How to Sell on eBay

Follow these easy steps to sell on eBay:

Become an eBay seller.

1. Become a seller by providing a valid credit card information.

   Sign up to accept PayPal (optional).

   If you want to use PayPal to accept buyers' credit card and
   electronic cheque payments online, we recommend signing up before you
   list your first item for sale. Register for PayPal.

2. Fill out the Sell Your Item form.

   The Sell Your Item form is where you
   create your eBay listing. Here are some of the sections you will be
   asked to complete.

   
   

   • Choose a selling format.

     Are you selling through eBay's standard online auction format,
     setting a fixed price, using your own eBay Store, or listing an ad in
     the Real Estate category? More about selling
     formats.

   • Select a category.

     Explore eBay categories ahead of time to help you choose the most
     appropriate category for your item. Try searching for similar items
     and see what categories have been used.

   • Write a title.

     Be clear, complete, and descriptive. Your title should include
     words buyers would search for when looking for your item. View tips on
     titles.

     
     

   • Add pictures.

     Show off your item with pictures. You can use eBay Picture
     Services, which lets you add pictures straight from the selling
     form—and offers some attention-grabbing options. Or you can
     select Self-hosting to use your own hosting service.

   • Select item specifics.

     This option is only available for certain categories. If you see
     it, fill in the details to help your item sell fast. More about
     item specifics.

   • Write an item description.

     Here's your chance to really describe and promote your item.
     Sometimes it is easier to write your description in a word authoring
     program first, and then cut and paste it into the item description
     area in the Sell Your Item Form. Be clear and complete. Be creative,
     telling the history of your item and why someone would want to buy it.
     Read how
     to write a good description.

   • Add pictures.

     Show off your item with pictures. You can use eBay Picture
     Services, which lets you add pictures straight from the selling
     form—and offers some attention-grabbing options. Or you can click Web
     Hosting to use your own hosting service.

   • Choose pricing and listing duration.

     How long do you want your listing to run? How many items are you
     selling? What will your starting price be? Would you like to use a reserve price
     or sell with Buy It
     Now? Answer these questions here.

   • Provide item location.

     Where is your item located? It’s a good idea to include the city
     and province where the item is located.

   • Increase your item's visibility.

     Explore the many listing upgrades that can help your item stand out
     from the other listings. Choose the options that are right for
     you.

   • Enter payment and shipping information.

     How will you accept payment from your buyer when your listing ends?
     eBay recommends offering PayPal--the fast, easy
     and secure way to accept credit card or chequing account payment.

     
     

     Where will you ship your item and who will pay for that cost? The
     more details you include on the Sell Your Item form, you will receive
     fewer questions from buyers and the end of your listing will be
     easier.

3. Review and submit your listing.

   Now you'll see a preview of your listing and a summary of its
   details. Look this over carefully. If you're satisfied and finished,
   submit your listing.

   Now your listing begins!

   And when your listing ends...
   

4. Communicate with your buyer.

   If you use eBay's Checkout
   service, when your buyer completes checkout, eBay will notify you by
   email. If you didn't specify shipping and payment details, the buyer can
   use checkout to request this information. You can also use checkout to
   send the buyer an invoice.
   
   If you selected not to use checkout,
   you should contact the buyer directly using email or
   phone.
   
   Important: You should contact the buyer directly if
   you have not heard from the buyer or the buyer has not completed
   Checkout within 3 days of your listing's end.

5. Receive payment.

   If the buyer paid with PayPal, you will receive an email confirming
   payment. If you have not yet registered for the PayPal service, you will
   be prompted to register to accept the payment.

6. Ship the item to the buyer.

   Pack it up well! Use bubble wrap or crumpled up newspaper to protect
   the item from damage during shipping. Make sure any parts of the item
   that are fragile are well padded and are located toward the center of
   the box if possible. You don't want damage from shipping to create
   problems for you and your buyer.

7. Leave the buyer feedback.

   eBay's feedback
   system helps create a trustworthy community for everyone. Your feedback
   about your buyer is important information for other
   sellers.

For more details, you may want to take the Audio Tour of Selling