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Is it safe to buy on eBay?
Sofia Santos
Sofia Santos 12/16/2024

Whether you want to start an online business or seek extra income, selling on eBay can help you earn profits, whether from new or used items.

Remember that eBay is popular for having millions of active buyers worldwide, making it a reliable and flexible platform to reach a global audience.

So, if you’re thinking of creating an eBay account to sell, this post is for you.

The following guide is designed for beginners who want to list products, manage orders, and optimize their experience on eBay.

How to Sell on eBay: Steps, Fees, and Tips

Benefits of Selling on eBay

To begin with, creating an eBay account to sell gives you access to a global audience, which alone is a strong reason to increase your chances of success. But there are other main benefits:

  • The platform is intuitive for listing and managing online products.

  • It has analytical tools to improve your performance.

  • It’s a flexible option for all types of sellers.

  • It offers a protection system and secure transactions.

These are good reasons to create an eBay selling account, and if you’re determined, it’s important to know what to do.

How to Sell on eBay: Step-by-Step Guide

On eBay, you can register as an individual or a business seller. The process is similar, but if you open a business account, they’ll ask for more details and documentation.

In general, you must:

1. Open Your Account

Go to the website and click on “Register” at the top left corner. You can choose whether to create an eBay account to sell as an individual or as a business. Then, fill out the form with the requested data and a secure password.

Next, go to “My eBay” and then “Sell” to edit your profile. Include a photo and a brief description that reflects your identity or that of your business. This is necessary so that every user feels more secure when buying on eBay.

The platform uses a payment system that centralizes transactions. This means you can receive money directly into your bank account through Payoneer.

To activate it, follow the instructions in the payments section of your eBay account. For example, log into your Payoneer account to link it, or create a new one. The data must match on both platforms.

3. Set Up Payment Options

As a seller, it’s advisable to enable multiple options to facilitate transactions for buyers. Fortunately, eBay accepts methods like credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) for greater accessibility.

Therefore, you can accept payments with DolarCard, our card that thousands of sellers throughout Latin America already use.

Since it's backed by Mastercard, it’s accepted on most e-commerce platforms—Amazon, AliExpress, eBay or Mercado Libre included.

Do you want to get it for personal use?

Just request it after downloading DolarApp and activating your digital dollar account.

4. Create and Publish Your Listing

All the information provided so far must be submitted for verification and approval.

If your profile is approved, you can create your listing by adding product details such as:

  • Title

  • Category

  • Condition

  • Images

  • Description

You must also choose the format, i.e., whether you’ll sell at a fixed price or have users bid.

5. Set the Price and Configure Shipping Options

Set the prices for your products, but consider:

  • The buyer’s location

  • Use competitive prices that attract buyers and allow you to make a profit

  • How much eBay charges to sell

  • Shipping costs

You must also establish the shipping options you’ll offer. This includes available methods, delivery times, and associated costs.

Selling on eBay: Prices and Fees

Before creating an eBay account to sell, you need to research several key aspects, including fees, since these depend on various factors such as the item category and account type.

The main fees and charges for individual sellers include:

Concept

Description

Listing fee

250 free listings per month.$0.35 USD per additional listing.

Final value fee (for most categories)

13.25% of the total sale amount up to $7,500 USD per item.2.35% on the amount exceeding $7,500 USD.Plus a fixed fee of $0.30 USD per order.

Payment processing fees

Depending on the payment method used, additional fees may apply, usually 2.9% of the transaction amount + $0.30 USD.

Optional listing upgrades

Extra costs for highlighting listings.Subtitles: $1.50 USD.Bold: $4.00 USD.Gallery Plus: $0.35 USD.

Promoted listing fees

Between 5% and 12% on the sale price, excluding shipping costs.Charged only if sold through the promoted listing link.

Currency conversion fees

Between 2.5% and 3.5% of the converted amount.

For more details about how much eBay charges to sell, click here.

There are also eBay store subscriptions:

  • Basic: $27.95 USD/month for 250 free listings and $0.25 USD per additional item listed.

  • Premium: $74.95 USD/month for 1,000 free listings + $0.10 USD per additional listing.

  • Anchor: $349.95 USD/month for 10,000 free listings and $0.05 USD per additional listed item.

What Can You Sell on eBay?

If you’re starting an online business, what can you sell on eBay?

Ideally, products with high demand that also match your interests and offer good profit margins.

Some highlighted categories that tend to attract buyers include:

  • Electronics and tech accessories: From smartphones and headphones to gaming consoles and chargers.

  • Home and garden: Furniture, small appliances, kitchen or gardening tools, and décor for those looking to renovate or personalize their spaces.

  • Fashion and style: From clothing and footwear to branded accessories or vintage pieces, these products have a broad market. Designer items and limited-edition sneakers also catch the attention of specialized buyers.

  • Health and beauty: Products focused on wellness, such as facial creams, makeup, or personal care tools, have a growing market, especially if you choose recognized brands or innovative solutions.

  • Parts and accessories: Tools, spare parts, and accessories for cars or motorcycles.

Keep in mind that to choose the right product, it’s important to know your target audience and assess the competition.

What Happens After a Sale?

Once the sale is made, you must prepare the package for shipping. But don’t worry, this process is simpler than you think, especially with existing logistics options.

Nowadays, users who choose to buy on eBay from Mexico can rely on various services that facilitate coordination and delivery. The platform itself is associated with companies like USPS, FedEx, and UPS, allowing you to buy shipping labels directly from its website.

Make sure it’s well-packaged to avoid damage during transport, and don’t forget to provide tracking information to the buyer if available.

Tips for Selling on eBay

Succeeding as an eBay seller isn’t easy when you’re new, but focusing on the following aspects can guide you in the right direction:

  • Analyze demand and prices of similar products on eBay through digital tools. Terapeak, offered by the platform, is an example.

  • Ensure you upload high-resolution images and photograph from multiple angles, with a neutral background and good lighting.

  • Be honest when specifying product details, from dimensions to its current condition.

  • Use relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results.

  • Consider fast or free shipping with clear and reasonable fees.

  • Respond quickly, manage returns, and maintain a good reputation.

  • Monitor your sales and adjust your strategies according to trends, taking advantage of eBay’s analytics tools.

  • Stay updated on eBay’s policies to ensure your listings comply with the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to sell on eBay for free?

You can sell for free on eBay using the 250 monthly free listings for individual sellers. However, commissions apply once you exceed that number, as well as additional charges for optional listing enhancements.

What are the requirements to sell on eBay?

You must have an active eBay account, provide personal and banking information, and adhere to the platform’s rules and local laws. Documents must be attached in JPEG, JPG, PDF, or PNG formats, and must match the supplied information.

Why can’t I sell on eBay?

Reasons for being unable to sell may vary: account restrictions, incomplete verification, category limitations, or violating eBay policies.

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