Get on eBay

The potential exists for anyone to use eBay, whether making multiple sales or selling secondhand items. eBay facilitates sales of both used and new merchandise daily.

80% of sellers recently surveyed cited that eBay had enabled them to start their own eCommerce business

Sign Up

Creating an eBay account is free and takes minutes, though listing and selling incur fees. Choose between private or business accounts based on selling frequency and volume.

List your item

Select appropriate categories, research competitor listings, and decide between auction-style or fixed-price ("Buy It Now") formats. Consider domestic-only or international reach.

Pricing and Postage

Compare pricing against similar items and account for eBay fees. Free shipping attracts more buyers; consider marking up prices or using economical services. Learn more about courier options.

Sell, sell, sell!

Respond promptly to buyer questions and ship items quickly after auctions end.

eBay selling tips

With over 1 billion items listed, competition is intense. Key strategies include:

1. Don't keyword stuff your listing title - Incorporate keywords naturally rather than cramming as many as possible.

2. Use unique titles for your items - Create fresh, original content rather than recycling descriptions.

3. Provide descriptive detail about your product - Add comprehensive descriptions alongside item specifics to boost click-through rates.

4. Research your rivals - Examine competitor images, descriptions, and pricing. Use eBay's tools to improve upon similar listings.

5. A picture says it all - High-quality, clear images outperform detailed text descriptions.

6. Sell more on Sundays - Sunday evenings generate peak eBay traffic when people browse for retail therapy.

7. Learn the Lingo - Key eBay abbreviations:

   • BN: brand new

   • BNWT: brand new with tags

   • BNIB: brand new in box

   • BIN: buy it now

   • VGC: very good condition

   • NWOT: new without tags

   • NWOB: new without box

   • HTF: hard to find

   • VTG: vintage

Getting Paid

Set up PayPal correctly to receive payments faster. eBay provides guidance on payment setup.

eBay shipping service

After selling, arrange affordable shipping. Parcel Monkey offers a shipping calculator comparing discounted rates from carriers like USPS and FedEx. Bulk shipping tools save time for multiple shipments.

eBay International shipping

"63% of sellers sell cross-border on eBay" requiring simplified international processes. Parcel Monkey collects customs information and offers cheap international shipping for eCommerce retailers.

Key considerations:

• Find competitive global rates beyond postal services; access reputable international couriers with discounts

• Use calculated shipping for accuracy; avoid unexpected charges with precise package details

• Enable international shipping in eBay listings; exclude expensive regions

• Offer returns to international buyers (only 1% return rate)

• Be clear about customs and duties as buyer responsibility

• Provide accurate recipient contact information

• Include tracking numbers for delivery confidence

eBay shipping pickup and delivery service with Parcel Monkey

Provide package weight, dimensions, and destination for courier comparison with various rates and transit times. Print shipping labels and documentation at home; track items to delivery.

Additional benefits:

• Protection cover available

• Tracked services for buyer updates

• Pickup and drop-off options

• No signup fees; pay per package

• No monthly volume requirements

• Discounted express and economy services

• Cheap cross-border shipping and returns

• CSV uploader for bulk shipments

Use the CSV uploader tool for bulk quote requests matching cheapest services to specifications.

The Power of eBay

eBay hosts over 6 million commercial and individual sellers; approximately one-third operate from rural US areas. Pickup services eliminate Post Office trips.

"63% of sellers use eBay to expand their global reach to new markets." Last year, "$90 billion worth of merchandise was sold on eBay" forming the significant "eBay economy."

This guide covers eBay fundamentals, account setup, and shipping options for reliable order fulfillment.