Skip to main content
My eBaySellCommunityCustomer Support
Français
  Home > Help Topics >Selling & seller fees>Selling basics>Getting started selling
Help
Browse help
Search the Help pages
(Does not search for items or products) 		 SearchTips
Getting started selling on eBay

Whether you're starting a business or just want to make some extra cash, selling on eBay is a fun way to do it. Here's how.

1. Create a seller account
When you become a seller you'll need to:

  • Confirm the name, address, and phone number we have on file.

  • Verify your identity.

  • Specify an automatic payment method for paying your seller fees and reimbursements for claims under the Buyer Protection Policy.

  • We also recommend you get PayPal Verified.

2.
Set up your Q&A
Buyers often have questions before, during, and after a sale. When they do, they click the Ask a question link in your listing. When buyers contact you directly, it's important for you to respond quickly and thoroughly. This keeps the buyer interested in your listing, saves you time, and you'll be more likely to get positive Feedback when the transaction is complete.

You also have the option of providing buyers Q&A made up of answers generated automatically from your listing, answers you create yourself, and stock answers about eBay policies.

Learn more about answering buyers' questions.
3. Research your item and the rules of selling
Do some research, especially about setting a price and choosing a listing format and category. This research will help you create a good listing and get the best price for your item. Compare your item with active and completed listings on eBay based on category, format, and selling price. Selecting a category explains how to search for and select a category. Selecting a selling format tells you more about format choices.

Buyers feel more compelled to bid and buy when they know the shipping costs in advance. For this reason, sellers are required to specify shipping when they list an item. Find out more about your shipping options. Visit the Shipping Centre to learn more about how to ship your items.

Know the rules for sellers about eBay policies on prohibited and restricted items, and what's OK and not OK when listing and completing a sale.
4. Create your listing
Depending on your item category and which listing form you use, you have a variety of listing options. If you're selling an item associated with a product that's in our catalogue, you can add product details from our catalogue to your listing. You can sell using an auction-style or a fixed price format. Listing upgrades such as font or picture enhancements make your item stand out.

If you sell multiple versions of a product—like a T-shirt in various colours and sizes—you can list all the variations in one multi-quantity, fixed price listing by creating a listing with variations.

Learn more about creating a listing, or just start selling. To start selling, click Sell at the top of most eBay pages. Choose Keep it simple to see our simple form, or choose More listing choices to see all the options.

Fees for selling on eBay apply to most listings.
5. Manage your listing
When you have your listing up and running, you can check it to see if anyone's bid on or purchased your items by going to the Sell section of My eBay.

Learn how to revise your listing.

Be sure to answer any questions you receive about your listing. Communicating with potential buyers will help you sell your item by establishing good rapport and trust. Learn how Feedback works to become a stronger seller on eBay.
6. Wrap up with your buyer
The way you handle these last steps will go a long way toward your personal satisfaction and getting great Feedback from your buyer.

  • Communicate with your buyer: If you use eBay checkout, you'll be notified by email when the buyer has completed checkout. If you've disabled checkout, you can contact the buyer directly by email or phone. If you don't specify shipping and payment details in your listing, the buyer can request this information during checkout.

    Important: Contact your buyer directly if you haven't heard from your buyer within 3 days of your listing's end.

  • Receive payment: Be sure you receive payment before you ship your item. Make sure that the credit card or electronic payment has been accepted and credited to your account before sending the item. If you listed in one of the categories that allows you to accept cheques, make sure the cheque has cleared the bank before delivering the item.

  • Ship the item to the buyer safely and on time

    • Package your item as securely as possible.

    • Make sure your shipment information is correct and be sure to include your return address.

    • When you include shipping information in your listing, the information is prefilled on the shipping label.

    • You can even insure your package as you create your shipping label.

    • If you use carrier pickup, you can save a trip to the post office. Otherwise, because your shipping label is already printed, you can just drop off your package at the post office counter rather than stand in line.

  • Leave the buyer Feedback: Our Feedback system helps create a trustworthy community for everyone. Your Feedback about your buyer is important information for other sellers.

Contact Customer Support
If you're looking for more help or have a question to ask, please contact us.
Contact us

Have a question? We can help.

 Contact us

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Centre to post a question.

Related Help topics