Inventory API Overview
The Inventory API is the backbone of your eBay selling operations. It provides 80+ tools to manage inventory items, create offers, publish listings, and handle product variations.Core Concepts
Inventory Items
Products you have available to sell (SKU-based management)
Offers
Listing configurations (price, quantity, format) for inventory items
Inventory Locations
Physical locations where inventory is stored
Product Compatibility
Specify which vehicles/products your items are compatible with
Inventory Management Workflow
1
Create Inventory Items
Define products using SKUs:
2
Create Offers
Set pricing and format:
3
Publish Listings
Make offers live on eBay:
Available Tools
Inventory Item Tools (30+)
Offer Tools (25+)
Location Tools (10+)
Product Compatibility Tools
Quick Start Examples
Single Item Listing
Bulk Inventory Upload
Variation Listing (Multiple SKUs)
Best Practices
SKU Management
SKU Management
Use descriptive, consistent SKUs:Benefits:
- ✅ Good:
TSHIRT-RED-L,WIDGET-PRO-001 - ❌ Bad:
SKU1,TEMP123
- Easy inventory tracking
- Quick product identification
- Simplified reordering
- Better reporting
Inventory Sync & Accuracy
Inventory Sync & Accuracy
Keep inventory synchronized:Prevent overselling:
- Set safety stock levels (reserve 5-10% inventory)
- Update quantities immediately after sales
- Use inventory management software
- Enable out-of-stock control program
Product Descriptions & SEO
Product Descriptions & SEO
Optimize titles for search:Title structure:
- Brand/Manufacturer
- Model/Product name
- Key features (size, color, capacity)
- Condition
- Unique selling points
- Use HTML formatting
- Include detailed specifications
- Add warranty information
- List what’s included
- Use bullet points for readability
Image Requirements
Image Requirements
Image specifications:
- Minimum 500px on longest side
- Recommended: 1600px or larger
- White or light background (preferred)
- Product fills 85% of frame
- Format: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Maximum 12 images per listing
- Main product image (white background)
- Product in use/lifestyle shot
- Detail shots (features, materials)
- Size/scale reference
- Package contents
- Additional angles
Common Workflows
Daily Inventory Sync
Seasonal Price Adjustments
Next Steps
Inventory Items
Detailed inventory item management guide
Offers & Listings
Create and manage eBay offers
Inventory Locations
Setup warehouse and fulfillment locations
First Listing Guide
Step-by-step tutorial for your first listing