12 eBay Trigger Words to Remove From Your Titles in 2026

Two Types of Trigger Word

There are SEO-killers (words eBay ignores, so they waste your 80 characters) and policy-triggers (words tied to restricted categories that can get the listing pulled). This list covers both.

1. Free / Free Shipping

eBay handles postage separately. "Free shipping" in a title wastes characters and adds nothing to search. Cut it.

2. Best / Cheapest / #1

Superlatives are not search terms and can breach selling practices policy. Buyers do not search "best phone case". Replace with a real keyword like the model or feature.

3. L@@K / Wow / Amazing

Attention-grab words and symbol tricks are ignored by Cassini and look like spam. They lower trust and ranking.

4. Genuine / Authentic (on unbranded goods)

Claiming authenticity on a generic item invites counterfeit scrutiny. Only use brand words when the item is genuinely that brand and you are authorised.

5. Replica / Inspired / Dupe

Next to any brand name, these scream counterfeit and get listings removed instantly. Never pair them with a protected brand. See the VERO list.

6. Medical claims: cures, heals, treats

Any health claim pushes an ordinary product into the regulated medical category. A "posture corrector that cures back pain" becomes a medical device. Describe function, not cures.

7. Battery brand words on accessories

Words like lithium or specific cell codes (CR2032, 18650) flag battery-safety rules. If batteries are not the product, leave them out of the title.

8. Baby / Infant (on non-certified items)

These pull your listing into child-safety review. If the item is not a certified baby product, describe it without the word.

9. Anti-bacterial / Sanitiser / Disinfectant

Biocidal claims are regulated. Avoid them unless you have the compliance paperwork.

10. Waterproof (when it is only water-resistant)

An overclaim that drives returns and item-not-as-described cases. Use the accurate term.

11. Brand names you do not stock

Adding "like Dyson" or "Apple compatible" loosely is a fast route to a brand complaint. Use the compatible-with format correctly, or not at all.

12. ALL CAPS

Capitalising the whole title reads as shouting, does not help search, and lowers click-through. Use normal title case.

What to Use Instead

Fill those 80 characters with what buyers actually type: brand (if genuine), product type, key feature, size or quantity, and colour or variant. Our eBay title optimisation guide has the full formula.

If you want this done automatically, UnicornDS builds clean, keyword-rich 80-character titles and now flags restricted trigger words before you list — so your titles rank and survive.