Thinking about selling on eBay? With millions of active buyers and decades of trust behind it, eBay remains one of the top platforms for turning unused items or handmade goods into extra income. Let’s explore how you can get started, ideas on what to sell, and how to create successful listings.
How to successfully sell on eBay
Selling on eBay can be a great side hustle or a way to grow a full-scale online business, but making consistent sales takes more than just listing an item and hoping for the best. Success starts with understanding how the platform works, knowing what your audience wants, and using strategies that set your shop apart.
Strong eBay sellers tend to focus on three main areas: product selection, listing optimization, and customer service. They also stay on top of market trends and continuously improve their online selling techniques. Our detailed guide will discuss these concepts in depth, and we’ll walk you through both getting started and setting up eBay listings that work.
Step 1: Set up an eBay account
Selling on eBay starts with creating your seller account. Visit eBay’s registration page and decide if a personal or business account fits your goals. The page defaults to registration for a personal account, which is ideal if you plan to sell small amounts of items occasionally. However, if you plan to sell large quantities regularly, opt for a business account.
After choosing the right account type, follow the prompts to enter your personal or business details, verify your email address, and choose a user ID. Your ID will be visible to every user who views your listings or interacts with you, so choose a professional name that reflects your business.
After creating a user ID, you’ll be asked to provide an automatic payment method, like PayPal, a checking account, or a credit or debit card. Once this step is complete, you can start listing items and making your first sales on eBay.
At this stage, many eBay sellers and other online retailers consider forming a legal business entity, like an LLC, to help keep business and personal finances separate and add a layer of protection. If you’re not familiar with LLCs, you can learn more about what an LLC is here.
Step 2: Create effective product listings
Now that you’ve created a seller account on eBay, it’s time to list your first item. Log in to your account and click “Sell” in the upper right-hand corner to get started.
There are two different ways you can list an item for sale: eBay’s quick listing tool or the advanced listing form. The quick listing tool can be a good choice for your first listing because it’ll provide guidance on how to price and ship your item based on previous sales of the same or similar items. However, if you have a large inventory or plan to sell on eBay frequently, you may want to use the advanced listing form because it has additional features that can help with inventory management and organization.
Here are some important details you’ll want to include in your product listing:
Write a keyword-rich title
A great eBay listing starts with a strong title. Use keywords that buyers are likely to search for, and make sure the title clearly describes your product. For example, instead of just saying “Nike White Sneakers,” try something more detailed like “Men’s Nike Air Force 1 White Sneakers Size 10.” A keyword-rich title helps your listing show up in more searches and makes it more likely to get clicks.
Add high-quality photos
Next, upload high-quality photos. Take clear shots from multiple angles, and zoom in on important details. Good visuals build trust and give shoppers confidence in what they’re buying.
Write an honest description
When writing your product description, keep it honest and thorough. Include important details like measurements, specs, model numbers, and the item’s condition. If there are any flaws or signs of wear, be upfront about them. Transparency helps set expectations and can reduce the chances of returns or negative reviews.
For additional tips, check out our guide on how to create a top-selling eBay listing.
Step 3: Set your pricing and shipping options
Pricing and shipping are two of the most important factors that influence a buyer’s decision and your item’s visibility on eBay. The fields for pricing your item appear just below the listing duration.
Use the quick guide below to help you choose the best pricing and shipping options for your business.
Decide between auction and fixed price
eBay offers two main types of pricing sellers can choose from:
- Auction listings allow buyers to bid over a set period. This format can work well for rare, collectible, or in-demand items, as bidding can drive the price higher.
- Fixed Price (Buy It Now) listings let you set a price and sell the item immediately. This is a popular choice for most retail products because it offers more predictable sales.
Before publishing an eBay listing, take the time to weigh your pricing options and select the method that best fits your product and sales goals.
Research competitor pricing
Competitive, successful pricing starts with research, not guesswork. Use eBay’s search filters to view “Completed Items” and compare green (sold) and red (unsold) listings. Pay attention to the price, format (auction vs. fixed), and shipping cost. If other sellers charged too much or added high shipping fees, their listings may have been skipped.
If you're selling something high-value or collectible, including paperwork for authentication or a professional appraisal in your listing can help justify the price and build trust.
Set your shipping options and costs
Once you’ve landed on a price, it’s time to choose your shipping method. You can offer flat-rate shipping, calculated rates based on location, or local pickup. Make sure you:
- Use shipping calculators to estimate costs accurately and avoid undercharging or overcharging.
- Keep shipping costs competitive. High shipping fees can drive buyers away. If possible, factor shipping into your item price and offer free shipping. It’s a strong incentive and can boost your listing in search results.
- Be transparent about your policies. Set clear expectations for handling time, shipping carriers, and destinations. If you offer international shipping, include details to help buyers understand delivery timelines and costs.
Strong shipping policies don’t just improve the buyer experience—they can also help your listings rank higher in search results. eBay allows shoppers to filter for fast shipping, so listings that offer same-day or one-day handling may qualify for eBay Guaranteed Delivery (EGD). This added visibility can lead to more clicks and faster sales.
For help with international orders or tight delivery windows, look into eBay’s Global Shipping Program (GSP). With GSP, you ship items to eBay’s domestic shipping center in Kentucky, and they handle the rest. eBay also takes responsibility for any issues that come up during international transit.
There’s no fee to join GSP, but standard selling and payment processing fees still apply. The final fee is calculated based on the total amount of the item sale, including any domestic shipping fees.
If you're looking to reduce long-term costs and have more control over your operations, starting your own online business can give you more flexibility beyond eBay’s structure.
Related: How to lower your eBay fees
Step 4: Manage your listings and sales
As soon as your listing is live, you’ll receive an email confirming that it has been posted. However, your role as a seller is far from over. You have to actively manage your listing and engage with potential buyers if you want to make sales and earn a good seller reputation. You should:
Monitor your active listings
Stay on top of your listings through the “My eBay” dashboard. You’ll be able to track views, watchers, and bids, and respond to questions as they come in. Keeping an eye on performance helps you see what’s working and where you might want to make adjustments.
Respond promptly to buyer questions
Fast, friendly replies can go a long way in turning interest into a sale. eBay will email you when a question comes through, but you should check your messages regularly so you never miss a chance to connect.
Adjust pricing or relist items if they don’t sell
If your item hasn’t sold or isn’t getting much traction, don’t worry. Take a look at your listing stats and compare them to similar sold items. Try adjusting your price, adding new photos, or offering free shipping to make your product more appealing. Relisting with these updates can give your product a stronger second chance.
Complete transactions quickly and professionally
eBay will send you a notification as soon as your item sells. Ship it quickly after receiving payment, and upload tracking details so your buyer stays in the loop. If a buyer delays payment, message them directly and follow eBay’s unpaid item process if needed.
Consider promoting your listings
Want more eyes on your item? eBay’s promoted listings can help boost visibility in search results. You’ll only pay a fee if your item sells through the promoted link, so it’s a low-risk way to reach more shoppers.
Build your seller reputation
Your reviews and ratings matter. Every message you send, item you ship, and piece of feedback you receive plays a role in building your seller profile. Keep communication clear, ship on time, and don’t forget to leave feedback for your buyers—and ask for it in return. Taking a hands-on approach with your listings and customer interactions can make a big difference.
Ready to expand your shop beyond eBay? Consider selling on Amazon to tap into an even larger customer base and more fulfillment options.
Step 5: Ship items promptly and provide great service
Once your item sells, follow-through matters. Shipping quickly and offering great service can boost your reviews, encourage repeat buyers, and help build your reputation as a reliable seller.
Verify payment and complete the sale
Before you send anything out, check that payment has been received. eBay usually sends a confirmation, but it’s always a good idea to verify payment in your seller dashboard. If you're new to eBay, some payments may be held temporarily—this is normal and will improve as your selling history grows.
If payment doesn’t come through, message the buyer to check in. If they don’t respond or complete the purchase, you can report the unpaid item through eBay’s Resolution Center and relist your product.
Package items securely and ship promptly
Use the right supplies to make sure your item arrives safely. Bubble wrap, padded envelopes, and sturdy boxes can prevent damage in transit. Try to ship within one to two business days to build buyer trust and improve your seller ratings.
Upload tracking information and communicate
After shipping, upload the tracking info so your buyer can follow the delivery. This adds transparency and shows you’re on top of things. If any delays come up, send a quick message to keep your buyer in the loop.
Handle returns and issues professionally
Returns happen, even with great listings. If a buyer asks to return an item or reports an issue, respond quickly, follow eBay’s return guidelines, and find a fair solution. Professional, friendly communication encourages repeat business and helps protect your seller rating. For more advice on boosting your sales, check out our dedicated article on tips for selling on eBay.
If your products are a good fit for handmade or vintage markets, you may want to explore how to sell on Etsy instead of eBay.
Step 6: Promote your products
With millions of listings on eBay, simply posting your items may not be enough to stand out, especially in competitive categories. Promoting your products can go a long way in turning views into sales. Below are a few effective ways to do this.
Use eBay’s Promoted Listings
Promoted Listings is one of the easiest ways to get your items featured higher in search results. These listings are labeled as “Sponsored” and show up where buyers are already browsing. According to eBay, promoted listings can boost visibility by up to 36% compared to standard ones.
To use this feature, you’ll need an eBay Store subscription. From there, you can launch a campaign in Seller Hub or through your “My eBay” dashboard. Just choose which listings to promote, set your ad rate (the percentage you’re willing to pay when an item sells through the ad), and go live. eBay handles the rest by automatically placing your listings in relevant spots.
Optimize your listings for search
Even without paid ads, your listings can work harder for you if they’re optimized. Write clear titles that include relevant keywords, provide accurate item details, and use all available item specifics. Good SEO helps your listings show up in organic search results and reach the right buyers.
Leverage social media and external marketing
You don’t have to rely on eBay alone to drive traffic. Share your products on social media, drop links in your bio, and consider setting up a simple website to feature your best items. The more channels you use, the more eyes you can get on your listings.
Run occasional promotions or discounts
Every now and then, consider running a sale or creating a coupon. You can offer a percentage off, bundle deals, or multi-buy discounts to help seal the deal with buyers who are still deciding. These tools are built into eBay and are easy to set up.
Looking to explore even more ecommerce opportunities? Dropshipping might be a good fit if you’re ready to expand without managing inventory directly.
Step 7: Build your reputation and scale up
Once you’ve got the hang of selling on eBay, it’s time to think bigger. A strong seller reputation and smart growth strategy can set you apart and help you turn your side hustle into a full-fledged online business. Follow these tips for building your reputation and expanding your business:
Provide outstanding customer service
Every buyer interaction matters. Fast shipping, clear communication, accurate listings, and smooth returns all play a role in earning positive reviews. Encourage satisfied buyers to leave feedback, and handle any issues with professionalism. Even negative reviews can become opportunities when handled the right way.
Maintain a high seller rating
eBay tracks your performance through feedback and seller metrics. A strong rating builds buyer trust, improves your visibility in search results, and unlocks additional tools and benefits. Keep an eye on your seller dashboard to monitor your performance and look for areas to improve.
Analyze your sales data
Your sales history is packed with insight. Dive into eBay’s analytics tools to see what’s working. Look at best-selling items, pricing strategies, and trends over time. This data helps you refine your listings, adjust your inventory, and plan your next steps with confidence.
Consider opening an eBay Store
If you’re selling regularly, opening an eBay Store can offer more control and flexibility. You’ll get tools for marketing, branding, and organizing your inventory, plus access to lower fees. It’s great for building a stronger brand presence and growing your product lineup.
Expand your product range and marketing
As your business grows, think about branching out. Test new product categories, tap into international markets, or try additional marketing strategies like email campaigns or paid social. Staying active and informed helps you stay competitive and ready for whatever’s next.
Experiment and grow as an eBay seller
Selling on eBay is always evolving. As you gain more experience, don’t hesitate to test new strategies and fine-tune your approach. Staying flexible and open to change is key to long-term growth.
Begin by analyzing your data
Keep an eye on your seller dashboard and track important performance metrics. Identifying patterns in sales, views, and customer behavior can help you make smarter decisions. For example, if you’ve only used fixed-price listings, try experimenting with auctions to see if they generate more interest or higher profit margins.
Tweak listings that aren’t performing
If a product isn’t getting traction, refresh the description, update your photos, or test promoted listings to boost visibility. Even small adjustments can help attract more buyers and drive conversions.
Refine your shipping strategy
Shipping plays a big role in buyer satisfaction. Sellers have seen success by using eBay Labels and offering free shipping across the board. Simple upgrades like these can help you stand out and build trust.
Keep testing and adapting
Top sellers are always looking for ways to improve. Try different listing formats, test pricing strategies, and explore seasonal trends to stay competitive. What works today might need tweaking tomorrow—growth comes from staying curious.
Explore other platforms as you grow
If you're ready to branch out, take a look at how eBay compares to other marketplaces. Our Etsy vs. eBay comparison can help you decide what fits your brand best. You can also explore how to sell on Walmart to expand your reach even further.
Ready to turn your eBay side hustle into a business? Set up your own online store with GoDaddy and take full control of your brand, products, and sales. With easy-to-use tools, flexible design options, and built-in marketing features, you can start building your business your way.
Frequently asked questions
How much does eBay charge on a sale?
eBay charges a final value fee for each item you sell, which is usually a percentage of the total sale price (including shipping) plus a fixed fee. For most categories, this fee is around 13.25%, but it can vary. If you’re using optional tools like Promoted Listings, additional fees may apply. You can find a full breakdown on eBay’s fee structure for sellers page.
How much can you sell on eBay before paying taxes?
As of 2024, if you make $5,000 or more in gross sales, eBay is required to send you a Form 1099-K for tax reporting. However, you’re responsible for reporting income regardless of whether you receive a form. It’s a good idea to track your earnings and talk to a tax professional to stay compliant and plan ahead.
Is eBay reliable?
eBay has been around since 1995 and remains one of the most trusted online marketplaces. With built-in buyer and seller protections, secure payment systems, and a huge global user base, it’s a solid platform for both casual sellers and full-scale businesses. Like any platform, success depends on following best practices and staying engaged with your customers.
How to block a buyer on eBay?
To block a buyer, go to your eBay account settings and find the “Blocked Bidder/Buyer List.” Enter the username of the buyer you want to block, and they won’t be able to bid on or purchase your items moving forward.
