Common eBay Listing Errors & Solutions: Complete Guide
Selling on eBay can be a profitable venture, but technical issues can make it frustrating. eBay listing errors occur due to missing product details, non-compliance with eBay policies, or technical glitches.
This guide covers all major eBay listing errors, explaining their error codes, causes, and detailed solutions. Follow this guide to resolve these issues and optimize your eBay listings.
1. eBay Error Code 21916587 – Missing Required Item Specifics
Error Message:
“Missing required item specifics. Provide required values for better search visibility.”
Reason:
- eBay requires certain item details like Brand, Model, Size, and Condition for product visibility.
- Missing or incorrect product attributes trigger this error.
Solution:
- Navigate to Item Specifics and check for missing fields.
- Provide accurate information, including Brand, MPN (Manufacturer Part Number), and UPC.
- Check the item specific values and the headings well.
- Use eBay’s suggested values for better visibility.
2. eBay Error Code 21919303 – Duplicate Listing Error
Error Message:
“You can’t list this item because it appears to be a duplicate.”
Reason:
- eBay’s Duplicate Listing Policy prevents sellers from listing identical products multiple times.
- Listings with similar title, description, or images can trigger this error.
Solution:
- Go to My eBay > Active Listings to check for existing listings.
- Modify the title, description, and images to create a unique listing.
- Use multi-quantity listings instead of duplicating individual listings.
3. eBay Error Code 21919067 – GTIN Required Error
Error Message:
“This listing is missing a required product identifier (GTIN, UPC, EAN, or ISBN).”
Reason:
- Some categories require a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
- Incorrect or missing UPC, EAN, or ISBN causes this error.
Solution:
- Obtain the correct UPC, EAN, or ISBN from the manufacturer.
- If unavailable, select “Does Not Apply.”
4. eBay Error Code 21919326 – Condition Not Allowed in This Category
Error Message:
“The selected condition is not allowed in this category.”
Reason:
- eBay allows specific conditions (e.g., “New,” “Used”) for certain categories.
Solution:
- Check eBay’s category guidelines for accepted conditions.
- Change the condition to an accepted value.
5. eBay Error Code 21916664 – Variations Not Allowed
Error Message:
“Variation listings are not allowed in this category.”
Reason:
- Some categories do not support product variations in a single listing.
Solution:
- If variations are not supported, list items individually.
- Choose a different category that allows variations.
6. eBay Price Missing Error
Error Message:
“You must specify a price for this item.”
Reason:
- The price field is blank or incorrectly formatted.
Solution:
- Go to Price & Payment section and enter a valid price.
- Ensure no typos or incorrect symbols in the price field.
7. EPS Self-Hosting Image Error
Error Message:
“Your image URL is not accessible or doesn’t meet eBay’s requirements.”
Reason:
- eBay requires externally hosted images to be publicly accessible.
- Incorrect image format or broken links trigger this error.
Solution:
- Upload images directly to eBay or host them on a reliable server.
- Ensure image URLs are accessible without login restrictions.
- Use JPEG, PNG, or GIF formats (minimum 500×500 pixels).
- All of the images have to be hosted by same server
8. eBay Restricted Item Error
Error Message:
“This item is restricted and cannot be listed.”
Reason:
- Your product falls under eBay’s restricted items list.
Solution:
- Check eBay’s Prohibited & Restricted Items List.
- If your item is eligible, contact eBay support for verification.
9. eBay Shipping Policy Error
Error Message:
“This shipping service is not available for the selected location.”
Reason:
- Selected shipping method is not supported for the region.
- The shipping profile name used is incorrect, crosscheck the name
Solution:
- Choose a valid shipping option based on eBay’s guidelines.
- Check the name of the policies again.
10. eBay Error Code 240 – Invalid Category
Error Message:
“The selected category is not valid.”
Reason:
- eBay updated or removed the category.
Solution:
✅ Choose a valid category from eBay’s list.
11. eBay Error Code 21916585 – Maximum Item Quantity Reached
Error Message:
“You cannot list more than the allowed quantity.”
Reason:
- eBay limits the number of items you can list.
Solution:
✅ Lower the listing quantity or request a selling limit increase from eBay.
12. eBay Error Code 1047 – Invalid Payment Method
Error Message:
“This payment method is not supported.”
Reason:
- The selected payment method is invalid or restricted.
Solution:
✅ Choose PayPal or eBay-managed payments.
13. eBay Error Code 37 – Invalid Currency Code
Error Message:
“The currency used is not supported for this listing.”
Reason:
- eBay supports specific currencies per region.
Solution:
✅ Change the currency to USD, GBP, EUR, or other accepted currencies.
14. eBay Error Code 511 – Image Format Error
Error Message:
“Your image is in an unsupported format.”
Reason:
Solution:
✅ Convert images to JPEG, PNG, or GIF.
15. eBay Error Code 327 – Prohibited Keyword Used
Error Message:
“Your listing contains a restricted word or phrase.”
Reason:
- Some words (e.g., “Fake, Replica, Counterfeit“) are banned.
Solution:
✅ Remove restricted words from the listing.
16. eBay Error Code 512 – Return Policy Not Specified
Error Message:
“A return policy must be specified for this category.”
Reason:
- Some categories require a return policy.
Solution:
✅ Go to Return Policy and select Returns Accepted or No Returns Accepted.
17. eBay Error Code 291 – Restricted Item Listed
Error Message:
“This item is restricted and cannot be listed.”
Reason:
- The item is on eBay’s restricted list.
Solution:
✅ Check eBay’s Prohibited & Restricted Items List.
18. eBay Error Code 205 – Brand Approval Required
Error Message:
“You need approval to list this brand.”
Reason:
- Some brands require pre-authorization.
Solution:
✅ Contact eBay or the brand owner for approval.
19. eBay Error Code 16144 – eBay API Limit Reached
Error Message:
“You have exceeded the allowed API requests.”
Reason:
- Your eBay API request limit has been reached.
Solution:
✅ Wait 24 hours or upgrade your eBay API access level.
20. eBay Error Code 23917 – Item is Not Compatible with Fitment System
Error Message:
“This item does not fit any compatible vehicles.”
Reason:
- Vehicle parts must match eBay’s fitment system.
Solution:
✅ Enter correct fitment details in Parts Compatibility
Here’s an expanded list of additional unique eBay listing errors along with their causes and solutions. These will help you resolve any potential issues while creating your eBay listings.
More eBay Listing Errors & Fixes (Unique List)
21. eBay Error Code 21916590 – Item Description Too Short
Error Message:
“Your item description is too short. Please provide a more detailed description.”
Reason:
- eBay requires a minimum word count for better buyer clarity and SEO.
Solution:
✅ Write a detailed description with at least 200+ characters.
✅ Include features, specifications, and benefits of the product.
22. eBay Error Code 21919333 – Cannot Relist Ended Item
Error Message:
“This item has already been relisted and cannot be relisted again.”
Reason:
- If an item has already been relisted several times, eBay restricts further relisting.
Solution:
✅ Create a new listing instead of relisting.
✅ Modify the title, description, and category before listing again.
23. eBay Error Code 21916584 – Gallery Image Missing
Error Message:
“A gallery image is required for this listing.”
Reason:
- eBay requires at least one gallery image for better buyer experience.
Solution:
✅ Upload a high-resolution image (500×500 px minimum).
✅ Ensure the image URL is publicly accessible if using external hosting.
24. eBay Error Code 21919115 – ISBN/UPC/EAN Mismatch
Error Message:
“The entered product identifier does not match the selected category.”
Reason:
- The provided ISBN/UPC/EAN does not match the product category.
Solution:
✅ Verify the correct ISBN/UPC/EAN before submitting.
✅ Use Does Not Apply if the product doesn’t have an identifier.
25. eBay Error Code 240 – Listing Category Changed
Error Message:
“Your selected category is no longer valid. Choose another category.”
Reason:
- eBay updates or removes categories over time.
Solution:
✅ Choose a valid category that aligns with your product.
✅ Use eBay’s category lookup tool for the correct category.
26. eBay Error Code 12519 – Invalid eBay Store Category
Error Message:
“The selected eBay store category does not exist.”
Reason:
- The chosen category in your eBay store has been deleted or modified.
Solution:
✅ Update your store categories before listing.
✅ Assign your product to an active category in your eBay store.
27. eBay Error Code 10007 – Internal Server Error
Error Message:
“eBay is currently experiencing issues. Please try again later.”
Reason:
- Temporary server issues on eBay’s end.
Solution:
✅ Wait 10-15 minutes and try again.
✅ Check eBay’s system status page for downtime updates.
28. eBay Error Code 37 – Currency Not Allowed for This Site
Error Message:
“This currency is not accepted in the selected eBay marketplace.”
Reason:
- Some eBay marketplaces (e.g., eBay UK, eBay Australia) only accept specific currencies.
Solution:
✅ Change currency to a supported one (USD, GBP, EUR, etc.).
29. eBay Error Code 21919328 – Listing Title Too Long
Error Message:
“Your listing title exceeds the maximum character limit.”
Reason:
- eBay allows a maximum of 80 characters for listing titles.
Solution:
✅ Shorten the title while keeping important keywords.
✅ Avoid unnecessary words like “Best,” “Wow,” “Look”.
30. eBay Error Code 70 – Inactive PayPal Account
Error Message:
“Your PayPal account is not active or cannot receive payments.”
Reason:
- eBay requires an active PayPal account for payment processing.
Solution:
✅ Ensure your PayPal account is verified and linked to eBay.
✅ If using eBay Managed Payments, update your banking details.
31. eBay Error Code 17510 – Buyer Requirements Violation
Error Message:
“Your listing does not meet eBay’s buyer requirement settings.”
Reason:
- Your settings restrict certain buyers from purchasing your item.
Solution:
✅ Go to Account Settings > Buyer Requirements and adjust preferences.
32. eBay Error Code 21916622 – Shipping Cost Too High
Error Message:
“The shipping cost exceeds eBay’s allowed maximum for this category.”
Reason:
- Some eBay categories have a maximum shipping cost limit.
Solution:
✅ Reduce the shipping cost to meet eBay’s guidelines.
✅ Consider offering free shipping to boost conversions.
33. eBay Error Code 291 – Prohibited Item Listed
Error Message:
“Your listing contains a restricted or prohibited item.”
Reason:
- The item violates eBay’s prohibited items policy.
Solution:
✅ Check eBay’s Restricted & Prohibited Items List.
34. eBay Error Code 10019 – Item Under Review by eBay
Error Message:
“Your listing is under manual review by eBay.”
Reason:
- eBay is verifying your listing before approval.
Solution:
✅ Wait for eBay to approve the listing.
✅ Contact eBay Support if approval takes too long.
35. eBay Error Code 120 – Invalid Return Policy
Error Message:
“The return policy you selected is not allowed for this category.”
Reason:
- Some categories require specific return policies.
Solution:
✅ Choose an allowed return policy for the selected category.
36. eBay Error Code 35 – Invalid Shipping Location
Error Message:
“The selected shipping location is not supported.”
Reason:
- eBay does not allow certain locations due to legal restrictions.
Solution:
✅ Select a valid shipping location supported by eBay.
37. eBay Error Code 832 – Brand Restrictions
Error Message:
“This brand requires pre-approval for listing.”
Reason:
- Some brands are restricted and require seller approval.
Solution:
✅ Apply for brand approval via eBay’s Brand Gating Program.
38. eBay Error Code 20603 – Account Not Authorized for This Category
Error Message:
“Your account is not authorized to sell in this category.”
Reason:
- Certain high-risk categories require seller verification.
Solution:
✅ Request approval from eBay before listing in restricted categories.
39. eBay Error Code 12005 – Payment Method Not Accepted
Error Message:
“This payment method is not allowed in your selected eBay marketplace.”
Reason:
- Some payment methods (like cryptocurrency) are not supported.
Solution:
✅ Choose an eBay-approved payment method (e.g., PayPal, eBay Managed Payments).
40. eBay Error Code 642 – Maximum Listings Exceeded
Error Message:
“You have reached your monthly listing limit.”
Reason:
- eBay limits how many items you can list per month.
Solution:
✅ Request a selling limit increase from eBay.
✅ Remove unsold listings to free up space.
Final Tips to Avoid eBay Listing Errors
✅ Double-check all item specifics before listing.
✅ Use eBay’s listing tools for bulk updates.
✅ Follow eBay’s photo, pricing, and shipping policies.
✅ Stay updated with eBay policy changes.
Conclusion
eBay listing errors can be frustrating, but with this guide, you can easily identify, troubleshoot, and fix them. Whether it’s a pricing issue, GTIN error, or image problem, following these steps will ensure a smooth selling experience.
Need expert help with eBay product listings? Contact Sankush Systems for error-free eBay listing services!
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