How to use the quick listing tool

Use the quick listing tool when you want to get your item up for sale fast but need guidance on how to price and ship your item. It's an easy but smart way to list: Tell us what you're selling, and we'll give you specific suggestions based on similar items that have sold.

How do I start my listing?

What are templates and how do they work? Should I use a template?

Why do I need to add photos? Are they free to add?

Should I use "auction" or "fixed price"? How do I price my item?

How do I select the best shipping option for my item?

How do I start my listing?

Get started by entering words that describe your item. What is it, and what are its most important features? The more meaningful words you enter, the better we'll be able to identify your item and give you specific help along the way.

Tips:
  • If you have a product number (such as an ISBN for a book), try entering that instead.
  • If you're having trouble coming up with the right words, just get things going with a word or two. We'll try to show you related suggestions under the entry box.

Based on what you enter, we'll help you select the category where your item will be listed on eBay.

What are templates and how do they work? Should I use a template?

You can create your listing from scratch or from a template.

Using a template saves time because most of the information is already filled in for you. Here's how it works:

  1. Once you describe your item and select a category for it, we'll show you listings that are selling items like yours.
  2. To get better results, use the dropdown lists to select details that apply to your item. Keep in mind that the items you see won't necessarily be identical to yours—you're just trying to find one that's similar enough to work from.
  3. If you see a good match, click "Use as listing template." We'll pull some of the information from the listing so that you can use it in yours. You'll be able to add or edit information when you go on to the next page.

If you don't see the right template to work with, don't worry—you can still quickly create a listing from scratch. You'll just need to fill in a little more information yourself.

Why do I need to add photos? Are they free to add?

Photos are a key part of any successful listing. Buyers can instantly recognize what you're selling in search results and take a closer look in your listing. They'll be more confident about buying from you.

Now through July 1, 2012, you can add up to 12 pictures free when using the quick listing tool. Starting July 2, pictures will be free for all sellers (excluding Motors vehicles) no matter which listing tool is used.

Tips:
  • If you create your listing from a template, we'll try to provide a stock photo of the item. This is especially useful if your item is a common product, such as a book or DVD.
  • If you take your own photos, use natural light and show the item against a plain background. Take pictures from different angles so buyers can see the actual condition of the item. Consider adding pictures to show details or flaws.

Should I use "auction" or "fixed price"? How do I price my item?

You have two basic choices when it comes to how to sell your item. If you want to receive bids on your item, choose "auction." Choose "fixed price" if you'd rather offer your item at a specific price.

Auction:
  • Starting price: This is the price at which bidding will begin. We'll show you a suggested starting price based on what other listings have.
  • Buy It Now option: You can also set a price at which you're willing to sell the item. A buyer who commits to paying this price gets the item, and the listing ends immediately.
Fixed price:
  • Simply set the price at which buyers can purchase your item right away.
  • Where possible, we'll give you suggestions about how to price your item based on similar items.
Tips:
  • Sometimes you'll see a link to find out how other sellers have priced similar items. Click it if you want more pricing guidance. We'll show you how high the bidding has gone on similar items and the fixed prices that other sellers have set. You can look at information from completed listings or currently active listings
  • Select a listing duration that will have your listing run over an entire weekend—that's when many buyers shop on eBay.

How do I select the best shipping option for my item?

Where possible, we'll automatically select the shipping options including package type, shipping service, and cost that most sellers have chosen for similar items.

Remember: Buyers like free shipping. You may want to offer this in your listing to increase your chances of a sale.

If you want to take a different approach, you can create your own shipping option.
  • Choose "Charge a flat cost" if you want to charge the same cost to all buyers, regardless of where the item will be shipped.
  • Choose "Calculate actual cost" to have the cost automatically determined by where it's being shipped and other factors, such as weight, size, and package type.
  • If you want more guidance, click "See how other sellers have shipped this item" to help you make a decision.

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