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Advice on how to start selling on eBay?

Posted: Jul 10, 2013

I've bought things off eBay for years and now I'd like to start selling, but whenI've started the Sellers Tutorial on eBay there seem to be so many things to know regarding getting payment, how to list, taking good pics, etc. that I feel overwhelmed. Can anybody de-mystify the procedure for me?

;

It's more simple now than ever - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I used to sell on Ebay wayyy back in the day and did really well. Now, it's actually MUCH easier than then.

~Regarding payment: Make sure you set up a Paypal account. I'm not sure they accept anything else now anyway, but that way you get your money right away. If you are a new seller Paypal does hold your money until your item safely arrives with the buyer. Once the buyer gives you feedback or you provide tracking information, they will release your funds.

~How to List: You just follow the category lists they have and then describing your item, make sure you list as many "key words" in there that you can as far as describing your item. That way basically anything someone types in relating to your item, yours will pop up.

~Taking good pics: Just make sure you have nice bright close-ups. A backdrop is really good to make your item stand out. I used to get a big black or white sheet, lay it across the floor and put my items on it for the pics. Seeing your item only and not the sofa or coffee table in the background just adds to the attraction of it.

Good luck:)

Good points! I would also add - another eBayer

[ In Reply To ..]
Make sure you take photos of your item from every direction and describe any defects very well, as you can have items returned for not "being as described." It's really a lot, lot easier to get started than it was back in the late 90s. Good luck!

A few tips - eBay seller

[ In Reply To ..]
I've been selling on eBay since 2006. :)
Things don't sell for as much as they used to back in the hay-day, but it's still a good way to make extra $ and get rid of your stuff.

--The first thing I do is look up the item I want to sell using the "completed listings" option. This will show you auctions for your item that have ended and what it sold for (including shipping costs). I always do this to get an idea of what I can expect from my listing.

--Also look at their pictures and description. If you like them, try to follow their lead. But also ask yourself what would make them better.

--It's okay to overcharge for shipping a little bit. For every item you sell, you pay a fee based on the final price. Since the price of shipping isn't included when figuring your fees, this is a way for you to save a few pennies. Lower your auction price and raise your shipping price. It will balance out in the end for the buyer, but you pay less fees (yes, it is sneaky).

Raising shipping fees - Ebay

[ In Reply To ..]
Be careful with that. If a person receives a package and they see that it costs $3.00 to ship, but you charged $5.00, then they often times will leave you bad feedback stating that. Bad feedback will cause other shoppers to bypass your auction and choose a seller with more positive feedback.

Also, Ebay does random audits and if THEY see you are upping your shipping price in order to lower your auction price, then they will warn you not to continue this and may eventually close your account.

It isn't "sneaky" it is downright dishonest. Doing that is basically tricking buyers into thinking you are offering them a better deal, having them passing up on the auction before yours (The honest person) in order to buy yours at a cheaper price, when you are just charging them the original price behind their back.

Just treat your buyers how you would want to be treated if you were buying on there and you should be good.

Since all the prices are right there, buyers - know exactly what they're spending.

[ In Reply To ..]
It's dishonest toward eBay yes, but not toward the buyers. I have hundreds of feedback and not a single negative. I've been doing this for 7 years and never had a problem.

The shipping price covers shipping AND handling. So there should never be a complaint about the shipping price not exactly matching the postage on the box. I think most buyers realize that.

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