How to Sell Something on eBay

Here we answer the question, "How do I sell something on eBay?" 

Actually, selling on eBay is much easier than you might think, but, for first-time sellers, it can be intimidating.

Sign up for an eBay Account

First, of course, you need to create an eBay account for yourself.  This way you are able to buy as well as sell items through eBay. Just go to eBay.com and click on the link that allows you to register a new account.  You will be brought to a signup form where you answer a series of questions, such as name, address, phone number, and email address.  You will also be required to come up with an eBay screen name or sign in name, as well as an eBay password, which will be used to access your eBay account.  Once you have correctly filled out the form, you will be sent a verification email from eBay.

Once you have received eBay’s verification email and followed all of the instructions, which will help you validate your eBay account, you will be able to start using eBay right away.

Just remember that you will want to accept payment through PayPal, so you will have to establish a PayPal account as well, which is a very simple and easy process.

Decide What to Sell on eBay

This is probably the hardest task when it comes to selling on eBay.  Where do I find products to sell on eBay?  There are many sources, of course, such as products you already have on hand (collectibles, used clothing, etc.), or buying products at yard sales or thrift stores and reselling them.  You might also want to consider buying products wholesale, or using a wholesale drop shipper to find products. 

Before deciding what to sell, you should actively research what are good items to sell, and what items are too competitive.  There are many products available to help you, such as research software from Terapeak, as well as a lifetime membership to Worldwide Brands, which supplies you with research on which items are oversaturated on eBay, and which products have demand but little competition.  Yes, you do pay for both services, but if you're wanting to someday quit your day job and have a full-time eBay business, then you have to stay competitive.  And, staying competitive means top-notch research.

Once you have decided what to sell, and either have the products or a relationship with a drop shipper, you are now ready to sell your products on eBay.  You can do this by clicking on the "Sell" button on eBay, which will guide you through the steps needed to sell your product.  If you decide not to list your products for auction, but, instead, wish to open an eBay store to sell numerous products, please see our page on opening an eBay store.

Choose a Category for Your eBay Item

You need to choose a category (or categories) for your product.  eBay does provide some assistance with this, buy showing you where others have placed their products.  You can also choose to list your product in two categories at once so that it will be seen by more buyers.  Just remember, you will pay more in eBay fees for listing your product in more than one category.

Choose a Title for your eBay Listing

Remember to include as many keywords as you can in your Title.  You have a limited number of characters you are allowed to use, so don't waste valuable space with words like "LOOK" or "Must see to believe."  Your title is how most people find your auction, so make sure you have descriptive words about your item, such as brand, model number, color, etc. Use words in your title that people are likely to type into the search box.  Not very many people type in "Must see to believe." 

 Add Pictures of your eBay Item

This is where many people get nervous.  But, really, if you can upload a photo to your computer, you can upload one to the eBay site.  And, you'll want to select "Gallery Picture" for your auction, this way you'll have a little thumbnail photo to go with your Title.  Many times if there's no thumbnail photo, people won't click on your auction.

Provide a Description of your eBay Item

This is where you're trying to convince the buyer to purchase your item.  You can vary the size of your fonts, use color, use bullet points, etc. to make it interesting.  The point is to turn the lookey loo into a bidder.  Make them want your item. 

Choose the Selling Format and Your Price

Here is where you decide whether you want to sell your item through an auction or with the "Buy It Now" feature, where you have a set price. If you're just starting selling on eBay you won't be able to sell your item with the "Buy It Now" feature until you have a feedback score of at least 10.  So, until you have the prerequisite number of feedbacks, you will have to sell through the auction format.

How low you set your starting bid for the auction is up to you and the item you're selling.  Starting the bidding low can often generate enthusiasm for your item.  But, you have to be prepared that it may actually go for your low starting bid if there's only one bidder to your auction.

Some people protect their auctions from low winning bids by setting a "Reserve Price," which is the minimum you are willing to accept for your item. Just know that a reserve may turn off some potential bidders. 

Set Payment and Shipping Options for your Item

Your goal here is to sell your item, so make it easy for people to pay you.  The easiest way is to accept PayPal.  You can also accept personal checks and money orders, but be sure that the check has cleared and you have your money before mailing the buyer the item. 

As for shipping costs - you an either decide to list a flat rate for shipping your item, regardless from where the buyer resides, or you can input the size and weight of your package and let eBay calculate the shipping for you.  Yes, it can be a hassle to weigh everything, but, if your items is not something that is easily and cheaply shipped, such as a CD or book, then you really should weigh and measure ahead of time.  You don't want to charge a flat fee, then find out at the post office that the shipping costs have doubled.  That just eats into your profits, and that you don't want. 

Some eBay sellers add a dollar or two to the shipping rate as "handling charges."  This can help cover the cost of your time and materials, such as bubble wrap, boxes, etc.

After you've done all the above, you're ready to submit your listing.  It's as simple as that!

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Synonyms:  Bay, beay, eebay, eay, eaby, ebbay, eby, ebya, rbay, 3bay, 4bay, ebaay, eba, and ebayy are typos for "eBay."