by Marsha Collier
Book Organized
Part I: Getting a Feel for eBay
Part II: Buying Like an Expert
Part III: Making Money the eBay Way
Part IV: Even More of eBay’s Special Features
Part V: The Part of Tens
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Book Details
Price
|
3.00 USD |
|---|---|
Pages
| 507 p |
File Size
|
21,554 KB |
File Type
|
PDF format |
ISBN
| 978-1-11809806-6 (pbk) 978-1-118-19931-2 (ebk) 978-1-118-19935-0 (ebk) 978-1-118-19938-1 (ebk) |
Copyright
| 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc |
Marsha Collier spends a good deal of time on eBay. She loves
buying and selling (she’s a Top Seller with an eBay store since 1996)
as well as meeting eBayers from around the world. As an author of
the three bestselling books on eBay, and an invited lecturer at eBay
events, she shares her knowledge of eBay with millions of online
sellers. eBay For Dummies is published in special versions for the
United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Currently, she
has 15 books in print on her favorite subject — eBay.
Before Marsha discovered eBay, she owned and operated her own
marketing and advertising firm, a company that won numerous
awards and earned her “Small Business of the Year” accolades from
Los Angeles and the State of California. She got her start with eBay
during the site’s early years and quickly mastered the art of buying
and reselling for profit.
Marsha is considered one of the foremost eBay experts and
educators in the world and the top-selling eBay author. In 1999,
Marsha created the first edition of eBay For Dummies, the
bestselling book for eBay beginners. Then she followed up the
success of the first book with Starting an eBay Business For
Dummies, a book targeting individuals interested in making ecommerce
their full-time profession. That book became an instant
nationwide hit, making several notable bestseller lists. These books
are updated regularly to keep up with site and market changes.
Marsha’s books have sold over 1 million copies (including the
special editions in foreign countries — two in Australia, two in
Canada, and two in the United Kingdom — as well as translations in
Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, and German).
Due to Marsha’s background in e-commerce, she branched out and
has made her mark on the social media scene, named one of the 100
Most Powerful Women on Twitter
(http://twitter.com/MarshaCollier). Social media blended so well
with online selling that she authored The Ultimate Online Customer
Service Guide: How to Connect with Your Customers to Sell More (John
Wiley & Sons).
Along with her writing, Marsha is an experienced e-commerce
educator. She was the lead instructor at eBay University (teaching
seminars all over the United States), as well as a regular presenter at
the eBay Live national convention since its inception. Marsha also
hosted “Make Your Fortune Online,” a PBS special on online
business that premiered in 2005. Seniors have become a new
audience for Marsha with her eBay For Seniors For Dummies and her
Facebook & Twitter For Seniors For Dummies. She also gives social
media workshops at AARP events around the country.
She hosts Computer & Technology Radio available on iTunes as well
as on the web at www.computerandtechnologyradio.com. She also
makes regular appearances on television, radio, and in print to
discuss technology, customer needs, and online commerce.
Marsha currently resides in Los Angeles. She can be reached via her
website, www.marshacollier.com; Cool eBay Toys
(www.coolebaytoys.com); and her blog
Introduction
I just can’t believe it; this is the seventh edition of eBay For Dummies.
When I wrote the original edition in 1999, I had no idea that this
book would become the top-selling book for those wanting to learn about eBay.
Over a million people have learned how to succeed at an eBay
business by reading my books. In your hand you have the book that
will get you on the road to your own online business. Heed my
words and you’ll be getting the no-nonsense facts about eBay from
an active user.
I’m a longtime eBay shopper (I even buy my vitamins on eBay) as
well as a Top Seller. My original career was in retail marketing, and
for over 14 years I’ve been making money on the site. (I even put my
daughter through college on my profits!) I work from home and
apply my background successfully to all facets of the site.
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am that my enthusiasm and
excitement for shopping and selling on the eBay Marketplace has
spread to so many corners of the world. eBay users (like you and
me) total close to 96 million active users — that’s quite a
community. It’s a community of buyers who have time to scour the
streets for items to buy — and of sellers who forage for wholesale
items to sell online and make a few dollars (or a full-time living).
This makes eBay the new international marketplace — and the best
part is that eBay is available to anyone who wants to take the time
to figure out how it works.
My books are written sequentially, and this is the one to start with if
you’re a beginner. eBay For Dummies will give you the solid
foundation you need to go on to my other, more advanced books on
eBay selling.
eBay is a constantly evolving website. It isn’t too hard to master, but
just as with any tool, when you know the ins and outs, you’re ahead
just as with any tool, when you know the ins and outs, you’re ahead
of the game. You can get the deals when you shop, and you can
make the most money when you sell. You’ve come to the right place
to find out all about eBay. This book is designed to help you
understand the basics about buying and selling on eBay, the most
successful person-to-person trading community. Without the basics,
you can’t be successful in any endeavor. You get all the tools you
need to get moving on eBay, whether you’re new to the Internet or a
webaholic. You see how to turn your everyday household clutter
into cold, hard cash — and how to look for items that you can sell on eBay.
If you’re an online shopper (or you’d like to be), I show you how to
figure out how much you should spend and how to get great deals.
How much money you earn (or spend) depends entirely on how
often and how smartly you conduct your eBay transactions. You
decide how often you want to run auctions and place bids; I’m here
to help with the smart part by sharing tips I’ve learned over my past
ten years on eBay.
A website as complex as eBay has many nooks and crannies that
may confuse users. Think of this book as a detailed road map that
can help you navigate eBay, getting just as much or as little as you
want from it. Unlike an actual road map, however, you won’t get
frustrated folding it back to its original shape. Just close the book
and come back anytime you need a question answered.
After you figure out the nuts and bolts of eBay, you can start buying
and selling stuff. I have a ton of terrific buying and selling strategies
that help you get the most out of your auctions. With this book and
a little elbow grease, you can join the ranks of the millions of people
who use their home computers to make friends, find great deals,
have a lot of fun, and make a profit. When you get the hang of eBay
and feel that it’s time to graduate (no cap and gown required) from
this book, look for my Starting an eBay Business For Dummies, 4th
Edition — it’ll take you to the next plateau.
Table of Contents
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
How This Book Is Organized
Part I: Getting a Feel for eBay
Part II: Buying Like an Expert
Part III: Making Money the eBay Way
Part IV: Even More of eBay’s Special Features
Part V: The Part of Tens
Icons Used in This Book
What Now?
Feedback, Please
Part I: Getting a Feel for eBay
Chapter 1: Why Being on eBay Is So Much Fun
What Is eBay, and How Does It Work?
All About Auctions
eBay auctions
Reserve-price auctions
Restricted-access auctions
Private (shhh-it’s-a-secret) listings
“Buy It Now” on eBay
eBay Stores
Buy It Now and fixed-price sales
Want to Make Some Cash?
Get a Deal and Get It Fast!
Research for Fun and Profit
eBay’s Role in the Action
Features and Fun Stuff
Extra Apps You’re Gonna Want
Chapter 2: Ready, Set, Go! Signing Up on eBay
Registering on eBay
Registering Is Free, Fun, and Fast
Like, what’s your sign? Filling in required information
Do you solemnly swear to . . . ?
It must be true if you have it in writing
Getting to know you: Optional information
A Quick Word about Passwords
A Not-So-Quick Word about Choosing a User ID
Your License to Deal (Almost)
Chapter 3: Finding Your Way Around eBay!
What Is the Home Page?
Sign In, Please
Follow the Links
Exploring Your Home Page Search Options
Seeking items through the search box
Going where the Advanced Search box takes you
Home Links, the Next Generation
Maneuvering through Categories
Going Global
Promotion du Jour
Bottoming Out
Chapter 4: Your Very Own, Private eBay
Getting to Your My eBay Page
Keeping Track of Your Personal Business
Checking your account information
Choosing your communication preferences
Your Feedback link
Account links
Understanding Your Seller Dashboard
Using the Resolution Center
Organizing in the Lists Section
Saved searches
Saved sellers
Sleuthing with your Watch list
Following the Action on Your Buying
Seeing the items I’m buying
Keeping track of your purchased items
Surveying Your Sales on Your My eBay Sell Page
Your Active Selling page
Your Sold page
eBay’s Selling Manager/Selling Manager Pro
Keeping Track of Your Transactions
Getting and Giving Feedback
How to get positive feedback
How to get negative feedback
The Feedback page
Reading your feedback
You have the last word — responding to feedback
Leaving feedback with finesse
Part II: Buying Like an Expert
Chapter 5: Deal or No Deal? Search Tricks and More
General Online Tips for Collectors
The experts speak out
Go, Joe: Following an expert on the hunt
Making the grade
Finding More Research Information
Searching sites online
Finding other sources of information
Looking to Find an Item? Start Your eBay Search Engine
Using the Search page
Using the Advanced Search page
A seller search
A Bidder search
Shortcuts for a quick eBay search
Finding eBay Members: The Gang’s All Here
Chapter 6: Get the Deal: Shopping eBay
The Item Listing Page
Beating the Devil in the Details
Read the item description carefully
Get the scoop on the seller
Factoring in the Extras
Payment methods
Using an escrow service
Shipping costs
Placing Your Bid on an Auction
Bidding to the Max: Automatic Bidding
Specialized Auction Categories
eBay Motors
eBay Stores
The Agony (?) of Buyer’s Remorse
Retracting your bid
Avoiding deadbeat (non-paying bidder) status
Chapter 7: Auction-Winning Strategies
Make an Offer!
Find Out an Item’s Bidding History
Get to Know the Other Bidders
Strategies to Help You Outsmart the Competition
Time Is Money: Auction Strategy by the Clock
Using a laid-back strategy
Using the beat-the-clock strategy
Chapter 8: Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner?
eBay Calling: You’re a Winner
Getting Your Paperwork Together
Getting Contact Information
So, What’s Your Number?
Checking Out
Communicating with the Seller
Sending the Payment Promptly and Securely
Keeping in Touch: Dealing with an AWOL Seller
You Get the Item . . . Uh-Oh What’s This?
Filing to Get a Refund through PayPal
Don’t Forget to Leave Feedback
Properly Giving the Seller’s Detailed Star Rating (DSRs)
Part III: Making Money the eBay Way
Chapter 9: Selling in Your Bunny Slippers for Fun and Profit
Why Should You Sell Stuff on eBay?
Finding Stuff to Sell
Know When to Sell
Know Thy Stuff
Getting the goods on your goods
Spy versus spy: Comparison selling
Know What You Can (And Can’t) Sell
Prohibited items
Infringing items
Questionable items: Know the laws
Forbidden items
Reporting a Problem Listing
VeRO to the Rescue
eBay Fees? What eBay Fees? Oops . . .
Insertion fees
Final value fees
Optional fees
Keep current on your profits
Uncle Sam Wants You — to Pay Your Taxes
Two wild rumors about federal taxes
State sales tax
State income taxes
Chapter 10: Make It Sell: Completing the Cyber Paperwork
Getting Ready to List Your Item
Examining the Sell an Item Page
Filling In the Required Blanks
Selecting a category
Creating the perfect item title
Writing your description
Listing the number of items for sale
Setting a starting price — how low can you go?
Buy It Now
Setting your auction time
Your secret safety net — reserve price
I want to be alone: The private auction
Put me in the Gallery
Filling out the item location
A picture is worth a thousand words
Listing Designer
Listing the payment methods you’ll accept
Setting shipping terms
Checking Your Work and Starting the Listing
Midcourse Corrections: Fixing Current Listings
Making changes before bidding begins
Making changes after bidding begins
Chapter 11: Shopping or Selling with an eBay Store
Selling from Your Own Virtual Storefront
Paying the landlord
Running an auction is easy too
Opening your eBay Store
Chapter 12: Closing the Deal and Shipping It Out
Bookkeeping and Staying Organized
Talking to Buyers: The ABCs of Good Communication
Thank you — I mean it
Let’s keep e-mailing
Shipping without Going Postal
Shopping for a shipper
Getting the right (packing) stuff
Buying Postage Online
Preparing Postage with Endicia
Shipping Directly from eBay
Chapter 13: Troubleshooting Transactions
Dealing with a Buyer Who Doesn’t Respond
Requesting immediate payment
Setting buyer requirements
Going into nudge mode
Do a little sleuthing
Blocking a customer
Stepping things up a notch
Other Possible Auction Problems
Buyer back out? Try Second Chance offer
The item you send is busted — and so are you
You have regrets — seller’s remorse
Auction Going Badly? Cut Your Losses
Try canceling bids first
Blocking bidders
If all else fails, end your listing early
Cancelling a transaction
Déjà vu — relisting your item
Chapter 14: Increase Your Profits with Pictures and Other
Strategies
Using Images in Your Listings
Choosing a digital camera
Choosing a scanner
Making Your Picture a Thing of Beauty
Get it on camera
Yes, I scan
Software that adds the artist’s touch
Making Your Images Web Friendly
The Image Is Perfect — Now What?
Using an ISP to store your images
Using image-hosting websites to store images
Using eBay’s Picture Services
eBay’s Gallery
Putting On the Hits
Tell Your Story on Your About Me Page
Blog on Your My World Page
Part IV: Even More of eBay’s Special Features
Chapter 15: Privacy: Protecting Yourself Online
What eBay Knows about You
What you tell eBay
What cookies gather
Your eBay sign-in cookie
Web beacons
What web servers collect
Cookie-removal-ware
eBay’s privacy policy
What Does eBay Do with Information about Me, Anyway?
What Do Other eBay Members Know about Me?
Spam — Not Just a Hawaiian Delicacy
Sending spam versus eating it
Trashing your junk mail
E-mail spoofing
I Vant to Be Alone — and Vat You Can Do to Stay That
Vay
Chapter 16: Staying Safe and Sane
Keeping eBay Safe with Trust and Safety
Buyers Are Safe When Shopping on eBay
Abuses You Should Report to Trust and Safety
Selling abuses
Bidding abuses
Feedback abuses
Identity abuses
Operational abuses
Miscellaneous abuses
Reporting Abuses to Trust and Safety
Stuff eBay Won’t Do Anything About
Knowing the Deeds That Can Get You Suspended
eBay Motors Vehicle Protection Program
PayPal Purchase Protection
Launching a Fraud Report
Getting the Real Deal? Authentication and Appraising
ID Verify
If It’s Clearly Fraud
Chapter 17: Social Media and the eBay Community
Joining eBay’s Community
News and chat, this and that
Making eBay Your World
Hear ye, hear ye! eBay’s announcements boards
Help! I need somebody
User-to-user discussion boards
Category-specific discussion boards
eBay groups
Learning and Selling through Social Media
Finding Friends and Customers on Facebook
Connecting in 140 Characters on Twitter
Chapter 18: Mobile eBay Apps and Fun Features
The Loyalty Program for Shoppers eBay Bucks
The Perfect Gift? An eBay Gift Certificate
Go Mobile — for Buying and Selling
Selling and Buying: Helping Nonprofits
eBay Giving Works
Creative charity auctions
Part V: The Part of Tens
Chapter 19: Ten (Or So) Golden Rules for eBay Buyers and
Sellers
Buyer: Investigate Your Treasure Before You Buy
Buyer: Check the Seller’s Feedback
Buyer: Check the Price Tag and Bid Wisely
Buyer: Leave Positive Feedback for a Good Seller
Buyer: Cover Your Assets
Seller: Really Know Your Stuff
Seller: Polish and Shine
Seller: Picture-Perfect Facts
Seller: Communication Is Key
Seller: Be a Buyer’s Dream
Seller: Listen to the Music
Buyers and Sellers: Keep Current, Keep Cool
Chapter 20: Ten Services to Ease Your Way
Third-Party Management Services
Auctiva
inkFrog
Vendio and Vendio stores
Auction Wizard 2000 on your desktop
Important Tools for Buyers and Sellers
Sniping with BidRobot
eBay Fee Calculator and Spreadsheets
Kabbage: Working capital
eBay’s Software and Services
eBay’s Free Turbo Lister
Selling Manager and Selling Manager Pro
eBay PowerSellers and Top-rated sellers
Appendix: Finding Stuff to Sell
In newspapers
On television
Catch up with youth culture . . .
Check out eBay
Check out magazines
The goods are out there
Tips for the modest investor
Cheat Sheet
Bookscreen
About This Book
Remember those open-book tests that teachers sprang on you in
high school? Well, sometimes you may feel like eBay pop-quizzes
you while you’re on the site. Think of eBay For Dummies, 7th
Edition, as your open-book-test cheat sheet with all the answers.
You don’t have to memorize anything; just keep this book handy to
help you get over the confusing parts of eBay. Over the years, some
of the top sellers and buyers on the eBay site have visited with me
when I’m at a book signing or teaching an eBay seminar just to show
me their dog-eared, highlighted, marred copy of an earlier edition of
eBay For Dummies that got them started. This book will do the same for you.
With all that in mind, I’ve divided this book into pertinent sections
to help you find your answers fast. I’ll show you how to
Get online and register on eBay.
Navigate eBay to do just about anything you can think of —
search for items for sale, set up auctions, monitor your
transactions, and join the community circuit.
Bid on and win eBay auctions and find low prices at fixedprice sales.
Choose an item to sell, pick the right time for your listing,
market it so that a bunch of people see it, and make a nice profit.
Communicate well and close deals without problems,
whether you’re a buyer or a seller.
Handle problems with finesse, should they crop up.
Become a part of a unique community of people who like to
collect, buy, and sell items of just about every type!