Getting Ready to Sell on eBay

Want to make some extra cash? Consider selling on eBay: the virtual marketplace of virtually everything. A recent random search uncovered the following items for sale:

• a Bigfoot wall clock
• a 1972 Ford Pinto
• a bag of Jolly Ranchers
• pretty much ANYTHING

If you're looking to sell, eBay is where you'll find someone looking to buy. But before you jump into the eBay experience, consider these easy tips that will help you get more buck for your bang.

First of all, you'll notice the title of this article is "Getting Ready to Sell on eBay." For the actual selling part, eBay offers plenty of online help about getting an account, using PayPal, shipping, etc. There's some technical stuff, but they've broken it down into simple tips that even the most computer illiterate can follow. Visit http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/sell-getstarted.html for a step-by-step guide.

For first-time sellers, eBay can seem a little overwhelming-especially if you've ever used the more bare-bones Craigslist to buy or sell. Here's an eBay overview: eBay is an international marketplace, not local. It's an auction (think competing bids), not a sale (although there is a "fixed price" option). Items are generally shipped (it's hard to pick up a purchase if it's 3000 miles away), and buyers and sellers alike have user names (like BobThePlumber or BooksAreBest34).

For a deeper dive into the layout of the eBay universe, go through the process of buying something yourself. Bidding, winning and paying is a great way to get your eBay sea legs by dipping in a toe. Until you're ready to sell, you can register as a guest and wander around. They even let you "watch" something: if you find an item for sale that you're interested in, just ask to watch it-you'll be notified by e-mail shortly before the sale is ending. Don't worry-there's no way to accidentally bid on anything.

One good place to wander is the Categories list on eBay's opening page. It will give you a sense of just how wide-ranging this online marketplace is. Under each topic, click on the "More" arrow to see all the sub-categories (and the sub-sub-categories-one of the biggest categories is "Collectibles" with over 40 sub-categories). The categories may also inspire additional ideas for things to sell.

After wandering, hone in on products similar to what you want to sell. For example, say you want to unload that rug you picked up at a garage sale that didn't fit in your hallway.

Search "Rugs" and note how the topic gets divided: by age, size, background color, price, shape, etc. Read some of the descriptions to see how people write their listings-this is where the real marketing gets done. When it comes to buying a rug, would you rather get a "small floor covering" or a "much-loved colorful antique area rug-think flying carpet"?

You can see that the best descriptions aren't boilerplate, but display a bit of the seller's personality. But above all else, when you're writing your listing, it's important to be absolutely honest. If a corner is frayed or there's a small stain, describe it. People are more willing to purchase from a seller who's up front about what she's selling. (We all know that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.)

Speaking of stains: clean up your items. You'll get more bidders and more money with a little TLC. Be sure to mention in your listing that what you're selling has been cleaned.

If you're selling something old/interesting/collectible, do a little research before you list it. Include its history, year, rareness-the more information you can include the better. In fact, information is a key selling point for everything on eBay. Details will go a long way in this market. Even if it's not a collectible, include data like where you bought it, when, whether or not it's been in a smoke-free/pet-free environment, dimensions, etc. Imagine the questions you'd ask and answer them all.

Also keep in mind that this is an online market. People are typing what they're looking for into the eBay search engine: "Ikea." "Turquoise." "1944." The more keywords you include in your listing, the more likely your item will be found.

You should also include in your listing details like whether or not you're willing to negotiate. If the buyer is local, are you willing to deliver? Do you have a "sell-by" date that's looming? These details will pique people's interest.

Most eBay listings feature a photo of the product for sale, so besides your tape measure you'll need a digital camera. Set up your item against a simple backdrop. Aim for natural light if possible to convey realistic color. Take shots from all angles. You'll only use a few in your listing, but interested buyers may request that you email more detailed shots.

Hopefully, after exploring a bit and reading these tips, you're ready to click on "Sell." And off you'll go-the opening "Start Selling" page has a "What's it worth?" field that will give you a better idea of average price, price range and number of listings. Then click on "Getting Started" and eBay will patiently walk you through everything, with plenty of detailed advice about listing and shipping items.

Now, once that rug has sold what about getting rid of that Bigfoot clock?

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