Selling on eBay can be a great way to make extra money, clear out unwanted items, or even build a small business. But with millions of listings competing for attention, simply listing an item is rarely enough. Successful sellers know how to stand out, price correctly, and build trust with buyers.
Below are proven tips to help you sell faster and maximise your profits on eBay.
1. How to Research Sold Listings Before Listing on eBay
Before creating your listing, find out what buyers are actually paying.
Check Sold Listings
Search for your item and filter by Sold Items to see:
- Average selling price
- Best-performing titles
- Common keywords buyers use
- Whether auctions or Buy It Now perform better
This prevents underpricing – or worse, listing something that rarely sells at all.
Use an existing stand-out listing as a template by selecting “Sell one like this” on the eBay listing page. This will pre-populate item specifics such as model.
Our Search for eBay tool can help when researching sold item prices. It shows average sell prices for recent items.
2. How to Write eBay Titles That Sell
Your title is one of the most important parts of your listing.
Best Practices for Titles
- Use all available characters
- Put the most important keywords first
- Include brand, model, size, colour, and condition
- Avoid unnecessary words like “WOW” or “LOOK”
Example:
❌ “Amazing Phone – Bargain”
✅ “Apple iPhone 12 128GB Black Unlocked – Excellent Condition”
3. How to Take High-Quality Photos for eBay Listings
Photos sell your item before the description is even read.
Best Practices for Photos
- Use natural lighting
- Photograph against a plain background
- Include multiple angles
- Show flaws honestly
- Include close-ups of labels, serial numbers, or damage
Listings with clear, honest photos build trust and reduce returns.
4. Be Honest and Detailed in Descriptions
A good description answers every question a buyer might have.
What to Include
- Exact condition (new, used, refurbished)
- Measurements or sizes
- What’s included (and what isn’t)
- Any faults or wear
Honest descriptions protect your seller rating and reduce disputes.
5. How to Price Your eBay Items Competitively
Pricing too high discourages buyers; pricing too low leaves money on the table.
Smart Pricing Strategies
- Match recent sold prices
- Use auctions for rare or in-demand items
- Use Buy It Now for common items
- Enable Best Offer to attract negotiators
If an item doesn’t sell, try small price reductions to reignite buyer interest and attract attention.
6. How to Decide Between Auction and Buy It Now on eBay
Not every item should be sold the same way.
Auction Works Best For
- High-demand items
- Items with unpredictable value
Buy It Now Works Best For
- Everyday products
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Items with clear market prices
Choose the format that matches buyer behaviour. Some items, such as collectibles and limited editions, can perform well in either format depending on demand.
7. Offer Competitive Shipping
Shipping costs directly impact whether your item sells.
Shipping Tips
- Use accurate weights and dimensions
- Offer free shipping if possible
- Use tracked services for higher-value items
- The lowest-cost courier may not always be the best choice if delivery problems could negatively affect your seller rating
- Combine postage for multiple purchases
Many buyers filter listings by “Free Postage”, so this can significantly boost visibility.
8. Time Your Listings for Maximum Exposure
When your listing ends can affect the final price.
Best Times to List
- Evenings (7–10pm)
- Weekends
- Avoid early mornings and working hours
For auctions, aim for an end time when buyers are most active.
9. Build a Strong Seller Reputation
Trust is everything on eBay.
How to Build Positive Feedback
- Post items quickly
- Package securely
- Use a reputable courier rather than simply choosing the cheapest option
- Communicate clearly
- Resolve issues politely and promptly
High feedback scores increase buyer confidence and conversion rates.
10. Use Promotions and Seller Tools
Our Search for eBay tool can help both buyers and sellers. For sellers, it is especially useful when researching existing sold listings.
eBay offers tools that can help boost sales.
Useful Features
- Promoted Listings for higher visibility
- Volume discounts for multiple items
- Automatic relisting
- Sales and markdowns
Used correctly, these tools can significantly increase sales without heavy discounts.
Final Thoughts
Selling successfully on eBay isn’t about luck – it’s about preparation, presentation, and trust. By researching your market, creating high-quality listings, pricing realistically, and delivering great customer service, you can sell faster and achieve better prices.
Whether you’re selling occasionally or building a side business, these tips will help you stand out in a competitive marketplace and turn listings into consistent sales.