eBay FAQ #2 – Should I Open an eBay Store?

Opening a store is crucial if you want to sell on eBay as a business, rather than a hobby.

First of all, the listing fees are only 3 cents per item for a 30-day listing. You can list hundreds of items in your store inventory for practically nothing, as opposed to running all auctions for between 25 cents and one dollar per item. The final value fees are higher on store inventory versus auctions, but you don’t pay these fees unless an item sells. You can display hundreds of items very inexpensively by setting up an eBay store.

Second, having a store is like your home base on eBay. Buyers may check out your auctions, but if you have a store, they can look for other things that may interest them. If you offer combined or discounted shipping for multiple items purchased, customers will be compelled to buy more from you at one time. A store also allows sellers to use features like Markdown Manager that are not available to non-store owners. Having a store gives you brand recognition - you can build a customer base and customers will return if they like your service and your products.

Learn more from the eBay Help Index about opening an eBay Store.