I've been selling on eBay every day since 2003. I have helped thousands of sellers build an eBay business along the way. eBay is a big place with many moving parts. If you are just starting your eBay journey, here are a few tips to help you succeed faster.
Learn How to Price Items
You must know how to price an item for the eBay universe. An item is only worth what someone will pay for it, and you can figure that out by looking at eBay completed listings. Here is a video on exactly how to figure out how to price items.
Start by Selling Things You Already Have
Most people think they have to go out and buy stuff to sell. Not true! The average American home has 300,000 items, and $7,000 or more worth of things that can be sold online. I have worked with clients over the years who have decades worth of accumulation in their homes and it could take a good 6-18 months to work through it all. Here are some things you might not know even sell on eBay!
Don't Sell High Risk Items
Sellers often are enthusiastic when starting on eBay, and want to jump in by selling expensive items. Don't do it! You could be the victim of a scam. Start slow, small, and learn the ropes before offering high dollar items. Play it safe! Watch this video about designer handbags - one of the types of items you should avoid until you have more experience.
Learn About Shipping
Shipping is undoubtedly the most confusing thing to learn when you are new to eBay. Here is a great video tutorial, with a flow chart, to walk you through the process if figuring out what to charge for shipping. you don't want to overcharge the customer, and you don't want to short yourself either. Download the flow chart for free.
Buy Some Items to Get Feedback
If you are brand new to eBay and have just opened your account, you need to buy a few items to get some feedback. Your eBay feedback score is calculated from all of your transactions, not just your sales. So it is wise to be a buyer first, get some feedback, learn the ropes, and build your feedback score. Buy small inexpensive things you will actually use like cosmetics, office supplies, pet supplies, stickers for the kids or grandkids, or consumables. Then you won't look like a total newbie when you start to list your first items for sale. It is very, very difficult to sell anything with zero feedback, so get rid of that big obvious goose egg!
Get Help From an Expert
Getting guidance, advice, and support from an expert will move you along the learning curve faster than trying to figure out the pitfalls all by yourself. I can help! Check out my eBay Basics Course here. If you have the basics down but still need help, my Premium Content Library is perfect. You get unlimited email support, new videos every month, and much more. I am here for you!
