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How to Sell

To sell on eBay, follow these easy steps:

  1. Become a seller by providing a valid credit/debit card and bank account information.

  2. Sign up to accept PayPal.

    PayPal allows you to accept buyers' credit card and electronic payments online. To keep eBay a safe place for both buyers and sellers, all sellers from 21 May 2008 are required to offer PayPal as an accepted payment method for their items. You can sign up for PayPal before you list your first item for sale, or you can sign up when you list your first item with the Sell Your Item form.

  3. Fill out the Sell Your Item form

    Here are some of the sections you will be asked to complete.

    • Select a category – Explore eBay categories ahead of time to help you choose the most appropriate category for your item. Try searching for similar items and see what categories have been used.

    • Select Item Specifics – This option is only available for certain categories. If you see it, be sure to fill in the details to help buyers find your item. More about item specifics.

    • Write a title – Be clear, complete, and descriptive. Your title should include words buyers would search for when looking for your item. View tips on titles.

    • Add pictures – Show off your item with pictures. You can use eBay Picture Services, which lets you add pictures straight from the Sell Your Item form and offers some attention-grabbing options. Or you can click "Web Hosting" to use your own hosting service.

    • Write an item description – Here's your chance to really describe and promote your item. Sometimes, it's easier to write your description in a word authoring program first, and then cut and paste it into the item description area in the Sell Your Item Form. Be clear and complete. Be creative, telling the history of your item and why someone would want to buy it. Read how to write a good description.

    • Choose a selling format – Are you selling through eBay's standard online auction format, setting a fixed price, using your own eBay Store, or listing a classified ad? More about selling formats.

    • Choose pricing and listing duration – How long do you want your listing to run? How many items are you selling? What is your starting price? Would you like to sell with Buy It Now?

    • Enter payment information – How will you accept payment from your buyer when your listing ends? eBay recommends offering PayPal -- the fast, easy and secure way to accept credit card or checking account payments. From 21 May 2008 all items listed for sale on eBay.com.au, except for some excluded categories, must offer PayPal as one of the payment methods.  See this list of exclusions for more information.

    • Enter postage information – Where will you send your item to and what is the cost? Include details on the Sell Your Item form such as types of services, shipping cost, and package information. Buyers will ask fewer postage questions and the end of your listing will be easier.

    • Provide item location – Where is your item located? It's a good idea to include the suburb, state / territory and postcode where the item will be sent from.

    • Increase your item's visibility – Explore the many listing upgrades that can help your item stand out from the other listings. Choose the options that are right for you.

    • Review and submit your listing – Now you'll see a preview of your listing and a summary of its details. Look this over carefully. If you're satisfied and finished, submit your listing.
       
      Now your listing begins!

      And when your listing ends...

       

  4. Communicate with your buyer – When your buyer completes Checkout, eBay will notify you by email. If you didn't specify shipping and payment details, the buyer can use Checkout to request this information. You can also use Checkout to send the buyer an invoice.

    Important: You should contact the buyer directly if you have not heard from the buyer or the buyer has not completed Checkout within 3 days of your listing's end.

  5. Receive payment – If the buyer paid with PayPal, you will receive an email confirming payment. If you have not yet registered for the PayPal service, you will be prompted to register to accept the payment.

  6. Send the item to the buyer – Pack it well. Use bubble wrap or crumpled up newspaper to protect the item during transit. Make sure any parts of the item that are fragile are well padded and are located toward the center of the box if possible. You don't want damage in the post to create problems for you and your buyer. Read tips for packaging your item.

  7. Leave the buyer Feedback – eBay's Feedback system helps create a trustworthy community for everyone. Your feedback about your buyer is important information for other sellers.

A message from our lawyers

The PayPal service is provided by PayPal Australia Pty Limited (ABN 93 111 195 389) which holds an Australian Financial Services Licence, number 304962.  eBay International A.G. and eBay CS Vancouver Inc. are authorised representatives (numbers 308318 and 326597) of PayPal  for the purpose of providing information about PayPal.  eBay and PayPal are not acting as your agents, are not providing personal financial advice to you and do not take your individual circumstances into account in providing information about PayPal.  You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide before deciding to sign-up for or use the PayPal online payment service at https://www.PayPal.com.au


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