How to Sell on eBay (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Whether you are a large company or are just looking to sell things you have at home, eBay gives you a way to reach buyers from all over the world right in their homes. It's very easy to get started, and with an incredible customer base of 181 potential buyers, you'll be able to sell items right after you put them up for auction.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Getting started on eBay

Step 1. Explore the site

To find eBay, simply use your favorite search engine and type eBay. You will find a different version of eBay in almost every country in the world, so make sure you visit the right version of the site. If you are in Italy, simply go to www.ebay.it.

• Read the eBay sellers information pages. They contain a lot of information on eBay's selling policies.

• Try eBay's search feature, and browse the classifieds. Getting familiar with eBay search will help you create better listings.

  • Try changing your search results by changing the options from the "sort" menu.
  • Pay particular attention to the ads that appear at the top of the list, and to those that receive a lot of offers.

  

  Step 2. Choose an appropriate name for your account

  You can accept eBay's proposed name, but if you want to sell it's best to find a name that appeals to buyers. Avoid offensive words or words that can detract from the value of your offers.

  • Your name must consist of at least two characters, and cannot contain symbols, except @, ',, and &. It will be displayed in lowercase letters.
  • Ebay does not allow the use of website names or email addresses as user IDs, nor does it allow the use of the word "ebay". This prevents users from posing as eBay staff or redirecting customers to other sites via the platform.
  • Don't use a trademark or other copyrighted name unless you own the rights.
  • Names like "vendospazzatura" or "latinlover69" are unprofessional and can turn buyers away. Obscene or offensive names will be blocked by eBay.
  • Since a lot of people use eBay, check that the name you want is available and find alternatives if the name you wanted is already in use.
  • You will be able to change your User ID later, but you will only be able to do it once every 30 days, and if you do, you may lose the trust of customers who have already made purchases from you.

  

  Step 3. Create an eBay account

  Go to the main page of the site and look for the "Subscribe" link at the top of the page. You will need to enter your name, a valid email address, and choose a password. You will be prompted to choose a username after doing so.

  • Ebay will send an email to the address you entered. Follow the instructions in the message to validate your account.
  • If you have an existing business, you can create a business account. On the registration page, click on the link at the top "Open a business account". You will be prompted to enter your business name and additional contact information.

  

  Step 4. Choose a payment method

  Ebay offers many payment options for buying and selling, but the most used is undoubtedly Paypal. Create a Paypal account by following the links on the eBay website, or otherwise visit www.paypal.it.

  • A good strategy is to start with Paypal, then expand your payment options when you're more familiar with selling, or if buyers request other payment methods.
  • You will need to enter your bank account information, so prepare it.
  • Ebay also accepts ProPay, Skrill, credit or debit cards through a merchant account, cash on delivery and postpay.
  • You may want to research the other options, and find the best one for you. Check eBay's accepted payment policies to find out what's allowed.

  

  Step 5. Improve your reputation by buying some small items

  Ebay maintains a safe trading environment by encouraging buyers and sellers to leave feedback (comments) on transactions. Buyers rate sellers' positive feedback rate, and buying some items is the fastest way to add positive ratings to your profile.

  • Try to buy small items you want or need and pay right away to get good feedback as a buyer. Don't worry about buying things you can resell. The important thing is to build a reputation as a respectable member of the eBay community.
  • Potential buyers who see a new seller without feedback may think you are a scammer, and may decide not to shop from you.

  

  Step 6. Create your profile page

  It is not necessary to have a very elaborate profile if you want to sell only small items, but adding an image and some information can reassure buyers of your legitimacy as a seller.

  • To sell more expensive items, adding more information about yourself is more important, especially if you are a new seller.
  • People read this information and try to find out as much as possible about you, so you have the opportunity to explain your credentials, for example as a collector, dealer, someone skilled in a particular field, etc.

  Part 2 of 5: Deciding What to Sell

  

  Step 1. Sell what you know

  Ebay has started to attract enthusiasts and collectors and continues to be a great platform to showcase your items. If you are good at finding bargains or rare items in a particular category, try specializing in the items you are well versed in.

  

  Step 2. Learn what you can't sell

  Of course, illegal and dangerous items such as human parts, drugs, live animals and illicit services are not allowed. There are other narrow categories, such as "adults only". Check eBay's policies on banned and restricted items to avoid permanent suspension or banning of your account.

  

  Step 3. Minimize your risk by selling things you already own, or by starting small

  If you don't know what to sell, it's risky to create inventory without completing transactions first. Try auctioning off small items to understand what it sells and the logistical operations you will need to carry out.

  • You can start by selling items in your home that you no longer use, or by purchasing items that you can return or keep for yourself.
  • It is important to experiment before overloading the inventory. You may not be able to sell your items at a price high enough to make a profit, or you may find yourself with too much inventory that you are unable to sell.
  • If you already have an inventory thanks to your business or collections, you are ready! Making some sales can help you figure out the best approach to selling your items on eBay.

  

  Step 4. Consider how you will get the items

  Often, what you sell will depend on what you can find. It can take time and effort to find items for eBay, so it's important to choose a method that you like and feel comfortable with.

  • You can find many bargains on eBay itself. Some people are looking for cheap, poorly presented, or incorrectly titled items.
  • If you like flea or flea markets, these are great ways to get started. Just remember that you usually won't be able to return what you buy, so you may end up with items you can't sell.
  • Sales, outlets and wholesalers are great places to find bargains, and often give you the option of getting a refund if you decide to return the items you bought.

  

  Step 5. Consider the time it will take to create the ad

  Remember, you will need to take photos, write descriptions, and understand how to ship all the items you will sell. This takes time, so it's more efficient to sell similar items, and items that are easy to photograph and describe.

  • Look for items in bulk, or with similar characteristics. This way you can create ad templates, or just create a single ad for multiple items.
  • Look for objects that are easy to describe and photograph. Popular objects often don't need a lot of descriptions, because people will already know what it is from just a glance.
  • Look for items that you can easily ship the same way, so you can pack them quickly and get discounts on shipping materials.

  

  Step 6. Consider shipping and warehouse logistics

  Bulky and heavy items can be difficult to make a profit because shipping is expensive and takes up a lot of space.

  • Buyers value the total cost of the item, including shipping costs, so you'll always need to consider this when trying to figure out if you can sell an item at a reasonable price.
  • The clutter of objects is an important aspect. Working from home can help you cut costs, but if your inventory starts to take up a lot of space, your quality of life will suffer. Do you have room for your products and space to pack and store purchased items?

  

  Step 7. Consider how quickly you can move your inventory and how long you are willing to wait

  Fashions pass quickly and you may find yourself with a lot of stock. In the case of rare items, you may have to wait for a collector or other interested buyer to show up.

  

  Step 8. Find out what's in fashion

  Of course, the more popular an item is, the more users will search for it and bid for it. Figuring out which items will be most in demand will require some insight, and often the most successful sellers are those with the insight into what will sell. However, Ebay offers you some tools to understand what is popular.

  • Visit the eBay trending items page. Items you'll often find in this section include designer clothes, electronics, jewelry, fashion accessories, and football shirts.

  • Look at the finished ads. This allows you to see how many units of a particular item came in, when they were sold and at what price. If you have the eBay application on your mobile device, it can be particularly useful to consult it if you are at a flea market and don't know whether to buy something.

    • Type your search in the eBay search bar, then check the "sold auctions" and "completed auctions" boxes in the "show only" section of the left menu.
    • In the mobile app, enter your search terms, then press "Refine". Check the boxes for "auctions completed" and "items sold only" under "refinement options".
  • You can use services offered specifically for vendor searches such as Terapeak or Vendio, but these are paid solutions. Popsike.com is a site that offers this service for free but only in the music industry.
  • Keep in mind that if something is popular, there will be many sellers who will compete with you. It can be difficult to sell in an already saturated category, because your auctions are very likely to be lost in the large number of search results, and prices are already so low that you won't be able to make a profit if you sell a few items.

  Part 3 of 5: Create Ads That Sell

  

  Step 1. Do some market research

  Search eBay for items you would like to sell and read auctions, especially completed auctions that have been sold for a good price, or active auctions that attract a lot of bids.

  • Consider what types of information or images you found most useful as a potential buyer - you can use these details to improve your ads.
  • Consider what tells you that a seller is trustworthy and try to adopt the same strategies for your auctions and profile.

  

  Step 2. Log in and go to "Sell" in "My eBay" or at the top of the main page

  

  Step 3. Enter a title for your ad

  The title is the first thing buyers will notice. A good headline needs to give potential customers enough information to figure out if the auction is worth reading and attracting people looking for your items.

  • Include all relevant words and write them correctly. A title that doesn't contain enough information will attract far fewer potential buyers; as a result, the items in that ad will either remain unsold or receive few offers.
  • Use relevant words. Avoid words like "spectacular" or "excellent". You have little space available, so use it for words that are actually searched by users (no one will search for "WONDERFUL !!! on eBay).
  • Include alternate written versions of the words if you have space. For example, if you are selling an iPod, enter "MP3 player" in the title. However, eBay's search should automatically consider these variants; in some cases it will also check the category names in addition to the auction title. Do a search on a specific term and read the auction titles that appear.

  

  Step 4. Take a nice picture of your object

  Photographs that clearly illustrate an object can make a difference; poor photographs can actually turn consumers away. Get a cheap digital camera or camera phone and you don't already have them; you will need to include at least one photograph with your ad, and submitting more than one photo can undoubtedly increase the credibility of your auction.

  • Use good lighting. If possible, don't use the flash and use natural light; go outside, or take a picture near a window.
  • Rotate or crop images to enhance them, and use an image editing program or eBay's editing tool to enhance the look of the photos.
  • Take as many photos as the buyers will need, and then take more. Take photos from every angle.
  • Take photos of unusual features, flaws, and so on. The certainties you will give to buyers will be a fruitful investment of time. Of course, for some objects a photo will be enough; use common sense.
  • Don't use a distracting or dirty background, and clean the area where you take the photo. You can use a plain white sheet of paper to get a nice neutral background for small items.
  • Do not copy photos from other ads or that you found on the internet. In addition to being a dishonest and fraudulent practice, you will almost always commit a copyright infringement; almost all content on the internet and in other media is protected by copyright, whether indicated or not.

  

  Step 5. Enter a description of your object

  Include all relevant information. You will need to enter information about the manufacturer, compatibility (for items designed to work with something else), dimensions, weight, colors, conditions, and more.

  • If you are wrong, add too much information and not too little. A buyer may ignore information they don't need, but will likely decide not to buy if they can't find the information they want. The additional information can also make your ads more visible.
  • Put the most important information at the beginning of the announcement.
  • Use a simple design if you need to create one for your ad. Some sellers fill their auctions with irrelevant elements that make them difficult to read. Let the images and text speak for themselves.
  • Choose fonts that are fairly large and easy to read, and don't go overboard with animations, contrasting colors, and other distractions. Remember that some buyers do not see well and prefer large fonts. Think of "large print books" as an example for text size.
  • Clearly describe the defects of your items. Buyers will find out anyway, so let them decide if they are significant issues or not. Clearly describing the objects of a defect will help you gain credibility in the eyes of buyers.

  

  Step 6. Choose a sales format

  You can choose the most convenient one for you and the best one for the item.

  • Online auction. Auctions last 1-10 days, and can in some cases allow you to get a higher price for your item, as they encourage buyers to compete, who will often seek to buy the joy of victory as well as the item itself.

    • This method is useful when you have something highly coveted and competitive to sell, such as a rare collector's item.
    • The auction format is also useful when you are unsure of an item's selling price, and can help you determine the price of similar items in the future.

  • Buy Now auctions offer items at a fixed price. They allow the buyer to buy something and receive it immediately, instead of waiting for the auction to end.

    • This method is suitable for people who often shop or make them on impulse, or for items where supply exceeds demand and want to offer a competitive price.
    • Items that people need right away are likely not going to attract many bids at an auction.

    

    Step 7. Choose a price based on how much you paid for the item, the time you spent on the auction, eBay fees, and the shipping cost

    Remember that when a customer buys your item or an auction ends, a binding agreement is entered into to sell, and it is difficult to complete the transaction otherwise unless both parties agree to cancel.

    • It is possible to change the price at any time for fixed price items, or do it before the first bid for auctions.
    • Lower auction bases will attract more bidders and create interest in your item, and could lead to a higher selling price. However, if an item doesn't generate enough interest or isn't visible, you could get a very low final sale price.
    • You have the option of setting a "reserve" price for your item and a lower auction base, but eBay charges a higher cost for this service and some buyers find it annoying.
    • Don't ask too much for shipping costs. While it is useful in some cases to slightly increase the shipping costs in order to offer the item at a lower price and take into account the labor and materials, most buyers will be discouraged by too high shipping costs.
    • Pay attention to the invoices sent to you by eBay and pay them on time. You will have to pay commission and other expenses over time to be able to run the ads, and you will have to pay fully and promptly to be able to continue selling your items. Even if the expenses may seem too high, consider them a part of the operating expenses and you will soon remember that you will have to consider them in the price of the products.

    

    Step 8. Choose when to start and end an auction

    Auctions end 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days after they start. The time an auction ends and its duration are factors that can determine its success. By creating auctions that end in the rush hour of site traffic, you can often get a higher selling price.

    • Auctions ending on Sunday, Monday and weekends have a tendency to receive more traffic, thereby increasing the likelihood of better prices.
    • Many items are seasonal, and therefore there are better times of the year to sell them. For example, it will be easier to sell swimsuits in the summer and skis in the winter.
    • You can check eBay's promotions for some categories at pages.ebay.com/sell/resources.html. Take advantage of these opportunities and plan your sales at the right times.

    

    Step 9. Keep a friendly tone

    Many salespeople seem to try to intimidate potential customers; they seem to think it is essential to leave many pages of threats (always written in large, colorful fonts) for non-paying bidders and so on. Do not do it! You would never shop in a store where the owner watches your every move and you wouldn't buy anything in a store where a salesperson complains about customers. On the internet it is no different; potential buyers will be offended if you treat them as potential thieves or scammers; believe in the good faith of customers.

    • If you need to add information about your policies, be sure to do so briefly.
    • Offer a return policy. This will allow you to get discounts from eBay, and to receive more purchase offers. Very few buyers return their purchases, so you will likely make more profits by making customers feel safe than the money you will lose on returns.
    • Answer buyers' questions during the auction. Do it quickly, and always in a patient, clear, professional and friendly way. Buyers get annoyed when they see unanswered questions, and this has a direct impact on your credibility, so answer without hesitation.

    

    Step 10. Double check everything before saving the announcement Before pressing "Confirm" on the summary page, double check everything

    Until you press Confirm the auction will not be active. Once you press the button, you will receive a confirmation email that your product has been placed on eBay.

    • Check your spelling. Correct language does not negatively impact your ad like other aspects covered in this article, but it does its part. Using capitalization and punctuation correctly will allow you to create an ad that is much easier to read.
    • Correct mistakes. You can continue correcting errors in your auction until the first bid is made.

    Part 4 of 5: Complete the Transaction

    

    Step 1. Observe the auction

    You will be able to get an idea of the interest in it by looking at the view counter and if few people are interested, you may need to modify the auction to make it more attractive to users who use the site. Learn by observing what works and what doesn't, and making the necessary changes.]

    • End an auction if necessary. You have the option to end an auction 12 hours before its natural expiration. You should use this option very rarely though, because those who were following it could wait until the last moment to make offers and could be disappointed if it happens often. Use it only in exceptional circumstances, such as in the case of lost, broken or stolen items..
    • Lower the reserve price. Before the last 12 hours of an auction, it is possible to lower the reserve price if you find that you are not receiving any bids.
    • Keep an eye on the buyers. It is possible to block buyers who, for example, cannot pay with Paypal, buyers who are in countries where you do not ship and buyers with few feedbacks or negative evaluations. You will also be able to create an Approved Buyers list which will automatically allow some buyers to bid.

    

    Step 2. Prepare to sell an item

    When you receive the sales message of an item, quickly send the payment request to the buyer if you have not received any money after a few hours.

    

    Step 3. Leave your feedback

    Always leave feedback when a buyer has fulfilled their part of the agreement. Leaving feedback at the time of shipment will improve the reputation of both parties and if everything is done right, you shouldn't take any chances.

    It is not rude to politely ask buyers to leave feedback if they have the time and willingness to do so. Do it only once though and don't be pushy

    

    Step 4. Pack your items neatly and securely

    If an object is fragile, improper packaging can cause it to break and result in customer dissatisfaction! Conversely, good packaging can improve the buyer's opinion. Remember the expenses you incurred for shipping to decide on a reasonable price to include as shipping costs.

    

    Step 5. If you are dissatisfied with a buyer or other seller, contact them and discuss the problem promptly and politely

    Use negative feedback as a last resort if you couldn't resolve a problem.

    • Always try to negotiate, as it's hard to override negative feedback if you've made some mistake. Remember that you can never know if a buyer has not sent the payment due to a real force majeure.
    • Be careful when submitting feedback. You may be sued if you post slander on the feedback page, so remember that you are responsible for your comments. Write honest and professional comments, and above all, don't write childish and angry sentences.
    • Negative feedback creates mistrust in buyers and creates doubts in sellers. Comfort negative feedback with specific facts. Don't cry wolf.
    • Help keep the feedback system honest by writing only sincere comments and avoiding the "exchange" of positive feedback. A seller should leave positive feedback if the buyer pays quickly. A buyer should leave positive feedback if the item arrives in a reasonable time and is exactly as described. A seller who expects positive feedback from the buyer is in effect exchanging the feedbacks. These practices reduce the value of the feedback system.

    Part 5 of 5: Promote Your Ads

    

    Step 1. If you are selling original art or handmade products of any kind, join the eBay groups for your products

    Collectors enter these groups with the same frequency as artists, and many artists are also buyers. Some enthusiasts sell items to finance their purchases. Read the discussions, be pleasant and friendly, do not engage in arguments and compliment the artists you appreciate. This is a great way to find new friends and get involved in a thriving niche community.

    

    Step 2. Use the power of social networks to promote your ads

    Create a blog about your ads, for example, particularly if you are an artist or craftsman. Share articles on Facebook and Twitter.

    

    Step 3. Include shipping costs in the total price or minimum offer

    People prefer auctions with low or free shipping costs. If you offer free shipping, make sure the public knows.

    

    Step 4. Sell inexpensive items to get lots of feedback

    Your score is a very important aspect of selling and buying on eBay. Buyers who have to decide between two nearly identical auctions will often choose the auction from the seller with the highest score. Improving your score is therefore very important.

    

    Step 5. Consider becoming a Power Seller on eBay

    You can't apply to become one, but eBay will be more likely to make your status so if:

    • You often make a minimum number of sales per month (check eBay's requirements, which change over time and according to your region).
    • Maintain the minimum number of sales for at least three consecutive months.
    • You have positive feedback.

    

    Step 6. Check the eBay Sellers Unite blog until this status is given to you

    You will find it at: powersellersblog.com. You'll find some great sales advice.

    

    Step 7. Consider opening a shop on eBay

    This possibility could be useful if you want people to be able to search for you thanks to your personal URL on search engines, if you want to group together the items you sell in unique categories created by you and if you want to create a very interesting profile for your regular customers.

    • You will have benefits such as long term "buy now" and low spend ads, but they will not appear in the normal search results, but only in your shop.
    • You will have to pay a monthly fee for your shop, and you will need to consider this expense when selling your items. For a novice seller, it is a good idea to start without using this solution and evaluate over time if it is right for you.

    

    Step 8. Finished

    Advice

    Whether you are at the beginning or already at an advanced level, do not forget that there are no real secrets to being successful. The reality is that you will have to find out for yourself how to achieve maximum success for your products. Rely on your common sense and your observation and research skills. Also, you need to be able to communicate and build a friendly relationship with customers.

    Take advantage of free sales trainings. There are dozens of books that explain how to sell on eBay

    Warnings

    • Don't sell illegal items. If you do, you will risk serious consequences.
    • An eBay sale is a real contract. If you make a commitment to sell something through an auction, then you cannot change your mind if a price high enough for your standards is not reached. It's possible go at a loss if you auction an item at a price below the break even price and few people will bid.
    • Be careful if you sell overseas. For most of the items there will be no problems and you can increase the clientele. However, remember that an item that is legal in your country may be illegal elsewhere.
    • Do not accept offers or payments outside of eBay. This goes against the site's policies and will not allow you to appeal if the sale fails.