The 2,000 character limit
Most sellers and tools work to a 2,000 character limit for the description field. Uploads that break a field limit fail with an error in the processing report and the product is not added to the catalog, so it is better to trim before you upload than to find out afterward.
Not verified on an official page: Amazon's public error code page uses a 1,000 character description as an example of an over limit error, while Seller Central forms and most current guides use 2,000. Limits can vary by category and product type template. If an upload fails, check the limit shown in your category template.
Formatting rules
- Plain text only. Amazon stopped rendering HTML such as bold and lists in descriptions. Line breaks are the exception.
- No links or contact details. No websites, emails or phone numbers.
- No pricing or promotions. Skip sale, free shipping and discount wording.
- No guarantee claims such as money back or full refund.
What a good description covers
- What the product is and who it is for, in the first sentence.
- How it is used, with a real scenario.
- What is in the box, sizes and care instructions.
- Details that answer common questions and reduce returns.
If you are brand registered, A+ content usually replaces the plain description on the page, but the text description is still worth filling in. Pair this with the bullet point checker and the listing analyzer.