eBay variation listing setup

When variations make sense

Planning the options

Write out every option before creating anything: each size, colour or other choice, the stock you hold of each and the price. Use option names buyers understand and keep them consistent across your range, so 'Navy' means the same in every listing. Avoid grouping items that differ in more than the chosen options, such as a different model or material, since buyers may assume everything else is the same.

What each option needs

Example: twelve listings into one

Photos for options

Where options differ visibly, such as colour, buyers expect the photo to change when they select an option. Prepare a photo for each visible option and link it to that option. eBay UK's photo guidance, including the recommended size and no watermarks, applies to every photo.

Testing the listing

After creating the listing, select every option as a buyer would: does the right photo show, is the price right, is the quantity available? Fix problems before ending any old separate listings, so you are not left without a working listing.

Keeping options up to date

Keep each option's stock accurate, and add new colours or sizes in the same format and naming. When an option sells out for good, decide whether to remove it or keep it at zero, following eBay's current rules. Review variation listings when you change suppliers or add ranges, since new stock may differ from existing options in ways buyers notice.

Variations and other work

Variations affect titles, specifics and descriptions, which must be accurate for every option. Those are covered on their own pages.

Titles, specifics and descriptions

A variation listing has one title and one description for all its options, so both must be true for every option buyers can choose. Avoid putting a single size or colour in the title if the listing offers several; use the title for what all options share, such as brand, product type and material. Put option-specific details, such as measurements per size, in a table in the description or in the option details. Check item specifics too, since a specific that is right for one option may be wrong for another.

Option names

Use the size system and colour names buyers expect, and keep them identical across all your variation listings. If your supplier uses its own colour names, consider whether buyers will understand them, and add a plain colour where it helps. Write the list down.