eBay condition standards mapped to the 1.0–10.0 scale
eBay uses a fixed set of item conditions — New, New other, and the Used tiers (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Acceptable) for pre-owned clothing. Each maps cleanly onto a band of the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale, so an objective grade tells you exactly which eBay condition to select and backs it up.
eBay's condition field is a required, structured value — and picking the wrong one is a direct path to a 'not as described' case. This page maps every eBay clothing condition to the GradeThread scale, shows what triggers a return, and gives listing copy for each grade.
Verified July 2026 · source: eBay Money Back Guarantee & item condition guidelines
How does eBay condition map to the 1.0–10.0 scale?
| GradeThread grade | Tier | eBay condition |
|---|---|---|
| 9.75–10.0 | New With Tags | New |
| 9.0–9.5 | New Without Tags | New without tags / Like new |
| 7.5–8.5 | Excellent | Used — Excellent |
| 6.0–7.0 | Very Good | Used — Very good |
| 4.5–5.5 | Good | Used — Good |
| 3.0–4.0 | Fair | Used — Acceptable |
| 1.0–2.5 | Poor | Used — Acceptable |
What triggers a return on eBay?
On eBay, a buyer opens an 'item not as described' case when the garment's real condition is worse than the selected condition or the photos implied. eBay resolves these in the buyer's favor by default and counts them against your seller metrics, so never select a condition better than the item's actual grade.
Listing copy for each grade
Select the eBay condition that matches the item's grade band, then use the condition-description field to state the grade and disclose every flaw. A stated grade plus a certificate link is the strongest defense against a condition case.
9.75–10.0 · New With Tags
Condition: New With Tags — graded 9.75–10.0 on the GradeThread 1–10 scale (brand new, unworn, with original tags attached). See the certificate for the full condition report.
9.0–9.5 · New Without Tags
Condition: New Without Tags — graded 9.0–9.5 on the GradeThread 1–10 scale (unworn or as-new, no tags). See the certificate for the full condition report.
7.5–8.5 · Excellent
Condition: Excellent — graded 7.5–8.5 on the GradeThread 1–10 scale (very light wear, no notable flaws). See the certificate for the full condition report.
6.0–7.0 · Very Good
Condition: Very Good — graded 6.0–7.0 on the GradeThread 1–10 scale (light, honest wear with minor cosmetic signs). See the certificate for the full condition report.
4.5–5.5 · Good
Condition: Good — graded 4.5–5.5 on the GradeThread 1–10 scale (clear wear or a minor flaw, fully wearable). See the certificate for the full condition report.
Frequently asked
- What does 'Used - Very Good' mean on eBay?
- eBay's 'Used - Very Good' is a pre-owned item with light, honest wear and no major flaws — equivalent to roughly 6.0–7.0 on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale. Select it only when the item's actual condition matches; overstating it invites a 'not as described' case.
- How do I avoid 'not as described' returns on eBay?
- Pick the eBay condition that matches the item's real grade, disclose every flaw with photos, and state the grade in the condition description. eBay sides with buyers on condition disputes, so accurate, verifiable condition up front is your best protection.
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