It's very easy and simple to get started posting your first
auction on eBay. This article will cover the steps you need to
follow to get your first auction up.
The first thing you need to do is set up your eBay seller's
account. If you have already bought things on eBay in the past,
then you already have an account. Just log in and click "Sell"
on the toolbar at the top of the page and then click "Create a
seller's account".
If you have never bought or sold on eBay, then you need to
create a new account. First click on the "register" link beneath
the toolbar, then click "Sell" and "Create a seller's account".
From there the eBay website will guide you through the process
of getting set up. For security reasons, this may involve
including providing your card and banking information.
You can register for your eBay account here: eBay.
com
Now that you're registered, you need to decide what you want to
sell. It doesn't really matter what you sell, this is just your
chance to get your feet wet. Check your garage and attic, I'm
sure you can find something that you're not attached to and
something interesting. Small items like books and CDs are great
for your first time.
Once you have your item picked out, it's time to submit it. Just
click "Sell" and you're on your way. The first thing you need to
do is choose the best category for your item. eBay makes this
easy, you just type in your item, and eBay suggests the best
category for you. It's usually best to just go with the category
that eBay comes up with.
The next step is writing the title and description for your
item. You want to make sure to include any keywords that people
might use when searching for your item in the title. Include all
the rest of the information in the description.
Now you need to set your starting price. In order to draw people
to bid on your auction, set a starting price of $0.01. Don't
worry because items almost never end up as such a low price.
Next set the duration of the auction. You have the choices of 3,
5, 7 and 10 days. This is really up to you, the longer the
auction the more bids you are likely to get. Add a picture to
your auction because items with pictures always sell for more.
Great, now you're ready to select the payment methods you want
to accept, and where you will post to. I would just go with
PayPal for now, and limit yourself to the country you are in.
Just click the "Submit" button and you are done!
Now you can just sit back and let eBay work it's magic.
Potential buyers will search for your item and submit bids on
it. Some bidders may email you with various questions about your
item. Just do your best to answer the questions as quickly and
thoroughly as possible.
Don't worry if your item doesn't sell the first time. The great
thing about eBay, is that if your item doesn't sell the first
time, you can list it again for free!
Once the auction closes and you have a winning bidder, eBay
takes care of all the work. eBay will send your buyer emails
guiding them through the process of sending you payment for the
item your are selling. Just make sure you have the money in hand
before you send the item.
eBay prefers that you use PayPal to send and receive your
payments. PayPal is very safe and secure and you will get your
money instantly so it's a good idea to use them. It's also free
to create an account with PayPal.
You can create your free PayPal account here: PayPal.com<
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As soon as you have received the payment, all you have left to
do is pack up the item and send it to your buyer. If you're not
sure of the best way to get this done, just take your item to
your local post office and they can help you. Use the buyers
address from the confirmation email that eBay sent you and write
it on the package. That's it, you've made your first successful
sale on eBay!
About the author:
This article was written on behalf of eBayBusiness.net by
Webmaster and Internet Marketing Specialist Jason Cooper. Visit
http://www.ebaybusiness.net and download 3 Free
eBay Business eBooks today! (c) 2005, eBayBusiness.net. This
article may be reproduced in all venues so long as the content
and by-line are reprinted intact and all links are set live.
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