Creating a listing

Before you list your item

	If you're new to selling on eBay, read about how to get started selling on eBay.
	You can start listing items as soon as you create a seller's account.
	Think about the payment methods you'll accept from buyers. Most categories require PayPal, ProPay, Moneybookers, Paymate, or Internet merchant credit card payment options. These options make it easy for your buyer to pay you securely, right away, so you can ship your item faster.
	Consider how you'll answer your buyers' questions. Your buyers' questions can be answered by you personally, with automatically generated Q&A based on your listing information you provide, and with stock answers about eBay policies.
	Fees for selling on eBay apply to most listings.

Creating your listing

Get started

Click the Sell tab at the top of most eBay pages. Then click the Start selling button. You may need to sign in.

Choose a category

Select a category by searching or browsing. Choose the category most relevant to your item, so it's easy for buyers to find your listing.

Choose a listing form

You may be asked to choose a listing form after you select a category, and if it applies to your item category, to use product details from our catalog.

If you choose the Keep it simple form, you'll can create an auction-style listing and can display up to four pictures. The More listing choices form provides more selling formats, listing layouts, and other options. To switch forms as you're creating a listing, click Switch to form with more choices or Switch to simple form. If you want to switch to the simple form, remember that you'll have fewer options and some information might not carry over.

Complete the form

Depending on which listing form and category you've chosen, you may have different options. Here are some guidelines to follow:

	Write a good title and description . Help buyers find your listing with a title that's clear, complete, and descriptive. State exactly what the item is (even if it repeats the category name). Include details such as the brand, product name, size, or artist. Consider adding a subtitle for more description that'll be seen in searches.
	Provide item specifics: For some categories, you have the option of selecting item specifics. Providing additional item details makes it even easier for buyers to find your item. An example of an item specific is the condition of the item. These specifics may also be included in your Q&A.
	Include product details from our catalog: Many items, including certain books, golf clubs, CDs, video game systems, and cell phones, are associated with products in our growing catalog. If your item is one of these, you'll be offered product details and a stock photo from the catalog once you've chosen your category. If you select product details, they'll appear on your listing form. Using product details can save you time and help attract more buyers to your listing.
	Add pictures to your listing: Including high-quality, evenly lit pictures of your item can help sell your item. You can add and enhance pictures using our picture services.
	Select a selling format: Choose from auction-style, fixed price, Classified Ad, and Store inventory formats.
	Donate to your favorite cause: You can contribute a percentage of your sale or all of it through eBay Giving Works. In the Choose how you'd like to sell your item section, click Add or remove options. Under Donate percentage of sale, choose Give a percentage of the final sale price to a non-profit organization, and then follow the instructions on the form.
	Choose a starting price: This includes deciding on a price and pricing options such as reserve price and Buy It Now to help you get the price you want for your item.
	Select a listing duration: Most auction listings last 7 days. Durations of more than 7 days can incur a fee and change some upgrade and insertion fees. Your listing fee subtotal appears in the Your fees so far section at the bottom of the Create your listing form and again under Review your listing.
	Select the payment methods you'll accept: For community safety, PayPal, ProPay, Moneybookers, Paymate, or Internet merchant credit card payment options are required in most categories. These methods make it easy for your buyer to pay you right away so you can ship your item faster.
	Specify shipping services: Specify the locations you'll ship to and the shipping cost, or offer free shipping to attract more potential buyers. You can use the eBay Shipping Calculator to determine shipping costs based on the item you're selling and the buyer's location.
	Specify your return policy: Buyers are more comfortable shopping from sellers who offer return policies.
	Promote your item with listing upgrades: Listing upgrades, like using a bold font, can help make your listing stand out.

Preview your listing

If you need to change something, click the Edit listing link. If you'd like to create a template from your listing so you can use it later to sell similar items, select Save this listing as a template.

List your item

When you're ready, click the List your item button to post your listing on eBay.

Contact Customer Support

If you're looking for more help or have a question to ask, please contact us.

Have a question? We can help.

Ask eBay members

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