|
 |
 |
Register |
|
The first step for any new seller is to register on eBay. Avoid choosing a long, cluttered user id that may be unmemorable.
|
Create a Seller's Account |
|
After you register, you'll need to create a Seller's Account: it's fast, easy to complete and will get you on your way to start selling on eBay! Registering and creating a Seller's Account is free, however it does require credit card and checking account information only to help ensure a safe trading platform for all users. If you don't want to place your card on file, you can establish proof of identity with ID Verify instead.
|
Identifying Items to Sell |
|
There are several things to consider when selecting items to sell:
- eBay buyers are looking for good brands at a great value so try to sell brand name product as often as possible - you'll attract the most buyers with hot products. Also, check out the Home In Demand page for a better idea of what's hot in the category.
- Look through your attic, closets and garage for items you may no longer use such as an appliance, an old set of tools or even furniture.
- Don't worry about oversized or irregularly shaped items. You can choose to sell the item locally or the UPS shipping guidelines will help you ship it safely.
- Consider the seasonality of the item you are going to sell - successful sellers list more products while the item is in season.
- Sell your items in quantities that work best for you and potential buyers.
Now you're ready to sell. Click on the "Sell" button at the top of any eBay page to list your items. You will be taken through the "Sell your Item" form that enables you to list an item for sale on eBay. Here's how to optimize your listings for success.
|
Choose Your Selling Format |
|
There are three types of selling formats available on eBay:
1. Online Auctions:
This is the most popular format among buyers and sellers. Collect bids on your item and sell to the highest bidder in a fixed length of time (1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days). You may also include a Buy It Now! price in your listing, which disappears after the first bid. Your listing appears in the eBay category (or categories) you choose and in search results. Learn More.
2. Fixed Price:
You set the price for your item, and buyers can purchase them immediately. Your listing appears alongside auction listings in the category (or categories) you choose and in search results. Learn More.
3. eBay Stores:
eBay Stores give you a low-cost way to deal with multiple quantity items and allow you to display your fixed price and auction items in one place - your "storefront." This format works well for large lots or if you want to offer a variety of sizes or colors of a particular item.
To see a comparison chart of these formats, click here.
|
Selecting the Right Category |
|
Selecting the right categories for your home & garden goods ensures that buyers can easily find them. Don't jeopardize your sales by carelessly categorizing your items. Take note of these important category-selection tips:
- Use "Other" categories sparingly. eBay research indicates that items listed in other categories realize lower conversion rates than those placed in targeted categories.
- Leverage eBay's List in 2 Categories feature to simplify category selection. eBay research indicates that it can increase bidding and price by 15% and 18%*, respectively.
- Use eBay's Suggested Categories function on the category page of the Sell Your Item form. It's as easy as using a simple search string to find the right category.
* This represents an average based on data from January 2003 transactions. No representation is made that a seller's final price and bids on a specific item will increase by the average percentages noted above.
|
Item Title |
|
Carefully selecting your listing title is important - it's how our search engine helps buyers find your items!
There are a few key words to include in your listing title:
- Brand (e.g. Milwaukee, Bosch, DeWalt)
- The word "new" if it applies
- The model of the item (e.g. Hammer Drill)
- One to two-word product description (e.g. cordless drill, combination set )
- Basic technical specification of the item (e.g. 18v and HP for horsepower)
- If you are offering the item with No Reserve or with Free Shipping be sure to mention it, this will help attract buyers.
- Make intelligent use of your space - bidders don't search for words like "wow," "nice," or "look"
- Consider using eBay's subtitle feature to get access to more characters on the listings page.
There are several acronyms that you can include to provide as much information in your title as possible:
- NWT: New With Tags
- NWOT: New Without Tags
- NIB: New In Box
- MIB: Mint in Box
- NR: No Reserve
|
Item Description |
|
You'll avoid questions later if you anticipate a buyer's concerns here and present the information in an easy-to-read format. Consider using simple HTML tags to change font size, create paragraphs or bulleted lists, add images, and more. You can use the HTML editor in the Sell Your Item form or check out eBay's HTML Tips page to create your own.
Provide essential facts about the item:
- Brand (if applicable)
- Model
- Color
- Condition: new factory sealed, new in box or used with original packaging. Be clear about any flaws the item might have (e.g. scratches and dents). Tell the buyer upfront exactly what they are buying vs. have them discover flaws once they receive them.
- Item size: height, length, weight, etc.
- Specific information that would be relevant to an passionate buyer (e.g. specific colors, materials, styles, etc.)
- Provide a link the manufacturer information page for the item you are selling (as long as the item is not for sale on that page as well)
- Original Retail Price (if applicable) which can help anchor the price you expect to receive
Be very clear about your shipping, payment and return policies
Although these are outlined in your listing, we recommend restating these in the description. See "Shipping & Sales Tax" section below for more information.
Create a template to make listing easier
Creating a template helps prevent you from having to reinvent the wheel. You can also use eBay's Listing Designer to help you with the look and feel of your listings.
|
Pricing |
|
Proper pricing of your item is critical. Here are three things to keep in mind when pricing your item:
- The Item's Value: When deciding the item's value check out the Terapeak Price Researcher. This tool will give you the average price for your item as a guide, and then you can adjust the price based on condition.
- Starting Price: Getting that first bid is critical, as other buyers are generally more likely to jump in if they see there are already bids on an item. To do this, many sellers prefer to set a starting price below what the item is actually worth. This tends to jumpstart bidding, creates buyer competition and may ultimately produce a higher final price.
- Reserve Price: If not used properly, a reserve price on your item can often result in the same problems as an excessively high starting price. Buyers will often lose interest in an item if they place a bid and find it doesn't meet the reserve. Because they do not know the reserve price, they may assume the seller is simply asking too much for the item.
- Search Completed Listings: Most savvy sellers search completed listings for similar items to gauge historical pricing and potential returns before setting their opening bid.
|
Photographs |
|
You can boost sales by displaying a clear professional photograph of your item.
- Include 1-3 digital photos of your item from multiple angles.
- Take your photo in good light; shoot on a contrasting background, and at a slight angle for best results. Make sure your photo is not blurry.
- Highlight any important details such as imperfections, color, and detail.
- Check out eBay's "Picture Services" for how-to-tips and details.
|
Optional Features |
|
Consider adding features to increase bids.
- Gallery View: Gallery listings are shown to increase final price by an average of 11% and are 9% more likely to sell!* Gallery also provides for a more positive shopping experience for buyers.
- Bold: Attract the attention of buyers and set your listing apart by using Boldface type. On average, listings with Bold see a 25% increase in final price.*
- Featured Plus!: Your item will be shown prominently in the Featured Items section of the results page. It will also appear in the regular, non-featured item list. Note: Featured Plus! is available to sellers with a Feedback Rating of 10 or more. Listings with Featured Plus have been shown to boost bids by 65% and are 28% more likely to sell!*
Visit the Listings Upgrades pages for more information.
|
Shipping & Sales Tax |
|
State shipping information and policies clearly. Check out eBay's Shipping Center for more tips and useful shipping resources. Don't forget, you can now print UPS & USPS postage via eBay/PayPal.
Here are some things to consider when stating your shipping policy:
- Is the shipping cost fixed or tiered by sale amount? We recommend that you set a fixed price for Shipping and Handling or use eBay's shipping calculator, which determines the amount based on the buyer's zip code.
- Shipping carrier and method (e.g. USPS, UPS, etc.)
- Do you offer insurance? If so, how much does it cost?
- Consider offering a discount if more than one item is purchased.
- Mention if you ship internationally, to P.O. Boxes or to unconfirmed addresses.
- State if the shipping will cost more to Hawaii or Alaska.
- Offering a shipping confirmation and tracking number will help prevent follow-up e-mails from the buyer.
Don't forget to mention sales tax if applicable.
- How much is the sales tax?
- Mention in which states sales tax applies.
- For more information, check out eBay's Tax Policy.
|
Payment & Returns |
|
Here are some things to consider when stating your payment terms:
- The payment methods you will accept including PayPal, all credit cards, personal checks and COD. Electronic payments through PayPal are the most common payment method on eBay. As an added bonus to your listing, boost buyer confidence when you qualify for PayPal Buyer Protection.
- Does payment have to occur with X days of the purchase date?
- Is there a specific process for making payments?
- Clearly state your return policy on your listing. Letting buyers know they can return or exchange the item for a working replacement boosts sales and final selling prices.
|
Managing Your Listings |
|
- Respond to E-mails: Customer service is key to being a successful seller on eBay. Buyers will e-mail with questions, especially towards the end of the auction. Develop a plan to answer buyer inquiries you'll receive and make sure your auctions start and end at a time when you'll be able to answer them before the auction ends.
- Contact the Buyer: You and the buyer can set your preferences to obtain confirmation e-mails once the sale ends. We suggest you contact the buyer with post-sale instructions within 3 days.
- Provide Feedback: Every eBay user has a Feedback Profile made up of comments from other eBay users - an official "reputation" as a seller. New buyers look at this feedback rating to help them shop with confidence. Therefore, it is important to provide your customers with excellent customer service - answer emails quickly, ship promptly, and deliver what you promised. Click here for more information on how feedback works.
|
Seller Resources |
|
Need more help? If you can't find the answers you are looking for in this guide then check out these references where you can find more information.
- Seller Central: To get the latest and most comprehensive information about selling on eBay check out Seller Central. For Home & Garden specific information go to Sell by Category. Here you will find Home & Garden seller profiles, tips and even an In Demand page which details what's hot in Home & Garden categories.
- eBay Help: Check out eBay's Help section for answers to nearly any question you may have. Can't find an answer? Speak to a customer service representative via live chat.
- eBay Education: Check out eBay Education for online seminars & recorded events, guided tours and interactive tutorials. There are often Community Workshops that focus on selling and seller tools. Choose the learning style that works best for you.
- Trading Assistants: Contact a local, experienced eBay Trading Assistant to help you sell your Home & Garden items.
- Home & Garden Discussion Boards: Check out the Home & Garden discussion boards to ask questions or share your views and suggestions on category-specific or general topics.
|
