Selling on Ebay: What Do I Need to List an Item on Ebay

In order to list an item on ebay or begin selling on Ebay, you will need a few items. Here are the items you will need to begin selling on Ebay.

A Valid Email Address

Ebay requires you to have a valid email address. You can get a free email address from Yahoo, Gmail or another free email provider. It is simply necessary you have a valid email address.

A Valid Phone Number

It can be a cell phone or home phone. Ebay may even allow a work phone number if it is a direct line. You will need to check the list of Ebay rules if you are interested. The only important thing is you have a phone number.

A Paypal Account

You can sign up for a paypal account at www.paypal.com (BTW for your own security, ALWAYS type paypals web address directly into your browser rather than clicking on a link to prevent fraud.)

An Item to Sell

This is a no-brainer, but you need something to sell in order to list an item on Ebay. Please read my article "Determining Whether or Not to Sell an Item on Ebay" to consider whether or not your item is a good item to sell on Ebay.

An Ebay Account

If you do not already have an Ebay account, I recommend you sign up for one.

Positive Feedback

If you do not already have an Ebay Account, you will need to get some positive feedback on your Ebay account before others will be willing to buy from you. The easiest way to gain positive feedback is to buy items on Ebay or Half.com using YOUR new Ebay account.

A valid, current credit card

I believe Ebay asks that you have a valid, current credit card on File

Access to a Camera

You will need to have access to a camera or the ability to borrow a camera (for ease of use, a digital camera is best) in order to start on Ebay. If you are listing on Ebay, it is imperative you include a photograph. It is much harder to sell items on Ebay without a photograph of the item you are planning to sell.

A Desire to Make Money

To be successful selling on Ebay, you will need a fair amount of determination to make it work for you. This is required to successfully sell on Ebay.

That's All Folks

Almost anyone can start a business on Ebay. Once you have an Ebay account, be sure to maintain your Ebay reputation. A poor reputation could permanently ruin your ability to sell on Ebay. It is best to have a 100% satisfaction guarantee return policy. This will ensure you do not receive poor feedback. Poor feedback can sometimes suspend your Ebay account. Therefore, maintain the trust of your Ebay customers and your Ebay business will excel.

I read that one Ebay business owner stated he and his wife had decided from the start of their Ebay business they would never go to bed before returning any money a customer resented giving them. They had decided early on they never wanted to have any money in their pockets which a customer had resented sending them. This is a great policy and it has helped this couple excel in their Ebay business.

I believe this is a terrific principle for any small business which wishes to excel.