A Guide for Resellers on eBay

As I mentioned in previous blogs, my first online marketplace experience was eBay. Way back in 2013, I decided it was the only online selling platform that would turn a profit, and I was right. I helped my mom flip roughly $6,000 in Mary Kay products within two weeks. To give you an idea, a facial cleanser only costs $20. That was a lot of beauty supplies sold in a short period of time, but it was definitely worth it. eBay has been around for a while—since 1995. Keep reading this guide for resellers on eBay.

What Resellers Should Expect on eBay

I could tell you that making money on eBay is a cinch. I could also tell you that it takes little to no effort to turn a profit, but I'd be lying. eBay is not the easiest selling platform to navigate. Remember, it was built on an older foundation from 1995, so naturally, there are a few hurdles to jump over to get noticed.

Navigating eBay’s Interface

Let’s start with the obvious: eBay’s interface is… quirky. Sure, it’s been updated over the years, but it still feels a little like you’re using a time machine set to "early 2000s internet." Expect to spend some time clicking around and learning where things are—like figuring out how to revise a listing or view detailed sales analytics. It’s not rocket science, but it’s also not as user-friendly as platforms like Poshmark or Mercari. Be patient. You’ll get the hang of it.

The Learning Curve

When you’re new to eBay, there’s a bit of a learning curve—and by "a bit," I mean you’ll probably feel like pulling your hair out a few times. Things like understanding how to optimize your titles, deciphering the fee structure (spoiler: they take their cut before you even see your profit), and navigating the shipping options can feel overwhelming at first. But stick with it. Once you’ve got your system down, it’ll feel like second nature… mostly.

Customer Expectations

Oh, the customers. Let me just say, eBay buyers are a unique breed. Many of them are fantastic—kind, polite, and quick to pay. Others, well, let’s just say they’re the reason sellers invest in stress balls. Expect questions like, “Can you measure this item down to the millimeter?” or “Will you accept half the asking price even though your listing clearly says no offers?” You’ll also run into buyers who leave glowing reviews and others who will complain about the tiniest imperfection, even if you described it in your listing. Pro tip: Be polite but firm, and always document everything.

Shipping Drama

Shipping is another area that tests resellers' patience on eBay. From choosing the right shipping service to printing labels and making sure you’ve got enough packing materials, it can feel like a logistical headache. And let’s not forget the buyers who live for free shipping. They’ll gladly pay $50 for a rare collectible but will argue over $5 in shipping fees. My advice? Build the cost of shipping into your item price when possible and take advantage of eBay’s discounted shipping labels. And for the love of all things bubble wrap, invest in a scale to avoid overpaying on postage.

Feedback: The Double-Edged Sword

Feedback is king on eBay. Your reputation depends on those little stars next to your name. Positive feedback boosts your credibility and makes buyers more likely to purchase from you. On the flip side, one disgruntled buyer can ding your perfect score. The good news? Most buyers are reasonable, and if you’re proactive about resolving issues, you can avoid most negative feedback. Just remember, eBay’s mantra is "the customer is always right," even when they’re… not.

Promotional vs. Non-Promotional eBay Listings

eBay offers to promote your listing for an additional fee. Is it worth it? Not right off the bat. You need to first establish yourself as a reseller before investing in expensive promo options. If you're looking to flip high-end luxury items, then I would consider boosting them with eBay's feature. The platform takes a somewhat reasonable chunk out of your profits. On the other hand, you do end up with most of the money.

Personal Experience: I've tried "boosting" my eBay listings several times over the years and noticed a considerable amount of money gone. Yes, my items sold quicker than usual and likely got more clicks, but overall I would rather sit on a listing for another week or two than sacrifice almost half my earnings.

eBay Listing Titles & Descriptions for Resellers

Listing titles and descriptions on eBay are as essential as peanut butter is to jelly. You need to ensure your titles include keywords, along with the style name and brand name. 

Writing Effective Listing Titles

Here's what your eBay title should look like:

BRAND NAME (+) STYLE NAME (-) SIZE (+) COLOR (-) ANY OTHER DESCRIPTIVE WORDS (-) CONDITION (+) MSRP

Example: Free People Coffee Chat Long-Sleeve Top - Medium Navy Blue - Fitted Cotton - NWT $38 MSRP

Believe it or not, eBay gives you substantial space to enter a long title with plenty of high-volume keywords. Keep in mind, you're tailoring these titles to your eBay buyers and search engines.

Writing Effective Listing Descriptions

For listing descriptions, always use your own written content with the brand name and style name included in a short paragraph. I usually list additional features underneath the descriptive paragraph, as well as measurements, fabric content, a short blurb about myself, and more keywords. Here's an example:

Example: Dress up or down easily in the Free People Bubble-Hem Shirtdress featuring a fully buttoned front, bubble hem, buttoned cuffs, and slightly oversized fit.

Features:

• Falls at knees
• Poplin cotton
• New with tags
• $128 MSRP

Fabric Content:

100% Cotton

Measurements:

PTP: 22” across flat

Length: 32” long from shoulder to hem

Thank you so much for checking out my listing! Please browse my other items for sale and find more great deals. Feel free to message me with any other questions or concerns.

Keywords to Include:

Here’s examples of what keywords I would choose to include at the end:

• Free People Dress
• Free People Mini Dress
• Free People Shirtdress
• Poplin Shirtdress
• Cotton Dress
• Free People Bubble-Hem Shirtdress
• Free People Boho Dress
• Boho Dress

Build Trust & Stand Out From Other Resellers on eBay

Be concise, yet descriptive. Adding details like MSRP, condition (e.g., NWT for "New With Tags"), and measurements builds trust and helps your listing stand out. Always thank potential buyers and encourage them to browse your other listings to maximize engagement! Don't worry, in no time at all you'll be among the successful resellers.

Enjoy this blog? Check out more about reselling at my blog Resale Life: The Stuff Other Resellers Won't Tell You.