Marcus Nieves - The Smart Guide to eBay

The Smart Guide To Mastering eBay

Published by

Smart Guide Publications, Inc.

2517 Deer Chase Drive

Norman, OK 73071

www.smartguidepublications.com

Copyright 2012 by Marcus Nieves . All rights reserved. No part of this book, including interior design, cover design, illustrations and icons may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

For information, address: Smart Guide Publications, Inc. 2517 Deer Creek Drive, Norman, OK 73071

SMART GUIDE and Design are registered trademarks licensed to Smart Guide Publications, Inc.

International Standard Book Number: 978-1-937636-07-4

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:

11 12 13 14 15 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in the United States of America

Cover design: Lorna Llewellyn

Copy Editor: Ruth Strother

Back cover design: Joel Friedlander, Eric Gelb, Deon Seifert

Back cover copy: Eric Gelb, Deon Seifert

Illustrations: James Balkovek

Production: Zo Lonergan

Indexer: Cory Emberson

V.P./Business Manager: Cathy Barker

Acknowledgements

I wish to give special thanks to my teachers who saw in me the ability to write while I was growing up. Among those who nurtured my writing was my college professor of creative writinghe was the first to ask if he could publish a story I wrote, which caused me to pursue writing seriously. I give special thanks to my publisher Frank Jerome and my literary agent Mary Sue Seymour. This book would not exist without them.

The very biggest thanks go to my mother, Carmen Rodriguez. Her support throughout my entire life made all of my accomplishments possible.

Finally, I would like to thank my son Marcus Jr. He is the inspiration for everything I have done in my career. He gives me the will and the drive to take on any task and to be the very best role model I can be.

Marcus Nieves
Orlando, FL

INTRODUCTION

Have you always wondered what all the hype is about over eBay? Have you been curious about eBay but have been unwilling to use it without knowing more about it? Have you always dreamed about starting your own business? How about working from home? Well, youre in for a great adventure as you turn the pages of The Smart Guide to eBay . You will find guidance, tips, and resources in this book that will teach you the ins and outs of buying and selling on eBay.

You will start on the ground level and learn how to navigate through eBay and have some fun window shopping. Then you will learn about the various ways you can buy on eBay, followed by how to sell and open an eBay store. So whether youre here just to play around or youre serious about opening an eBay store, these pages will walk you through the steps.

You will find it helpful to have a computer handy so you can follow along as you read through the steps. Dont be afraid to explore on your own as well. Youll notice that there is a lot of overlap on eBay and that you can get to the same nuggets of information from various links and various pages.

If a question comes up that this book doesnt answer, youre likely to find the answer somewhere on the eBay website. Youll find eBays Learning Center particularly helpful.

As you read through The Smart Guide to eBay keep in mind that eBay is a dynamic enterprise; it is constantly changing and improving. The information in this book is accurate as of the writing of the book, but eBay will make changes to its site as time goes on. These changes will likely render some of the information herein obsolete. Its the nature of the Internet. So if information in this book doesnt quite mesh with what youre seeing on the eBay website, look for updates and answers at eBays Learning Center.

Some eBay pages may look slightly different depending on if youre approaching them as a seller or as a buyer. And some seller pages may not be accessible to you if youre not registered as a seller. So if youre reading through the section on selling, you may want to take the plunge and register as a seller. Then you can go step-by-step with the book, as you did in the buying section, to create your listings and maybe even set up your eBay Store.

As you read through the book, youll notice that there are sidebars peppered throughout the pages. The sidebars are included to highlight information that may be especially interesting or useful. Youll find three types of sidebars:

1. eBay Basics, which includes some basic aspects or functions of eBay

2. Helpful Tip, which gives you tips that will help you get even more out of eBay or will direct you to sources that will further your eBay knowledge

3. eBay Expressions, which defines terms or ideas associated with eBay

eBay has a lot to offer within its enormous website. After working your way through this book, youll need to actually buy and sell to really get a feel for how eBay works. Once you have some transactions under your belt, though, you will be hooked. Its invigorating to be a part of this exciting and expanding network of buyers and sellers from around the world. Have fun with your explorations and welcome to your new adventure!

Chapter 1

In the Beginning

In This Chapter

• eBay Origins
• What Is eBay
• Types of auctions
• Rules of eBay