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A listing is only ready when the marketplace has everything it needs. Two things cause most delays:
  1. Postage details that do not match the parcel.
  2. Marketplace fields that are missing or wrong.
This guide explains both in plain English.
Package details in the listing review

Package details inside the listing review. A saved postage profile fills in the services and parcel details for you.

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What is a shipping profile?

A shipping profile is a saved parcel recipe. It stores the postage services, package type, size and weight you use for a particular kind of item. Examples:
  • Small accessories — a large letter or small parcel, light weight.
  • Standard clothing — a parcel bag, medium weight.
  • Heavy coats or boots — a larger box, heavier weight.
  • Fragile items — a box with extra packaging and a tracked service.
Once a profile is saved, you can reuse it on future listings instead of typing the same measurements again.

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Before you create a profile

You need:
  • a tape measure or ruler;
  • a kitchen scale or postage scale;
  • the packaging you will actually use;
  • the postage services you are willing to offer.
Measure the packed parcel, not the item on its own. A jumper that weighs 400g can become a 600g parcel once it is in a bag with a label. A wrong weight can make you lose money on postage.

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Create a shipping profile

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click the Listing tab.
  3. Find Shipping profiles.
  4. Click Create or New shipping profile.
  5. Give the profile a name you will recognise, such as “Standard clothing” or “Small accessories”.
  6. Add the package type, dimensions, weight and the services you want to offer.
  7. Save the profile.
Start with two profiles: one for standard clothing and one for small, light items. You can add more when you need them.

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Choose a profile on a listing

  1. Open the item and go to the marketplace listing.
  2. Scroll to Package details.
  3. Choose the profile from the Postage menu.
  4. Check the services and the parcel details.
  5. If this parcel is different, change the details for this listing only.
Leaving the postage blank usually means Xlistr uses your default. If you are not sure which default is set, choose the profile explicitly.

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The fields marketplaces ask for

Every marketplace has its own form. These are the fields you will see most often.
Shared details do not always fill marketplace fields. The inventory item may have a brand and size, but a marketplace can still ask for a colour, material or style that it does not have. Complete those on the listing.

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What “ready to publish” means

A listing is ready when:
  • the category is chosen;
  • every required item specific is filled;
  • at least one image is present;
  • the price is greater than zero;
  • the postage profile and service are set;
  • the marketplace account is connected.
The red checklist on the listing review screen tells you exactly what is missing. Work from the top down.

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Common problems

The marketplace category list may be temporarily unavailable, or the account connection may have expired. Reconnect the shop, then reopen the listing. If the category still will not load, choose a different but still accurate category and try again.
The field may be inside a collapsed section, or it may only appear after you choose a category. Choose the category first, then scroll through the item specifics.
Check the packed weight and dimensions first. Then check the service. A small difference in weight can move a parcel into a different price band.
Measure the item flat, then add a little room for the packaging. If you truly cannot measure it, say so in the description and use a service with enough cover.
Do not cancel without talking to the buyer. Update your profile for next time, and consider whether the service you offered was realistic for the parcel.

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Next steps

Publish an item

Put the postage profile to work on a real listing.

Templates and bulk listing

Reuse listing defaults and prepare several items together.

eBay description templates

Add a reusable HTML layout to eBay descriptions when you are ready.

Fix listing errors

Work through the exact error message on the item.