Become a seller by providing a valid credit/debit card and bank account information. If you do not want to provide this information, become ID Verified.

Sign up to accept PayPal (optional).

PayPal allows you to accept buyers' credit card and electronic check payments online. To keep eBay a safe place for both buyers and sellers, sellers who register after January 17, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or a merchant account credit card as an accepted payment method for their items. You can sign up for PayPal before you list your first item for sale, or you can sign up when you list your first item with the Sell Your Item form.

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.

• 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.

• Select Item Specifics – This option is only available for certain categories. If you see it, be sure to fill in the details to help buyers find your item. More about item specifics.

• 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 Sell Your Item form and offers some attention-grabbing options. Or you can click "Web Hosting" to use your own hosting service.

• Write an item description – Here's your chance to really describe and promote your item. Sometimes, it's 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.

• 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 a classified ad? More about selling formats.

• Choose pricing and listing duration – How long do you want your listing to run? How many items are you selling? What is your starting price? Would you like to use a reserve price or sell with Buy It Now? Answer these questions here. Note: The minimum amount for which you can list an item is determined by eBay and varies by country.

• Enter payment 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 checking account payments. Reminder: Sellers who register after January 17, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or a merchant account credit card as an accepted payment method for their items.

• Enter shipping information – Where will you ship your item and what is the cost? Include details on the Sell Your Item form such as types of services, shipping cost, and package information. Buyers will ask fewer shipping questions and the end of your listing will be easier.

• Provide item location – Where is your item located? It's a good idea to include the city, state, and ZIP Code where the item will be shipped from.

• 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.

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...

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.

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.

Ship the item to the buyer – Pack it 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. . Read tips for packaging your item.

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.