Starting an eBay Business

Starting an eBay business is easier than you think. Here are seven simple steps to getting started as a seller on eBay

• Register. Register with eBay by clicking on the register button at eBay.com. You will be required to provide your name, address, eamil and phone number. It is a good idea to create a new email address that you will use only for your business on eBay. You will also be asked to select a user ID and password. Take a bit of time to think about your user ID as this ID is how other eBay users will know you. Select a name that conveys the impression you want - not too wierd or with negative connotations!
• Open a Seller's Account. This is free. You need to provide credit card or debit card details to verify your identity. If you don't have a card you can use the ID Verify facility. You have to tell eBay how you want to pay your seller fees. These are initially your listing fees which are calculated on a sliding scale based on your starting price, fixed-sale price or reserve price. You also select the payment method you will accept from your buyers.
• Choose what you want to start selling. Start with an inexpensive item that is easy to ship to get some practice with selling on eBay. Look around the house and find some items you don't need or use. Selling some of your own belongings on eBay is a good way to get started. Once you have practiced selling a couple of your items you can move on to finding a good product niche for starting an ebBay business. Find out about selecting the right products and how to source inventory for eBay. What to sell on eBay .
• Price your item. Once you have registered you can use the Advanced Search on eBay to view recently closed items similar to yours. See what sold and what didn't to get an idea of the value of your item on eBay. Once your item has been sold on eBay you will be charged a Final Value Fee which is a small percentage of the sale price. These fees do change from time to time and it is important to make sure that you will still make a profit once you have paid all your fees plus shipping costs. Find out about pricing your items accurately at Pricing your Product to Sell on eBay
• Select a selling format. There are various formats for selling on eBay. With a basic eBay auction-style listing you list your item with a starting price and wait for bidders to drive the price up until your auction closing time. You are then obligated to sell to the highest bidder. You can also set a reserve price which is a hidden minimum price you are willing to accept. If this minimum is not met you do not have to sell the item. You can use the Buy it Now price option which lets the buyer purchase the item immediately for a set price. If you don't like auctions a fixed-price listing simply lists the item for sale at a fixed price and no bidding is involved. You can also open an eBay store and list your items at a set price.
• Create a listing. List your items by clicking the sell link at the top of the webpage. There is lots of information on how to easily list your item as well as how to select the best category for your listing. This initial trial run will give you experience with creating your listings and with finding out what equipment you will need for starting an eBay business such as a digital camera, packing materials etc. Find out about creating a successful listing at How to Sell on eBay.
• Managing the selling process. Buyers will ask questions about your items and you need to respond quickly and thoroughly to ensure you get the bids and make the sale. Good customer service is a key part of successfully starting an eBay business. Once the item has been sold you will need to contact the buyer to confirm payment methods and shipping details. Payment should be verified before the item is shipped. You then pay your eBay fees and enjoy your profits!

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with eBay's rules and policies before starting an eBay business. eBay has well defined policies that are available on the eBay website.

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