Sell Your First Item Before you start selling to the world, make sure you familiarize yourself with the process. It's fun and easy!

1. Choose something to sell

You probably already have thousands of things that you are finished using or would like to upgrade. These make great starter items for new sellers.

2. Photograph your item

Pictures are powerful tools to help you sell. Photograph your item from several angles and get close-ups. Show all of the features you can, and make sure to take pictures of any accessories you're including, too. Transfer the pictures from your digital camera to your computer, or scan your printed photos so that they will be ready when you create your item listing on eBay. You should save all photos in .gif or .jpg format.

3. Get ready to list

Gather information about your item so you will be prepared to create your listing. Write down:

• Your preferred listing title. Think about what you want to say in your listing title. Write down descriptive keywords (with no punctuation) and specify terms buyers are likely to use in searches, such as brand name, color, or size.
• Item description and history. Give buyers enough detail about your item so that they can make an informed decision to buy. Specify color, size, brand name, and design. You can also provide details such as origin, age, year or time period manufactured, and unique characteristics.
• Item condition. Is the item new? Are the tags attached? Are there any defects; is there wear? (For example, "color faded in some parts.")
• How you would like to be paid. eBay encourages you to consider PayPal, the preferred way to pay on eBay. It allows you to securely accept credit card and bank account payments for purchases in several currencies. You will find more information about PayPal in the Receive Payments section of this document.
• Your preferred shipping methods. Provide shipping costs up front to reduce email exchanges with potential buyers and finalize sales more quickly. For additional shipping information, go to the Ship Internationally section of this document.
• Your return policy. Will you allow buyers to return an item? Under what circumstances? Are sales on items sold "as-is" final?

Most Wanted Around the World

Collectibles

Jewelry

Electronics

Auto Parts

Sporting Goods

4. Create your first listing

Click the Sell tab at the top of any eBay page and fill in the Sell Your Item (SYI) form. You will need to know which listing format you want to use. With auction-style listings, you can set a low starting price to encourage bidding activity. Or use Buy It Now (with auction-style or Fixed Price format) to allow members to buy an item directly at a set price. Some requirements apply.

5. Track your listing in My eBay

Click the My eBay tab at the top of any eBay page to track and manage your eBay selling activity, messages, account information, buying, and preferences.

Before completing your first sale, also become familiar with eBay's top trading tips.

eBay safe trading tips

eBay seeks to minimize risk and create a safe trading environment regardless of geographic distance. To manage risk:

• Always complete transactions on eBay. Transactions conducted off eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.
• Complete transactions with a buyer only after an eBay listing ends.
• Use PayPal as your only payment method.
• Review a buyer's contact information and verify that it corresponds with the shipping address provided by the buyer.
• Receive and confirm payment before shipping the item. If the buyer uses a credit card, contact the card issuer and verify that the name on the card matches the buyer's contact information and shipping address.
• Use an escrow service if you and the buyer feel uncomfortable with the risks associated with a particular transaction.