Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by lukesguide
So you want to open an Ebay store in Australia huh??
All I can say is… go for it! You will absolutely crush it!
Starting an Ebay Australia store is incredibly exciting and, if you have the right mindset, a lot of fun too.
Not to mention, you can generate some serious cash if you do it right.
I opened my very own Ebay Australia account back in 2021 and haven’t looked back since.
Not only am I building an additional income stream that generates thousands of dollars per month and is separate from my day job, but I’m also learning a bunch of new skills in the process.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing though and there are definitely some things I wish I knew before I got started.
And that brings us to the main reason I’m sitting here at 10pm on a Saturday night writing this blog post… I want to help YOU get up and running selling on eBay as fast as possible!
This post will be the first in a series of blog posts where I will be sharing my knowledge and experience gained from selling on eBay over the last few years.
So get comfortable and switch on that big brain of yours… you are going to want to soak in every last drop of information from this post.
Let’s get into it!
What Are You Trying To Achieve By Opening An eBay Store In Australia?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of opening an eBay store, it’s worth spending some time establishing your goals and coming up with a basic strategy.
Having gone through this process already, the first thing to ask yourself is “what are you trying to achieve by setting up an eBay store?”
The reason that this is important is that your answer to this question will be your guiding light to having success on eBay and it is something that you should revisit over time.
Take me for example, I certainly started off selling on eBay so that I could declutter and make some room in my garage.
But after I saw how exciting it was to sell stuff and make some extra coin for a rainy day, I started thinking differently. By that I mean, I started seeing opportunities!
After spending some time on the eBay platform, I started to get a really good idea of what items sold well and what items didn’t.
It soon became all about the thrill of the hunt for me! I was obsessed with sourcing new, and exciting products to sell.
In most cases, it is pretty obvious why you want to get started selling on eBay and you may have multiple reasons for getting started.
But, if you’re not sure, here are a few reasons why people (just like you) go all in selling on eBay:
Financial Independence
Many individuals open an eBay store Australia to generate a steady stream of income. By selling products or leveraging their unique skills, they can create a profitable business and gain financial freedom.
Decluttering and Downsizing
Opening an eBay store is an excellent way to declutter and sell items that are no longer needed. It allows individuals to turn their unwanted belongings into cash and create a more organised living space.
Entrepreneurship and Flexibility
Some people crave the freedom and flexibility that comes with being an entrepreneur. With an eBay store, individuals can set their own hours, work from anywhere, and build a business that aligns with their lifestyle and goals.
Pursuing Passions and Hobbies
eBay stores provide a platform for individuals to share and monetize their passions and hobbies. Whether it’s selling handmade crafts, vintage collectibles, or niche products, an eBay store allows sellers to turn their interests into a profitable venture.
Supplemental Income
For those who already have a full-time job or other commitments, opening an eBay store can serve as a valuable source of additional income. It provides an opportunity to earn extra money without the constraints of a traditional second job.
Testing Business Ideas
eBay offers a low-risk environment for testing new business ideas. Entrepreneurs can gauge market demand, experiment with different products or services, and gather valuable feedback from customers before expanding their operations further.
Global Reach and Customer Base
The expansive reach of eBay allows sellers to access a vast global customer base. Opening an eBay store provides an opportunity to connect with buyers from around the world, expanding the potential market for their products or services.
Building a Brand
eBay stores offer a platform for sellers to build their brand and establish a reputation in the online marketplace. By delivering exceptional products, excellent customer service, and maintaining a positive presence, sellers can develop a loyal customer base and enhance their brand recognition.
Thrill of the Hunt
Some individuals (like me) find joy in hunting for treasures and unique items to sell on eBay. It becomes a thrilling adventure as they explore thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets, searching for hidden gems that can be listed and sold to enthusiastic buyers.
Personal Development
Opening an eBay store can be an avenue for personal growth and development. It allows individuals to develop business skills, learn about marketing and sales, enhance their communication abilities, and gain valuable experience in running a small-scale enterprise.
How Do I Open An eBay Store Account in Australia?
For the most part, setting up an eBay store account is fairly simple and should only take a few minutes.
It’s as simple as heading over to the eBay sign-up page and filling in some details.
If you’d like some extra help, I’ve written a step-by-step guide for opening an eBay account below.
Step 1: Visit the eBay Australia Website
Go to the eBay Australia website by typing “www.ebay.com.au” into your web browser’s address bar. This will take you to the eBay Australia homepage.
Step 2: Click on “Register”
On the eBay Australia homepage, click on the “Register” button located in the top left corner of the screen. This will take you to the registration page.
Step 3: Choose an Account Type
On the registration page, you’ll be presented with two options: “Personal Account” or “Business Account.” Select the option that best suits your needs. If you’re an individual selling personal items, choose a personal account. If you’re planning to sell items as a business, select a business account.
Step 4: Enter Your Personal Information
Fill in the required information, such as your name, email address, and preferred password. Make sure to choose a strong password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols for security purposes.
Step 5: Verify Your Email Address
After entering your personal information, eBay will send a verification email to the email address you provided. Go to your email inbox and click on the verification link within the email to confirm your email address.
Step 6: Provide Contact Information
Once your email address is verified, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact information, including your address and phone number. This information is necessary for shipping and communication purposes.
Step 7: Set Up Payment Method
Next, you’ll need to set up your payment method. eBay Australia offers several options, including PayPal, credit or debit cards, and Afterpay. Choose the option that works best for you and follow the prompts to link your payment method to your eBay account.
Step 8: Create Your Seller Account
If you’re planning to sell items on eBay, you can set up your seller account during the registration process. This includes providing additional information, such as your bank account details for receiving payments.
Step 9: Review and Accept eBay’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy
Before finalising your account setup, carefully review eBay’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Make sure you understand and agree to the terms and conditions. If you agree, check the box indicating your acceptance.
Step 10: Complete the Registration Process
Once you’ve reviewed and accepted the User Agreement and Privacy Policy, click on the “Register” or “Create Account” button to complete the registration process. Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your eBay Australia account.
After setting up your eBay Australia account, take some time to explore the various features and settings available to personalise your account and start selling or buying items.
There are a few legal considerations to think about before you start selling on eBay.
Be sure to familiarise yourself with eBay’s policies, guidelines, and best practices to ensure a smooth and successful experience on the platform.
What Tools Do I Need To Sell On eBa
Before you go ahead and start rummaging around for items to sell, there’s a few tools you will want to make sure you have handy.
The good news is that you will probably have most of these things already.
I’ve broken down the items into two categories – must have tools and optional (aka nice to have) tools:
Must-Have Tools For Selling On eBay
- Smartphone: For the most part, I run my eBay account solely with the use of smartphone. I take all of my photos, prepare my listings, and communicate with customers via my iPhone. A smartphone with a high-resolution camera is essential for capturing clear and attractive product photos. High-quality visuals can attract more buyers and increase the chances of making a sale.
- Shipping Supplies: Depending on what items you are selling, your need for shipping items may vary. In most cases, you are going to need boxes, satchels, bubble wrap, packing tape, shipping labels, butcher’s paper and a scale. These supplies will ensure that your items are properly packaged and protected during transit. It’s crucial that you don’t skimp when packaging your items (especially if they are fragile). You want to do everything in your power to ensure your sold item arrives in perfect condition.
These must-have tools are essential for efficient and successful selling on eBay (even as a beginner).
Optional (But Helpful) Tools For Selling On eBay
- Shipping Label Printer: Consider getting a dedicated shipping label printer to make the shipping process more efficient. This can save time and eliminate the need for manually printing and taping labels onto packages.
- Box lights: While it may seem like box lights are for professional photographers only, they are incredibly useful for taking awesome listing photos. The other benefit is that you can take great photos at any l
- Postal Scale: A reliable postal scale is crucial for accurately weighing your packages. This helps you calculate the correct shipping costs and avoid potential under- or overcharging, ensuring a smooth transaction with your buyers.
- Inventory Management Software: As your eBay business grows, it becomes crucial to stay organised with your inventory. Consider using inventory management software to track and manage your stock levels, sales, and reordering needs.
- Listing and Research Tools: Utilise listing and research tools such as eBay’s Listing Designer, Terapeak, or third-party listing software. These tools can help you create professional-looking listings, optimise product titles and descriptions, and conduct market research to improve your sales strategy.
- PayPal or Payment Processor Account: Set up a PayPal account or another trusted payment processor to securely receive payments from your buyers. It is important to offer convenient and secure payment options to attract more customers.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: As your eBay business grows, managing customer interactions becomes crucial. Consider using a CRM software tool to organise customer details, track communications, and provide excellent customer service.
- Analytics and Reporting Tools: Use analytics and reporting tools to gain insights into your eBay sales performance, track key metrics, and identify areas for improvement. eBay’s Seller Hub, third-party analytics tools, or custom spreadsheets can provide valuable data to help you make informed decisions.
These optional tools can enhance specific aspects of your eBay selling experience, but they may not be vital for everyone. If your eBay store takes off (and I believe it will), these optional tools will become more important.
Now that you have the tools needed to get selling on eBay, it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to sell.
What Should I Sell On eBay?
The short answer to this question is “sell what you know and what you love”. Selling on eBay can be a grind, so it makes sense to build your eBay business around products that you have a passion for.
In saying that, make sure that they are products that have a decent profit margin in them!
Check our ‘best things to sell on eBay’ article if you are stuck for ideas on what to sell.
For me personally, sourcing new items is where the fun of eBay selling really begins.
Sourcing new items to sell is a lot of fun and is, in my opinion, where you make your money.
This might sound like a backwards statement but hear me out…
There’s a common saying in the real estate industry that “you make your money when you buy, not when you sell”.
What this means is if you buy ‘right’, you’ll make money on the sale. This principle is equally applicable to buying and selling on eBay.
Paying too much for items is a huge mistake I often see made by new sellers.
When sourcing items out in the wild and putting down your own cash, you need to do your homework and build in a ‘margin of safety’ when buying your items.
Now that I’ve passed on that pearl of wisdom to you, let’s get into some ideas on what to sell on eBay.
Here’s a list of products/sourcing techniques that eBay newbies commonly start with on their eBay seller journey.
Start with Items You Already Own
Look around your home for items that you no longer need or use. This can include clothing, accessories, electronics, books, collectibles, and more.
Selling items you already own is a great way to start as you won’t need to ut any money down to acquire stock. It’s also a great way to familiarise yourself with the selling process on eBay.
Research Trending Products
Stay up-to-date with current trends and popular items in demand. Research what products are selling well on eBay by using eBay’s “Completed Listings” feature or third-party market research tools. This can give you insights into what items are in high demand and help you make informed decisions.
There are tools that can help you do this. But if you’re a new eBay seller, it’s probably best to do your research the old fashioned way by looking through product sold history via the eBay app.
Unique or Niche Products
Consider selling unique or niche products that may have a smaller target audience but are highly sought after by enthusiasts or collectors. Examples can include handmade crafts, vintage items, specialty tools, limited edition merchandise, or hard-to-find items. These items can attract passionate buyers willing to pay a premium.
Although it’s a fairly small market, I have had some success selling action figures and toys from relatively obscure TV shows and movies. The collector base may be small, but they are passionate and often willing to part with their hard earned cash to get what they want.
Local or Regional Products
Take advantage of your local area by selling products unique to your region. This can include locally made crafts, artisanal food products, regional souvenirs, or unique cultural items. Offering items with a local touch can attract buyers seeking unique and authentic experiences.
Seasonal Items
Capitalise on seasonal trends by selling items relevant to specific holidays, seasons, or events. For example, during the holiday season, you can sell festive decorations, gift sets, or festive clothing. Adjust your inventory to align with the changing seasons and capitalise on seasonal demand.
Crafted or Handmade Items
If you have creative skills, selling handmade or crafted items can be a rewarding option. Whether it’s handmade jewelry, artwork, home decor, or personalised products, eBay provides a platform for artisans and creators to showcase their unique creations and reach a wider audience.
Wholesale or Bulk Purchases
If you’re willing to invest in larger quantities of inventory, sourcing products at wholesale or bulk prices can be a cost-effective strategy.
Look for reliable wholesalers or manufacturers who offer competitive prices on popular products. Also, make sure you have the right contracts with suppliers in place to protect yourself from any unforseen issues.
This approach allows you to sell items at a competitive price point and at higher volumes to potentially generate greater profit margins.
How Do I List An Item After I Open An eBay Account?
Ok, so you have decided on what products you want to sell and sourced 5 to 10 items to list.
Now comes the real work – listing your items.
Don’t be fooled, the listing process can be quite involved and is often time consuming.
But it’s worth spending the extra time to take a great photo or to provide a bit of extra detail in your listing description. Not only does this provide your buyers with a greater level of comfort when buying from you but it also protects you as a seller against fraudulant claims.
Step 1: Sign in to Your eBay Australia Account
Go to the eBay Australia website (www.ebay.com.au) and sign in to your account using your registered email address and password.
Step 2: Click on “Sell” Button
Once you’re logged in, click on the “Sell” button located at the top of the eBay Australia homepage. This will take you to the selling page.
Step 3: Choose a Listing Format
On the selling page, you’ll be prompted to choose a listing format. Select either “Quick listing tool” or “Advanced listing tool,” depending on your preferences and the level of customization you require. The quick listing tool is suitable for straightforward listings, while the advanced listing tool offers more options for customisation.
Step 4: Provide Item Details
Enter the item details in the provided fields. This includes the title, category, condition, item specifics (such as brand, size, color), and a detailed description. Be accurate and descriptive to attract potential buyers.
Step 5: Add Photos
Upload clear and high-quality photos of your item. Click on the “Add Photos” button and select the images from your computer or device. eBay allows you to upload multiple photos, so make sure to showcase your item from different angles and highlight any important features.
Step 6: Set a Price and Shipping Details
Set the price for your item. You can choose either a fixed price or start an auction-style listing with a minimum bid. Specify the shipping details, including the shipping method, cost, and whether you offer international shipping. It’s important to accurately calculate the shipping costs to avoid any surprises or delays.
Step 7: Select Payment Methods and Return Policy
Choose the payment methods you accept, such as PayPal or bank transfer. Specify your return policy, including whether you offer returns and under what conditions. Providing clear and transparent payment and return information helps build trust with potential buyers.
Step 8: Review and Publish the Listing
Review the listing details to ensure everything is accurate and complete. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Once you’re satisfied, click on the “List item” or “Publish listing” button to make your listing go live on eBay Australia.
Step 9: Manage Your Listings
After your listing is live, you can manage it through the “My eBay” section of your account. Monitor the listing’s performance, respond to buyer inquiries promptly, and consider adjusting the price or adding more details if needed.
Well done!
You’ve successfully listed your item for sale on eBay Australia. Remember to monitor your listing regularly, provide excellent customer service, and promptly ship items to buyers to ensure a positive selling experience.
As you gain more experience selling on eBay, you can explore additional features and tools offered by eBay to optimise your listings, such as promotional offers, seller discounts, and marketing options to attract more buyers.
How Should I Ship eBay Australia Sold Items?
Ok, so you have created your first 5 to 10 listings and ‘cha-ching’ you have sold an item!
Congrats!
Now, it’s time to ship your sold item to its lucky new owner.
Properley packing and shipping your items is crucial and a very common area where new eBay sellers come up short.
Here’s a few hot tips to make sure you ship your items correctly:
Gather the Necessary Packaging Materials
Before you start packaging your sold items, gather the necessary materials such as appropriate-sized boxes, padded envelopes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, tape, scissors, and shipping labels. Having these materials ready will ensure a smooth packaging process.
Securely Wrap and Protect the Item
Carefully wrap the item with appropriate protective materials. For fragile items, use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to provide cushioning. Use tape to secure the wrapping, ensuring it stays in place during transit. For smaller items, consider using padded envelopes or bubble mailers.
Use Properly Sized Boxes
Choose a box that fits the item snugly without excessive empty space. This helps prevent the item from moving around during shipping, reducing the risk of damage. If needed, use additional padding, such as crumpled paper or bubble wrap, to fill any empty spaces within the box.
Seal the Box Securely
Use strong packaging tape to seal the box completely. Reinforce the seams and corners of the box to ensure it stays intact throughout the shipping process. Consider using tape specifically designed for shipping, as it offers extra durability and strength.
Label the Package Clearly
Clearly label the package with the buyer’s shipping address, your return address, and any other required shipping information. Use a legible font and ensure the labels are securely attached to the package. If using eBay’s shipping labels, follow the instructions provided to print and attach them properly.
Choose a Reliable Shipping Service
Select a shipping service that meets your needs in terms of cost, speed, and reliability. Consider using reputable carriers like Australia Post or other courier services that provide tracking options and insurance for valuable or delicate items. Compare prices and services to find the best fit for your specific shipping requirements.
Communicate with the Buyer
Once the item is shipped, update the buyer with the tracking information and estimated delivery date. This helps build trust and allows the buyer to track their package. Promptly respond to any buyer inquiries or concerns related to shipping to provide excellent customer service.
Review and Improve
Regularly evaluate your packaging methods and shipping experience. If you receive feedback or encounter issues, take them as opportunities for improvement. Consider investing in shipping supplies that provide better protection or streamlining your packaging process for efficiency.
Remember, each item may have specific packaging requirements based on its size, fragility, and weight. Take the necessary precautions to ensure items are packaged securely to withstand the rigors of transit.
By providing reliable and well-packaged shipments, you enhance customer satisfaction, reduce the likelihood of returns or damage claims, and build a positive reputation as an eBay seller.
Wrap Up
Good job on getting to the end of this post – it’s a long one (we know, we wrote it).
I’m confidemnt that you have learnt a thing or two about selling on eBay and are well on your way to building a wildly successful eBay store.
I must warn you that, it can be a slow process getting sales momentum but no matter what, keep at it. You’ll make it!
If you want to learn more, keep an eye out for our future posts for more information about eBay selling.
Happy selling 🙂