6 Genius Tips for Making the Most Money Selling on eBay

Whether you're inspired by Marie Kondo's tidying up mentality or you just want to make some extra cash, using resale sites and apps is basically a no-brainer. Last month, I got an expert's advice on the specific bags that have the highest resale value—spoiler alert: Hermès made the list—but I wanted to take it one step further and get guidance on exactly how to sell items to maximize profits. I tapped an expert at eBay to get the scoop and came away with more than a few helpful hints. 

Overall, I learned that the devil is in the details when listing on eBay. Overlooking your seller rating, the listing title, and the price point are all mistakes that could cost you some serious cash. "The better your rating as a seller, the more inclined buyers will be to shop—and become returning customers," eBay Fashion's senior director, Renee Paradise, told Who What Wear. "Be prepared to answer buyers' questions and ship sold items quickly to generate positive feedback and boost your reputation as a seller." Sounds easy enough, right? Scroll down for six tips on how to make the most money selling on eBay. 

1. Be an Expert on the Inventory You're Selling

"Do your research," Paradise told Who What Wear. "Make sure you know what styles are currently popular and in season, are having a major comeback (e.g., tie-dye, earth tones, bike shorts, polka dots), or are products that could be disappearing like coveted Phoebe Philo Old Céline [items]. Insider selling tip: Wardrobe staples and tried-and-true classics consistently fetch top dollar on eBay."

2. Be Proactive About Your eBay Seller Rating

"The better your rating as a seller, the more inclined buyers will be to shop—and become returning customers. Be prepared to answer buyers' questions and ship sold items quickly to generate positive feedback and boost your reputation as a seller."

3. Pay Attention to the Listing Title

"Creating an effective title for the item that you want to sell affects how your item will show up in search results. Include important keywords first, such as the brand name, size, color, or other necessary descriptors that a buyer might be looking for to increase the chances of a shopper finding your item. Don't forget to include these key details in the listing description as well."

4. Use the App 

"You can sell straight from your mobile device. Download the eBay app and click the 'selling' button to get started. Type in what you are looking to sell and the app can help auto-populate your listing. The app even provides great intel on buying formats and advice on pricing your item. Then it's as easy as snapping some photos with your phone and you're ready to sell!"

5. Put Effort Into Your Photos 

"Make sure your pieces are nicely photographed against a white or neutral background and are accompanied by a simple, accurate description including item style, color, size, and condition. Include multiple photos of the item from different angles. Buyers can't touch the item that you're selling, so they rely on images to help them make decisions. If the item is pre-owned, include photos of any flaws or scuffs that you describe in the listing to increase the trust of your buyer."

6. Know the Retail Value of Your Item 

"Check out what other similar items on eBay are selling for and set a realistic price for your item to sell. You can choose an auction, buy it now, or best offer format. eBay also has a trending items page that provides terrific intel on pricing trends."

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