How it Works: Understanding the eBay Process

A global online marketplace, eBay was designed with both the buyer and seller in mind. Buyers are able to find interesting, unique or hard-to-find items from the comfort of their own home. Likewise, sellers are able to reach a greater audience and sell items for more profit than a traditional yard sale.

The first process of using eBay is registration. Both buyers and sellers alike must register and chose which type of account best serves their needs. Sellers can sell items individually, or if looking to sell multiple items as an online business, open an eBay Store. Membership fees and costs vary; but all sellers regardless of storefront type must photograph, describe, categorize and price their items.

Each listing needs a high-quality photograph that is in-focus and bright. Multiple photographs may be needed in order to give prospective buyers a 360-degree product rendition. Next, a description of the product must be written that informs buyers about the item. Included in the description should be refund and return policies, payment preferences and shipping information. A seller should also indicate whether local pick-up or international buyers are welcomed.

In the shipping information section, calculate the weight of the item as if it were packaged in a box to include the weight of tape and bubble wrap. Then, add an additional dollar or two (depending on packaging requirements) to cover things like padded envelopes, shipping tape, bubble wrap or other mailing supplies used to mail that purchase. Moreover, while as a seller taking great care to wrap items is important, accidents do happen. Consider using a service like UPS or Fed Ex to ship packages to customers where shipping insurance (up to $100) is already included in the total price. USPS does offer shipping insurance as well, but the smallest denomination available is half of what UPS and Fed Ex offer. This insurance is also in addition to regular postal charges.

Payment information is based on seller’s preferences but the eBay standard of checkout service is PayPal. This tool available to both buyers and sellers protect each against fraudulent transactions and allows for smooth transfers of money. If a seller receives payment from a buyer via PayPal, there is an additional fee taken out. For sellers listing auction items as “Buy It Now”, be sure prices reflect eBay listing/final value fees as well as PayPal transaction fees. Using PayPal will help eliminate against the possibility of having a buyer’s check bounce, cashing a fraudulent money order or dealing with an unhappy customer who sent cash in the mail but never made it to your mailbox.

After an item sells, a seller will receive an email from eBay letting him/her know the item sold. A payment email from PayPal should follow when the buyer has paid for an item. The PayPal email should include details on the payment transaction, including when an expected payment should clear. When cleared, the seller can then ship the item to the buyer and wait for buyer feedback. Last, after all has been done, the seller leaves the buyer feedback and moves on to the next listing.