10 Ways To Sell on eBay
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
EBay is a cheap, safe way to generate cash quickly. Here are 10 tips guaranteed to provide the best return when you sell your stuff on eBay.
1. Sell on Sunday Night
List your item’s closing time when the majority of people will be able to bid. Evenings (when most people are home and online) offer the best opportunity for exposure and bidding. The rule of thumb: list your item between 6-10 p.m. on Sunday night, and offer a week for eBayers to bid.
(Photo by Thinkstock)
2. Write a Searchable Headline
Imagine you’re searching for the item you’re selling. What would you type to find it? Once you figure that out you can tailor your listing’s headline to reach the most amount of people possible. If you’re still not sure what to write, do a quick search of similar items to see how others are selling it. Remember: eBay is a search engine like any other, and placing important keywords in your headline counts.
3. Check Your Spelling
Do a quick copy edit before you finalize your listing. Many eBay items have gone unsold (or worse, sold for very little), because a typo crippled an item’s search visibility. What do you think gets more searches, iPhone 5 or iPhone five?
4. Be Specific
Always be honest and specific when describing an item’s condition. If you aren’t upfront about imperfections you can be held responsible and forced to issue a refund.
(Photo by Thinkstock)
5. Choose a Great Picture
Always include a photo that clearly displays the item you’re selling. Options for additional photos or photo galleries are offered at a cost, though whether they’re worth it depends on the item you’re selling. If it’s a DVD or video game, chances are one photo will suffice. If you’re selling an antique or used item, additional photos help to flesh out the item’s condition.
(Photo by Thinkstock)
6. Choose the Right Price
With few exceptions always list your item at the lowest minimum price. If you’re selling an in-demand item like a laptop, cellphone or popular collector’s piece, odds are a low starting price will provide an incentive for buyers to begin bidding.
On the other hand, if you’re selling an obscure or rarely searched item, list it closer to the price you want. You might snag a few lucky bids, or not sell it at all, but you won’t be stuck selling something you value for next to nothing.
(Photo by Thinkstock)
7. Sell Internationally
Though it can be a hassle fielding the questions and concerns of international buyers, you’ll reach a wider audience and chances are your item will sell for more. As long as you’re upfront about the increased shipping time and cost, it’s a win-win choice for sellers.
(Photo by Thinkstock)
8. Pick the Right Shipping Fees
If you’re shipping a DVD to the U.S. chances are you don’t need to charge $20. On the other hand, if you’re selling to Europen buyers you shouldn’t charge too little, as the shipping costs you incur can negate any profit you’ve made on your sale. Check with the post office, weigh your items or use eBay’s shipping software to get a basic idea of the costs involved, then list the shipping at a few dollars more than the estimate. You can always refund the difference, but you won’t be stuck paying the extra shipping out of your own pocket. (Remember, you can’t ask for more after the sale is completed!)
(Photo by Thinkstock)
9. Always Include Tracking
You absolutely must include tracking on any item you sell. If you mail an item without tracking and the buyer claims they didn’t receive it, you will be stuck issuing a refund. Although tracking ups the shipping cost it’s a requirement for all sellers.
(Photo by Thinkstock)
10. You’re Only as Good as Your Reputation
Your success as a seller depends on your online reputation, and buyers can easily check the details of your past sales. EBayers are encouraged to leave feedback, and your feedback profile can reflect negative interactions if you’re slow, dishonest or rude.
Don’t Forget…
– Don’t forget to always use PayPal. Starting a PayPal account costs nothing, and it allows buyers to pay you quickly and safely. Most eBayers won’t purchase from you if you don’t have a PayPal account.
– Don’t forget it costs money to list your item on eBay. An insertion fee (usually a few dollars) and a final sale cost are calculated after your sale is complete.
– Don’t forget that if your sale goes sideways, communication is key to resolving disputes. EBay and Paypal have extensive dispute resolution tools and staff to ensure both the buyer and seller come away happy.
