Let’s get started! Using the tips from this site, you’ve identified some items you want to sell. One of the most critical decisions is how you price them when you decide to list them on a site like eBay. A fair price will attract the most attention and lead to a quick and easy sale. Luckily, there are some easy steps to figure out the best price! This research can be done at any point, but once you are ready to list, it’s recommended to list several items at once for efficiency.
Quick Tips
- Have your item available so you can inspect condition, details, part number, etc
- Search for your specific item on eBay, using key details as needed
- Ensure you are comparing equivalent condition, e.g., filter for “used” condition if that is what you will sell
- Compare current listings (what is available to sell) to “completed and sold” listings (what real people actually paid) to get a price estimate
- Note: Be sure to look at the total price (including shipping) and factor this into how to price your item for sale
Step by Step Instructions
1) Find Similar Items
- Use model numbers, part numbers and any other details to find exactly what you are selling
- This will make listing your item easier as well!
2) Select Condition
- Be honest with your description, and note that the labels can vary per category
- If selling as “new”, be mindful of “new in box” (unopened) as this can add even more value
3) Sold Items Only
- Completed/sold listings give the best gauge of what people really pay for this item
- “Free delivery” costs the seller, so keep this in mind for your own pricing approach
Specific Tips on How to Price Items
Buy It Now
Except in extremely rare cases, “Buy It Now” is best for most items. Auctions require multiple bidders to engage at the same time to get a fair price. With “Buy It Now”, you only need one person willing to pay your price.
Offers
Allowing offers signals that you will take less money than your price. Most items priced fairly will sell without offers.
Note: Once people “watch” your item, you can send private offers later without sacrificing your “list price”
Free Shipping
eBay buyers are used to paying a total price, so “free shipping” is mostly for marketing.
When offering free shipping, you still pay the actual cost for shipping, which can vary widely. The safest option is use calculated shipping, which means the buyer pays exactly what it costs to ship.
Payment
Ensure your eBay account is appropriately set up to receive payment. On your listings, select “Require Immediate Payment” so that you can quickly close the sale and ship.
Pricing Example
- Hypothetical active listings range from around $30 to $45 with various shipping costs
- Sold listings are between $30 (plus $12 shipping) and $45 with free shipping
- Calculated shipping estimates it will cost $6 – 12 to ship your item
- Recommended pricing: $36 plus calculated shipping
- For buyers near you, their total price will be $42-45, right in line with past examples
- Other caveats:
- Items with significantly better or worse quality should be priced higher/lower accordingly
- eBay fees are applied to shipping cost, so you pay the same selling fees no matter how you structure the item price and shipping cost