Learn to buy and sell antiques and collectibles

eBay Selling Summary

The outline below is a linear summary of all the steps and options for listing an item on eBay. This is from my Auction Revolution Manual. The manual explains each step in detail, starting at the top and working down.

Every time you list an item on eBay you actually work down this list. Maybe you think about each item, maybe you don't. The eBay sellers who make the most money on eBay know this list like the back of their hands. That's why they are in the top five percent of eBay sellers. These proficient eBay sellers know which options are worth the extra cost.

I decided to make this eBay summary available so you can see what is involved in selling on eBay. This summary only covers up to starting your eBay auction. The Auction Revolution continues with in-depth analysis and advice for every facet of selling on eBay.

The Auction Revolution's eBay Seller's Quiz is designed to help you assess your current awareness of these options. There is no charge to take the quiz and the answers will help you get higher prices in your eBay auctions. There is a link to the quiz below the summary.

Here are the steps and all the options available at each step in the eBay listing process:

1. Sign in to eBay

2. Select format. a. Auction
b. Fixed price
c. Real estate

3. Select category or categories. a. eBay's category find function is not relevant to all searches- better method is looking at auctions as instructed in the Researching Your Item chapter of the Auction Revolution Manual. The category you found in your earlier research should be in the list though.
b. Input category number on the form.
c. Browse categories to select appropriate category. This provides NO indication of proper category. You should list your item where buyers expect to find it.
d. If doing second category Click on Select Second Category link. The web page will add a second set of category selection tools.

4. Insert title and subtitle if desired. a. Title should contain the most relevant keywords found during your research.
b. Subtitle is only seen in category searches, and contents of subtitles are not indexed in search results unless the search descriptions box is checked. The subtitle is usually not a good buy.

5. Write your auction description.
a. Standard format is plain text auction. What you type in the box will be the description in the listing.
b. Enter your own HTML is used to create an auction listing with special formatting and links. Also for host your own image. You will need to paste your template into this screen.
c. Using the keywords found in your research and the description question sheet found on page 91 of the Auction revolution, write your description. The question sheet is also included within the Auction Revolution Reference folder so you can print it easily.

6. Enter Pictures & Item Details Screen. a. Pricing and duration screen
i. Input starting price
ii. Reserve price if desired
iii. Buy it Now if desired
iv. Quantity - usually one, you cannot do multiple listings until you have 30 feedbacks. Also multiple listings cannot have a second category.
v. Duration of auction -1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 extra 20 cents for 10 day listing.
vi. Start time- There is an additional 10 cent fee for this option.
b. Item location and regional selection
c. Add pictures
i. Ebay hosted. Not the best option.
ii. Self hosted - If self hosted and using html description select picture in description to get picture icon in title. The auction Revolution explains how to host your own images for free.
d. Listing designer- a waste of money. Default is none. You can create better looking and unique auction templates for free with the HTML tutorial included with the Auction Revolution.
e. Increase your item's visibility
i. These optional upgrades may be worth Using. See Using Listing Upgrades To Increase Your Item's Visibility in the Auction Revolution for details about the best use of each option.
ii. Never check the "Remember My Selections" box. You can end up running auctions with expensive listing upgrades. Always select these options if desired for each individual auction.

7. Enter Payment & Shipping screen a. These are all sticky inputs. You only need to change them as appropriate to each auction. Most will be the same for all your listings.
b. Seller-accepted payment methods
c. Shipping costs
d. Payment instructions & return policy
e. Ship-to locations
8. Sell Your Item: Review & Submit Listing
a. Review your listing
b. Check details
c. Check options
d. Review the fees
e. submit your listing

The Auction Revolution covers each step in the eBay selling process in detail. Some of the options are explained in the eBay Seller's Quiz. Others are explained in the free email series you will recieve when you take the quiz. Here's a link to take the quiz: Auction Revolution eBay Seller's Quiz.