Selling Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions about Selling on eBay
Even experienced sellers sometimes find themselves bewildered by an eBay policy or product or in need of help with a common problem. Frequently asked questions deserve useful answers, and you'll find answers to the most common selling questions here.
Why must I join eBay to buy or sell?
Reasons for the requirement that users become members of eBay before being allowed to buy or sell on the site.
Reasons for the requirement that users become members of eBay before being allowed to buy or sell on the site.
How do I become a PowerSeller?
Most sellers who sell on eBay as a business dream of becoming PowerSellers. But just how does one become a PowerSeller, and what are the requirements for remaining one?
Most sellers who sell on eBay as a business dream of becoming PowerSellers. But just how does one become a PowerSeller, and what are the requirements for remaining one?
When is an eBay auction null and void?
Though in nearly all cases completed eBay item listings are binding legal contracts between buyer and seller, there are a few exceptions to this rule that come into play under exceptional circumstances.
Though in nearly all cases completed eBay item listings are binding legal contracts between buyer and seller, there are a few exceptions to this rule that come into play under exceptional circumstances.
Can I manage my auctions using Excel?
Ever wonder whether you could use a well-formed Excel sheet to upload lots of auctions to eBay at once, or to download, view, and revise your auctions? It may be possible for you to do so.
Ever wonder whether you could use a well-formed Excel sheet to upload lots of auctions to eBay at once, or to download, view, and revise your auctions? It may be possible for you to do so.
Does eBay track sales statistics?
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
Can I buy and sell major assets on eBay?
Yes you can buy and sell homes, automobiles, boats, and other major assets on eBay. Millions of people have already done it!
Yes you can buy and sell homes, automobiles, boats, and other major assets on eBay. Millions of people have already done it!
Can I avoid doing business with problem buyers?
Sellers, you can indeed prevent problem buyers from placing bids on your auctions in the first place, whether you want to exclude low-feedback bidders, international bidders, or non-PayPal bidders.
Sellers, you can indeed prevent problem buyers from placing bids on your auctions in the first place, whether you want to exclude low-feedback bidders, international bidders, or non-PayPal bidders.
Can I buy and sell wholesale or in bulk lots on eBay?
Though eBay is a great market for finding deals on (and getting rid of) household items and products that you use, it's also a great place for big-time buyers and sellers to move inventories at wholesale.
Though eBay is a great market for finding deals on (and getting rid of) household items and products that you use, it's also a great place for big-time buyers and sellers to move inventories at wholesale.
Can eBay feedback be erased?
Can eBay feedback be erased? Yes, if both parties agree to the removal.
Can eBay feedback be erased? Yes, if both parties agree to the removal.
Does eBay track sales statistics?
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
Should I allow on-site pickups?
From time to time buyers may request that you allow them to come and pick an item up from you directly. Should you say yes?
From time to time buyers may request that you allow them to come and pick an item up from you directly. Should you say yes?
How do eBay auctions differ from “real” auctions?
Buyers and bidders new to eBay are often shocked and bewildered to discover that eBay auctions don’t work like the most common form of auction to which they are accustomed. There are a number of important differences between eBay auctions and “regular” auctions.
Buyers and bidders new to eBay are often shocked and bewildered to discover that eBay auctions don’t work like the most common form of auction to which they are accustomed. There are a number of important differences between eBay auctions and “regular” auctions.
How can I be sure I'll get enough for my item?
If you would like to try selling an item on eBay, but aren't sure you want to sell at rock bottom prices, reserve prices or a high starting bid price are the way to go.
If you would like to try selling an item on eBay, but aren't sure you want to sell at rock bottom prices, reserve prices or a high starting bid price are the way to go.
Can I buy and sell anything I want on eBay?
No, there are indeed limits on the range of things that you can buy and sell on eBay, and they are generally quite strictly enforced.
No, there are indeed limits on the range of things that you can buy and sell on eBay, and they are generally quite strictly enforced.
Can I change my mind about a sale?
Sellers can change their mind about a sale only if no one has yet won or ended an auction listing.
Sellers can change their mind about a sale only if no one has yet won or ended an auction listing.
Can my friends and family bid on my auctions?
Your friends and family can not bid on your auctions. It's not only unethical, it's against eBay rules.
Your friends and family can not bid on your auctions. It's not only unethical, it's against eBay rules.
How do I contact eBay directly?
To contact eBay directly, use one of the customer support forms on the eBay website to contact eBay with your question, issue, or concern.
To contact eBay directly, use one of the customer support forms on the eBay website to contact eBay with your question, issue, or concern.
Does eBay care about online crime?
Those who have had bad experiences with eBay can often be heard to say that eBay doesn't care about online crime. Are such accusations true? Is eBay really uninterested in fighting fraud and other harmful activity, or are they willing to turn a blind eye?
Those who have had bad experiences with eBay can often be heard to say that eBay doesn't care about online crime. Are such accusations true? Is eBay really uninterested in fighting fraud and other harmful activity, or are they willing to turn a blind eye?
Does eBay archive auction listings?
eBay maintains auction listings indefinitely, but using the eBay website members can only access listings that have ended within the last 90 days.
eBay maintains auction listings indefinitely, but using the eBay website members can only access listings that have ended within the last 90 days.
How does eBay affect my taxes?
How does eBay affect your taxes? The same way any other self-employment income would.
How does eBay affect your taxes? The same way any other self-employment income would.