Selling on Ebay? Make sure you check out the discussion boards!

As I mentioned in another hub, my husband and I have been selling items on Ebay for about six years now. We, like many sellers, go to the local estate or consignment auctions to get our stock. Many times we have come home with items we didn't know anything about, so we would search the complete listings on Ebay, or check on the Internet for more information on them.

Sometimes, though, we don't even know what to call what we have, so at first, we were stuck. Also, when we first started--we had no idea how to calculate shipping prices...what method to use for shipping, or how to take the best pictures for our listings.

Then we discovered the Ebay discussion boards, and since then we have received answers to all of these questions, and more. After awhile, we were able to start helping other new sellers who had the same problems as we did.

The boards are used by sellers and buyers alike--either asking questions, or answering them. There are boards for just about every topic you can imagine, and the wealth of knowledge that some of these people have is incredible.

One piece of advice, though--before you post a question, use the search box at the top of the page to see if your question might already have been asked and answered previously. Or check the pinned threads at the top of the board--many times there will be answers to commonly asked questions already posted, which can save you a lot of time.

Ebay boards are like any other boards--there are friendly, helpful people, and there are the not-so-friendly types who just come to the boards to stir up controversy. But, all in all, I've found the majority of people to be extremely helpful and eager to teach or guide anyone who asks for help.

The boards are also very helpful if you have a problem--a difficult seller or buyer, who you're not sure how to deal with...what to do if a package arrives damaged, or doesn't arrive at all....problems with your PayPal account, or what to do it you make a mistake in your listing and already have a bid on it.

Just go to the main Discussion Board Page(from the Ebay home page), and look down the list of board titles--you'll be sure to find the appropriate one you'll need!