eBay: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Why is eBay so slow?
If the eBay website seems to be running slowly to you, it can be caused by any one of several possible factors—and the fix can be any one of several possible remedies.
If the eBay website seems to be running slowly to you, it can be caused by any one of several possible factors—and the fix can be any one of several possible remedies.
Canceling Bids and Listings
Canceling Bids and Listings: what to do when you decide that you don't want to sell after all, or that you want to sell now rather than later.
Canceling Bids and Listings: what to do when you decide that you don't want to sell after all, or that you want to sell now rather than later.
How do I contact eBay?
How can I contact eBay directly? Use one of the customer support forms on the eBay website to contact eBay with a question, issue, or concern.
How can I contact eBay directly? Use one of the customer support forms on the eBay website to contact eBay with a question, issue, or concern.
What is eBay?
An introduction to eBay: what it is, who uses it, where and why they use it, and what this means for you!
An introduction to eBay: what it is, who uses it, where and why they use it, and what this means for you!
How did eBay start?
How did eBay start? A brief history of eBay from San Jose, 1994, to world domination.
How did eBay start? A brief history of eBay from San Jose, 1994, to world domination.
Disable New Search
If you're frustrated because eBay's search system has changed for you and it feels less effective than it was before, don't fret. For the moment at least, you can still turn the new search system off and return to the old one.
If you're frustrated because eBay's search system has changed for you and it feels less effective than it was before, don't fret. For the moment at least, you can still turn the new search system off and return to the old one.
eBay Bidding
Understanding eBay Bidding: How the proxy bidding system at eBay works, and why it's different from live auctions.
Understanding eBay Bidding: How the proxy bidding system at eBay works, and why it's different from live auctions.
Does eBay archive listings?
Does eBay archive auction listings? Yes. eBay maintains auction listings indefinitely, but using the eBay website members can only access listings that have ended within the last 90 days.
Does eBay archive auction listings? Yes. eBay maintains auction listings indefinitely, but using the eBay website members can only access listings that have ended within the last 90 days.
Quick Tips for eBay Photos
Most sellers realize that it's important to include a photo of the sale item in every item listing. Not all photos, however, are created equal. Read on for quick tips about eBay listing photos.
Most sellers realize that it's important to include a photo of the sale item in every item listing. Not all photos, however, are created equal. Read on for quick tips about eBay listing photos.
Better Search Results
Get Better eBay Search Results: Use additional tricks built into the eBay search function to make your results more flexible, detailed, and specific.
Get Better eBay Search Results: Use additional tricks built into the eBay search function to make your results more flexible, detailed, and specific.
Time Your Listings
Maximize Bids by Timing Listings: How to improve the number of bids your auctions receive and the total sale value that you achieve, simply by adjusting your timing.
Maximize Bids by Timing Listings: How to improve the number of bids your auctions receive and the total sale value that you achieve, simply by adjusting your timing.
Ten Clues Not to Bid
Ten Tips You Don't Want to Bid: Big red flags to avoid when bidding on eBay auctions.
Ten Tips You Don't Want to Bid: Big red flags to avoid when bidding on eBay auctions.
Make a Sale on eBay
Knowing how to sell is key to becoming an eBay seller, so this article tells you how to make a sale on eBay, even if you're completely new to the eBay selling process.
Knowing how to sell is key to becoming an eBay seller, so this article tells you how to make a sale on eBay, even if you're completely new to the eBay selling process.
Sniping on eBay: Good and Bad
Beginners are often thrilled and terrified to discover the concept of "auction sniping" on eBay and the many services that exist to help you do it. eBay veterans generally yawn at sniping and realize it doesn't affect eBay all that much. Here's why.
Beginners are often thrilled and terrified to discover the concept of "auction sniping" on eBay and the many services that exist to help you do it. eBay veterans generally yawn at sniping and realize it doesn't affect eBay all that much. Here's why.
eBay 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.
What Not to Sell
Though eBay is the ideal marketplace for selling a wide variety of goods, both secondhand and new, there are some types of items that you probably don't want to sell on eBay. Read on to find out what they are.
Though eBay is the ideal marketplace for selling a wide variety of goods, both secondhand and new, there are some types of items that you probably don't want to sell on eBay. Read on to find out what they are.
Sniping on eBay, Revisited
Many readers took umbrage at our earlier article on eBay auction sniping, so it's time to revisit the issue and answer the two concerns that figured most prominently into user feedback.
Many readers took umbrage at our earlier article on eBay auction sniping, so it's time to revisit the issue and answer the two concerns that figured most prominently into user feedback.
Join eBay in 10 Easy Steps - eBay - eBay for Beginners
If you've been putting off joining eBay because you were intimidated by the registration form, now is the time to do it. Follow these ten free and easy steps to create your eBay account for buying and selling and a PayPal account to make it easy to send and receive payments on eBay.
If you've been putting off joining eBay because you were intimidated by the registration form, now is the time to do it. Follow these ten free and easy steps to create your eBay account for buying and selling and a PayPal account to make it easy to send and receive payments on eBay.
Where does eBay post outages?
eBay maintains two announcement boards that members can use to find out about current eBay outages and major eBay initiatives and events.
eBay maintains two announcement boards that members can use to find out about current eBay outages and major eBay initiatives and events.
eBay Things You Didn't Know
Did you know that you can blog on eBay just like you can on MySpace? Or that you can support your favorite cause by selling on eBay? Or that you can have eBay send text messages to your phone? Or that you may need a business license to sell on eBay?
Did you know that you can blog on eBay just like you can on MySpace? Or that you can support your favorite cause by selling on eBay? Or that you can have eBay send text messages to your phone? Or that you may need a business license to sell on eBay?
Buy It Now
"Buy It Now" enables sellers to offer bidders the chance to win an auction immediately by agreeing to pay a pre-set price.
"Buy It Now" enables sellers to offer bidders the chance to win an auction immediately by agreeing to pay a pre-set price.
Selling on eBay: Quick Tips
Just the quick and dirty tips on how to sell most effectively on eBay. What to do, what not to do, and links to more information.
Just the quick and dirty tips on how to sell most effectively on eBay. What to do, what not to do, and links to more information.
eBay HTML Survival Guide
eBay HTML Survival Guide: Improve your auction listing performance by using HTML to make your auctions more presentable and easier to understand.
eBay HTML Survival Guide: Improve your auction listing performance by using HTML to make your auctions more presentable and easier to understand.
Shop on eBay U.S. from Abroad
If you're living outside the U.S. you may have found that though you'd like at times to shop eBay's United States site, it can be difficult to find sellers or items that are officially available to you as an international buyer. Here are some ways to improve your success rate.
If you're living outside the U.S. you may have found that though you'd like at times to shop eBay's United States site, it can be difficult to find sellers or items that are officially available to you as an international buyer. Here are some ways to improve your success rate.
eBay Corporation
An introduction to eBay the corporation. General financial trends, leadership, market strategy, and holdings.
An introduction to eBay the corporation. General financial trends, leadership, market strategy, and holdings.
Visual Guide to eBay's Selling Form - eBay - Selling Effectively on eBay
If you're a new to selling on eBay, a little bit of guidance can go a long way toward helping you to make a successful start. Use this step-by-step visual guide to help you list your first eBay item for sale.
If you're a new to selling on eBay, a little bit of guidance can go a long way toward helping you to make a successful start. Use this step-by-step visual guide to help you list your first eBay item for sale.
Control Your eBay Fees
Even in the best of times it makes no sense to pay more than you have to for a service, and this truism applies to selling on eBay as well. If you're a seller of any volume at all, you owe it to yourself to take a moment and see whether you could bring your eBay fees under better control.
Even in the best of times it makes no sense to pay more than you have to for a service, and this truism applies to selling on eBay as well. If you're a seller of any volume at all, you owe it to yourself to take a moment and see whether you could bring your eBay fees under better control.
Make a Purchase
How to Bid or Buy on eBay: An index to the basics, from joining to finding your item to placing a bid.
How to Bid or Buy on eBay: An index to the basics, from joining to finding your item to placing a bid.
Relist Unsold Items
Did you know that when you list an item for sale on eBay and it doesn't sell the first time around, you can relist it for free?
Did you know that when you list an item for sale on eBay and it doesn't sell the first time around, you can relist it for free?
Reserve Price
Reserve Price: The price below which a seller will not be required to sell.
Reserve Price: The price below which a seller will not be required to sell.
Can I back out as a buyer?
Can I back out of an auction bid? Generally speaking, no. Your bid is a legal and binding contract.
Can I back out of an auction bid? Generally speaking, no. Your bid is a legal and binding contract.
Deal with Deadbeat Bidders
Most transactions go off without a hitch, but what about those winners that seem to drag their feet endlessly, never quite managing to pay you for the item?
Most transactions go off without a hitch, but what about those winners that seem to drag their feet endlessly, never quite managing to pay you for the item?
eBay Seller Features Guide Index - eBay - Selling Effectively on eBay
Quick-reference guide to the many listing types and optional features available to eBay sellers, indexed alphabetically by name.
Quick-reference guide to the many listing types and optional features available to eBay sellers, indexed alphabetically by name.
SMS or IM Notifications
When you're tired of having to check your email or go to the eBay website to find out about the status of your auctions, consider setting up text message (SMS) or instant message (IM) notification for your eBay account.
When you're tired of having to check your email or go to the eBay website to find out about the status of your auctions, consider setting up text message (SMS) or instant message (IM) notification for your eBay account.
Five "First Items" to Sell
Sometimes the hardest part of becoming an eBay seller is deciding on and making your first sale. This can be especially true for would-be casual sellers that don't have a "business model" and aren't particularly interested in developing one. Here are some basic "what to sell first" ideas for the casual seller.
Sometimes the hardest part of becoming an eBay seller is deciding on and making your first sale. This can be especially true for would-be casual sellers that don't have a "business model" and aren't particularly interested in developing one. Here are some basic "what to sell first" ideas for the casual seller.
Can I stop 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.
Why do I always get outbid?
Why do I always get outbid? Understanding the reaons you might feel as though you're bidding upstream.
Why do I always get outbid? Understanding the reaons you might feel as though you're bidding upstream.
Terms in eBay Listings
Alphabetical guide to terms and acronyms commonly seen in eBay auction listings.
Alphabetical guide to terms and acronyms commonly seen in eBay auction listings.
Shill Bidding
Shill Bidding: What it means on eBay
Shill Bidding: What it means on eBay
eBay's Front Page
Learning to Navigate eBay: Using the front page to sign in and out, browse and search, and access international sites.
Learning to Navigate eBay: Using the front page to sign in and out, browse and search, and access international sites.
Sell at a Fixed Price
Sell Your Item at a Fixed Price: Though the most visible eBay item listings are presented by and large in the auction format, there are other formats available to sellers who want to sell at a fixed price.
Sell Your Item at a Fixed Price: Though the most visible eBay item listings are presented by and large in the auction format, there are other formats available to sellers who want to sell at a fixed price.
Selling Internationally
Selling internationally on eBay can be both fun and profitable. Here's how to do it, along with a few things to keep in mind so that your experience and your buyers' experiences are good ones.
Selling internationally on eBay can be both fun and profitable. Here's how to do it, along with a few things to keep in mind so that your experience and your buyers' experiences are good ones.
Dealing with Refund Requests
Problem transactions are a part of every seller's life, and refund requests are some of the most discouraging things a seller can see in his or her inbox. Don't let it get to you, thoug; keep your head about you and work for the best resolution you can.
Problem transactions are a part of every seller's life, and refund requests are some of the most discouraging things a seller can see in his or her inbox. Don't let it get to you, thoug; keep your head about you and work for the best resolution you can.
Describing Item Conditions
Whether new or used, all items are not created equal. Sometimes, however, it's hard to
Whether new or used, all items are not created equal. Sometimes, however, it's hard to
Can I retract a bid?
It is possible under some circumstances to retract a bid, but in general eBay rules forbid it.
It is possible under some circumstances to retract a bid, but in general eBay rules forbid it.
Finding Hidden Deals
Finding Hidden Deals: If you can find the auction listings that other bidders can't, you'll buy at your price, rathering than having to settle for theirs.
Finding Hidden Deals: If you can find the auction listings that other bidders can't, you'll buy at your price, rathering than having to settle for theirs.
Avoiding Counterfeit Items
eBay is full of rare, interesting, and popular items. While most of them are legit, some of them just plain aren't, and it can be a bad investment to buy a counterfeit product.
eBay is full of rare, interesting, and popular items. While most of them are legit, some of them just plain aren't, and it can be a bad investment to buy a counterfeit product.
eBay Rules Survival Guide
Though the eBay rule book is dozens if not hundreds of pages long, a few basic ideas are all you really need to keep in mind to stay on the right side of the eBay law.
Though the eBay rule book is dozens if not hundreds of pages long, a few basic ideas are all you really need to keep in mind to stay on the right side of the eBay law.
Visual Guide to eBay's Selling Form (Page 2) - eBay - Selling Effectively on eBay
If you're a new to selling on eBay, a little bit of guidance can go a long way toward helping you to make a successful start. Use this step-by-step visual guide to help you list your first eBay item for sale.
If you're a new to selling on eBay, a little bit of guidance can go a long way toward helping you to make a successful start. Use this step-by-step visual guide to help you list your first eBay item for sale.
Refunds and Exhcanges on eBay
The refund or return process on eBay isn't quite the same as it is on other ecommerce web sites. On eBay, buyers and sellers must negotiate directly with one another to complete the refund process. Here are some tips to help refunds and exchanges along.
The refund or return process on eBay isn't quite the same as it is on other ecommerce web sites. On eBay, buyers and sellers must negotiate directly with one another to complete the refund process. Here are some tips to help refunds and exchanges along.
Feedback Stars
The stars after member feedback scores "rank" members according to their eBay feedback scores.
The stars after member feedback scores "rank" members according to their eBay feedback scores.
Don't Over- or Under-Price
By selling too high, you might earn no sale at all, while by selling too low you chould cheat yourself.
By selling too high, you might earn no sale at all, while by selling too low you chould cheat yourself.
Monitoring Listings
Monitoring Listings: Use features of the eBay website to save your searches and your finds, and even to watch them for you.
Monitoring Listings: Use features of the eBay website to save your searches and your finds, and even to watch them for you.
Item Pricing
Evaluating Item Listings: Understanding an item listing's current bid price, buy it now price, and reserve.
Evaluating Item Listings: Understanding an item listing's current bid price, buy it now price, and reserve.
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.
Selling Clothing on eBay
Aside from generally sound listing practices like detailed descriptions and clearly articulated auction terms, there are a few techniques that you can employ to maximize your potential when selling clothing on eBay. Here are a few of them.
Aside from generally sound listing practices like detailed descriptions and clearly articulated auction terms, there are a few techniques that you can employ to maximize your potential when selling clothing on eBay. Here are a few of them.
Power Seller
Power Seller: What it means on eBay
Power Seller: What it means on eBay
Dealing with Buyer Fraud
When most people imagine fraud on eBay, they think of fraudulent auctions. Buyers and bidders, too, can be guilty of fraudulent or damaging activity, and are often a nightmare for sellers.
When most people imagine fraud on eBay, they think of fraudulent auctions. Buyers and bidders, too, can be guilty of fraudulent or damaging activity, and are often a nightmare for sellers.
eBay Business Models
Everybody talks about "starting an eBay business," but if you're new to the world of eBay it can be difficult to know where and how to begin. What business models are commonly used on eBay, and which are the most successful? This article gives you quick details on six of the most common eBay business models: barriers to entry, success and failure potential, and problems to watch out for.
Everybody talks about "starting an eBay business," but if you're new to the world of eBay it can be difficult to know where and how to begin. What business models are commonly used on eBay, and which are the most successful? This article gives you quick details on six of the most common eBay business models: barriers to entry, success and failure potential, and problems to watch out for.
Drop Shipping Tips
Drop shipping is one of the classic direct marketing models, and it has done very well for a large number of entrepreneurs. Be aware, however, that drop shipping on eBay can present special challenges—challenges that you'll need to surmount if you plan to succeed.
Drop shipping is one of the classic direct marketing models, and it has done very well for a large number of entrepreneurs. Be aware, however, that drop shipping on eBay can present special challenges—challenges that you'll need to surmount if you plan to succeed.
Bid Assistant
Ever wish you could bid on a whole group of items since you're willing to buy any of them? In the past, you couldn't do this without the potential for being responsible for more than one purchase in the end. Now, with Bid Assistant, you can tell eBay, "I'll take any one of the following."
Ever wish you could bid on a whole group of items since you're willing to buy any of them? In the past, you couldn't do this without the potential for being responsible for more than one purchase in the end. Now, with Bid Assistant, you can tell eBay, "I'll take any one of the following."
How do I close my eBay account
Dissatisfied with eBay's customer service? Tired of buying and selling in auction format? Just generally turning over a new leaf? If you're sure you want to close your eBay account, here's how.
Dissatisfied with eBay's customer service? Tired of buying and selling in auction format? Just generally turning over a new leaf? If you're sure you want to close your eBay account, here's how.
How do I change my ID?
Sometimes it's necessary to change an eBay user ID. If now is the time for you, read on to find out how it can be done.
Sometimes it's necessary to change an eBay user ID. If now is the time for you, read on to find out how it can be done.
Supply and Demand on eBay
Understanding Demand on eBay: How to choose what to sell. It's one thing if you just want to hold the eBay version of a garage sale and make some spare cash with items on hand. If you want to turn your eBaying into a profitable business, however, you'll need to think harder than that about your buying and selling choices.
Understanding Demand on eBay: How to choose what to sell. It's one thing if you just want to hold the eBay version of a garage sale and make some spare cash with items on hand. If you want to turn your eBaying into a profitable business, however, you'll need to think harder than that about your buying and selling choices.
Resolving Seller Disputes
Resolving Disputes With Sellers: What to do when an eBay purchase transaction doesn't exactly go according to plan.
Resolving Disputes With Sellers: What to do when an eBay purchase transaction doesn't exactly go according to plan.
Using My eBay
Using eBay's My eBay system to manage your own account, including your listings, sold items, bids and buys, favorite searches, and feedback profile.
Using eBay's My eBay system to manage your own account, including your listings, sold items, bids and buys, favorite searches, and feedback profile.
Using Custom Search Options - eBay - Searching Effectively on eBay
When you want to narrow your search results using criteria like price, auction duration, or distance to your home, use the custom search options located on eBay's search results pages.
When you want to narrow your search results using criteria like price, auction duration, or distance to your home, use the custom search options located on eBay's search results pages.
Opening an eBay Store
eBay Stores provide a very inexpensive, long-duration listing format and a wealth of selling tools to sellers who deal in high-volume commodity or high-cost, low-demand goods.
eBay Stores provide a very inexpensive, long-duration listing format and a wealth of selling tools to sellers who deal in high-volume commodity or high-cost, low-demand goods.
eBay Listing Terms, A-C
Terms commonly seen in eBay auction listings, with meanings, beginning with the letters A through C.
Terms commonly seen in eBay auction listings, with meanings, beginning with the letters A through C.
Don't Mislead Buyers
Sellers who knowingly sell defective items but mention only that they are "AS-IS" or "condition unknown" are risking negative feedback and worse.
Sellers who knowingly sell defective items but mention only that they are "AS-IS" or "condition unknown" are risking negative feedback and worse.
Don't Just Reregister
If you've been suspended from eBay, you may be tempted to simply open a new account. Don't! eBay will very likely figure out who you are, suspend you again, and lock you out permanently. Here's what to do instead.
If you've been suspended from eBay, you may be tempted to simply open a new account. Don't! eBay will very likely figure out who you are, suspend you again, and lock you out permanently. Here's what to do instead.
Alternatives to eBay
eBay has changed a lot over the last several years, and these changes have caused many smaller sellers, especially those who prefer auction format selling, to search for alternatives. Here are some of the most popular.
eBay has changed a lot over the last several years, and these changes have caused many smaller sellers, especially those who prefer auction format selling, to search for alternatives. Here are some of the most popular.
Promote Better on eBay
Five Ways to Promote Better on eBay
Five Ways to Promote Better on eBay
Selling Furniture on eBay
It is certainly possible to sell large household items like furniture on eBay, provided you're ready for the shipment hassles that come along with such a sale, and provided you can lure buyers with well-crafted, photo-rich listings. Here are some tips to get you started.
It is certainly possible to sell large household items like furniture on eBay, provided you're ready for the shipment hassles that come along with such a sale, and provided you can lure buyers with well-crafted, photo-rich listings. Here are some tips to get you started.
Shipping Freight
If your package is really heavy or really large, watch out: it could be too large for standard shipment. What is "freight," how much does it cost, and how does one go about organizing it? Answers here.
If your package is really heavy or really large, watch out: it could be too large for standard shipment. What is "freight," how much does it cost, and how does one go about organizing it? Answers here.
Can I buy and sell 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.
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.
Buying on eBay: Quick Tips
Just the quick and dirty tips on how to buy most effectively on eBay. What to do, what not to do, and links to more information.
Just the quick and dirty tips on how to buy most effectively on eBay. What to do, what not to do, and links to more information.
Create Your About Me Page
The About Me page is an eBay institution, and can be used to direct potential bidders or other eBay members to your auction listings, your feedback, or just more information about you and your eBay business.
The About Me page is an eBay institution, and can be used to direct potential bidders or other eBay members to your auction listings, your feedback, or just more information about you and your eBay business.
Proxy Bidding
Proxy Bidding: the system eBay uses to allow bidders to compete for an item without having to watch it continuously.
Proxy Bidding: the system eBay uses to allow bidders to compete for an item without having to watch it continuously.
Don't Self-Compete
eBay may reach a global audience of buyers, but it's also an auction format sales site with a lot of sellers. List too many items at once and you could drive down the price of your own goods.
eBay may reach a global audience of buyers, but it's also an auction format sales site with a lot of sellers. List too many items at once and you could drive down the price of your own goods.
Contacting eBay Members
Contacting eBay Members (continued): Concise step-by-step walk-throughs for the most common ways to contact other eBay members.
Contacting eBay Members (continued): Concise step-by-step walk-throughs for the most common ways to contact other eBay members.
Get Ahead with Selling Manager
If you're expanding your selling operation and have begun to feel as though My eBay is a little too thin while Turbo Lister isn't quite "directly connected" enough to eBay's website, Selling Manager and/or Selling Manager Pro could be just what you're looking for.
If you're expanding your selling operation and have begun to feel as though My eBay is a little too thin while Turbo Lister isn't quite "directly connected" enough to eBay's website, Selling Manager and/or Selling Manager Pro could be just what you're looking for.
PayPal Primer
A PayPal Primer: Understanding the payment system preferred by eBay and the majority of its active buyers and sellers.
A PayPal Primer: Understanding the payment system preferred by eBay and the majority of its active buyers and sellers.
Vehicle Purchase Protection
The Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program protects eBay Motors buyers against certain kinds of fraud or nondisclosure by vehicle sellers.
The Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program protects eBay Motors buyers against certain kinds of fraud or nondisclosure by vehicle sellers.
Time Left, High Bidder
Evaluating Item Listings: Locating the auction's remaining time and identifying its high bidder.
Evaluating Item Listings: Locating the auction's remaining time and identifying its high bidder.
Customize Your My eBay Summary
Your My eBay page is one of the most useful parts of the eBay website, since it contains information about and links to virtually every aspect of your eBay life. Learn how you can customize it even further to fit your eBay buying and selling habits like a glove!
Your My eBay page is one of the most useful parts of the eBay website, since it contains information about and links to virtually every aspect of your eBay life. Learn how you can customize it even further to fit your eBay buying and selling habits like a glove!
Visual Guide to eBay Listings - eBay - Shop Better on eBay
This quick guide helps you to understand and evaluate items listed for sale on eBay: the price, shipping costs and terms, returns and exchanges, seller ratings, and more.
This quick guide helps you to understand and evaluate items listed for sale on eBay: the price, shipping costs and terms, returns and exchanges, seller ratings, and more.
Visual Introduction to Turbo Lister - eBay - Selling Effectively on eBay
A quick walk-through of eBay's powerful and free Turbo Lister application for sellers.
A quick walk-through of eBay's powerful and free Turbo Lister application for sellers.
Quick Tips for Escrow on eBay
Some eBay transactions are large enough to make buyer, seller, or both just a little bit nervous about trading with someone whom they've never met. At times like this, consider using escrow to complete the transaction.
Some eBay transactions are large enough to make buyer, seller, or both just a little bit nervous about trading with someone whom they've never met. At times like this, consider using escrow to complete the transaction.
Don't Get Addicted
eBay shopping may be fun, but if you're not gaining anything by doing it, it may also be addiction.
eBay shopping may be fun, but if you're not gaining anything by doing it, it may also be addiction.
Understanding Feedback
Understanding the eBay Feedback System: How to evaluate feedback numbers, how it works, how to leave it, what to do and what to avoid.
Understanding the eBay Feedback System: How to evaluate feedback numbers, how it works, how to leave it, what to do and what to avoid.
How do bid increments work?
If you're new to eBay, you may wonder how eBay decides what the next "minimum bid" for an auction is, since it seems to vary from auction to auction. In fact, the next minimum bid for any auction is determined according to eBay's "bid increments" table.
If you're new to eBay, you may wonder how eBay decides what the next "minimum bid" for an auction is, since it seems to vary from auction to auction. In fact, the next minimum bid for any auction is determined according to eBay's "bid increments" table.
Sales Tax
"Sales tax" features are surcharges that can be automatically calculated and added by eBay to the buyer's total based on location and tax rate.
"Sales tax" features are surcharges that can be automatically calculated and added by eBay to the buyer's total based on location and tax rate.
Returning eBay Purchases
It's inevitable that eventually you'll buy something on eBay, maybe even as a gift, that just doesn't work out and needs to be returned. When it happens, there are a few things to keep in mind as you proceed.
It's inevitable that eventually you'll buy something on eBay, maybe even as a gift, that just doesn't work out and needs to be returned. When it happens, there are a few things to keep in mind as you proceed.
Making Online Payments
Making Online Payments: Navigating the confusing world of auction listing payment options.
Making Online Payments: Navigating the confusing world of auction listing payment options.
Non-Paying Bidder (NPB)
Non-Paying Bidder (NPB): What it means on eBay
Non-Paying Bidder (NPB): What it means on eBay
Analyze Your Search Visibility
If you've ever wondered how your listings are positioned in eBay's search results and why, give the eBay's search visibility analyzer tool a whirl. Not only does it tell you how you're doing; it tells you what the top sellers in your category are doing as well.
If you've ever wondered how your listings are positioned in eBay's search results and why, give the eBay's search visibility analyzer tool a whirl. Not only does it tell you how you're doing; it tells you what the top sellers in your category are doing as well.
Offering Warranties to Buyers
If you're just starting out as a seller, you may choose to offer buyers your own warranty—but if something goes wrong, you'll be liable for the cost of repair or replacement. If you're selling eligible items, it can make much more sense to offer third-party warranty products to interested buyers.
If you're just starting out as a seller, you may choose to offer buyers your own warranty—but if something goes wrong, you'll be liable for the cost of repair or replacement. If you're selling eligible items, it can make much more sense to offer third-party warranty products to interested buyers.
What does eBay cost?
If you're not yet an eBay trader, you may assume that it actually costs a lot to trade on eBay: annual memberships, transaction fees, surcharges, and so on. In fact, this isn't the case. If you're a shopper, eBay doesn't cost you a thing, and if you're a seller, your charges depend entirely on how much you sell.
If you're not yet an eBay trader, you may assume that it actually costs a lot to trade on eBay: annual memberships, transaction fees, surcharges, and so on. In fact, this isn't the case. If you're a shopper, eBay doesn't cost you a thing, and if you're a seller, your charges depend entirely on how much you sell.
Feedback Quick Guide
Even if you understand how eBay's feedback system works, it can sometimes be hard to decide how to measure feedback percentages and scores against one another. Just what percentage is good? What score is good? This quick guide gives you an easy-to-read table detailing it all.
Even if you understand how eBay's feedback system works, it can sometimes be hard to decide how to measure feedback percentages and scores against one another. Just what percentage is good? What score is good? This quick guide gives you an easy-to-read table detailing it all.
Navigating eBay
Navigating the eBay Website: major components of the eBay website, how to reach them, and what each one of them is for.
Navigating the eBay Website: major components of the eBay website, how to reach them, and what each one of them is for.
eBay Listing Terms, I-N
Terms commonly seen in eBay auction listings, with meanings, beginning with the letters I through N.
Terms commonly seen in eBay auction listings, with meanings, beginning with the letters I through N.
Disclaimers for Smooth Selling
While disclaimers often get a bad rap for being a way to avoid responsibility, they actually help buyers and sellers to know exactly what to expect in a transaction.
While disclaimers often get a bad rap for being a way to avoid responsibility, they actually help buyers and sellers to know exactly what to expect in a transaction.
Don't Sell Illegally
eBay makes it so easy to sell that it can also be easy to accidentally transition from casual seller of used personal items to professional seller for profit. Don't do this without first registering yourself as a business.
eBay makes it so easy to sell that it can also be easy to accidentally transition from casual seller of used personal items to professional seller for profit. Don't do this without first registering yourself as a business.
Quick Guide to Listing Formats
eBay offers a variety of listing formats to help buyers and sellers connect and transact. This quick guide runs down the basic set of eBay listing formats to help you decide the best way to move your goods.
eBay offers a variety of listing formats to help buyers and sellers connect and transact. This quick guide runs down the basic set of eBay listing formats to help you decide the best way to move your goods.
Use Excel with PayPal
If you're a small or medium-sized eBay buyer or seller, get a leg up on your bookkeeping by downloading all of your PayPal transactions and accessing them through financial or numerical software programs!
If you're a small or medium-sized eBay buyer or seller, get a leg up on your bookkeeping by downloading all of your PayPal transactions and accessing them through financial or numerical software programs!
Join eBay in 10 Easy Steps (Page 2) - eBay - eBay for Beginners
If you've been putting off joining eBay because you were intimidated by the registration form, now is the time to do it. Follow these ten free and easy steps to create your eBay account for buying and selling and a PayPal account to make it easy to send and receive payments on eBay.
If you've been putting off joining eBay because you were intimidated by the registration form, now is the time to do it. Follow these ten free and easy steps to create your eBay account for buying and selling and a PayPal account to make it easy to send and receive payments on eBay.
Visual Guide to eBay's Selling Form (Page 3) - eBay - Selling Effectively on eBay
If you're a new to selling on eBay, a little bit of guidance can go a long way toward helping you to make a successful start. Use this step-by-step visual guide to help you list your first eBay item for sale.
If you're a new to selling on eBay, a little bit of guidance can go a long way toward helping you to make a successful start. Use this step-by-step visual guide to help you list your first eBay item for sale.
Check Your Seller Dashboard
As a seller, your goal is always to offer great customer service and to follow eBay's rules to the letter. But how are you actually doing on these fronts in eBay's eyes, and is eBay's opinion about your performance having a positive or a negative effect on your ability to sell? eBay's seller dashboard provides the answers that you need.
As a seller, your goal is always to offer great customer service and to follow eBay's rules to the letter. But how are you actually doing on these fronts in eBay's eyes, and is eBay's opinion about your performance having a positive or a negative effect on your ability to sell? eBay's seller dashboard provides the answers that you need.
Maximize Your Visibility
If you want to get the best price possible for your items, it's not enough just to list them. You've also got to be sure that they appear in search results. Here are some tips to make that happen.
If you want to get the best price possible for your items, it's not enough just to list them. You've also got to be sure that they appear in search results. Here are some tips to make that happen.
Payment Holds and Chargebacks
What are payment holds and chargebacks? How can they be navigated and their effects avoided? If you're an eBay seller, these can be critical questions that mean success or failure for your business.
What are payment holds and chargebacks? How can they be navigated and their effects avoided? If you're an eBay seller, these can be critical questions that mean success or failure for your business.
eBay Account Stolen?
Stolen accounts are one of the most serious, and regrettably one of the more common, problems in the eBay community. Find out how to recognize a stolen account problem and what to do to fix it.
Stolen accounts are one of the most serious, and regrettably one of the more common, problems in the eBay community. Find out how to recognize a stolen account problem and what to do to fix it.
Don't Steal Photos
Photos used to sell goods on ebay, like photos in any other industry, are copyrighted works belonging to the photographer that took them.
Photos used to sell goods on ebay, like photos in any other industry, are copyrighted works belonging to the photographer that took them.
eBay Listing Terms, O-U
Terms commonly seen in eBay auction listings, with meanings, beginning with the letters O through U.
Terms commonly seen in eBay auction listings, with meanings, beginning with the letters O through U.
Listing Terms
Evaluating eBay Item Listings: Understanding item shipping availability, seller return policies, and details about available methods of payment.
Evaluating eBay Item Listings: Understanding item shipping availability, seller return policies, and details about available methods of payment.
Computer Buying on eBay
Buying a computer on eBay isn't as risky as many make it out to be, so long as you understand what you're getting when you buy and you check your seller(s) out carefully before you bid. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Buying a computer on eBay isn't as risky as many make it out to be, so long as you understand what you're getting when you buy and you check your seller(s) out carefully before you bid. Here are some things to keep in mind.
RSS feeds for eBay searches?
If you live your life through RSS feeds, you may be wondering whether you can shop eBay the same way. You can.
If you live your life through RSS feeds, you may be wondering whether you can shop eBay the same way. You can.
Can friends and family bid?
Can my friends and family bid on my auctions? No, absolutely not. It's not only unethical, it's against the eBay rules.
Can my friends and family bid on my auctions? No, absolutely not. It's not only unethical, it's against the eBay rules.
Starting Bid
The "Starting Bid" is a seller-supplied amount that will be used as the minimum first bid when the auction listing is posted.
The "Starting Bid" is a seller-supplied amount that will be used as the minimum first bid when the auction listing is posted.
Item Description
Evaluating eBay Item Listings: Reading item descriptions for terms, item condition, amendments to the listing, and other seller-supplied details.
Evaluating eBay Item Listings: Reading item descriptions for terms, item condition, amendments to the listing, and other seller-supplied details.
Small Business Pitfalls
Are you running a small eBay business? Have you taken steps to ensure that you don't turn any of these necessities into a management gaffe or pitfall?
Are you running a small eBay business? Have you taken steps to ensure that you don't turn any of these necessities into a management gaffe or pitfall?
eBay Affiliates Program
If you have a website and are a happy eBay customer or seller, you may also be interested in eBay's affiliates program, which can earn you money based on traffic that you send to eBay.
If you have a website and are a happy eBay customer or seller, you may also be interested in eBay's affiliates program, which can earn you money based on traffic that you send to eBay.
Browsing by Category
Learning to Navigate eBay: browsing eBay categories to find items you're interested in buying.
Learning to Navigate eBay: browsing eBay categories to find items you're interested in buying.
Don't Avoid Filing Disputes
eBay buyers and sellers often complain that as eBay grows, there are more and more problem eBay users. Are you doing your part to ensure that problem users are removed from eBay? If you're not filing disputes in response to bad experiences, you may not be.
eBay buyers and sellers often complain that as eBay grows, there are more and more problem eBay users. Are you doing your part to ensure that problem users are removed from eBay? If you're not filing disputes in response to bad experiences, you may not be.
eBay and Your Small Business
Even if your primary business and life lie outside the confines of eBay, that doesn't mean you can't enhance your business by using eBay strategically. Here's how.
Even if your primary business and life lie outside the confines of eBay, that doesn't mean you can't enhance your business by using eBay strategically. Here's how.
Payment Types Index
Brief list of the methods commonly used to accept payments for eBay auctions, along with links to more information from eBay's own policy pages.
Brief list of the methods commonly used to accept payments for eBay auctions, along with links to more information from eBay's own policy pages.
Use Excel to Manage Auctions
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.
eBay - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the eBay guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the eBay guide site.
Five Fun Marketing Techniques
Marketing doesn't always have to be about professionalism and correctness; sometimes it can be lighthearted and fun for buyers. Here are five proven marketing techniques that buyers will love.
Marketing doesn't always have to be about professionalism and correctness; sometimes it can be lighthearted and fun for buyers. Here are five proven marketing techniques that buyers will love.
eBay Thrift Business
One of the most common eBay business models is also the most fun for dedicated shoppers: the thrift store or yard sale reseller.
One of the most common eBay business models is also the most fun for dedicated shoppers: the thrift store or yard sale reseller.
Troubleshoot Your Listings
Troubleshoot Your Listings: Use this checklist to help you improve your results as an eBay seller, both in terms of total number of sales and in terms of final value for each sale.
Troubleshoot Your Listings: Use this checklist to help you improve your results as an eBay seller, both in terms of total number of sales and in terms of final value for each sale.
eBay Community
Learning to Navigate eBay: Finding areas of the website decidated to community discussion, interaction between members, and site announcements.
Learning to Navigate eBay: Finding areas of the website decidated to community discussion, interaction between members, and site announcements.
Attend eBay University
If you're looking for eBay tutorial and help material that goes beyond what eBay's extensive but rather reference-like help system can offer, eBay University may be right up your alley.
If you're looking for eBay tutorial and help material that goes beyond what eBay's extensive but rather reference-like help system can offer, eBay University may be right up your alley.
Buying and Selling on Half.com
When you're buying or selling books, movies, or other media items that might not move as quickly as things to on eBay, consider using Half.com. Sellers don't have to pay to list, buyers get faster service, and everyone still gets to use feedback.
When you're buying or selling books, movies, or other media items that might not move as quickly as things to on eBay, consider using Half.com. Sellers don't have to pay to list, buyers get faster service, and everyone still gets to use feedback.
Make Best Match Work for You
eBay's best match search ranking system is the stuff of dreams and nightmares. It's a dream for buyers frustrated by high shipping costs, poor relevance, and poor service. It's a nightmare for sellers who find themselves suddenly at the back of the pack. Don't despair, though; best match can be made to work for you. Here's how to climb back on top.
eBay's best match search ranking system is the stuff of dreams and nightmares. It's a dream for buyers frustrated by high shipping costs, poor relevance, and poor service. It's a nightmare for sellers who find themselves suddenly at the back of the pack. Don't despair, though; best match can be made to work for you. Here's how to climb back on top.
Understanding DSRs
Want to say more about a seller in feedback than just "positive," "negative," or "neutral?" eBay's relatively new "detailed seller ratings" tool can help you to express yourself in more detail.
Want to say more about a seller in feedback than just "positive," "negative," or "neutral?" eBay's relatively new "detailed seller ratings" tool can help you to express yourself in more detail.
Fixed-Price Changes at eBay
eBay's latest round of policy changes show that eBay continues to move toward a more formal e-commerce style model. Fixed price listings and electronic payments are in, as are additional strikes against problem sellers.
eBay's latest round of policy changes show that eBay continues to move toward a more formal e-commerce style model. Fixed price listings and electronic payments are in, as are additional strikes against problem sellers.
eBay - Articles
An index of articles for the eBay guide site.
An index of articles for the eBay guide site.
Buying Gotchas
Hasty buyers can find themselves annoyed or dissatisfied with otherwise honest sellers if they fail to study item listings carefully. Here are some things to look for and avoid.
Hasty buyers can find themselves annoyed or dissatisfied with otherwise honest sellers if they fail to study item listings carefully. Here are some things to look for and avoid.
Controversial Changes at eBay
For 2008 eBay has announced a series of fee, feedback system, and policy changes that encourage some types of selling while greatly discouraging others. The seller community is up in arms, and some buyers aren't too thrilled either. Here's what the fuss is about.
For 2008 eBay has announced a series of fee, feedback system, and policy changes that encourage some types of selling while greatly discouraging others. The seller community is up in arms, and some buyers aren't too thrilled either. Here's what the fuss is about.
Home Page Featured
The "Home Page Featured" option causes the item listing displayed on the eBay front page, in rotation with other eBay front page promotion items.
The "Home Page Featured" option causes the item listing displayed on the eBay front page, in rotation with other eBay front page promotion items.
Dutch Auction
Multiple auction item listings (also known as "Dutch Auctions") sell multiple identical items at auction, with prices determined by bidding.
Multiple auction item listings (also known as "Dutch Auctions") sell multiple identical items at auction, with prices determined by bidding.
Insertion Fee
Every auction you see on eBay has been subject to insertion fees, which are calculated specifically for the item and options in each case.
Every auction you see on eBay has been subject to insertion fees, which are calculated specifically for the item and options in each case.
Holiday eBay Tips
eBay has become something of a holiday institution in recent years. Have fun buying and selling on eBay this holiday season, but check out these tips first so that you know what to look for.
eBay has become something of a holiday institution in recent years. Have fun buying and selling on eBay this holiday season, but check out these tips first so that you know what to look for.
Search Results
Learning to Navigate eBay: Using search or browse results to find the eBay items that you may want to purchase or bid on.
Learning to Navigate eBay: Using search or browse results to find the eBay items that you may want to purchase or bid on.
Using Selling Manager
Selling Manager is a great set of tools intended to help medium and high volume sellers to streamline their eBay lives. If you've already activated selling manager and want help using it, read on for step-by-step instructions.
Selling Manager is a great set of tools intended to help medium and high volume sellers to streamline their eBay lives. If you've already activated selling manager and want help using it, read on for step-by-step instructions.
Tips for Shipping Insurance
Shipping insurance is generally a good thing for any eBay transaction. Here's a quick rundown on how much to buy, how to use it, and what to keep in mind as you buy insurance and (if necessary) make insurance claims.
Shipping insurance is generally a good thing for any eBay transaction. Here's a quick rundown on how much to buy, how to use it, and what to keep in mind as you buy insurance and (if necessary) make insurance claims.
Finding Out What's Hot
To really get an edge, you want good market research. What's going to sell on eBay this season or this quarter, and what is eBay going to promote on their front page and through marketing channels? Fortunately, eBay makes this information available to sellers for free.
To really get an edge, you want good market research. What's going to sell on eBay this season or this quarter, and what is eBay going to promote on their front page and through marketing channels? Fortunately, eBay makes this information available to sellers for free.
Win the Battle for the Bid
Buying on eBay is a matter of narrowing down choices. Selling on eBay is a matter of getting buyers to choose your listing rather than the other guy's. Here are eight tips to help you win the battle for the bid.
Buying on eBay is a matter of narrowing down choices. Selling on eBay is a matter of getting buyers to choose your listing rather than the other guy's. Here are eight tips to help you win the battle for the bid.
eBay Help
Learning to Navigate eBay: Accessing areas of the eBay website designed to provide help, instruction, or asstance to members.
Learning to Navigate eBay: Accessing areas of the eBay website designed to provide help, instruction, or asstance to members.