"Condition Description" VS "Item Description"

[pickermall]

I know this has been a "thing" for years... but everytime I create a listing, I wonder why there is a short condition description for a listing? I usually put "See Detailed Description Below" in that spot because I hate repeating myself... I HATE repeating myself (oops)

What is the purpose of TWO description fields? I usually just go to the main, longer item description when I am looking to buy an item on Ebay..

Just wondering

[bashort]

because the condition notes have a small chance of being seen by buyers while the description has a close to zero chance of seen, especially on mobile devices

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques · Accepted solution]

"Description" is intended for a full description (identify the item, maybe talk about how it can be used or repurposed, etc. And you can include condition just in case the buyer didn't read it in the "Condition" field.

Condition is really ONLY for condition. If a buyer says an item arrived in a condition other than that described in the listing, ebay looks to see what is in your condition field, NOT in your description field. (And if they same something different, the "condition" field controls.) 

Personally, I would recommend actually putting your condition notes in the condition field. You can then copy and paste them to the description field if you want.

I put the same condition content in both places because ebay wants it in the condition field, and I feel putting it in the description field as well increases the chance that the buyer will read at last one of them

[inhawaii]

I can't say how it was intended to be used but i use the condition description for a short description and the item description for a longer, more detailed description.

[mr_lincoln]

Hi @pickermall 

For myself I explain the Condition of the item in the Condition field then copy and paste that as part of my Description.  I also use the Grading Item specific when an item is for Parts only or Restoration ... on listings as Parts only or Restoration required I put that in the title too ...

Sadly, not all Buyers read everything on listings and while rare I have had to point out that an item was listed for Restoration or Parts only AND that is indicated in FOUR (4) PLACES ON THE LISTING. 

I don't care about the duplication of effort or statements ... some things I want crystal clear on a listing ...

Regards,

Mr. L

[gurlcat]

     The Condition of all my items reads: "He who clicks Full Description can read what he might regret not reading."  Confucius 485 B.C. 

      I started that a couple years ago, and ever since then I almost never get emails asking about stuff that is stated in the description, nor INAD returns.  

[dhbookds]

Ebay said long ago that the condition field was where "what was wrong" with the item was supposed to be noted......  At one point, they would actually support a seller who said "there is a crack on the left side" in the condition field against a buyer who claimed not as described because "there was a crack on the left side". 

It was put there.......directly under the title.......so it would be very noticeable on both PC and mobile versus being buried in a description.........

As others, I do both.......put in description and then copy/paste to condition field. 

[johnrj1226]

Years ago eBay strongly suggested that  sellers be redundant as all to often buyers don't read so much.  Thought  it was a good idea especially on  pre-owned/used items - which I mainly sold.  So I wrote my condition description.  In that  box below the headline.  Copied it and pasted it in the the  free hand box.  On the very  first line(s).   Never had one person claim an item not as described out of 1665  items I shipped. I say it is worth repeating.  And when I mentioned hickey or two, they were shown in a  clear, close up picture - a little more redundancy - sometimes is better than being too pithy.  Plus always understated  the condition and never  used the words "near new" or similar.  Used is used.

Too each their own.

[mtgraves7984]

Sometimes I'll type... "Used. Not used up." in that space.

[gosimus]

@pickermall 

< I hate repeating myself... I HATE repeating myself (oops) >    

LOL, but with some people you have to.  The joke about how you get a mule's attention.  

Long ago someone gave some advice about public speaking, that goes something like this:  

•  Tell them what you're going to tell them  
•  Tell them  
•  Tell them what you told them 

I once worked under a Plant Manager who often said that you have to tell somebody something seven times before they will retain it.  That always seemed excessive, but he was the Plant Manager and I wasn't.  

[1786davycrockett]

Maybe it just seems too simple a distinction for me; but "Item Condition" definitely seems to request detailed information concerning any flaws or defects which prohibit an item from being classified as "new."  When I list books and magazines, for example, I will note the creases, scratches, folds, indentations, tears, rub-wear, page markings, soiling, etc.  These exemplify the special "conditions" of these items.

On the other hand, I use the "Item Description" to actually "describe" the item.  For books and magazines, this includes the lineal measurements of the item; plus page counts; author or editor name; whether or not any photographs and/or illustrations are included; significant publishing information; publisher's name and location; book publication number (not ISBN!); and any other specialized information significant to that particular item, which more fully adds to its "description."

So, for me, the two words "condition" and "description" do NOT have equal interpretation, but are asking for two quite dissimilar responses.