How to Start Selling Merchandise on eBay

In this article, we’re taking a look at some tips to get your eBay store off the ground.

eBay is one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world, with millions of users buying and selling merchandise every day. If you’re looking to start a side hustle or grow your online business, eBay can be a great option for selling your products. However, it’s important to have a plan in place before you start selling. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to start selling merchandise on eBay.

Related Read: How to Start a Business on Etsy

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1. Research and Plan

The first step to selling on eBay is to identify what to sell. Do you have a product that you make or source that you think would be popular on eBay? Or maybe you have some items lying around your house that you no longer need or want to sell? Whatever it is, it’s important to research the market and competition to set a realistic pricing strategy. You can use eBay’s search bar to look up similar items and see what they are selling for. You can also research your competition and see how they’re pricing their items.

Consider shipping costs

Once you have an idea of what to sell and how much to sell it for, it’s important to calculate shipping costs and fees. eBay charges a fee for each item sold and a fee for using PayPal (eBay’s payment processor). You’ll also need to consider shipping costs, which can vary depending on the weight and size of your merchandise. It’s important to factor in all of these costs to ensure that you’re making a profit on your sales.

2. Set Up Your eBay Seller Account

The next step is to create an eBay account and set up a seller profile. You can do this by clicking on the “Register” button on eBay’s homepage and selecting “Create a business account.” Once you’ve entered your personal and business information, you’ll need to verify your identity by providing eBay with your phone number and credit card information.

Learn the guidelines

After setting up your account, it’s important to familiarize yourself with eBay’s policies and guidelines. eBay has strict rules about what you can and cannot sell on their platform, as well as guidelines for creating effective listings. Make sure to read through these policies and guidelines before listing your merchandise.

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3. List Your Merchandise

Now that you’ve set up your seller account, it’s time to start listing your merchandise. When creating a listing, it’s important to create an effective title and description that accurately describes your merchandise. You should also include high-quality product images that show your merchandise from multiple angles.

Set the proper price

When setting a starting price and auction duration, it’s important to be realistic. If you set your starting price too high, you may not get any bids. If you set your starting price too low, you may not make a profit. It’s important to find the right balance and set a fair starting price that will attract bidders.

4. Manage Sales and Customer Service

Once you’ve listed your merchandise, it’s important to monitor your listings and respond to questions from potential buyers. When a buyer purchases your merchandise, you’ll need to process their payment and ship the merchandise. eBay has a built-in shipping calculator that can help you determine the cost of shipping your merchandise.

Handle customer complaints

If a buyer is unhappy with their purchase, they may request a return or file a dispute. It’s important to handle these situations professionally and promptly to maintain a positive seller reputation.

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5. Make Sure You Have the Proper Business Insurance

When selling merchandise on eBay, it’s crucial to have business insurance to protect you from any potential liabilities that may arise. Without insurance, you could be held financially responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result of your merchandise. Business insurance can cover a range of risks, including product liability, property damage, and more. It can give you peace of mind and help you avoid potential legal and financial consequences. As a seller, it’s important to review your insurance policy and ensure that it provides adequate coverage for your eBay business.

Common coverages included in business insurance

When selling on eBay, it’s important to ensure that your business insurance policy includes certain coverages to protect your business. Common coverages that you should consider include:

• Commercial property insurance, which can protect your business assets, such as your inventory, equipment, and office space, from damage or loss due to a covered event.

• Business interruption insurance, which can help cover lost income if your eBay business is unable to operate due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster.

• Crime insurance can protect your business from losses due to theft, fraud, or other criminal activity.

• Lastly, general liability insurance can protect your business from claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by your merchandise or business operations.

By ensuring that your business insurance policy includes these coverages, you can help protect your eBay business from a variety of risks and potential financial losses.

APOLLO offers flexible business insurance for all types of small businesses. Customize your coverages on our online platform and get a quote effortlessly. We’ll even send your policy documents right to your inbox within fifteen minutes.

Looking to learn more about business insurance? Read our article Insurance 101: Commercial Insurance Coverage to learn more.

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