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Attention eBay enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs! Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful online selling? If you've ever wondered how to turn your unused items into a thriving business or dreamed of reaching a global customer base, look no further. Welcome to the ultimate guide on "How to Sell on eBay" – your ticket to unlocking the potential of one of the world's largest online marketplaces.
Imagine the possibilities: from that dusty guitar hiding in your attic to those vintage clothes that no longer fit your style, eBay offers a platform where treasures can find new owners and entrepreneurs can build empires. With over 183 million active buyers worldwide, eBay provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your products to a diverse audience, turning your passion into profit.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step of the selling process, providing you with invaluable tips and strategies to maximize your success. You'll learn how to create compelling listings that attract buyers like magnets, navigate the intricacies of pricing and shipping, and even discover advanced techniques to boost your sales and build a stellar reputation. Whether you're a seasoned eBay seller looking to level up or a complete beginner taking your first steps into the world of e-commerce, we've got you covered.
Prepare to uncover the secrets of crafting irresistible product descriptions, capturing eye-catching product photos, and leveraging eBay's powerful tools to optimize your listings for maximum visibility. We'll also delve into the art of effective customer communication, exploring ways to provide exceptional service and foster long-term relationships with your buyers.
But wait, there's more! We'll guide you through the ins and outs of managing your eBay store, from inventory management and order fulfillment to handling returns and resolving customer concerns. As we dive deeper into the eBay ecosystem, you'll discover advanced selling techniques, explore marketing strategies to drive traffic to your listings, and learn how to outshine the competition.
Table of Contents
What is eBay and how does it work?
eBay is one of the first companies to come up with an online shopping site. This eCommerce platform connects buyers with sellers. On eBay, a seller can offer physical products as well as services.
Now you’ll want to pay attention. Here’s how eBay works.
- A seller will list a product on eBay, and indicate whether he/she wants to accept only auctions (highest bidder)
- The seller can also choose to allow a buyer to buy the product immediately at a fixed price. In a situation like this, the first buyer to agree with the price and place an order will get the product.
- In an eBay auction, the bidding will start from a base price that the seller has set. For a few days, the bidding will be active and interested buyers can bid on the product.
After the bidding ends, the buyer with the highest bid will be sold the product.
How to create an eBay seller account and start selling to customers
- From a web browser, visit eBay’s main page and locate the “sign in” button positioned close to the top of the page.
- Input your full name and a valid email address
- Set a unique password for your eBay seller account. This password must be within 6 to 64 characters and have at least one letter and one symbol.
- Set a professional username that is related to your business or the type of item you want to sell.
- A confirmation code will be sent to the email address you provided. Input the code to proceed with your eBay seller account creation.
- On the next page, click on “Start a Business Account.” You will be required to provide your business name and some contact details.
Welcome to eBay!
What is an eBay Store?
After creating an eBay seller account, you can also create an eBay store. Although it’s optional, it’s a wise option if you have a large stock that you want to sell at a professional level.
Although an eBay store will cost sellers a subscription fee which must be paid every month, they will be able to make more money by selling more on eBay.
This is made possible by creating a more branded and customized shopping experience for your potential customers.
eBay provides 5 eBay store subscription plans that sellers can select from. Whenever you subscribe to an eBay store, you are eligible to receive certain discounts on eBay selling fees.
Mind you, the value will depend on which of the 5 subscription plans you purchase.
How to list your products and sell on eBay
1. Start listing
Log in to your eBay seller center and navigate to “Sell”. This is accessible from “My eBay” and also through the Main Page.
2. Title
Give your listing a title. Note that your product title is the first thing that customers will notice. A good title will also give them some insight into what your product is about, and whether or not it’s worth their time.
3. Images
All sellers on eBay must include a minimum of one image with their listing. But it shouldn’t end there.
You should upload as many images as you can, as having multiple pictures on your listing will make you look more professional to customers.
eBay allows sellers to upload up to 12 images per listing.
Here’s how to go about it. If your phone camera is not sharp enough, use a friend’s phone or borrow a digital camera. If you can afford one, then don’t hesitate to buy one.
Images with poor quality will make your potential buyers lose interest. A crisp-looking picture in high resolution will make your listing look as perfect as it can be.
4. Description
On the next page, provide a description of your listing. Include as much relevant information as you can.
You should describe things like the manufacturing company, the model, compatibility, size, weight, color, shortcomings (if it’s a used product), measurements, and many more.
5. Choose a selling format
When you’re done with everything, the next step is to select the selling format that you prefer, or think is best for your product.
You can choose to sell at a fixed price, and the first customer to place an order will get it. You can also choose to auction it.
Read Also: Best Free Online Shops In Nigeria
How do auctions work on eBay?
Sellers can choose to auction a particular listing. eBay auctions range between 1 to 10 days. Note that an eBay auction has its pros and cons.
If the highest bidder bids less than the original selling price of that product, it will be a loss for you. On the other hand, the highest bidder may even bid a price that’s 5 times more than the selling price.
You can set the number of days you want the auction to last. On the last day, you must sell to the buyer with the highest bid.
How to deliver your product to customers on eBay
As a seller on eBay, you can choose to ship your products to your buyers. In this case, you will select a fixed cost. You can also indicate the weight and dimensions of your product, and eBay will calculate costs and notify you.
Alternatively, you can offer a local pickup to your customers. In this case, your buyers will pick up the product from your house or any pickup point you select.
You can also make use of eBay Integrated shipping carriers. You can learn more about how to deliver your product to customers on eBay here.
How to receive payment after you sell on eBay
Once your product has gotten to the buyer and the sale is cleared, the payment will be automatically sent to the payment option you linked to your eBay account.
Note: The payment process and timing vary, depending on the payment method selected by the buyer. If the buyer pays with a PayPal or a credit/ debit card, eBay will notify you through your email to let you know when the payment will get to you.
How much does it cost to sell on eBay?
1. Insertion fees
For most sellers, the first 250 product listings in a month are free. Once the free 250 slots are used up, you will have to pay an insertion fee of $0.35 per listing.
2. Final value fees
Whenever you sell a product, eBay will charge its own commission. The final value fee for most categories on eBay is 12.9% of the selling price, plus an additional $0.30 per order.
3. Other fees
Other selling fees may also apply to you, depending on the circumstances surrounding your sale. For instance, you will have to pay some extra fees if your buyer is residing outside the United States.
Dispute fees and seller currency conversion charges also apply. Learn more about eBay service charges and commissions.
Read Also: How To Sell On Amazon For Beginners
Conclusion on How to Sell on eBay
In conclusion, selling on eBay can be a rewarding experience, whether you're simply decluttering your home or building a business. By following the steps outlined above, researching the market, creating compelling listings, and providing excellent customer service, you can set yourself up for success on this popular online marketplace. With a little effort and dedication, you can tap into eBay's vast audience of buyers and start turning your unwanted items into extra cash, or even launch a thriving online business venture.