How To

How to Start an EBay Business

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(11 Ratings)

One of the most common ways to build a home business is to start an eBay business. Selling items on eBay requires little to no marketing and does not require building your own website. By utilizing eBay's website and marketing power, it's easier than ever to start a home business.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Computer
  • Modem and Internet connection
  • Items to sell
  • Digital camera
  • Packaging materials
  1. Step 1

    Get a reliable computer and the fastest Internet connection possible.

  2. Step 2

    Set up an eBay seller's account. This requires registering with your personal information and a credit or debit card that can be verified. Start with a business name that sounds professional and trustworthy.

  3. Step 3

    Gather items to sell. Items can be purchased from wholesalers, local businesses, yard sales or any other place where cheap items are available. Gather only items that are likely to sell for more than you paid for them.

  4. Step 4

    List your items for sale on eBay. Take clear photographs of each item and upload them to the site. Write a description for each item in clear language, describing any flaws in detail. Describe your shipping method for the item and how much shipping will cost.

  5. Step 5

    Ship the item to the buyer after they have paid in full. Pack each item securely to ensure that it arrives safely. Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or newspaper.

  6. Step 6

    Contact your buyers to let them know their item has been shipped. Make sure the buyer is pleased with their purchase before considering the transaction finished. Leave good feedback in order to get good feedback for yourself.

Tips & Warnings
  • Never set up auctions to end at a time that you will be out of town. Make sure to be available for questions during the auction and available for timely shipping when the auction ends.
  • Never be deceitful in your item descriptions. Getting bad feedback for inaccurate descriptions will keep you from making sales.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Internet
Virginia DeBolt,

Meet Virginia DeBolt eHow’s Internet Expert.

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Technology and Electronics