Sell an item - Getting started

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Sell an item - Getting started


	1. Research your item and the rules of selling 2. Set up your Q&A 3. Create your listing 4. Create a seller account, if you don't have one already 5. Manage your listing 6. Wrap up with your buyer

Whether you're starting a business or just want to make some extra cash, selling on eBay is a fun way to do it. You can set up a seller account in advance, or when you list your first item.

To create a listing, just click Sell at the top of most eBay pages. But there's a couple of things you might like to do first to help your chances of a sale.

Here's how to get started:

1.	Research your item and the rules of selling Before you start selling, it's a good idea to do some research, especially about setting a starting price, listing format, and category. This will help you create a good listing and get the best price for your item. Compare your item with active and completed listings on eBay based on category, format, and selling price. Selecting a category explains how to search for and select a category. Selecting a selling format tells you more about format choices. Buyers feel more compelled to bid and buy when they know the postage costs beforehand. Package, weigh, and measure your item so you can work out postage. Visit the eBay Postage Centre to learn more about posting your items. Learn about eBay policies on prohibited and restricted items, as well as what items are accepted or prohibited when listing and completing the sale at Knowing the rules for sellers.
2.	Set up your Q&A Buyers often have questions before, during, and after a sale. When they do, they click the Ask a question link in your listing. As a seller, it's important for you to respond quickly and thoroughly. This keeps the buyer interested in your listing, saves you time, and you'll be more likely to get positive Feedback when the transaction is complete. Your Q&A can be made up of answers generated automatically from your listing, answers you create yourself, and stock answers about eBay policies. Up until the end of the listing, you also have the option of whether buyers can contact you directly. Learn more about answering buyers' questions.
3.	Create your listing Click Sell at the top of most eBay pages to start creating your listing. Depending on your item category and which listing form you use, you'll have a variety of listing options. If you're selling an item associated with a product that's in our catalogue, you can add product details from our catalogues to your listing. You can create an auction-style or a fixed price listing. Listing upgrades such as highlighting, font, and picture enhancements make your item stand out. You can even donate a portion of your sale - or all of it - to a charity of your choice. To learn more about the listing process and options, see Creating a listing. Or, just start selling. Insertion and final value fees apply to most listings.
4.	Create a seller account, if you don't have one already To become a seller, you just need to: Confirm your phone number (on eBay.co.uk) or verify your identity (on eBay.ie). Specify an automatic payment method for paying your seller fees and eBay Buyer Protection reimbursements. Make sure your Feedback Profile is public. We also recommend you: Select the payment methods you'll accept from buyers. Get PayPal Verified. Set up a seller account now
5.	Manage your listing Once you've got your listing up and running, you can check it to see how bidding is going. You do this from the Sell section of My eBay, which comes up when you sign into your eBay account. You can also: Set communication preferences to let eBay know how and when you want to receive alerts or notifications. Set seller preferences about picture hosting, receiving payments, postage, and more. Set member-to-member communication preferences to say how buyers can connect with you. Set general preferences for searches, My eBay preferences, and more. If you want to change anything in your listing, see Changing your listing. Make sure you answer any questions you receive about your listing. This will help you sell your item by establishing good rapport with potential buyers. When buyers give you positive Feedback , you become a stronger seller on eBay. And when your listing ends . . .
6.	Wrap up with your buyer Here too, how you handle these last steps will go a long way toward your personal satisfaction and getting great Feedback from your buyer. Communicate with your buyer - When your buyer completes checkout, you’ll be notified by email. If you don't specify postage and payment details in your listing, the buyer can request this information during checkout. If you have disabled checkout, you can contact the buyer directly by email or phone. Important: Contact your buyer directly if you haven't heard from your buyer within 3 days of your listing's end. Receive payment - Be sure you receive payment before you post your item. Make sure that the credit card or electronic payment has been accepted and credited to your account before sending the item. If you listed in one of the categories that allows you to accept cheques, make sure the cheque has cleared the bank before delivering the item. Post the item to the buyer - Pack it well! Use bubble wrap or crumpled up newspaper to protect the item from transit damage. Make sure any fragile parts of the item are well padded and located toward the centre of the box if possible. Read more tips for packaging your item. Leave the buyer Feedback - Our Feedback system helps create a trustworthy community for everyone. Your Feedback about your buyer is important information for other sellers.

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