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Sell an Item - Getting Started

Whether you're starting a business or just want to make some extra cash, selling on eBay is a fun way to do it. Here's how to get started.

1. Set up a seller's account
To create a seller’s account, you need to:
  • Provide us with a valid credit card, debit card, or bank account information.

  • Let us know how you'd like to pay your seller's fees.

  • Choose the payment methods you'll accept.

  • Make sure your Feedback Profile is public.

  • Educate yourself about eBay policies on prohibited and restricted items. Read the rules for listing and completing the sale at Knowing the Rules for Sellers.

2. List your items
  • Research listing formats: Depending on your item category and which listing form you use, you can choose from several listing options. You can sell your item in an auction or fixed price listing. Compare your item with active and completed listings on eBay to help you determine a starting price, listing format, and category, so you can list accurately and get the best price for your item.

  • Use multi-quantity listings for items with variations: If you sell multiple versions of a product – like a T-shirt in various colours and sizes – you can list all the variations in one multi-quantity, fixed price listing by listing with variations.

  • Use product details: If you're selling an item associated with a product that's in our catalogue, you can add product details to your listing description. For example: your can prefill the ISBN number for a book, or the title and UPC number for a CD.

  • Choose upgrades: Listing upgrades such as highlighting, font, picture enhancements, and promotion boxes make your item stand out. You can even donate a portion of your sale, or all of it, to a charity of your choice.

  • Specify postage: Buyers feel more compelled to bid and buy when they know the postage charges beforehand. Consider packaging and weighing your item so you can use calculated postage. If this is your first time selling an item, you might be required to specify postage. Visit the eBay postage Center to see more ways to optimize your postage options.

3. Use My eBay to set preferences and track sales
Use the sell tab in My eBay to:
  • Check on your active listings.

  • Set notification preferences to let us 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 about how buyers can contact you.

Be sure to answer any questions you receive about your listing. Communicating with potential buyers will help you sell your item by establishing good rapport and trust. When buyers give you positive Feedback, you become a stronger seller on eBay.
Read more about the listing process and options in Creating a Listing.
To change anything in your listing, see Changing your listing.
4. Finalise the sale
How you handle these last steps will also go a long way toward your personal satisfaction and getting great Feedback from your buyer.
  1. Communicate with your buyer: When you use eBay checkout and your buyer completes checkout, you’ll be notified by email.

    • If you didn't specify postage and payment details in your listing, the buyer can use Checkout to request this information.

    • You can use Checkout to send the buyer an invoice.

    • If you didn't use Checkout, contact the buyer directly by email or phone if you haven’t heard from them within three days of your listing’s end.

  2. Receive payment: Be sure you receive payment before you ship your item. Make sure that the credit card or electronic payment has been accepted and credited to your account before sending the item.

  3. Post the item to the buyer safely and on time:

  4. 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.

Contact Customer Support

If you're looking for more help or have a question to ask, contact us.

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