I'm not familiar at all with Ebay. I need a few questions answered before I attempt to sell an item?

Question

These questions may sound really stupid, but I'm not familiar with Ebay, so here it goes...

1. Do you have to have a credit card to sell something on Ebay?

2. If I sell the item, and the consumer doesn't like it, do I have to refund them?

3. If the bid does not get as high as I would like, do I still have to sell it, eventually?

Answer 1

1.  You do not have to have a credit card to sell on ebay, but ebay has to be paid a listing fee and a sales fee when you sell the item, and it is very difficult for them to charge you unless they have a card of some kind on file with them.  I use a debit card.

2.  On the listing you have a place where you will give your terms. Like 5 day money back, or no money back, or sold as is,  or no returns, etc.  You set the terms when you list the item.

3.  You can put a protect limit price on your item, if the bids do not reach that amount the item does not sell.  Another way is to have the starting bid which you set be the minimum amount you will accept.  That way if no one bids, you are only out the listing fee.

To have a smooth selling experience on ebay you really need to have a credit or debit card number listed on your ebay account, so they can charge you their fees, and you also need a PayPal account, so you can get paid for your item.  Buyers are reluctant to mess with cashiers checks etc.  The bidders will want to pay you instantly with PayPal.  If you do not have a PayPal account, most people will not bid on your item.

Answer 2

Hi Helur,

Your questions aren't stupid as well - I remember myself in your position and these were the very same things I was racking my head about!

So first off - you need a PayPal account - and therefore credit card as well. But you can use your current bank account to fund the PayPal account, I think so this one might not be mandatory.

About the refunds - it depends on the product category you're selling. If it's underware, for instance, you will state it on your listings that you offer no refunds. But for other items you sure want to use the 30 day refund policy as it's been proven to get higher bids. Simply the bidders feel safer!

And if the bid doesn't get as high as you want and there's been at least one bidder, then yes, you have to sell it. That's the downside of online auctions.... But then give it an optimal starting price - not too high and not too low.

And to make sure you're getting most out of your eBay business - you can get loads of free stuff via the link below.

Hope this'll help!

Rgds,

Robby