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Choice listings policy

A choice listing is a listing where a seller allows buyers to choose from a selection of items. Choice listings are generally not allowed and will be ended.

Exceptions:

  • Listings may offer custom-made items or services that are created or customised to the buyer's specification. All offered options must be provided at no additional charge to the buyer.
  • Multiple quantity listings (like multiple-item fixed price or Store listings) may offer a choice of colour in otherwise identical items. However, the seller must be able to fulfill the entire quantity of every listing in any offered colour even if every winning bidder makes exactly the same colour selection. It is not permissible to state: "The highest bidder gets first choice." Choice listings may not be offered "subject to availability" or require the buyer to contact the seller to see which colours are available or what quantity is available. This exception for choice of colour does not apply to single quantity listings.

See also the policy related to choice travel certificates.

Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.

Some Examples

Examples of Choice listings (not allowed)

  • Choice of title in software, books, music or movies
  • Choice of size in pre-made items, such as clothing

Examples of permitted customisation (allowed)

  • Made-to-order clothing such as personalised T-shirts
  • Resizing of rings
  • Personalised mailing labels
  • Multiple quantity listings only: If a seller has 100 T-shirts with an equal number of 10 different colours, the seller could create one multiple quantity listing with a quantity of 10 instead of creating 100 separate listings and allow the buyer to pick from 10 different colours

Why does eBay have this policy?

Choice listings can create a poor buying experience, outside-of-eBay transactions and the potential for fee circumvention.

Choice Listing Exceptions allow a seller to offer custom-made items or services that are created or customised to the buyer's specification. Additionally, the Choice Listing Exception for multiple-item listing formats allow members to save on listing fees and potentially increase sales.

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