Become An eBay Seller

How To Get Started Selling On eBay

Its surprisingly simple to become an eBay seller. To get started posting your very first auction on eBay, here's five tips on what you need to do:

Step 1: Open an eBay sellers account. If you've bought things on eBay, then you already have an account just log in with it and click Sell in the toolbar at the top of the page, then click Create a sellers account.

If you've never used eBay before, then you'll need to open an account first using the register link underneath the toolbar, and then click Sell and Create a sellers account. The eBay site will then guide you through the process. For security, this may involve giving card details and bank information.

Step 2: Decide what to sell. For your first little experiment with eBay, it doesn't really matter what you sell. Take a look around the room you're in. I'm sure there's something in there that you're not all that attached to and could put in the post. Small books and CDs are ideal first items.

Step 3: Submit your item. Click Sell, and you're on your way to listing your item. The first thing you need to do is choose a category its best to just type in what the item is and let eBay choose for you.

Next, write a title and description. Include key words you think people will search for in the title box, and all the information you have about the item in the description box.

Now set a starting price. $0.01 is the best starting price, as it draws people in to bid who otherwise wouldn't, and items will almost never finish at such a low price.

The next thing to set is the duration of the auction: 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. This is up to you: longer sales will usually get more bids, but will also seem to drag on forever.

If you've taken a picture, add it now items with pictures always sell for more. Finally, tick the payment methods you will accept (just PayPal is best for now), and where you will post to (limit yourself to your own country to begin with). Submit and you're done!

Step 4: Wait for it to sell. This is just a matter of sitting back and letting eBay do its thing buyers will find your item and leave bids on it.

Some bidders might email you with questions about the item, and you should do your best to answer these questions as quickly as you can. Remember that if your item doesn't sell then you can list it again for free.

Step 5: Collect payment and post it. eBay will sent your buyer emails guiding them through the process of sending you payment for the item. Make sure you have the money before you send anything.

Once you've got the payment, all you need to do is pack the item for posting (make sure to use some bubble wrap), take the buyers address from the confirmation email eBay sent you, and write it on the parcel. Put some stamps on, post it, and you're done! I hope you enjoyed selling your first item.

Now that you're starting to get into it, the next article will give you a checklist of things you need to do to be a successful seller.

Now that you've learned something about this topic, maybe you want more information or need greater detail about certain specific issues.

I encourage you to explore this site, read a few more articles on related topics, and get even greater insight into the subject.

And if there's any way I can help you, please write. We welcome feedback and thrive on your support.

About the Author

James Mahony is the founder of Online Auction Handbook - Learn How to Make Money on eBay.

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