Counting Up The eBay Fees
The eBay website was the first, and still the most successful, online auction site on the Internet. The eBay site was launched at a time when no one was really offering online auction services and has continued to put together revolutionary programs for the people that use its service as well as a whole line of software designed to make the online auction easier. Whole companies have grown up to support eBay users and there are thousands of people that make their living buying and selling on eBay. The service is not free as there are eBay fees and you may want to take the time to become familiar with the eBay fees before you get started on eBay. The eBay fees are outlined clearly in the FAQ and seller's section of eBay and it is highly recommended that you spend some time getting acquainted with the eBay fee schedules before you get started. Normally eBay fees are not very expensive but they can add up if you are not expecting them. If you are buying and selling items on eBay then unexpected eBay fees could eat away at your profits. So make sure you take the time to become familiar with the eBay fees before you put your item up for sale on eBay.
The first thing you need to know about eBay fees is that only the seller incurs fees. When you buy something from eBay there is no charge to you to purchase the item. There is also no charge to set up an eBay account. If you decide to use Paypal as your payment method, which is the online payment service owned by eBay, then you do not have to pay a fee to send a seller money. All eBay fees are incurred by the seller and while this may sound a little one sided it only makes sense, as the seller is the only one that stands to make a profit on the transaction.
Watch Out Because They Can Add Up
There is a small eBay fee for simply listing an item. It is just pennies and a basic listing includes one picture and all the description you can think of. The basic listing fee allows you to create the most elaborate looking auction you can create as long as you are only using one picture. The fee varies based on the price of the item you are looking to get. You will pay more to list an item that you want to start the bidding at $200 than you would for an item you want to start at $1. That is why most items on eBay are listed with minimum bids of a dollar or less. Other fees apply if you want to use the buy it now option which allows the buyer to bypass the auction and purchase the item directly.
Add a picture, add a headline, put your auction in the gallery. It all adds up so be sure to keep track of your eBay fees. Oh, and don't forget that you have to pay a percentage of whatever you sell your item for after your auction is over. Don't forget the closing costs as well!
