How to Sell on eBay for Beginners

• How to sell on eBay for Beginners walks beginners through the steps needed to set up and sell on eBay: from creating an account to making the best possible listing. Use this guide to learn and you'll be on your way to successfully selling on eBay!

  
  eBay.com is the world's largest online auction, where members can buy and sell a variety of goods and services worldwide. The majority of eBay transactions take place through auction style sales, where the seller places the item up for auction for a set period of time, and lists the starting price, or lowest price they are willing to sell the item for.http://www.cs.brandeis.edu/~magnus/ief248a/eBay/history.html⁷
  
  There are a number of factors that go into eBay sales, including: product descriptions, photos, pricing, categories, formatting, and payment methods. This can be overwhelming for the new seller, but a guide can ensure that not only is the seller's item successfully listed, but that all eBay rules and regulations are followed. Read on so you can get the most out of selling on eBay!
  

   

   

  Step 1: Create an eBay Account

  • To sell anything on eBay, you must be a registered user. If you are already registered on eBay and have a seller's account, feel free to move to the next step. If you do not have an account on eBay, please create one using the steps below.

  1. On eBay's first page, choose the blue "register" link in the upper lefthand corner. http://www.ebay.com⁸
     • eBay: Become a registered eBay user today.https://scgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?RegisterEnterInfo⁹
  2. On the Registration page, fill in your personal information.
     • Choose an email address that you check regularly, as any eBay alerts or questions from buyers will go to that inbox.
  3. Choose a username and password.
     • To protect your privacy, do not choose a username that reveals too much personal information. For example, do not use your email address or first and last names.http://www.ehow.com/how_2020049_protect-information-ebay.html¹⁰
  4. Make sure to read through the terms of service, then check the box if you agree to them.
  5. Click continue.
  6. eBay will send a confirmation email to the address you provided.
  7. When this email arrives, open it and click on the link "Activate Your eBay Membership."

• Create a Payment Account

  1. Sellers registering after January 17, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or credit card payment options.http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/payment-method-accepted.html¹¹
  2. The easiest and most secure option is to set up a PayPal account. PayPal payments offer an extra layer of protection for buyers and sellers alike, as well as some free auction tools for eBay sellers.https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/cps/securitycenter/sell/SecurityForSellers-outside¹² https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_auction-outside¹³
     • To accept credit cards without PayPal you need to set up a merchant account. Depending on what types of cards you accept, your credit, and where you set up your account fees can vary, but they are usually higher than PayPal.http://www.allbusiness.com/sales/internet-e-commerce/3930-2.html¹⁴
  3. To set up your first PayPal account:
     • Go to PayPal registration.https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_registration-run¹⁵
     • Choose a Personal account, Premier account (for casual eBay sellers) or Business account (for larger amounts of sales and transactions).
     • PayPal's transaction fees overview explains the fees you will owe, based on your volume of sales.https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_display-receiving-fees-outside¹⁶
     • If you are unsure what type of account to choose, don't worry! You can upgrade at any time.https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f941d8253416939c6057d1d6643efcf2a952aa5c6469cbd13¹⁷
  4. Or, if you prefer, you can sign up for PayPal as you create your first listing.

  • • For more information on using PayPal, visit Mahalo's How to Use PayPal: Basics and Beyond Guide

• Create an eBay Seller's Account

  1. If this is your first listing, you will need to verify your identity by submitting a credit or debit card number before you can offer your item on eBay. You may also need to submit a checking account number.
  2. You will also need to select a method for paying your eBay selling fees. You have multiple options, including:
     • PayPal: You can make a one-time payment or have the fees automatically deducted from your PayPal account.
     • Credit card: eBay will keep a card on file and automatically charge your account each month.
     • Direct Pay: eBay will automatically deduct your fees from your checking account (only for sales in U.S. dollars and U.S. accounts).
     • Check: An option only available for business retailers.
  3. If you prefer, you can register for your seller's account as you create your first listing.http://pages.ebay.com/help/account/payfees.html¹⁸

• Step 2: Before You Sell on eBay

  • Naturally you want to create your listing right away, but there are a few key things to consider before doing so. Looking at these steps first can save you time and money as well as frustration.