How to Start Your eBay Online Business

Are you interested in starting your own business but need help figuring out where to start? Have you considered selling products on eBay? eBay is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers worldwide, and it's a great platform to start your own business. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating an eBay account and making your first sale.

If you're unsure if you want to start selling online or not sure about eBay, consider what you are looking for in your online business.

If you want to start making money online to replace or supplement your current income, then e-commerce is a great way to do that. There are over 30 markets you can sell on, each with its pros and cons. eBay is one of the most popular and well-known online marketplaces, and you can sell almost anything.

eBay is also the second biggest-selling platform behind Amazon. With over 130 million active buyers and almost $19 Billion worth of goods sold in Q1 of 2023 alone. There is a massive market to monetize from and create a profitable online business.

It's never too late to start selling on eBay.

Why eBay instead of Amazon?

Amazon is the pinnacle of locations to sell enormous volumes of products. But there is a large number of restrictions for beginner sellers. When you start, you will be "gated" from selling many designer brands like Nike, Adidas, and luxury brands. You'll also be restricted from selling Disney, Lego, and other well-known brands.

Over time, you can request permission to sell these brands, but this requires more effort in acquiring business invoices from distributors, submitting documents, and waiting for approval. Many times you will get denied even though you provide the required and sufficient information.

On eBay, you can sell just about anything (as long it is not illegal items). You also can list items with no up-front fees.

The Pros of Starting on eBay

1. Easy-to-understand analytics for sellers.

2. One of the largest platforms to sell on.

3. Tons of helpful videos and tutorials.

4. Tremendous shopping traffic.

5. Easy to use seller tools.

6. Low fees and costs.

7. Free to start!

That's right. It's free to start. You don't need to pay monthly fees, or any listing fees (unless you list over 250 items in one month). You only pay a fee once you sell the item. The amount will vary depending on the category you sell on. Here are a few examples.

So you want to get started selling on eBay, here are 5 easy steps to get started selling on eBay.

Step 1: How to Create Your eBay Account

The first step to starting your eBay business is to create a seller account. Go to eBay.com and click the "register" button to begin the signup process. Follow the prompts to enter your personal information, including your email address, name, and business (or home) address. Create a password, verify your phone number, and your eBay account will be up and running in minutes.

When creating your account name, don't get too hung up on it. Get a name that resonates with what you are going to sell and is not unprofessional. You can always change the name later if you like.

Step 2: How to Set Up Your Payment Method

Now that you have your eBay account, you need to set up your payment method. eBay offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, bank transfer, debit card, and others. Choose the payment method that's convenient for you, and you're ready to start selling.

I prefer to link my bank account and get direct deposits there every week. But you can set up daily withdrawals and request immediate access to your funds as well.

Step 3: How to List Your First Item on eBay

Next, it's time to list your first item. This is where it gets exciting. Go to the "sell" button on the eBay homepage and follow the prompts to give details about your item, including the description, pictures, and price. Describe your product accurately and make it intriguing for your potential buyers. Add a well-researched, compelling title to it, to stand out from the competition.

There are many strategies for capitalizing on the Item title name, mostly for the best search results. These tactics will be great to learn as you get more experience listing your items for sale.

Step 4: How to Set Your Price

Once you've added all the details of your item, it's time to set your price. eBay has different pricing options, including fixed-price listings, auctions, and best offer. Choose the option that works best for you and set your price. Be sure to research the market to determine the current value of similar items.

I prefer to set all my items at a fixed price. But choose the one that fits your selling style.

When researching the price of your item, so you know how to price it, use eBays recent sales filter. Toggle “Sold Items” and “Completed Items” to see all the recent sales of what you plan to list. This is a great way to check if it’s worth buying something to flip for a profit.

This is the mobile app view.

Step 5: How to Ship Your Item

Congratulations on making your first sale! Now, it's time to ship your product. Make sure to pack the item safely and ship it promptly after payment confirmation. Provide tracking information to your buyer, and follow up with them to ensure a positive experience.

The shipping experience is easier than ever for sellers. EBay has made great efforts in streamlining the whole process for sellers to list, sell, and ship. Once you make a sale, you can purchase a shipping label directly from your PC or your mobile phone.

When you buy the shipping label on eBay, the tracking number is automatically sent to the buyer.

Following these 5 steps allowed me to build my business rapidly. I managed to build up a store from $0 to $30k in inventory in less than six months. I started by selling things around the house to test it out, and then I started shopping for items to flip. Retail Arbitrage.

Conclusion:

Selling on eBay allows you to start your own business, work from home, and set your own hours. If you follow these five simple steps, you can quickly get your eBay business up and running. Remember to research the market, accurately describe your items, package them carefully, and ship them promptly. With some effort, you can make your eBay business a booming success.

If you want a more in-depth explanation of how to start an eBay store, or anything else about reselling, feel free to message me or write a comment about what you would like to learn.