If you want to be successful at selling items on eBay, it is not as simple as it may initially seem. To increase your chances of selling your items and making a good profit, you need to adopt multiple strategic approaches.
To successfully sell your items, it is important to have knowledge about pricing, accepting counteroffers, utilizing free listings, updating prices for unsold items, and calculating shipping costs.
If you have tried selling items on eBay before or if you have never attempted it, these suggestions can assist you in your endeavor to become a prosperous seller.
1. Build a Profile
Similar to how you create a profile on social media, you will also need to create a profile on eBay. It is necessary to provide a username, but including a picture and a biography is not compulsory.
To enhance your chances of selling in the future, it is advisable for eBay sellers to acquire feedback by using their account to purchase a few small items, as many buyers are cautious about purchasing from profiles without a rating that is obtained from both buying and selling.
2. Do your Research
To ensure visibility, it is important to accurately describe your listing and categorize it correctly, considering the vast number of new listings added daily.
eBay will automatically search for similar items when you enter a description of your item when listing it. There will be a ‘sell one like this’ button underneath each similar item, which you can select. The site will then provide suggestions for titles, pricing, and postage fees, which you can modify according to your preference.
3. Avoid Listing Fees
eBay allows you to list up to 1,000 items for sale every month at no cost. However, listing more than 1,000 items will result in a fee of 35p per listing. It’s important to note that listing fees are distinct from the fees incurred upon successfully selling an item.
To determine the number of remaining free listings, access eBay by logging in and selecting ‘selling’ from the ‘My eBay’ section in the top right corner. Scroll down to the bottom to view your available free listings and any ongoing eBay promotions, like free listing days.
4. Pick the Right Time
To maximize the likelihood of selling your items, it is advisable to choose the option of running an auction on eBay for the maximum duration of ten days.
Sunday evening is the most popular time on eBay, therefore it is advisable to schedule the end of your listing for this time. It is recommended to avoid scheduling your listing during weekday mornings or significant events like football matches or TV finales when people are likely to be occupied.
5. Picture Perfect
To attract more interest from buyers, it is recommended to include pictures in your listing. eBay allows you to add up to 12 pictures without any additional cost, so go ahead and take some snaps.
6. Set your Price
To get an estimate of the value of your item, check out similar listings on eBay. Auctions are a highly favored method of selling, where you can even set a minimum price. In case the bidding doesn’t reach this amount, the item will not be sold. However, please note that an additional listing fee of 4% of the reserve price will still be charged.
If you have a specific price in mind for your item, the ‘buy it now’ option is the most effective way to ensure you obtain that amount, even though it is not as widely preferred.
If you manage to sell an item successfully, keep in mind that eBay will take a 12.8% cut from the final selling price, which includes any buyer’s postage fee. Additionally, there will be a fixed fee of 30p per item. It is important to consider these fees along with any listing fees you have already paid when determining the price.
Keep an eye out for eBay’s email notifications about “sell and pay no more than (amount)” promotions. These promotions occur periodically and present an excellent opportunity to sell your items. Remember, this offer applies only to a maximum of 100 listings and is applicable only if it’s your first time listing the item.
7. Weigh Your Item in Its Shipping Package
To accurately determine the shipping cost, consider that the weight of a box and any additional protective materials, such as bubble wrap, may contribute to the total weight. It is recommended to weigh the item along with the envelope or box and the necessary stuffing that would be used to ship it. This is particularly crucial when shipping large items or those with unconventional dimensions.
You have the option to utilize eBay’s Shipping Calculator in order to figure out the cost. The link to “Calculate Shipping” can be found in the domestic shipping section of shipping details, or you can access the calculator prior to creating your listing. Take a look at the cost associated with various shipping choices, such as media mail (applicable for books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, computer software, and other forms of media).
8. Try Different Options on Items That Don’t Sell
If you’re stuck with an item that hasn’t sold, instead of just relisting it at a lower price, you can consider other options to attempt selling it again. For instance, if you have been selling it through an auction, you can try listing it with a Buy It Now option, or vice versa. Another option could be raising the price slightly or keeping it the same and providing free shipping.
You have the option to choose the duration of the listing, whether it be one day, three days, five days, seven days, or 30 days. You can select the Global Shipping Program, which allows your item to be listed internationally. Rest assured, eBay will take care of the shipping process and deliver your item to other countries.
9. Allow for Counteroffers
To enhance your chances of making a sale, enable the option to accept counteroffers beneath your Buy It Now price or auction listing. By doing so, you indicate to potential buyers that you are open to receiving lower offers.
To avoid the need to respond to every counteroffer, specify the minimum amount you would accept in the Minimum Offer field. This means any offer below that amount will be automatically rejected. Additionally, indicate the minimum amount you would accept in the Auto-accept field. This means any offer equal to or higher than that amount will be automatically accepted.
10. Lower the Starting Bid Before an Auction Ends
If a listed item for auction is not receiving bids, buyers, or watchers, it is possible to reduce the starting bid before the auction ends. However, this adjustment must be made at least one day prior to the end of the listing; otherwise, you will not have the option to modify the listing.
11. Time Your Auction Properly
Is it important to consider the day and time when starting and ending an auction listing? Absolutely, especially if you create an auction for a popular item that could potentially result in bidding frenzy during the final moments. It can be challenging to determine an exact time due to your audience being spread across different time zones.
In general, starting and ending your listing on Sunday evening is a perfect choice as many individuals actively browse the internet and make purchases on eBay during this time. Additionally, certain evenings throughout the week, including Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, can also attract numerous prospective buyers.
It is advisable to avoid scheduling auctions during Friday or Saturday evenings as many people may be unavailable. Similarly, it is best to avoid early morning or late night auctions when most people in the US are likely asleep. Alternatively, you can create your listing but set a future date and time for it to go live.
12. Try Local Pickup for Items You Can’t Ship
If you have an item that you wish to sell but it is too large, bulky, or expensive to ship using regular postal mail, you have a few alternatives. Freight shipping is specifically tailored for transporting oversized items, although it could be expensive and time-consuming due to the necessity of packing the item.
Consider the possibility of offering local pickup as an option, which will naturally limit your audience to individuals who are willing to travel to your location. This can be a smart approach when selling furniture or other items that are difficult to ship. In the designated Local Pickup section, activate the Add Local Pickup switch.
