Posting Your Initial eBay Auction in Five Easy Steps.

Click the link below to watch our how to make money on eBay Video Tutorials

First Step - Open an eBay seller's account.

If you previously purchased items on eBay, you will already have an account. All you will need to do is log in with these account details and click 'Sell' in the toolbar at the top of the page, then go a step further and click 'Create a seller's account'. If do not have an account and have never used eBay for trading, then you will have to open an account first using the 'register' link underneath the toolbar. Follow the instructions and click 'Sell' and 'Create a seller's account' and the eBay site will guide you through the process. These steps may involve giving card details and bank information for security reasons.

Second Step - Decide what to sell.

For your first encounter with eBay, it is not important what you decide to sell. It can be anything as long as it will fit in the post and does not have too much value to yourself. Old or unwanted books and CDs are ideal first items, but anything in your home that will start a selling habit will work.

Third Step - Submit your item.

Click 'Sell', and that will list your item.

The first choice is to choose a relavent category, but it is possible to let eBay choose for you by typing the item’s description. The second step is to compile a title and description for your item. Include key words as it is a web search that people will use for certain terms. After the title box has been filled. List the information you have about the item in the description box

The next step is to set a starting price. $0.01 is the best starting price, as it draws people in to bid so your product is guaranteed of attracting bids. Items will almost never finish at such a low price so it is safe to start at a low bid. Afterwards it is necessary to set the duration of the auction which can be 3, 5, 7 or 10 days – the choice is yours. Although longer sales will usually get more bids, the auction process can drag. Next it is optional to add a picture, and it recommended that you photograph the item as it has been proved that items with pictures always sell for more. Tick the payment methods you will accept (just PayPal is best initially), and where you will post to (limit yourself to your own country initially). Submit and you're done!

Fourth Step - Wait for it to sell.

You have taken the necessary steps and now it is time to let eBay do its work. Web surfers and buyers will find your item and hopefully leave bids on it. Some bidders may email you with questions pertaining to the item and you should keep an eye on your mail and respond as quickly as possible and do your best to answer these questions.

In the unlikely event that your item doesn't sell, you can list it again for free.

Fifth Step - Collect payment and post it.

eBay emails the buyer which guides them through the process of sending payment for the item. Make sure you have the money before anything gets shipped.

Once you've received payment, pack the item for posting, using bubble wrap and write the buyer's address from eBay’s confirmation email on the parcel. Add stamps, post it, and your first sale has been successful!

After selling your first item, you will want to continue the sales. Now that you're starting to get into it, the next video will give you a checklist of things you need to do to be a successful seller.

This page is about Posting Your Initial eBay Auction in Five Easy Steps.

Click the link below to watch our how to make money on eBay Video Tutorials