How To Sell on eBay

Turn your possessions into cash and become an online selling machine.
To complete this how-to, you will need:
Something to sell
A computer with internet access
An eBay account
A digital camera
Shipping supplies
Something to sell
A computer with internet access
An eBay account
A digital camera
Shipping supplies
Step 1: Sign up
If you havent done so already, sign up for a free eBay account.
Before you auction off your belongings, establish a positive feedback rating by purchasing and promptly paying for a few eBay items.
Step 2: Enter item and categorize
Click on the Sell tab at the top of the page. Type in exactly what youre selling and choose a specific category for your auction. Youll pay a fee if you choose more than one category. If you have a seasonal item, wait until the right time of year to sell it.
People are willing to buy things even broken items that youd otherwise throw away.
Step 3: Write description
Title your auction and write a detailed and honest item description. Include related keywords to optimize search results. Mention problems or flaws failing to do so could lead to negative feedback, which will make it harder for you to sell in the future.
Spell-check. Misspelled words in titles and descriptions can result in lower sale prices because fewer buyers may access your auction in searches.
Step 4: Snap and upload pictures
Using a digital camera, snap several sharp, well-lit photos of your item and save them onto your computer. Then, click the Add a photo button to upload to your seller page.
Step 5: Estimate shipping costs
Estimate your shipping costs using eBays shipping calculator or a shipping web sites calculator. These tools can help determine how much you should insure the item for, and explain tracking options like signature confirmation.
Step 6: Set opening bid
Set the opening bid. When determining your starting price, research similar auctions to gauge a range, but remember lower is usually better. Auctions that start at $1 or even 1 cent typically garner more traffic. But, If you want at least a certain amount for the item, set a reserve price that the highest bidder must reach.

Step 7: Set auction length
Choose the length of time for your auction to remain open. Most sellers keep their items up for five to seven days. Avoid ending your auction on a Friday evening or Saturday, when many potential buyers arent in front of their computers.
Step 8: Determine payment method
Select a payment method. Checks and money orders are common, but using PayPal, a service that allows funds to be deposited directly into a bank account, is the most popular. You can sign up for a free PayPal account at www.paypal.com.
Step 9: Submit your auction
Proofread and double-check all the information on your seller page and hit the submit button. During the course of your auction, promptly answer emails from potential bidders.
Offer a clear and hassle-free return policy. Buyers are wary of any seller without one.
Step 10: Ship item
Once your auction has ended, and after youve received payment, promptly ship the item. If its fragile, be sure to use plenty of packaging materials. Keep the tracking number in a place where you can find it.
Step 11: Wrap up sale
Youve completed your eBay sale. Thank your buyer, leave some positive feedback, and head to your closet to scrounge up another item for the auction block.
In 2008, an Australian man auctioned off his entire life on eBay selling his house, car, clothes, and even his friends for $380,000.
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Duration : 0:3:16

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