In general experience is the best way to learn. However, before you start read some of the eBay help files like the fee structure and the money back guarantee. As a new seller a couple of suggestions follow.
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...
1. NEVER list anything on eBay you are not prepared to take the financial loss on.
2. As a new seller avoid listing high value and high target items that scammers love.
3. If you are wanting to make a profit build a cost model so you know what price to list items at to do so.
Factor in ALL costs: what you paid for it, supplies, income taxes, fees, POV...........
4. Diversify across multiple venues not everything is for or can even be sold on eBay and in some
cases there are better options that will net you a bigger return and save the buyers some costs.
5. Read through this forum and learn to identify common scams before you are a victim.
6. Establish a separate bank account to handle your eBay transactions. It keeps things easy from
an accounting perspective and you probably really don't want eBay having access to your personal
bank account.
7. Make sure you setup the shipping correctly on the listing with regards to the size and weight of the item
you will be shipping.
8. While auctions and BIN both have their pro's and con's as a new seller I would recommend you use
BIN with immediate payment required and avoid using OBO.
9. Avoid using promoted listings until you see how things go. PL can become an added and unnecessary
expense that provides little to no benefit depending on what you are selling.
10. EBay customer support is useless these days and they will give out incorrect information simply to get
you off the phone.
11. Utilize this forum to ask questions BEFORE you have a problem, there are a LOT of experienced sellers
on this forum that can provide sound advice.
12. Fully read and understand the MBG, when you list items advise that you accept returns. Too many new
sellers believe no returns equates to no refunds and that is NOT the case.
13. While most transactions go smoothly be prepared to deal with issues like returns, NAD's, INR's..... Factor
the cost of those into your cost model.
14. Make sure you do everything you can possibly do to keep your feedback and performance metrics in
good standing. You do not want to have your account suspended.
15. DO NOT drop ship. It is a poor business model and in some cases a violation of eBay policy.
mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
