How to Sell on eBay? Complete Guide for 2021

Over the last two decades, the internet has revolutionized the way people live in modern society. New technology has emerged from every background and the services they are capable of providing are unthinkable. The Internet has also modernized the way we used to shop in the olden days. Several eCommerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, etc have given a new direction to the way we viewed shopping.
But this point is from a customer’s point of view. If you look from a seller’s point of view, selling on an eCommerce website is quite easy if you follow the right steps and make the right decisions at right time. This blog will give you a step by step guide on how you can sell on eBay without getting into any hassling situation.
The best part about selling through eBay is that you would not only have access to the international market but also get the opportunity to explore endless avenues and new business. Now let’s start from the basics
What is the history of eBay and what exactly is it?
This eCommerce website was found more than 20 years ago when the internet was getting access to the general public. Pierre Omidyar has the vision to set up an online marketplace to sell goods and services to others. And it was never expected that it will be a global success.
As internet technology grew, eBay also grew slowly, and over the course of a few years new people from renowned companies like Pepsi, Disney, etc. This skilled and qualified team of professionals took the business to a new level and later it became a household name.
As of today, it has now become one of the most popular eCommerce websites for selling and buying goods. There are millions of customer and seller accounts registered to this domain. Also, there are millions of unique customers and sellers that visit the website every month. After the introduction of the mobile application, eBay has skyrocketed its business sales by 40%.
The flexibility of eBay is that the user is free to sell on odd listings or make an online shopping point. Thereby customers can get cheaper rates for multiple product categories and the seller would be able to sell both nationally and internationally with just a touch of a button.
eBay offers a bidding system that is free of charge. The initial price of the product is set by the seller, also there is a chance you might be charged higher than the actual price depending on the product for bidding. After the closing of each bid, the seller will be notified of the transaction and a binding contract will be signed between seller and buyer.
Why must a seller sell on eBay?
Since most of the demographics have switched to online platforms for convenience and comfort. Selling online can unlock huge opportunities for big brands and private sellers. In fact, eBay has created a competitive environment and even big-name brands have started to recognize the potential of attracting customers to their brand
We have mentioned some excellent reasons and benefits on why you should consider selling on eBay.
Access to the Global market
As said before, a seller will have access to the global market, and best of all he/she would have a worldwide reach an audience for their brand. Ideally, a seller would use this to his/her advantage to promote their business to the mass audience.
Know the price
AThe selling costs on eBay are fixed, so it can be assured that there are no surprises in the listing. A fixed price can help you start your own online shop that can provide more stability to online selling rather than using paid advertising.
Building up a repo
Via eBay, you can build your brand’s reputation by following good practices like keeping your customers happy. This kind of practice can help you get positive responses for your outstanding services. You can grow your reputation and build trust in your brand that will eventually lead to a better sales record.
Multiple Payment options
eBay provides flexibility to both customers and sellers by giving multiple payment options like Paypal, credit, debit, and other digital wallets
Easy to use
eBay is easy to use. A seller can have multiple listings online in very little time.
How do beginners sell on eBay?
If you are starting your own brand and planning to start selling on eBay. You have to follow these simple tips in order to make good financial gains and explore endless opportunities.
Setting up your eBay listing
If you want your product eyeballed by millions of potential customers, you have to set up your own listing, which is pretty easy and will take you a matter of hours.
Do your research
It is always recommended to do your complete research. The research can include how much similar items you are about to sell, the initial price you should set for that specific category. You should include the cost of packaging and post. Customers also prefer to know if there are any extra hidden charges in advance, so make sure to check with your local delivery service and include them in the pricing. These initial researches will put in a good pace to reach your business goals.
Include an FAQ’s section
Every customer has their own set of questions regarding any product or service. So it’s recommended to have your own set of FAQs included under the listing of the product. Also, include your number or email id so that the customer can directly contact you about the product and make sure you respond to the mail immediately or you might lose a potential business lead.
Make your own product listing
After completing the whole research, you must have a better understanding of how eBay works. First, it will take you some time to work out the details but after you are done with it the process will be quicker.
Initially, click on the start button on the top of the eBay page and start selecting the options that are applicable. Set a starting price, images, detailed description. These pointers are necessary because a customer must know what they will be getting after winning the bid. The more informative content you include the more possibility of attracting customers with the higher bids.
You will also have the option of donating a portion of the sale to charity, this feature will encourage people to place higher bids even more.
Setup your account
Setting up an eBay account is a straightforward process, the details can be changed according to convenience. These details include
- Phone number
- Set up payment methods
- Make your profile public for feedback
- Setup several payment methods
- And verify your paypal account
Always track your listings
The more listings you have the more amount of work you will need to do. It is fairly easy to get the notification and regular updates every time a person views your product, bid on your product, or even when the sale session expires.
Settling the list
If you are about to make a sale, you are likely to be notified about the transaction, and in case you are accepting cash you have to ensure about the transaction before sending it. And if the buyer hasn’t paid you in three days you can get in touch and make sure what’s going on.
Once the payment has been done the goods are now ready to be delivered. Make sure your package is bubble wrapped and safe during transportation. This will make sure you can get a positive feedback rating.
Now you have sold your first product on eBay and got a positive response for your services.
Seller costs
There is a fixed table for the payable fees on eBay for the seller who is using it for business purposes. However, there are certain situations where a seller can get the benefit because of reduced payable fees.
First are the top-rated sellers, who meet the ebay’s premium service guidelines. They come under the eligibility to receive 10% off on the final value fee. Others can be donating to a charity, if the eBay seller is giving the whole 100% to the charity, he/she is eligible for a certain percentage off on the fees.
Managing eBay activities
The sellers who have multiple numbers of listings running concurrently must have the crucial ability to manage them all. The better management you have to manage eBay listings, the more you will benefit from the system
When your listing is live
- Make must make sure the listing is advertised properly
- Recognize the product gaps like description, images, bullet points, etc. It will make sure more potential customers can view your product.
- Respond to your product’s questions, feedbacks timely
- It is necessary to respond to negative feedback
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this you might have gotten an idea on how you sell your products on the bay and maintain a good rapport that will prosper to your brand’s success.