eBay is introducing an innovative new AI tool for marketplace sellers that generates product listings from just a single photo. Initially available in the eBay app for iOS, with an Android version set to launch in the coming weeks, this tool automatically creates a title and description based on the uploaded image. It can also provide details such as the product release date, suggested category and subcategory, list price, and shipping cost.
This tool enhances eBay's ongoing integration of AI into the selling process, which includes AI-generated product catalog descriptions and a background removal feature for listing images. An eBay spokesperson explained, "The 'photo-to-listing' tool was developed internally, using the generated listing data to further refine the model. According to eBay's terms, we retain the right to utilize listing data. Our focus is on leveraging AI to streamline the platform and revolutionize the listing experience. This new feature transforms the item listing process into an effortlessly enjoyable task for sellers."
In May, Adam Ireland, eBay’s head of U.S. business, announced a forthcoming plugin that would enable sellers to auto-generate item descriptions from existing web content, driven by an OpenAI language model. This announcement hinted at the capabilities of the tool being rolled out today.
eBay aims to tackle the "cold start" problem faced by new sellers on its platform. Many first-time sellers often feel overwhelmed by the extensive information required to create a competitive listing. eBay counters this issue by eliminating the need for extensive data entry altogether.
As eBay points out in a blog post, “There’s no need to worry about a cold start with AI; as soon as you’re ready to sell, your listing is set to post.” The company has invested significant effort into developing a streamlined listing experience that uses AI to analyze and interpret minimal seller-provided data.
However, long-time eBay sellers express concerns about the platform’s AI direction. Forums and subreddits frequented by sellers are filled with critiques regarding the inadequacies of eBay’s description generator, which has been subject to limited testing. One user, vssoutlet, highlighted that the AI-generated text can be misleading, citing an instance where a Pentax SLR camera's listing incorrectly stated it included a lens kit.
On the subreddit /r/Flipping, dedicated to flipping high-value merchandise, an eBay seller named IJustWondering commented that the description generator often "restates the item specifics and title" while adding unnecessary filler. Another user, Hardcorelogic, shared a similar concern, stating that the AI-generated descriptions frequently contain errors and are excessively lengthy.
“After I finished revising [one of the descriptions] and making it more concise, I realized I could have written it myself in less time,” Hardcorelogic noted.
Concerns also arise about the photo-recognition aspect of eBay's new feature. Given ongoing issues with bias in computer vision algorithms, some are skeptical about eBay’s implementation and effectiveness in accurately interpreting images.
Moreover, sellers criticize not only the generative AI's propensity for inaccuracies and "hallucinations" — something eBay acknowledges with a disclaimer about potential text inaccuracies — but also the intended application of the tool. Many sellers find that the AI-generated descriptions lack clarity, conciseness, and directness, even for straightforward items. The generated text often fails to highlight specific item characteristics, including any defects.
eBay is not alone in utilizing AI to enhance the seller experience and drive revenue-generating activities. Shopify has recently implemented AI-generated product descriptions, while Amazon has introduced AI-generated reviews summarization. Reports indicate that Amazon is also testing an AI tool that allows merchants to produce titles, descriptions, and bullet points based on keywords, and this tool strictly regulates content allowed in generated product listings.
Despite the competition, eBay’s aggressive approach to its AI roadmap has raised questions among sellers about the effectiveness of this strategy.
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