" below to get detailed description for this item.

@ Mobile Apps Developers:  Description is an IMPORTANT part of the item being sold. Please make it easier for everyone to find it.

arkh_angel

[sameru]

I definitely agree with this..

[arkh_angel]

Still no news from the Devs, how pathetic.

If I input nothing into "Item condition", the only text that is shown to mobile users is a blue "Item Description" on the right that looks more like an header than a "click me to see more".

But if I input something into the "Item condition" field, the "Item Description" text (although smaller than other headers, WHY?) shifts to the left, then a "show more" link appears to the right, effectively suggesting to the potential buyer that they can get more details by clicking on it.

The bottom line is, if nothing is inputted in the "Item Condition" field, the buyer may think the seller did not input any Item Description because of the way it is shown in the apps and will miss crucial details.

Devs: WAKE UP! I'm not asking this for longtime eBay members, I'm asking this for NEW buyers who are often using the mobile app! With the pandemic, there are thousands of new buyers every months, and they may not all figure that the blue "Item Description" header with nothing else is a clickable link. Why not show the same text, no matter if the seller did input something or not in the "Item condition" field? At least, people would see the "Show more" link! Until you do fix that, I will input some generic text into that field to ensure people KNOW there are more details for the item they are looking for.

[mobile_feedback · Accepted solution]

@arkh_angel 

Thank you for posting this and including these details. We have sent this over to our designers to look into how to improve this.

[arkh_angel]

That is great news! Thank you very much!

[anarchybykes]

Looks like it’s still busted on iOS 

I even deleted and reinstalled the eBay app. I don’t know why they are so bad at mobile apps 

[benhooker]

I just posted the following review - please fix the core functionality of actually being able to read item descriptions.

It might not be essential for new goods, but for second hand, it is key information and your sellers will be losing sales if buyers cannot read this. 

"I have used and enjoyed this app for years but the recent update on 14/07/2022 appears to have removed the ability to view the item description. It was rather hidden before, but this key information describing goods is now invisible/missing amongst the myriad options to view other items or get PayPal finance. Worse still, I can't even use Chrome browser to check item descriptions via the eBay website as it redirects to the app. I can't believe I have to uninstall this app to actually USE eBay!"

I have no idea how an international company of eBay's repute can let its app development team mess up this badly, but they clearly need to review their process, procedures and staff competency.

[sunnyfloridasurprises]

ETA: sorry got here from Google and didn’t notice this was android forum.

Item descriptions gone for me as well in iOS on the mobile app. I really don’t want to waste time describing my items if sellers can’t see it. Not to mention that eBay wants me to pay them so they bring eyes to my item through promoted listings but then do everything possible to encourage that buyer to go buy from someone else from my item page. 

[emmab-87]

Wrong. At least in 2022. I have no ads in the app and there is no description anywhere. It’s also impossible to find FAQ. 

[skydiamonds]

Came here to report the same bug. EBay app needs better QA!

[bibidognix]

Same here. I cannot read a description of an item I am viewing 

or any items for that matter!

[westnesko]

I just got back to listing items on eBay after being away for a while only to find that my detailed descriptions can’t be seen on the mobile app.  I’m livid to say the least.  This needs immediate action, and eBay sellers shouldn’t  have to jump through hoops or play games to make their descriptions visible.  What a disappointment.

[velvet@ebay]

Hi all! The mobile team was made aware of this yesterday and appears to have implemented a fix, as the description links should be showing up again. Thanks for your reports!

[katiefoxx]

I am a blind user so photos do me no good since my screen-reader does not describe those to me.  I realize I am in the minority here, so most sellers don't consider people like me when they are creating a listing.  In addition, I am having trouble finding any detailed written descriptions on my desktop for ANY of the items I have considered buying.  I don't know if this is because I am not clicking the correct button or if these descriptions just do not exist, but this issue affects a whole segment of potential buyers.

If I'm missing something on the product page that will take me to a more detailed description, I would appreciate knowing what that is.  Also, is there a way to filter search results to only include ones with written descriptions?

[little.font.lord.leroy]

The Item Details section on a listing is a special boxed area titled "Item specifics" in some cases there is no Item specifics section, because the seller has not filled it out. In other cases it is automatically filled in by eBay when a seller is creating the listing, for instance if the seller enters a year in the title, eBay will often automatically add that to the Item specifics.  eBay also adds a generic description of condition, for example, Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is ... .

visually, the Item specifics are arranged in a box together just above the actual written description typed by the seller. 

Item descriptions are short, usually no more than 4 words and in  topic: answer format.  For instance, 

Handmade: Yes

Material: Wood

Country of Origin: Sri Lanka

Brand: Lanka Imports

Color: Red and Green

Height: 7.5"

As a reminder to sellers, the best practice is to photograph as if there is no description and describe as if there are no photographs.