eBay FAQ #8 – What Are the Steps to List and Ship an Item on eBay?
Selling on eBay is more than just filling in spaces on a computer screen. If you are a new seller and aren’t sure how to manage listing an item, these steps will help you.
1) List items in batches of 5-10 items. Batching items is more time efficient than listing one at a time.
2) Prepare the item to be photographed (iron it, remove stains, clean it, etc.).
3) Take pictures. Click here for tips on taking good photos.
4) Edit pictures. If your pictures don’t turn out well, retake them. It is worth the time investment.
5) Put items that have been photographed in a laundry basket or other plastic container, so that they are protected and neatly out of the way.
6) Sit at your computer and list items. Physically handle the item and examine it while you are typing your description so you can describe it accurately (no need to write it first). If you need help with the description, click here for some tips.
7) Weigh the item as it would be packed as you are listing the item and determine how much to charge for shipping. You can just put the item on the scale with a box and some packing materials if needed to get a pretty close estimate. Learn how to determine what to charge for shipping.
8)After the item is listed, put it away in storage in a certain area so it doesn’t get mixed in with non-listed items and it is ready to be pulled and shipped. Don’t package it until after it has been sold and you have received payment. (Some buyers won’t pay!) Potential buyers may have questions about the item and you might have to pull the item out to get a measurement or look at some other detail. You don’t want to waste time packaging something that might have to be opened and repackaged later.
9) When your item sells, pull it out, package it, and ship it. I print an invoice to include inside the package. Get the customer’s address off the invoice. Just write the address on the package and take it to the PO. If you like, you can try printing your postage online through USPS, Paypal, or Stamps.com.
10) Most sellers ship their items first thing in the morning. You want to take care of the people who have already paid for their items (and are waiting to receive them) before listing new items. Most sellers work on their items during the day, or shop, and do their listing at night.
