Ebay

Is a world wide market place where you can sell anything form a dollar store pencil case to a multi million dollar work of art, most times though people use ebay to clear space in their houses by selling items that they don't need anymore or selling unwanted gifts.

I have used ebay for some time, some times to sell things I have no use for anymore or toys that my children have grown out of, I have also used ebay to buy some things at low prices which I couldn't afford to buy without bidding for.

Selling on ebay is not difficult but the first time can be a bit daunting, we are only human after all and it is very easy to make mistakes that could cost us money because fewer people bid on items that are wrongly listed, or have a lot of spelling mistakes.

Below you will find my top ten tips for selling your items on ebay.

Title

Your title is limited to 80 characters, use them wisely, if you have a digital camera for sale using the title, "Digital camera for sale" doesn't really tell you anything about the camera. But the title "Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with w/17-85mm LENS KIT NEW" tells you a lot more about the camera that you are trying to sell. Make sure you have a title that describes the item that you want to sell.

Category

Chose a category for your listing carefully, it can be difficult as there are hundreds to choose from, if you think your item fits into more than one category then add another category.

Photo

Adding a picture of your item is a must; around 30% more people look at items with pictures than items without, the more people who look at your item the better chance you have of selling it. Use a digital camera and check that your picture is a good one before you post it.

Description Box

List everything about the item that you wish to sell is it brand new? Is it in good condition? Does it have any defects?

Be completely honest because it can affect your ebay standing if you send out a broken item that you listed as in perfect condition.

List payment methods, cash, or cheque, PayPal.

List how you will ship the item and postage details including how much postage will cost. State who is responsible for the postage costs either you or the buyer.

Pricing your Item

Be sure to have a price in mind when you list your item if you would accept no less than $20.00 for your item then start the bidding from that price, if you are willing to let the item go for a few dollars over your lowest acceptable price then use the "Buy it now" option and set it for $30.00 or what ever value you would let the item go at for a quick sale.

Timing your Listing

A lot of sellers believe that ebay has a higher traffic at the weekends, some think Sunday afternoons are best and others feel that you should time your auctions to close late on a Friday or Saturday night.

Questions

After listing your item, you may receive some email from potential buyers looking for more information about your item, be prepared to send them extra pictures of your item and always answer their questions honestly and as quick as you can.

End of the Auction

When the auction is over you will receive an email from ebay, giving you the details of the winning bidder, write to the buyer with the details of your item and find out what method of payment they will be using, let them know that you will send the item out as soon as you receive payment, if the buyer is paying by cheque let them know how long your bank will take before the cheque is cleared.

Shipping

After you have received the payment for your item, ship the item as soon as possible by the method stated in your original ad, then email the buyer to let them know it is on it's way you can leave feedback on the user as soon as you receive payment or you can wait until the buyer lets you know that he/she has received your item.

In my ebay ads I have sometimes over estimated the cost of shipping when I do this I always refund the difference when I send the item to the buyer, with a note stating why the money is in the package, this helps build your reputation for honesty.

I have also underestimated the cost of shipping and instead of asking the buyer for more money to cover costs; I send the item to the buyer at the price agreed at sale without saying anything about postage. Hopefully the buyer looks at the stamps and realises what I have done and will comment in his /her feedback to me.

If you plan to do a lot of selling on ebay it would be a good idea to set up a pay pal account, this helps your reputation as you get the money quicker and the buyer gets the item quicker, it is also good insurance against fraud.