So you've got stuff to sell? Maybe that old guitar collecting dust or last year's iPhone. Whatever it is, eBay is still my go-to place after 10 years of selling. But man, it ain't like the old days. Fees are higher, buyers are savvier, and one mistake can cost you. Let me walk you through how to sell something on eBay properly – the stuff most guides won't tell you.
Getting Your eBay House in Order
Before you snap that first photo, get your account straight. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when PayPal held $500 of my money for 21 days because I rushed.
Seller Account Setup Checklist
- Personal vs. Business: Selling more than 20 items monthly? Go business account.
- Verify everything: Phone, email, bank account – skip this and eBay will freeze you faster than Antarctica.
- Return address: Use a real one. PO boxes get flagged.
- Payment method: eBay manages payments now – no more PayPal-only. Link checking account directly.
eBay Seller Limits Table
| Account Type | Monthly Listings | Max Item Value | Funds Hold Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Seller | 10 items | $500 total | Up to 21 days |
| Standard | 250 items | $10,000/item | 3 days after delivery |
| Above Standard | Unlimited | $25,000/item | 1 day after delivery |
Having trouble with limits? Call eBay support. Their phone agents can manually increase limits if you prove your identity. I did this when selling my grandma's antique china set worth $3k.
What Actually Sells? Research Like a Pro
Trying to pawn off used socks? Yeah, no. Learn what moves fast before listing.
Research Tools You Need
- eBay Terapeak: Free in Seller Hub. Shows actual sold prices, not asking prices.
- Completed Listings Filter: Turn this on in search. See green sold prices vs red unsold.
- Watch Count: If 10+ people watch your item, price is right.
I tested this last month: Listed a 2010 Canon DSLR for $120 – 2 watchers. Relisted at $89 with "free battery" in title – sold in 3 days.
Creating Listings That Don't Suck
This is where most beginners bomb. Your listing is your salesperson.
Title Formula That Works
Example: Apple iPhone 12 128GB Unlocked - (Excellent Battery 95%) - Free Otterbox Case
Avoid keyword stuffing like "AMAZING!! BEST DEAL!!". eBay's algorithm penalizes this now.
Photo Rules for Real Humans
- Minimum 6 photos: Front, back, sides, serial number, flaws, box if exists
- Natural light ONLY: Bathroom selfies with flash? Instant pass from buyers.
- Show defects clearly: Got a scratch? Zoom in. Hiding flaws = returns.
Pricing Psychology: Auction vs Fixed Price
This trips up everyone. When should you auction vs fixed price?
eBay Auction Strategy Guide
| Item Type | Start Price | Duration | Day to End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collectibles | $0.99 | 7 days | Sunday evening |
| High Demand Tech | 70% of value | 5 days | Weekday 7PM EST |
| Common Items | Minimum acceptable | 3 days | Tuesday afternoon |
Auctions work for rare items with bidding wars. Sold a vintage Pokémon game for 3x what I’d asked fixed price. But for common stuff? Fixed price wins.
Shipping That Doesn't Eat Your Profit
Shipping costs determine if you make money. Here's the real math:
Shipping Cost Comparison Table
| Service | Max Weight | Delivery Time | Best For | Cost Example (2lbs coast-coast) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | 70lbs | 2-5 days | Most items under $100 | $9.85 |
| UPS Ground | 150lbs | 1-5 days | Heavy items | $15.20 |
| FedEx Home Delivery | 150lbs | 1-5 days | Large lightweight boxes | $13.75 |
| Priority Mail | 70lbs | 1-3 days | Fragile & urgent | $17.60 |
- eBay shipping discounts: Save up to 40% vs counter rates.
- Free shipping trap: Only offer if you baked cost into price. Lost $37 on a blender once by forgetting.
- Box strategy: Save Amazon boxes. Bubble wrap at Dollar Tree costs 1/3 of UPS Store.
eBay Fees You Can't Avoid (But Can Minimize)
eBay takes their cut. Here's what actually comes out:
| Fee Type | Amount | How to Reduce |
|---|---|---|
| Insertion Fee | $0.35 per listing (first 250 free monthly) | Bulk list during free listing promos |
| Final Value Fee | 12.9% + $0.30 per item | Promoted listings only if profit margin >20% |
| Payment Processing | 2.9% + $0.30 | No workaround - factor into pricing |
| Optional Upgrades | $2-8 per listing | Only use for items over $150 |
Promoted listings: I only use these for items over $500. For a $100 item? Rarely worth the extra 10% fee.
After the Sale: Shipping and Avoiding Scams
The sale is just the start. Here's how not to get burned:
Shipping Protocol
- Package within 24 hours
- Buy label through eBay (automatic tracking upload)
- Drop off at post office counter - get receipt!
- Message buyer with tracking number
Returns That Won't Ruin You
eBay forces 30-day returns. Minimize damage:
- Restocking fee: Set to 15% in return preferences
- No remorse returns: Only accept if buyer pays return shipping
- Test before reselling: Got back "broken" speakers? Half the time they work fine.
Advanced Seller Tactics
Once you've got basics down, level up:
eBay Seller Tier Benefits
| Tier | Requirements | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Below Standard | Defect rate >2% | Higher fees, restrictions |
| Standard | <2% defects | Normal fees |
| Above Standard | <0.5% defects + fast shipping | 10% discount on final value fees |
| Top Rated Plus | <0.5% defects + 1-day handling | 20% discount + badge visibility |
- Defect killers: Late shipment (ship next day!), canceled orders (don't run out of stock)
- Vacation mode: Use it! Ran sales during vacation once - shipped late, got dinged to Below Standard.
The FAQ Corner: Real Questions from Sellers
How long does it take to get paid when selling on eBay?
Usually 2 business days after delivery. New sellers wait up to 21 days. Tip: Add tracking immediately to speed up.
Can I sell something on eBay without a bank account?
Nope. eBay Managed Payments requires linked checking account. Prepaid cards don't work.
What's the biggest mistake new sellers make?
Underestimating fees and shipping. That "$100" sale becomes $78 after fees and materials. Calculate backwards!
How to sell something on eBay internationally?
Use eBay International Shipping (EIS). They handle customs and buyer protection. I stopped direct international after a $200 customs fee disaster.
Should I accept offers?
Enable "Best Offer" but set auto-decline at your minimum. I auto-decline below 85% on fixed price items. Filters out lowballers.
At the end of the day, learning how to sell something on eBay is trial by fire. My first sale? A textbook I shipped late because I couldn't find tape. Got negative feedback. But seven years later, I'm clearing $2k/month part-time. Start small with household items. Master shipping. Build feedback. The algorithm rewards consistency – list 5 items weekly even if they're $10 sales. Before you know it, you'll be unloading that attic junk like a pro.
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