Selling on eBay Tips

by Kristen Ciccolini

Overview

Using eBay as a means for extra income requires better understanding of the way the platform works. As with any business, you must know your customers and find ways to attract them to your sale. To be successful selling on eBay, it is important to establish your credibility, draw attention to your item, and make sure your item is aesthetically pleasing to your customer.
Understanding eBay

EBay is a platform where members can buy or sell items in auction format or at a fixed price. With auctions, you establish a low beginning price and customers can bid on your item for the duration of the auction. You may set a reserve price on auctioned items; this is the least amount of money you are willing to sell your item for. For example, if you begin an auction for an antique vase at $0.99, but you want at least $100 for it, your reserve price should be $100. You are not required to sell your item if the auction ends at a price lower than that. Fixed price sales are self-explanatory, but you also have the option of setting a price and allowing customers to give you their best offer.

Establish Credibility

Feedback scores are an important factor of your credibility as a seller. Building a positive reputation attracts more customers and increases their trust in you. Make your terms and conditions very clear on the auction page; explain how long you will wait for payment, what types payment you accept, shipping method, shipping time, and any disclaimers you might have. You must describe your item to the best of your knowledge, including any and all minor details, to prevent problems with buyers. Other ways to assure customers of your credibility are to have a return policy, and to always use tracking numbers (provided by any major shipping company).
Draw Attention

While creating your sale, you have many options to help draw attention to your item for a small fee (current fees may be found in the Resources section). You can make your font big and bold, include a subheading and border, have larger photos, have your auction highlighted or featured and more.
Aesthetics

If your item lacks proper photos, it more than likely will not sell. A successful auction will have good, clear pictures of the items from multiple angles. If there are scuffs, scratches, or any unnatural marks on your item, they should be photographed and included in your auction. Failure to do so might confuse the buyer and cause a conflict of misrepresentation with your sale.

Overview