eBay

Best for used, vintage, and C2C sales. A massive platform for unique items and global trade. eBay highly recommends adding Product Identifiers (UPC/EAN/ISBN) to improve search visibility and SEO.

Barcode Requirements

To sell on eBay, you are generally required to provide a unique Product ID. This platform fully accepts standard GS1-origin codes.

GTIN-12 (UPC)

Accepted & Recommended

GTIN-13 (EAN)

Accepted (Global Standard)

About eBay Requirements

eBay is one of the original giants of e-commerce, known for its auction-style listings and massive selection of unique, used, and new goods. While eBay historically didn't require barcodes, modern listing policies strongly encourage them. Adding a Product Identifier (UPC/EAN/ISBN) helps your item appear in Google Shopping results and allows buyers to find your specific product more easily.

Validation Policy: eBay's 'Product Identifiers' field is where you enter your UPC. While you can sometimes select 'Does not apply' for used or vintage items, 'New' items often require a valid code. eBay validates the checksum of the code but is generally more lenient than Amazon regarding brand ownership matching.

How to List Your Product

Start a new listing in Seller Hub.

In the 'Item specifics' section, look for 'UPC' or 'EAN'.

Enter your 12-digit UPC code. eBay will attempt to match it to an existing product in their catalog.

If found, you can pre-fill details. If not, continue creating your unique listing.

Complete your listing. Your item is now eligible for Google Shopping placement.

Common Issues & Solutions

Listing not showing in Google Shopping

If your eBay listing isn't appearing in Google's shopping tab, it's almost always because the UPC is missing or invalid. Adding a code fixes this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UPC for used items on eBay?

Technically no, you can select 'Does not apply'. However, adding one helps with search visibility even for used items if they are standard products (e.g., a used iPhone).

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