eBay Basics: How Kids Can Sell on eBay
Creating an eBay auction can be one of the easiest ways for a kid to learn about business. I will warn you up front that in order to comply with eBay terms of service, you must be 18 or older to sell on eBay. Consider this a joint venture! First, you must create a free account at eBay. To start an new account Click here for eBay! and choose the REGISTER button.
On any given day, there are millions of items on eBay available through auction-style and fixed-price trading. Chances are good you are already familiar with buying on eBay. Below is a very basic overview for the beginning seller.
It’s not rocket science – anyone can learn easily how to start selling on eBay. Essentials needed are few, including a computer, internet access, a digital camera and some space to put your stuff. That’s really all you’ll need to get started. You’ll also need shipping and packing supplies; Priority Mail boxes and envelopes are free through USPS. Just stop in any post office and pick some up! You can also order supplies online.
Next you’ll need to learn how to list auctions. You’ll need to write a description of what you are selling and have at least one picture of the item. Make sure you take a picture on a simple, uncluttered background. People want to see what they are buying! Rather than using this space to tell you all the mechanics, I recommend eBay’s very helpful page . Don’t be overwhelmed; just take it one step at a time. Listing is quite simple through the use of templates. You just fill in the blanks. There are some tips and tricks you can learn along the way about listing but for starters, just follow the logistics of how to put a listing onto eBay.
To start with, look around your own house for items to sell. Is there a duplicate gift you got for your birthday? A video game you don’t play? Books you read once and won’t read again? To make steady money, finding a niche to sell is a great idea, but for now you simply want to gain experience and build your feedback. You’d be amazed at what people buy. Don’t know what to charge? Do a search on eBay to see if others are selling the same thing or something similar. Click on “Advanced Search” and check the box for completed listings only. This will tell you what items actually sold. Anything in green sold. Items with red prices did not sell.
Online payments such as PayPal are very convenient. You may also want to accept money orders or personal checks. The more options you leave your buyers, the more likelihood you’ll get more bids; although most buyers prefer the ease of online payments.
Many people ship the items using USPS because of the free shipping supplies and inexpensive rates for small items. You can print postage online and mail the items from your home. There are of course other vendors – UPS, FedEx, DHL you can chose to use. The size and weight of the items may help you make a decision. Most will pick up at your home if you schedule a day in advance.
Remember this is a learning process. eBay, Yahoo and MSN have wonderful message boards and networks to help you along the way. In summary, if you want to just “start pushing buttons” and learn on your own, you can do it! If you do better chatting with others, those resources are available too.
