Different eBay sellers have different objectives

when listing their items on eBay.

For example, some sellers would insist on the highest possible price for their items. Others would be interested in simply getting rid of their items as quickly as possibly, even if it means selling very cheaply.

As a beginner it helps therefore, to understand the different types of listing formats on eBay.

This article provides you with such an overview. Hopefully, it will assist you in deciding which format would be of greater usefulness to you on the eBay site.

One of the keys to having the greatest success with your sale, involves selecting the best selling format for your item. There are several types of listings on eBay. For our purposes, we will consider only the three below.

• Auction-style Listing

• Fixed Price Listing

• Classified Ad

Auction-style Listing

You receive bids on your item and sell to the highest bidder.

You can also include a Buy It Now price in your auction, which  lets the buyer purchase the item before the listed end date. Using the Buy it Now allows the buyer to make the purchase without all the usual ‘hassle’ of bidding, being outbidded, having to bid again, causing the price to keep going up, etc.

Items can be listed singly, or by lots.

Your listing appears in the eBay category (or categories) you choose and in search results.

Duration, Fees and eBay Services

• Auction-style listings can last for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. Real estate auctions may also run for 30 days
• You’re charged an Insertion Fee to list your item
• You’re charged a Final Value Fee after the sale
• There are fees for optional features and upgrades
• You have complete access to eBay services such as Feedback and Problem Resolution

Reserve auctions are for sellers who don’t want their items to sell for less than a certain price.

The buyer will be informed  if their bid does not meet the reserve price you set. They will then have to bid again if they want the item. If no-one is  willing to meet your price, then the auction is cancelled, and you keep the item.

Fixed Price Listing

You list your items at a set (fixed) price, so buyers can purchase right away (with no bidding).

There is an interesting twist to fixed price auctions, called the Best Offer. You can include the Best Offer option in your Fixed Price listing and choose among buyers who contact you and negotiate their highest offer.

You can offer one item or multiple items for sale at the Buy It Now price anytime during the listing.

Your listing appears in the eBay category (or categories) you choose and in search results.

Duration, Fees and eBay Services

• You can list for 3, 5, 7, 10, or 30 days, or Good ‘Til Cancelled. Good ‘Til Cancelled renews automatically every 30 days until the item sells or you end the listing.
• You’re charged an Insertion Fee to list your item.You’re charged an Insertion Fee every 30-day period for Good ‘Til Cancelled listings
• You’re charged a Final Value Fee after the sale
• There are fees for optional features and upgrades
• You have complete access to eBay services such as Feedback and problem resolution

Classified Ad

Advertise on eBay just as you’d use a traditional classified ad.

You state a price and the buyer contacts you. You then handle  the transaction personally.

Duration, Fees and eBay Services

• Most run for 30 days with the option of Good ‘Til Cancelled. Good ‘Til Cancelled Insertion Fee is charged every 30  days.
• Real Estate ads can run for 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 30, or 90 days
• Fees vary by category
• No access to eBay services such as Feedback and Problem Resolution

As mentioned earlier, there are other listing formats on eBay. However, for the beginner, the above information would serve as a useful enough introduction.

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