Many of us have extra items sitting at home that could bring in cash. From electronics and clothing to collectibles, eBay provides a simple platform to turn clutter into income. With over 134 million active buyers worldwide, eBay is one of the largest online marketplaces, making it easier than ever to reach customers.
Selling on eBay can be a way to earn extra income, clear out items you no longer need, or even explore the possibility of a larger online business. Here at Remitly, we’ve created this eBay seller guide to walk you through setting up your account, creating listings that sell, pricing your items, shipping efficiently, and building a strong seller reputation.
Getting started: setting up your eBay seller account
If you’re wondering how to sell on eBay, the process begins with a simple account setup.
Step 1: Create an eBay account
Go to eBay.com and click “register.” You can choose either a personal account or a business account. Personal accounts are perfect for occasional sellers or those starting with just a few items. Business accounts are better for frequent sellers or those operating a large inventory.
Step 2: Verify your account
eBay requires identity verification, which may include linking a phone number or credit card and confirming your address. Seller verification ensures smooth payment processing and builds trust with buyers.
Step 3: Set up payment methods
eBay now primarily uses managed payments, so you’ll link a bank account to receive funds directly. You can review your payout schedule and adjust your preferences to fit your needs.
Step 4: Understand eBay seller fees
eBay charges a few fees:
- Insertion fees: A small fee for listing items, though some categories do offer free listings.
- Final value fees: A percentage of the sale price once your item sells.
- Optional upgrades: Featured listing options or additional photos for better visibility.
Familiarizing yourself with the fee structure helps you price items effectively and protect your profits.
Step 5: Explore the seller dashboard
The seller dashboard gives you a snapshot of active listings, sales, and performance metrics. From here, you can manage orders, respond to buyers, and track shipping.
What to sell: finding profitable items
Almost anything can sell on eBay, but some categories perform consistently well. Start with what you already own—electronics, branded clothing, collectibles, books, and home goods often attract buyers.
Next, check eBay’s sold listings to see what similar items have actually sold for. This helps you understand demand and identify which brands, sizes, or conditions sell most quickly. Beyond your home, you can look at thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, or wholesale suppliers for items to sell.
Before listing, it’s useful to estimate potential profit with this simple formula:
Potential Profit = Expected Sale Price – (Item Cost + eBay Fees + Shipping)
Knowing your expected profit margin helps you set a fair price and ensures your time and effort are worthwhile.
Creating winning listings
Your listing is your online storefront, and knowing how to sell on eBay effectively starts with creating compelling listings to help you make extra money online. Many first-time sellers find listing and shipping items intimidating, but breaking it down into steps can make it manageable. A strong listing not only describes your product but also helps buyers find it and stand out in a crowded marketplace like eBay.
Writing compelling titles
Your title is the first thing buyers see and plays a key role in eBay’s search algorithm. Including key details like brand, model, color, size, and condition can help buyers find your item more easily. Try to keep titles concise, stay under the 80-character limit to maximize visibility, and skip unnecessary words like “amazing” or “cheap.”
For example, “Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 256GB – Excellent Condition” is more effective than “Phone for Sale.”
Taking quality photos
Quality photos are often a deciding factor in whether buyers click. Use a clean background, take shots from multiple angles, and include close-ups of flaws. Natural light works best, and even a smartphone camera can produce clear, professional-looking images. The first photo is especially important since it appears in search results, so make it your best.
Writing descriptions that sell
Clear, honest descriptions build trust. It’s helpful to include the condition, size, features, and any flaws. Short paragraphs and bullet points make it easy to read, as buyers often skim listings. For example: “Gently used leather jacket, size M, black, with a small scuff on the left sleeve.” Transparency about product flaws reduces returns and reassures buyers.
eBay pricing strategies that work
Pricing can make or break a sale. eBay offers two main approaches.
- Auction-style listings are ideal for collectibles or rare items. Competitive bidding can drive up the final sale price, and setting a minimum price ensures you don’t sell too low.
- Fixed-price listings let buyers purchase immediately at a set amount, making sales predictable and perfect for standard or everyday items.
Many sellers use a mix of both approaches to see what works best for different items.
You can use eBay’s sold listings feature to research competitor pricing and avoid underpricing. Remember to factor in time, effort, and fees to ensure fair compensation. Small psychological strategies can also help: prices ending in .99 feel like bargains, while round numbers work better for premium products.
Enabling the “best offer” option gives buyers flexibility to negotiate while allowing you to maintain minimum acceptable amounts. Responding to offers quickly often helps to close sales.
Shipping made simple
Shipping can seem complicated at first, but eBay offers tools to make this process easier, whether you’re shipping locally or internationally.
Calculated vs. flat-rate shipping
With calculated shipping, eBay determines the cost based on your package’s size, weight, and the buyer’s location. Flat-rate shipping lets you set one price for all buyers, which is simpler but may not always reflect actual costs, especially for heavier or larger items.
For sellers looking to attract more buyers, offering free shipping can be effective. Many buyers filter for items with free shipping, and you can build the shipping cost into the item price.
Packaging your items
Proper packaging protects your items. Small items often fit well in bubble mailers, fragile items need padded envelopes or tissue paper, and larger items should go in sturdy boxes. Tape securely and consider additional cushioning for breakable products.
Keeping a small supply of boxes, mailers, and tape on hand helps you ship quickly. Many office supply stores and carrier locations sell packaging materials and shipping labels, while online retailers, like Amazon, can offer bulk packing supplies at discounted prices. To help save money, you can also reuse packaging if it’s in good condition.
Insurance and tracking
Tracking reassures buyers and qualifies you for seller protection. For high-value items, add insurance or signature confirmation for peace of mind.
Shipping cost calculator
You can estimate shipping costs with a simple formula:
Shipping Cost = Packaging + Carrier Fees + Insurance
eBay’s shipping calculator can also automate this process, providing accurate estimates for both domestic and international buyers.
Extra tips for smooth shipping
- Ship promptly: Buyers expect fast handling, ideally within a couple of business days. Prompt shipping leads to better reviews and repeat buyers.
- Combine shipping for multiple purchases: Offer discounted combined shipping if a buyer purchases more than one item.
- Know your carriers: USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all have strengths. USPS is often best for small, lightweight packages, while UPS and FedEx handle heavier items efficiently.
- International shipping: Use eBay’s International Shipping Program to simplify customs paperwork and delivery tracking.
Building your seller reputation
Your reputation is one of your greatest assets, and mastering how to sell on eBay includes understanding how to build a strong seller profile. Positive feedback improves your visibility and builds credibility with buyers. You can strengthen your profile by communicating clearly, confirming shipments, and responding politely to inquiries.
Negative feedback happens, but handling it calmly helps. Offer solutions where possible, and treat it as a learning opportunity. Small gestures, such as including thank-you notes or offering occasional free expedited shipping to repeat buyers, can make a lasting impression. Over time, consistency creates loyal repeat buyers.
Managing your eBay business
Even if you sell only part-time, staying organized pays off. Consider using a simple spreadsheet to track your income, expenses, and inventory. Reinvest profits into sourcing new inventory or upgrading listings to grow steadily.
Time management matters too. Part-time sellers can set aside one to two hours a day for listing items, responding to buyers, and handling shipping. Full-time sellers will benefit from a structured workflow to manage larger volumes efficiently. Keep in mind that you may need to pay taxes on income from eBay. Keeping records of your sales and expenses makes reporting easier, and consulting a professional can provide guidance if you’re unsure.
Common mistakes to avoid
Every new seller makes mistakes, but most are easy to avoid:
- Vague or sloppy listings: Missing details or poor photos hurt visibility.
- Ignoring shipping details: Guessing size or weight often leads to unexpected costs.
- Underestimating fees: Forgetting to factor in eBay and payment fees can wipe out your profits.
- Delayed shipping: Buyers expect quick handling and tracking updates.
- Poor communication: Ignoring messages or being rude damages trust.
- Overpromising product condition: Misleading descriptions lead to returns and disputes.
- Mishandling returns: Refusing or delaying refunds leads to negative reviews.
- Fearing scams: eBay’s seller protections cover most issues if you follow the rules.
- Listing prohibited items: Always check eBay’s restricted list first.
- Skipping record-keeping: Not tracking sales, fees, and expenses makes taxes and profit planning difficult.
If your listing isn’t getting views, try adjusting your title or photos. If shipping costs seem high, compare carriers or explore flat-rate boxes. And when in doubt, eBay’s help center and seller forums are excellent troubleshooting resources.
Start your eBay selling journey today
Selling on eBay can provide extra income and help you make the most of items you no longer use. Start small, track your progress, and gradually expand your inventory as you gain experience.
In your first week, focus on practical steps: set up your account, take photos and list a few items, research competitive pricing, and gather shipping supplies. Familiarize yourself with eBay’s shipping tools to make the process smoother.
With patience and consistent effort, you can make extra money online selling on eBay and, over time, it could grow into a thriving online business.
FAQs
How much does it cost to sell on eBay?
Selling usually involves a few fees, including listing fees, final value fees, and optional upgrades like additional photos or featured placements. Costs vary depending on the category and price of your item, but they typically range from 10-15 percent of the final sale.
Do I need a business license to sell on eBay?
If you’re selling occasionally through a personal account, you don’t need a business license. However, more frequent or larger-scale sellers may need to check local regulations to see if registering as a business is required.
How do I handle returns and refunds?
eBay provides a framework for returns and refunds. Communicating promptly and keeping good records of transactions can help you manage returns smoothly.
What items are prohibited on eBay?
eBay maintains a list of restricted items, including alcohol, firearms, counterfeit goods, and certain other products. Checking this list before posting your items helps avoid issues.
How long does it take to receive payment?
With managed payments, funds are typically available one to three business days after a sale, depending on your account settings and payout.
Can I sell internationally?
Yes, you can sell on eBay internationally. eBay’s Global Shipping Program makes it easier by managing customs and providing tracking for cross-border sales.