List your First item on eBay Guide

Step-by-step guide: List your first item from home for sale on eBay (Beginner-friendly)

What you’ll need before you start

  • The eBay app (or a computer)

  • Your item cleaned and ready

  • A tape measure/ruler (optional but helpful)

  • A kitchen scale (best) or a best-guess on weight

  • A shipping box or mailer (or plan to buy one)

1) Pick the right first item (easy win)

Choose something that is:

  1. In good condition (no major damage)

  2. Easy to pack (not huge or fragile)

  3. Worth at least $15–$20 (so fees/shipping are worth it)

  4. Something you can describe clearly

Good first items: shoes, jackets, small electronics, video games, tools, collectibles, kitchen gadgets.

2) Check what it sells for (price research)

On the eBay app (recommended)

  1. Open eBay.

  2. Search for your item (example: “Nike Air Max 270 men’s 10”).

  3. Tap Filter.

  4. Turn on Sold items (and optionally Completed items).

  5. Look for listings that match:

    • Same brand/model

    • Similar condition

    • Similar included accessories

  6. Note the common sold price range (example: $28–$35).

Tip: Sold prices matter more than asking prices.

3) Clean and inspect the item

  1. Wipe it down / remove dust and stickers.

  2. Check for flaws:

    • Scratches, stains, missing parts, tears, cracks

  3. Make a quick list of anything imperfect—better to disclose it.

4) Take great photos (this is half the sale)

Use bright light and a simple background

  1. Place item near a window or use a lamp.

  2. Use a plain background (table, wall, poster board).

  3. Take 8–12 photos:

    • Front, back, both sides

    • Top and bottom

    • Close-ups of brand/model tags

    • Close-ups of any flaws

    • Photo of accessories (charger, box, manuals)

Photo rules:

  • No heavy filters

  • Keep item centered

  • Show flaws clearly (prevents returns)

5) Start the listing (eBay app steps)

  1. Open the eBay app.

  2. Tap Sell.

  3. Tap List an item (or Create listing).

  4. Choose one:

    • Scan barcode (if it has one), or

    • Search your item by name, or

    • Start from scratch

6) Choose the best match/category

  1. eBay will suggest similar items.

  2. Tap the closest match (same brand/model) if it’s accurate.

  3. Confirm the category is correct (example: Men’s Shoes → Athletic Shoes).

Tip: Correct category helps your item show up in search.

7) Write a strong title (clear + searchable)

Use this format:
Brand + Item + Model + Key Details + Size/Specs + Condition

Examples:

  • “DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Tool Only Tested Working”

  • “Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans Men’s 34×32 Dark Wash”

Avoid:

  • All caps

  • Emojis

  • Too many exclamation marks

8) Fill out item details (do this carefully)

  1. Select Condition (New / Used / For parts).

  2. Fill in item specifics:

    • Brand

    • Size

    • Color

    • Model

    • Material

    • Style

  3. In the Description, include:

    • What it is

    • Condition details

    • Any flaws

    • Measurements (when helpful)

    • What’s included

Copy/paste description template:

Condition: [New/Used]
Details: [Brief summary]
Flaws: [List honestly or “None noted”]
Includes: [Charger/box/accessories]
Shipping: Ships within [1–2] business days, packed with care.

9) Choose your price (easy beginner method)

Use your Sold-items research:

  1. Choose Buy It Now for your first listing (simplest).

  2. Price near the middle of the sold range.

  3. Optional: Turn on Best Offer if you want flexibility.

Example:

  • Sold range: $28–$35

  • List price: $34.99 with Best Offer on

10) Set shipping (simple, safe setup)

Best beginner choice: “Calculated shipping”

  1. Choose Shipping.

  2. Select Calculated so eBay estimates based on buyer location.

  3. Enter:

    • Package type (box or mailer)

    • Weight (best estimate)

    • Dimensions (optional but helps accuracy)

Alternative: “Flat rate shipping”

Use this if you already know cost:

  1. Choose Flat rate.

  2. Pick a service (USPS Ground Advantage is common).

  3. Enter your shipping price.

Tip: Shipping is where beginners lose money—use calculated if unsure.

11) Choose return settings (recommended for trust)

  1. Turn on returns if you can (example: 30-day returns).

  2. If you’re unsure, you can choose No returns, but returns can help buyers feel safer.

12) Preview the listing (don’t skip)

  1. Tap Preview.

  2. Check:

    • Title spelling

    • Price

    • Shipping cost looks reasonable

    • Photos are clear and in the right order

    • Condition and flaws are accurate

13) List it!

  1. Tap List item (or Publish).

  2. eBay may prompt you to confirm payments/payouts if you’re brand new—follow the prompts.

14) After it sells: what to do next (quick overview)

  1. eBay will notify you.

  2. Pack the item securely.

  3. Buy/print the label in eBay.

  4. Drop it off and upload tracking (usually automatic with eBay labels).

Quick “First Listing” checklist

  • ✅ Sold-price research done

  • ✅ 8–12 clear photos

  • ✅ Good title and specifics

  • ✅ Honest description

  • ✅ Buy It Now price set

  • ✅ Shipping set (calculated if unsure)

  • ✅ Previewed and published