7 Tips Every New eBay Seller Should Know

The go-to marketplace for sports trading cards and collectible card games, eBay is committed to enhancing both the buyer and seller experiences, especially for those who are new to the platform. For that reason, Sports Card Investor has partnered with eBay for a series of articles and videos that address a number of topics that are integral to positive selling experiences. 

Selling sports cards online can be a little tricky at first, but a few simple tips can easily turn you into a pro overnight. From things like proper listing titles to the right shipping supplies, small details can go a long way toward a positive transaction.

Create an eBay listing using these tips and tricks for an easy and effective selling experience.

Use Searchable Titles for Card Listings

This is a pretty basic item that many first-time sellers struggle with early on. Your listing title should include important info like the player’s name, the release year, and the product name. Key parallels (e.g., chrome, silver, purple etc.) or serial number information is important, if applicable, while other details like the player’s team are great if you have space.

Avoid using all upper-case letters or deceptive language like “eBay 1-of-1.”

Take Quality Photos of Your Cards

Using high-quality photos could be the single most important part of a great card listing. It’s your chance to highlight key features like parallels and refractor effects while also showing buyers the condition of your card.

This doesn’t have to be expensive — a smartphone camera, proper lighting and straight-on angles are more than enough to achieve a great photo.

Establish an Inventory System

If you’re selling a high volume number of cards, utilizing an inventory management system could be a game-changer. Multi-row shoe boxes are great ways to store your cards while spreadsheets like Excel and Google Sheets can help you track inventory.

Consider putting round, dot stickers on the penny sleeves to number your cards for easy tracking.

Competitively Price Your Listings

Unless your card is ultra rare, you’ll likely be competing with many similar listings for potential buyers. Use eBay’s Price Guide or sort by sold listings to accurately determine where your cards should be priced.

Pricing near the bottom of the market can give your listings a better chance at selling quickly.

Use the Right Shipping Supplies

Properly packaging and shipping your cards after they sell is extremely important for your buyer and your own reputation. Consider shipping cards in penny sleeves and top loaders while using painters tape to ensure the card doesn’t shift during transit.

Bubble mailers or eBay’s low-cost Standard Envelope (if your shipment meets the requirements) are two of the best options for shipping. Manage everything directly in eBay Labels. Also consider picking up a label maker if you’re selling with volume.

Protect Your Reputation

Using many of the tips already listed should result in a positive eBay experience, which then leads to positive feedback for your selling account. Maintaining an extremely high feedback rating will give buyers confidence to shop your store by letting them know you’re a professional seller.

Responding to buyer messages or questions in a timely manner and quickly shipping items (securely) are great ways to build up that positive feedback rating.

Consider Upgrading to a Basic or Premium Store Subscription

Selling cards in volume can be tough, and eBay’s store subscriptions can be a big help. Paying a monthly fee for the Basic or Premium subscriptions gives sellers added benefits like more free listings, lower selling fees, and detailed sales data. 

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