Sign up to accept PayPal - the preferred payment method on eBay (optional).

PayPal allows you to accept buyers' credit card payments online. You can sign up for PayPal before you list your first item for sale, or you can sign up when you list your first item with the Sell Your Item form. Register for PayPal .

Important note: If you’re selling internationally, you’ll be required to offer PayPal or merchant credit card account as accepted safe payment method for your items.  Please check the accepted payment policies on the site you’re listing your item for details.

Fill out the Sell Your Item form.

Important note: If you’re selling internationally, you’ll need to confirm your identity before you can finish listing your item.

The Sell Your Item form is where you create your eBay listing. Here are some of the sections you will be asked to complete.

• Select a category.

  Explore eBay categories ahead of time to help you choose the most appropriate category for your item. Try searching for similar items and see what categories have been used.

• Select Item Specifics.

  This option is only available for certain categories. If you see it, be sure to fill in the details to help buyers find your item. More about item specifics.

• Write a title.

  Be clear, complete, and descriptive. Your title should include words buyers would search for when looking for your item. View tips on titles.

• Add pictures.

  Show off your item with pictures. You can use eBay Picture Hosting, which lets you add pictures straight from the selling form, and offers some attention-grabbing options. Or you can click Self Hosting to use your own hosting service.

• Write an item description.

  Here's your chance to really describe and promote your item. Sometimes it's easier to write your description in a word authoring program first, and then cut and paste it into the item description area in the Sell Your Item Form. Be clear and complete. Be creative, telling the history of your item and why someone would want to buy it. Read how to write a good description.

• Choose a selling format.

  Are you selling through eBay's standard online auction format, setting a fixed price, using your own eBay Store, or listing a classified ad ? More about selling formats.

• Choose pricing and listing duration.

  How long do you want your listing to run? How many items are you selling? What will your starting price be? Would you like to use a reserve price or sell with Buy It Now? Answer these questions here.

• Enter payment and postage information.

  How will you accept payment from your buyer when your listing ends? eBay recommends offering PayPal, the fast, easy and secure way to get paid. Learn how to sell with PayPal.

  Where will you post your item and who will pay for that cost? The more details you include on the Sell Your Item form, the fewer questions you will receive from buyers, and this would make ending your listing easier.

• Increase your item's visibility.

  Explore the many listing upgrades that can help your item stand out from the other listings. Choose the options that are right for you.

Review and submit your listing.

Now you'll see a preview of your listing and a summary of its details. Look this over carefully. If you're satisfied and finished, submit your listing.

Now your listing begins!

And when your listing ends...

Communicate with your buyer.

If you use eBay's Checkout service, when your buyer completes Checkout, eBay will notify you by email. If you didn't specify postage and payment details, the buyer can use Checkout to request this information. You can also use Checkout to send the buyer an invoice.

If you selected not to use Checkout, you should contact the buyer directly using email or phone.

Important: You should contact the buyer directly if you have not heard from the buyer or the buyer has not completed Checkout within 3 days of your listing's end.

Receive payment.

If the buyer paid with PayPal, you will receive an email confirming payment. If you have not yet registered for the PayPal service, you will be prompted to register to accept the payment. If the buyer paid via wire transfer, check your bank account to see if you have received payment.

Send the item to the buyer.

Pack it well! Use bubble wrap or crumpled up newspaper to protect the item from damage during postage. Make sure any parts of the item that are fragile are well padded and are located toward the centre of the box if possible. You don't want damage from postage to create problems for you and your buyer. Read tips for packaging your item.

Leave the buyer Feedback.

eBay's Feedback system helps create a trustworthy community for everyone. Your feedback about your buyer is important information for other sellers.