A list of abbreviations and acronyms commonly used on eBay and in classified and want ads.
With the growing popularity of online buying and selling, Internet and online classified lingo has also grown. Being an eBay buyer long before a seller, I was often confused as to what some of the abbreviations actually meant. For some time I attributed it to a seller’s unwillingness — or laziness — to use proper words when listing an item. When I put my first item up for sale on eBay I immediately understood the importance of using abbreviations in the listing.
Auction Abbreviations Let You Say More About an Item
In auction listing and in online storefronts, sellers are limited to a maximum number of characters in an item title and on other sites you might find a limit on the number of characters in your ad description as well. Abbreviations lets a seller say more about the item without going over the character-length requirements.
For example, if you want to tell prospective buyers that your item is available for local pick up only then to add that to your title you are looking at 18 characters (including spaces). Using the abbreviation of LPUO instead of typing it out leaves you with an additional 14 characters in which to highlight other features of your item. Other common abbreviations on eBay include NWT (new with tags) and NRFB (never removed from box).
For some online and print classified ads, sellers may have to pay for each character used in the title to description. Here, abbreviations are used to cut down on the actual cost of placing the classified ad. Some classified ad providers may require you to use its abbreviation style guide. This gives you an acceptable abbreviations list with a standard format for capitalization and punctuation to follow when writing an ad. For online classifieds you should always check that specific Web site for a list of accepted abbreviations. Print classifieds ads (e.g. your local newspaper) may also have this requirement.
Webopedia’s Guide to Online Buying and Selling Abbreviations
The following list of abbreviations are widely used Internet abbreviations and acronyms found on eBay, eBay alternatives and online classified ad marketplaces.
|
|
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
Numbers & Characters
|
$/EA |
Dollar amount per item each |
$/TRADE |
For sale or trade |
0FB |
Zero feedback, refers to a new member |
1st ed. |
First Edition (books, magazines, prints) |
1Day |
A one day auction/listing |
1TO |
One time only |
3Day |
A three day auction/listing |
4WD |
Four wheel drive (automotive) |
A
|
A+ |
Good condition |
A1 |
Perfect condition |
A/C |
Air conditioning (classifieds, automotive) |
access. |
Accessories (classifieds) |
acctg. |
Accounting (classifieds) |
ADDY |
E-mail address |
ADV |
Advertise |
ADV |
Adventure (books, magazines, prints) |
AEK |
All-electric kitchen (real estate) |
aft. |
After (classifieds) |
AFAIK |
As far as I know |
AFFA |
Antique Americana Folk Art |
agcy |
Agency |
AGW |
Actual gold weight |
AKA |
Also known as |
AIR |
Airmail |
AL |
Auction listing |
ALUM |
Aluminum |
ALUM/W |
Aluminum wheels (automotive) |
ANT |
Antenna (automotive) |
ANTH |
Anthology (books, magazines, prints) |
AO |
All original |
approx. |
Approximately |
ARC |
Advanced reader copy (books, magazines, prints) |
ASAP |
As soon as possible |
ASE |
American Silver Eagle (coins) |
AS IS |
“As is / where is”. Usually means no returns. |
ASW |
Actual silver weight |
AT |
Automatic (classifieds) |
AUTO |
Autographed |
B
|
B2B |
Business-to-business |
B2C |
Business-to-consumer |
BARE |
No box, accessories etc. |
BATT CHGR |
Battery Charger (automotive) |
BBC |
Bottom back cover (books, magazines, prints) |
BC |
Back cover (books, magazines, prints) |
BCE |
Book club edition (books, magazines, prints) |
BF |
Best fit |
BJ |
Ball jointed body (dolls & toys) |
BK |
Bent knee (dolls & toys) |
BK |
Broken |
bk. |
Broken (classifieds) |
bkgrd. |
Background (classifieds) |
B&M |
Brick-and-mortar (retail store) |
BLB |
Big little book |
BL |
Big lot |
BM |
Branch Mint: Any U.S. mint other than Philadelphia. (coins) |
BO |
Best offer |
BP |
Blister / bubble pack |
BSMT |
Basement (real estate) |
BTH |
Bathroom (real estate) |
BTS |
Back to school |
B&W |
Black & white |
BWI |
Boxed with instructions |
BC |
Back cover |
BIN |
Buy it Now (eBay’s Instant Purchase) |
BNIB |
Brand new in box |
BNIP |
Brand new in package |
BNNW |
Brand new never worn |
BNWL |
Brand new with label |
BNWT |
Brand new with tags |
BUNG |
Bungalow (real estate) |
BV |
Bullion value (coins) |
C
|
c. |
Circa (classifieds) |
C |
Cartridge (video games) |
C/VAC |
Central vacuum (real estate) |
C2C |
Consumer-to-consumer |
CAYOR |
Cash at your own risk |
CC |
Cashier check |
CC |
Classic collection (toys, action figures) |
CCE |
Certified coin exchange (coins) |
CCG |
Collectible card game |
CD |
Compact disc |
CDL |
Commercial Drivers License (employment ads) |
CDN |
Canadian |
COND |
Condition |
CEIL |
Ceiling (real estate) |
CF |
Centerfold (magazines) |
C&I |
Cartridge and instructions (video games) |
CHSNS |
Cushions |
CIB |
Cartridge in box |
CIP |
Customer initiated payment |
CLA |
Cleaned, lubricated, adjusted (cameras) |
CM |
Customized |
CNP |
Complete (with) No Package |
COA |
Certificate of authenticity |
conven. |
Convenient (classifieds) |
CPN |
Coupon |
Cr. |
Circle (classifieds) |
CS |
Customer service |
C&S |
Creamer & sugar |
C&S |
Cup & saucer |
CT |
Carats (jewelry) |
cu. |
Cubic |
Cust. |
Customs |
D
|
DBL |
Double |
DJ |
Dust jacket (books, magazines, prints) |
DK |
Deck (real estate) |
DOA |
Dead on arrival, meaning item does not work. |
dr. |
Doors (real estate) |
DRS |
Doors (real estate) |
DSR |
Detailed Seller Ratings (eBay term) |
DUTCH |
Dutch auction, meaning multiple quantities of the same item are available. |
E
|
E |
East (classifieds) |
ea. |
Each (classifieds) |
EAC |
Early American Coppers (coins) |
EAPG |
Early American pattern glass (pottery & glass) |
ed. |
Edition |
EF |
Extra fine |
EFI |
Electronic Fuel Injection (automotive) |
EIK |
Eat-in kitchen (real estate) |
ELEC |
Electric |
EMB |
Embossed |
ENS |
En-suite (real estate) |
EP |
Extended play (records, movies) |
EST |
Eastern Standard Time |
EUC |
Excellent used condition |
EUR |
Euros |
eves |
Eevening |
EX |
Excellent (condition) |
exc. |
Excellent (classifieds) |
EXLIB. |
Means book was a former library book (books, magazines, prints) |
exp pref |
Experience preferred (employment ads) |
exp req |
Experience required (employment ads) |
F
|
F |
Fair (condition) |
FAQ |
Frequently asked questions |
FB |
Feedback |
FC |
Fine condition |
FC |
Front cover (books, magazines, prints) |
fdbk |
Feedback |
FDC |
“Fleur de Coin”, meaning flawless no wear (coins) |
FDD |
Computer floppy drive (computers & electronics) |
FDR |
Formal dining room (real estate) |
F/E |
First edition (books) |
FEX |
FEDEX / Federal Express Shipping |
FFP |
Fireplace (real estate) |
FN |
Fine (condition) |
FL |
Firing limit (pottery, glass) |
FP |
Fixed price |
FR |
Fair (condition) |
FS |
For sale |
FS |
Factory sealed |
FSoT |
For sale or trade |
FT |
For trade |
FT |
Full time (employment ads) |
FV |
Final value |
FVF |
Final value fee (eBay) |
FVFC |
Final value fee credit (eBay) |
G
|
G |
Good (condition) |
galv. |
Galvanized (classifieds) |
GBP |
Great Britain Pound |
GF |
Gold filled (jewelry) |
GD |
Good (condition) |
gen |
General |
GMM |
Gallery Mint Museum (coins) |
GP |
Gold plate (jewelry) |
gr |
Grade |
GU |
Gently used (condition) |
H
|
HB |
Hard back (books) |
HC |
Hard cover (books) |
HDWD |
Hardwood Floors (real estate) |
HIC |
Hole in cover (books) |
HI CEILS |
High ceilings (real estate) |
HOF |
Hall of Fame |
HP |
Home page |
HPF |
Home page featured |
HSDIP |
High school diploma (employment ads) |
HTF |
Hard to find |
HW |
Hot water |
I
|
IBG |
Inside back cover (books, magazines, prints) |
ICG |
Independent Coin Grading (coins) |
IFG |
Inside front cover (books) |
IM |
Instant message |
IMG |
Image |
IMMAC |
Immaculate |
INIT |
Initials |
ISH |
Issue (magazines) |
ISO |
In search of |
J
|
JD |
John Deere (classifieds, automotive) |
K
|
kt. |
Karat (jewelry) |
L
|
L |
Large |
LDYS |
Ladies |
LE |
Limited edition (collectables) |
LF |
Looking for |
LN |
Like new (condition) |
LPUO |
Local pick up only |
lt |
Light |
LTD |
Limited edition |
LVGRM |
Living room (real estate) |
M
|
M/ |
Missing |
M/O |
Money order |
MAG |
Magazine |
MBR |
Master bedroom (real estate) |
MET |
Metallic (automotive) |
MFG |
Manufacturer |
MIB |
Mint in box |
MIJ |
Made in Japan |
MIM |
Make it mine |
MIMB |
Mint in Mint Box |
MIU |
Made in USA |
MNB |
Mint no box |
MO |
Money order |
MOC |
Mint on card |
MOP |
Mother of pearl (jewelry) |
MOWMT |
Mint with mint tags |
MS |
Microsoft |
MS |
Mint state (coins) |
|
|
|
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
N
|
N |
North (classifieds) |
NAI |
Not all inclusive |
NAP |
Not affected play (records) |
NARU |
Not a registered user |
NATL |
National |
NBW |
Never been worn |
NC |
No cover (books, magazines, prints) |
NEG |
Negative feedback |
NRFB |
Never removed from box |
NIB |
New in box |
NIP |
New in package |
NLA |
No longer available |
NM |
Near mint |
NNPW |
New never played with |
NORES |
No reserve |
NOS |
New old stock |
NP |
Not packaged or no package |
NPB |
Non paying bidder/buyer |
NR |
No reserve |
N/R |
No reserve |
NRFB |
Never removed from box |
NRP |
Not reproduction |
NWOT |
New without tags |
NWT |
New with tags |
O
|
OA |
Online auction |
OAS |
Online auction site |
OBO |
Or best offer |
O/C |
On canvas (paintings) |
OCC |
Occasional |
OEM |
Original Equipment Manufacturer |
OLTP |
Online transaction process |
OOAK |
One of a kind |
OOP |
Out of print |
OP |
Original post |
OP |
Operator or operated |
OPT |
Optional |
ORN |
Ornament |
OTT |
Ottoman |
P
|
P |
Poor (condition) |
PB |
Power brakes (automotive) |
pc. |
Piece (classifieds) |
PCGS |
Professional Coin Grading Service (coins) |
pd. |
Paid (classifieds) |
pgr. |
Pager (contact details) |
PICS |
Pictures |
pkg. |
Package (classifieds) |
PLS |
Please |
PM |
Post marked |
PM |
Priority mail |
PORC |
Porcelain |
POS |
Point of sale |
POTT |
Pottery |
PP |
PayPal |
PR |
Poor (condition) |
PR |
Proof (coins) |
PR |
Pair |
PROP |
Propeller |
priv. |
Private |
PS |
Power steering (automotive) |
PST |
Pacific Standard Time |
PT |
Part time (employment ads) |
PTO |
Power take off (automotive) |
PW |
Power windows (automotive) |
Q
|
qual. |
Quality or qualifications (classifieds) |
qtr. |
Quarter or quarterly (classifieds) |
R
|
R |
Reprint (books) |
RA |
Rear axle (automotive) |
RAD |
Radiator (automotive) |
RAH |
Real American Hero (toys, action figures) |
REMAN |
Remanufactured (automotive) |
RET |
Retired (collectables) |
RBC |
Right side of back cover (books) |
RBLT |
Rebuilt |
RFSO |
Request for Standing Offer (real estate) |
RND |
Round |
ROM |
Romantic (books, magazines, prints) |
RP |
Return policy |
RP |
Reproduction |
RSVP |
Respond as soon as possible |
RS |
Rhinestone (jewelry) |
RT |
Right |
RTM |
Read the manual |
S
|
S |
South (classifieds) |
s/ |
Signed (classifieds) |
sal |
Salary (employment ads) |
SCR |
Scratch (condition) |
SCU |
Scuff (records) |
SGN |
Signed |
S/H (S&H) |
Shipping and handling |
S/H/I |
Shipping, handling, and insurance |
SIG |
Signature |
SIL |
Silver |
SLD |
Sealed |
SLT |
Slight |
SNAIL MAIL |
Regular surface, basic postal shipping method |
S/O |
Sold out |
SP |
Speed |
SPD |
Speed |
SS |
Stainless steel |
SS |
Still sealed |
SS |
Sterling silver (jewelry) |
SS |
Single sheet (stamps) |
SSL |
Secure Socket Layer |
STC |
Stand up cab (automotive) |
STER |
Sterling |
STR |
Sell through rate |
STV |
Stove (real estate) |
SWB |
Short Wheel Base (automotive) |
SYI |
Sell your item |
SZ |
Size |
T
|
T&G |
Tongue & groove |
T/W |
Tilt wheel (automotive) |
TA |
Trading assistant (eBay) |
TD |
Turbo diesel (automotive) |
TDF |
To die for |
TIA |
Thanks in advance |
TM |
Trusted Merchant (Overstock) |
TM |
Trademark |
TW |
Township (real estate) |
U
|
U |
Used |
UID |
Unpaid items dispute (eBay) |
UNC |
Un-circulated (coins) |
UNREG |
Unregistered vehicle (automotive) |
UNU |
Unused |
UPI |
Unpaid item |
UPR |
Upper floor (real estate) |
US |
United States |
USPS |
United States Postal Service |
V
|
VERO |
Verified registered owner |
VFM |
Value for money |
VG |
Very good (condition) |
VGC |
Very good condition |
VHTF |
Very hard to find |
VICT |
Victorian |
V/M/D |
Visa / Mastercard / Discover |
VU |
Views (real estate) |
W
|
W |
West (classifieds) |
W/ (w/) |
With |
W/C |
Water color (paintings) |
W/O (w/o) |
Without |
WB |
White border |
WIC |
Walk-in closet (real estate) |
WKNDS |
Weekends (contact details) |
WOB |
Writing on back |
WOF |
Writing on face |
WP |
Waterproof |
WR |
Water resistant |
WRK |
Work |
WS |
Widescreen |
WTB |
Wanted to buy |
WU |
Wind up |
X
|
XL |
Extra large |
Y
|
yd. |
Yard |
YGF |
Yellow gold filled (jewelry) |
YMMV |
Your mileage may vary |
yr. |
Year (classifieds) |
Z
|
|
|
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Based in Nova Scotia, Vangie Beal is has been writing about technology for more than a decade. She is a frequent contributor to EcommerceGuide and managing editor at Webopedia. You can tweet her online @AuroraGG.
This article was originally published on November 06, 2009