Ebay Basics and a Few Tips.

Ebay Tutorial: Getting Started

Usually, folks decide to give Ebay a try when they have stuff around the house that they want to sell.

To get started on Ebay is pretty easy. Ebay will walk you through the steps. Go HERE to get started.

You will need to set up a PayPal account to get paid, etc. Go HERE to get started with PayPal.




Read the fine print at both of those sites, and see if this is for you. Then, follow their steps to get your accounts.

When you list and sell stuff on Ebay, you will incur Ebay fees.  These fees vary.. and again, they are listed on the site.

Also, make sure you are prepared for the PayPal fees. When you use PayPal to get paid, PayPal will take a small percentage out of the payment received on your behalf.

Until April 19, Ebay will charge you a fee to list your item to sell, and then another fee based on the final sale value price of your item. They do not charge a fee for your shipping costs, currently.

This is changing, however.  After April 19, they will not charge a listing fee for up to 50 auction style listings a month, per account. But the WILL be charging a fee based on your shipping charges.
 

Every special "add on" to the listing has the potential to cause your listing fee to go up. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page where you are creating your listing to see what the current fee to list using those features is. As you add features, the cost updates and changes. Some features are free. Just add the ones you want and scroll down before you submit to see what the cost would be. I stick mainly to the basic format and have had some success keeping it simple.

Again, read the fine print and make sure this is for you.

To List:
1. Take a picture of your item. (Use your own picture. It is illegal to use a picture you don't have permission/license to use.. even if everyone else is doing it.. remember Napster?)
2. Make your listing. Upload your picture, Describe your item as completely and accurately as possible. Use full sentences.
3. Once you make sure all the details and items on the listing are finished, submit your listing. You can keep track of it in "My Ebay".
4. Answer any and all questions from potential buyers promptly.
5. When your item is sold, wait for payment confirmation and then ship the item promptly.
6. You can leave your money in PayPal and use it online to pay at different retailers. OR, you can transfer your money to your bank account.

It's that Easy!

Tips:

1. ALWAYS accurately describe your item(s). Use terms like "gently used" (GUC in a listing title) , "excellent used condition" (EUC), "new with tags" (NWT), etc.  If it is in terrible shape and you are selling it "for parts", then put that too. If there is a small hole or stain in clothing, tell that.  People will buy lots of stuff sometimes.. and they want honesty. It is important to have the best most honest listings possible so that you get positive feedback. Positive feedback from buyers is how you get "street cred." as a seller. It is what makes people want to buy from you. Negative feedback kills your ability to sell. Plus, if you have positive feedback, sometimes Ebay will give "good standing" sellers a break or discount.

2.  ALWAYS ship items promptly after payment confirmation. Again, looking for a positive feedback score here.

3. Look your item up on Ebay before you list it. Check out the competition. See what price point has bids. Look at the listings with bids closely so that you can see how they are worded and detailed so you will have an idea what to do to make your listing successful. Even look at the category they used in the listing. NEVER COPY, but get an idea of what works.

4. If you can honestly use these phrases, put them at the bottom of every listing: "My items are from a 100% smoke/pet free home.  I am usually able to ship items within one business day of payment confirmation. I love to combine shipping. If you are ordering multiple items, please wait to pay until all the auctions you are bidding on end and I can send an adjusted invoice.." etc. 

5. NEVER EVER let someone message you and talk you into selling them something outside of Ebay. It isn't safe to do it that way. And, it is against Ebay policy. You can get your account suspended if caught. You are supposed to report these folks. Instead, I just message them back a polite no thanks, OR I tell them I am willing to let them make one bid on my item and then I will "end the item early selling to highest bidder."