Product identifiers

Increase the chances of a buyer finding your item with product identifiers.

What are product identifiers?

Product identifiers are unique codes created by the product manufacturer that can be used to identify a specific product. They work like barcodes and may include Universal Product Codes (UPCs), Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), and Manufacturer Part Number (MPN). The type of product identifier you use can vary depending on the category you’re selling in.

Using a product identifier can save you time when creating listings. When you enter a product identifier, eBay will check to see if your product already exists in the eBay catalogue. If there’s a match, many of the fields such as photo and title will be pre-populated.

If there aren’t any matches in the catalogue, you can select a category and create your listing manually.

Quick Tips for Sellers by eBay: Product Identifiers video thumbnail

When to use product identifiers?

Product identifiers are required when you’re listing in most categories on eBay. Only use product identifiers that exactly match the product you’re selling. If you select a product that’s slightly different, such as a model from a different year or with different specifications, you risk misleading buyers. When you use the correct catalogue entry, it could help reduce the number of return requests because people can be sure what they’re buying.

Not every product has a product identifier. If you are listing a product that has no identifier (such as antiques) or you aren’t sure what it is, then you can simply select “Does not apply”. Find the entire list of qualifying and required categories for eBay.ca as well as eBay.com here.

What if you’ve already got live listings without product identifiers?

If you selected “Does not apply” or didn’t have the product identifier handy when creating your listing, it’s well worth spending the time to go back and fill in any product identifiers. This is the best way to future proof your eBay listings.

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