eBay Set Up Guide

Step-by-step guide: Set up an eBay account using your new business email

(Instructions for Mac and PC — steps are the same unless noted)

Before you start (2 minutes)

Make sure you have:

  • Your new business email address (ex: Gmail created for the business)

  • Access to that email inbox (you’ll need to verify it)

  • A strong password you haven’t used anywhere else

Works on:

  • Mac (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)

  • PC (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Step 1: Open eBay

On Mac

  1. Open Safari, Chrome, or Firefox

  2. Go to www.ebay.com

On PC

  1. Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox

  2. Go to www.ebay.com

Step 2: Start registration

On Mac & PC

  1. Click Register

    • Desktop: top-left of the screen

    • Mobile browser: menu ☰ → Register

  2. When asked for account type, select Business account

💡 Even sole proprietors should choose Business if selling under a business name.

Step 3: Enter your business information

On Mac & PC

  1. Business name

    • Enter your business name (or your legal name if the business name isn’t finalized)

  2. Business email

    • Enter your new business email address

  3. Password

    • Create a strong, unique password

Click Create account.

Step 4: Verify your email address

On Mac

  1. Open Mail or go to mail.google.com (or your email provider)

  2. Look for an email from eBay

  3. Click the Verify email link

On PC

  1. Open your email app or go to mail.google.com

  2. Open the email from eBay

  3. Click the Verify email link

If you don’t see the email:

  • Check Spam / Junk / Promotions

  • Wait 1–2 minutes and refresh

Step 5: Confirm business details

On Mac & PC

eBay may ask you to confirm:

  • Business type (individual / sole proprietor / LLC / corporation)

  • Country

  • Phone number (for verification)

Enter the information and continue.

Step 6: Set your seller name (very important)

On Mac & PC

  1. Click My eBay

  2. Go to Account settings

  3. Select Personal information or Profile

  4. Set or confirm your User ID / Seller name

Tips

  • This is what buyers see

  • Keep it easy to read and spell

  • Match your business name if possible

Step 7: Add security & contact info

On Mac & PC

  1. Add a phone number for account security

  2. Turn on 2-step verification (recommended)

  3. Confirm your business address
    (Used for shipping and tax calculations)

Step 8: Set up payments (required to sell)

On Mac & PC

  1. Go to Account settings

  2. Click Payments

  3. Follow the prompts to add:

    • Bank account (for payouts)

    • Debit or credit card (for seller fees)

ℹ️ eBay uses managed payments — PayPal is optional, not required.

Step 9: Review seller preferences

On Mac & PC

Before listing anything, review:

  • Return policy

  • Shipping preferences

  • Handling time

  • Tax settings (often auto-collected by eBay)

These are found in Seller Hub or Selling preferences.

Step 10: Confirm you’re ready to sell

You’re fully set when:

  • Email is verified

  • Phone number is confirmed

  • Payment method is connected

  • Seller name looks correct

Optional but recommended next steps

  • Upload a logo or profile photo

  • Create shipping and return policies

  • Bookmark Seller Hub

  • Make sure your business email is the primary contact email

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using a personal email instead of your business email

  • Picking a seller name that’s confusing or hard to spell

  • Skipping payment setup

  • Ignoring email or phone verification steps