starting on ebay

I would also start buying some things to build up your feedback score. Someone said to put As Is in your description, you can put it but since you are accepting Paypal if they file a SNAD dispute they will pretty much win. I would also accept one other payment form for your auctions, even though Paypal is the safest way for a buyer to pay there are still a lot that won't use it. I would accept US Postal Money Orders only, that way you can cash them at the PO. Always send your items with Delivery Confirmation and to a Confirmed address, so you will be covered by sellers protection. You can set your Paypal preference to only accept payment from confirmed address, just make sure that you put in your auction TOS that you only accept from confirmed addresses.

Depending on the size of the item, I would recommend simply shipping everything priority mail. If you can fit it in their "one price" envelopes, the cost is $4.90 no matter where it is going in the US. You can also use the postage estimator on ebay, but you have to know accurately what the item will weigh once it is packaged..and this doesn't help much with international shipping. It's usually good to have a low minimum as somhow people feel better about bidding low and then getting raised. Also, when figuring your shipping costs, don't forget to add in the cost of supplies...envelopes and packing materials and the like or you can quickly end up taking a loss.

Once you've weighed the item and allowed for packaging weight, go to USPS.com and put in the weight to get the exact postage OR just add an ebay postage calculator with the weight filled in. You're not saying anything here about what interests you and how much you know about what you're thinking of selling. Thats the key. You shouldn't sell anything that you do not know a lot about. I've been selling on eBay for 8 years now and I've seen sellers come and go. The ones who last and thrive are the ones who know the most about the products they are selling.

The following is a list of new seller tips for EBay: 1) Your EBay Rating First off let’s consider that you are new to selling items, and don't have a lot of or any ratings in relation to actually selling things. I would suggest putting up low cost items to prove yourself. People will be more willing to take a risk on something that doesn't cost very much. After you have sold some things and got some positive ratings, then you can start putting up the more expensive items. Good items to start with are books, CD’s, video games and things of that nature. 2) Staring Cost In most cases I would recommend starting the price of 99 cents. You are likely to get far more bids and more people watching the auction. It's also cheaper to have a low starting price. The market usually drives itself to a fair value. 3) Accept Paypal Most users pay via Paypal, it’s the most respected and common form of payment. Personally I only look at auctions that accept Paypal as a form of payment. 4) Pictures Make sure to include at least one detailed pictures, more if possible. If something is damaged take a picture to show the damage so that people can see exactly what they are getting and that you are being completely honest. 5) Detailed Description I can't stress this enough. Make as a detailed a description as possible so people know exactly what they are buying and in what condition the item is in. More is always better. 6) Shipping and Handling Charges. On many things I charge a flat rate for shipping and handling. I will usually check the U.S. Postal Service’s website for prices as well as UPS which is often cheaper for larger items. Books, video games, CD’s, I'll charge the cost of shipping and a couple extra bucks for supplies and my time to ship the item. Many say you should not do this, but that is the "handling" part of "shipping and handling." When in doubt check to see how much others are charging for shipping for similar items and make a similar offer. 7) Add an "As Is" clause Make sure you let people know that what you are selling is "as is" and that you do not accept returns. This will save you many headaches in the future. 8) Insurance For big ticket items, or anything that is likely to get damaged during shipping, add the cost of insurance into the shipping charges and let people know that. This is way if the item is damaged, you can collect on the insurance. You have the money the buyer gave you, the buyer gets his money back and everyone is mostly happy. Hope that helps, if you have any other specific questions or if I wasn't detailed enough just let me know. Minnie Mouse is HOT! filmbuff

Only one thing I want to add because everyone, especially Filmbuff has given you some excellent advise. My contribution is to find mentoring groups to help you on your way. I found a number of groups that were very helpful. When I started out I found a group that helped me with learning the basics of html. If you look through the groups list you will find groups that match what you're looking for. I eventually mnarrowed my list down to 5, 4 of which are public. The one that's private is the best I think, however if you want an invite I can make a request to the leaders/moderators. PM me.

Really? postage costs is important to you. You can calculate cost of your goods. I suggest you sell goods that you know. If you do not know your goods ,do not try it.

The main tip I can give is make sure you have a picture of what you want to sell. make sur eyou also give a good description. I really hate having to ask a seller a question. Than by time they get to be the auction for that item is over. I also suggest have the buyer pay all shipping. There is an option on ebay for you to add the option that figures the shipping for the person. All they would have to do is put in their zip code.

Selling is easy and though not gauranteed it is fun. There is a postage chart online that you can check if you know how heavy what you are selling is. I use the calculator with ebay so that the customer can see what it would really cost. I myself put a 2 dollar handling fee on all I sell. That pays me no matter what the item sells for. Check out what other similar items are being sold for and offer yours according to that...or list it at 99 cents and get cheaper fees and see if it gets bidded up. You never know and I wish you much luck. I can maybe subscribe to you and you could do the same with me?!

Presentation, great photos and details. Make sure that you list the item for the minimum that you want to receive for it. Postage costs are on the home page of ebay. Good Luck.

I haven't tried e-bay. I'm actually going to start a site which sells items my mother and friends make. As I don't think ebay would be a good route myself. Goodluck with starting your ebay adventure! keep us updated, it's interesting hearing :) Kudos, ~Joey

well ebay does have a university that you might visit and take course at, plus there are oodles of books written on how to sell stuffs on ebay...visit your local library and check them out.. good luck!

don't know about other stuff, but put your items on a scale & find out how much it weighs. Call or go by the post office & find out what the rates are for the various types of shipping (first class, priority, etc) and then you have the rates. If you think UPS will be an option (remember they don't deliver to P.O. boxs) then you can check with them too.

I do not know what you say?