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+)
| Tool Name | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
inventory_createOrReplaceInventoryItem | Create/update inventory item | Add new products |
inventory_getInventoryItem | Get single inventory item | Check product details |
inventory_getInventoryItems | Get all inventory items | Bulk inventory review |
inventory_deleteInventoryItem | Delete inventory item | Remove discontinued products |
inventory_bulkCreateOrReplaceInventoryItem | Batch create/update | Import product catalog |
inventory_bulkUpdatePriceQuantity | Update price/quantity in bulk | Price adjustments |
Offer Tools (25+)
| Tool Name | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
inventory_createOffer | Create listing offer | List new item |
inventory_getOffer | Get offer details | Check listing config |
inventory_getOffers | Get all offers | Review all listings |
inventory_updateOffer | Modify offer | Update price/quantity |
inventory_deleteOffer | Remove offer | Delist item |
inventory_publishOffer | Make offer live | Publish listing |
inventory_publishOfferByInventoryItemGroup | Publish variation listing | Publish multi-variation |
inventory_withdrawOffer | End listing | Remove from eBay |
Location Tools (10+)
| Tool Name | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
inventory_createInventoryLocation | Add warehouse location | Setup fulfillment center |
inventory_getInventoryLocation | Get location details | Check location info |
inventory_getInventoryLocations | Get all locations | Review warehouses |
inventory_updateInventoryLocation | Modify location | Update address/hours |
inventory_deleteInventoryLocation | Remove location | Close warehouse |
Product Compatibility Tools
| Tool Name | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
inventory_createOrReplaceProductCompatibility | Set compatible products | Auto parts compatibility |
inventory_getProductCompatibility | Get compatibility list | View compatible vehicles |
inventory_deleteProductCompatibility | Remove compatibility | Update fitment data |
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