How to sell things on eBay?

[Devil Wears Prado]

Hey guys... need your help on how to sell things on eBay. I am a huge noob in that aspect of the internet (sales) so I don't know exactly how to go about this. I have no Paypal account because last time I tried making one, it was asking me to put in my bank account information and I don't want to do that. But tomorrow (Wednesday, July 28th) of this week is my birthday. I finally turn 18 and so that means I can officially have my own eBay account.

I figured I'd start learning how to sell things on eBay because I could probably get more value in the games that I exchange in Gamestop if I sell them online and what not. But I have no idea how to do it. I need some sort of Idiot's Guide to Selling on eBay.

Right now I'm looking to sell (or put on an auction) a 20 GB fat PS3 and a Red Dead Redemption (for the Xbox). What supplies am I going to need? How exactly do I do this step by step? My old PS3 works for all games except it has a glitch on COD:MW2 where the game gets stuck after every match online (but it works for all other games). Should I list it as "Selling AS IS" or does that make people shy away from bidding/buying it?

I'd appreciate any advice or tips you guys can give me as I am a huge noob. I'm not looking to hook anything up to my bank account tohugh so I don't know how to get the money from it.

[Hobbes]

I'm no expert, but I've sold a few things on eBay over the years. EBay has a fairly simple system for posting items for sale. It is designed to be very easy for new users. I suggest you read through some of the help sections on eBay and then just try and post your first listing. You get plenty of chances to review it and/or modify it before you post it, so if you get stuck or aren't happy with it you don't have to go forward with the listing. Looking at other listings for similar products can help you see what type of information you want to include in your listing.

As for the PayPal thing, it is quite safe to link to your checking account. PayPal is a reputable company and there is no significant risk of your account being compromised. If you have a credit card you can link that to PayPal, although I don't know if you can get away with just the credit card and not linking your checking account.

[KB 34]

Things might have changed since I signed up but you used to be able to just enter a credit card number for paypal. The limitation was without a bank account number the amount of money you could spend per month using Paypal was significantly lower. I didn't enter my bank info immediately and I was able to purchase things fine. Paypal is a reputable company and makes online shopping easier, especially when you're buying from a site you don't want to give your credit card info to.

[luvdembravos]

Paypal is definitely safe - have no fear.

[alaskabravesfan]

Adding my comments to the others. Have no fear in setting up a PayPal account. I have been using them for years with zero problems. Using PayPal for your eBay auctions will definitely make them go smoother and will give potential bidders/buyers more confidence in you.

Remember that PayPal will never email or call you and ask for your account information. Always make sure that you are at a legitimate PayPal address when typing in your information. It's really that simple. You'll be just fine!

[Lauren T.]

I have a business degree and wrote my undergrad thesis (42 pages) on why eBay has a successful business model. I've been a member of eBay since 1999 and have been using PayPal for years as well. I've had my credit card number stolen twice through eBay seller security holes (thanks, eBay!) but have never had a problem with PayPal.

For selling tutorials, I'd send you to this link: http://www.wikihow.com/Sell-on-eBay and tell you to try this one as well: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/05/15/my-ebay-method-thirteen-steps-to-more-profitable-auctions/

The biggest tip I can give you is to do a lot of research. See who else is selling similar items, look at completed auctions, buy some items. If you put a game up and you think it's worth $40, but everyone else is selling the exact same game for $10, yours isn't going to sell. Period.

Another tip: make sure your items are packaged very, very well for shipping. For games, buy bubble envelopes and wrap them in newspaper or extra bubble wrap inside. Charge the seller for "shipping & handling", and include the cost of the packaging, but don't pad the costs there. I've always been very open with my shipping arrangements, including a note in every auction listing that reads something like, "I will use a bubble envelope to protect your [item] (cost to me: $1.49) and will ship via USPS Priority Mail as soon as payment is received, same day if possible. If you wish to make other arrangements, please email me."

Feedback is HUGE. Everyone who buys from you, if they pay, give them all positive feedback in hopes they'll do the same for you. Doesn't matter if they're a dick via email - if they pay, they get positive feedback. Buyers have a lot more leeway and can give sellers all these variable ratings that sellers can't give buyers (it used to be so different!). I'd definitely suggest buying a few items before selling anything. I don't buy from anyone with zero feedback - I don't know if I can trust the person.

I'm not really in the gamer scene, but as I mentioned above, do a ton of research before selling. Notice the auctions you like and don't like. Use LOTS of pictures. (You can link externally to pics and not have to pay.) If there is a scratch on your game or system? Make sure that scratch is noted in your description and there is a well-lit picture of the scratch, so the buyer knows what they're getting. I can't tell you how many times I've bought something and been pissed off that it arrives in less than "NEW!!!" condition. But, that's what feedback is for. ;)

I love eBay. Good luck in your ventures. :thumbsup:

[-Dr. Brave-]

I second everything that's been said, especially the part about leaving buyers positive feedback before you ship the item. Some sellers wait for the buyers to leave feedback first, but that shows the buyer that the seller might be afraid of receiving negative feedback. I'd also suggest including in your listings something like "If you have any problems whatsoever with this transaction, before leaving neutral/negative feedback, contact me first so I can address the issue. I want my customers to be completely satisfied."

However, when you ship items, don't rely solely on bubble wrap and newspaper to protect your items. Balled-up newspaper is totally worthless if your item has any weight at all. I had to refund three bubble-wrapped items last December alone, although I'm sure heavier holiday volume contributed to the problem. Break down some cardboard boxes in decent condition and use them later for shipping. When you sell a small item such as a video game, take a couple squares of cardboard, slide the game between them, and tape the cardboard pieces together, then put that inside a mailer. Larger items should be double-boxed with something (balled up paper grocery bags, drink cup carriers, bubble wrap, etc.) between them. It does add a little weight to the package, but the buyer would rather pay a little more in postage than receive a damaged item.

And do use PayPal. :thumbsup:

[wordslayer©]

Here's a nice little help guide:

http://cnettv.cnet.com/?tag=hdr;brandnav#

Once there, click on the drop down menu of "how to" videos and then on 06/15/10 you will find one on how to sell on ebay.