Back to blog

How to import from China and start selling on eBay?

---

In this post we will cover the following topics.

• How to sell on eBay?
• How to list on eBay?
• Dropshipping
• Wholesaling

eBay is a lucrative platform to start selling stuff that you do not use anymore in the house. However, a lot of people are finding ways to procure inexpensive products and sell them on eBay. If you have been asking the question – how to sell on eBay, this is the perfect post for you.

One of the biggest hurdles that people face is finding inexpensive products to sell on eBay. This is why, we will introduce you, our readers to Alibaba, and the concept of eBay Dropshipping and Dropshipping from Alibaba to eBay.

Whether you are an experienced ebay seller, an eBay Store owner, or a complete novice just starting out and wondering how to sell stuff on eBay, this post can serve as a great guide for you to make some money through the platform.

How to setup an eBay account?

This is where it all begins. Before we get into the intricacies of making money by selling on eBay, let’s get you setup with your own eBay account.

Here are the steps to create an account on eBay:

1. Go to www.ebay.com

2. In the top left hand corner you will find the link to ‘register’. Click on the link

3. Now you will see an option to create a personal account or a business account

4. Since you are only getting started we recommend going for a personal account and the business account is good only if you already are a registered business owner

5. Fill in all the relevant information and ‘Submit’ and your account is ready!

How to setup a PayPal account?

This is essentially to collect all the money that your buyers are going to pay you when they make a purchase from you. In US, it is mandatory to link your PayPal account to your eBay account.

Here are the steps to create a PayPal account:

1. Go to www.paypal.com

2. Click on the ‘Sign Up’ button

3. Here you will get the options to create a Personal or Business account

4. If you do not have a registered business, create a personal account

5. Click on ‘Continue’

6. Fill in your email address and create a password, then click on ‘Continue’

7. Add the personal information and ‘Continue’

8. It is optional to add your credit card and debit card details, so you can do as you wish here

9. Next, enter your bank account information. This step is optional as well

10. Now you will have to verify your email address, and you’re done!

How to set up PayPal on eBay?

Now that you know how to create an eBay and PayPal account, you are ready to set up PayPal on eBay.

Here are the steps to set up PayPal on eBay:

1. Go to your eBay dashboard

2. Go to the ‘Account’ tab under My eBay

3. In the Menu bar on the left, click on the ‘PayPal Account’ link

4. On this screen, click on the ‘Link My PayPal Account’ button

5. You will then have to login to your PayPal account to link them together

To help you do this easily, we have a really cool video:

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.)

How to create listings that sell?

Now that you have your account set up on eBay and have linked your PayPal account to it, you must be excited to start selling on eBay.

When you are putting products up to sell on eBay, you have to create individual listings. These listings are very important as they help you stand out among the competitors. If your listing doesn’t stand out, chances are, the customers will choose someone else who has a better listing for a similar product.

Here’s a detailed video that tells you how you can create listings that sell:

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a business model that has gained quite a lot of popularity despite some challenges.

This is how dropshipping works:

1. The customer places an order with you

2. You send the order directly to the manufacturer that dropships

3. After receiving the order, the manufacturer ships the order directly to the customer

If you are interested in understanding how it works, here’s an introduction to Dropshipping.

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.

What is Wholesaling?

Wholesaling is a more elaborate business model and has its own pros and cons. Here’s how Wholesaling works:

1. You order a product directly from the manufacturer

2. You receive the products as inventory

3. Once you receive an order from your customer, you ship it directly to them

To know more about Wholesaling, check out this video:

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.

Alibaba (AliExpress)

If you are planning to procure goods internationally Alibaba is the perfect website for you. The platform has tens of thousands of wholesalers listed on it and you can get in contact with them directly. If you are interested in pursuing this avenue here’s a video to get you started!

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.

How to find profitable products?

When you are planning to import goods before selling them on eBay, it is important that you figure out the products which will prove to be profitable for you.

One of the most effective ways to do this is to use eBay’s completed listing tool which tells you whether or not the item sold successfully in the past and if it did, how much did it sell for. This gives you an estimate of the amount of money you are going to make selling the product on eBay.

Another factor that you must pay attention is to look for products that are easy to ship. These products you choose will be shipped twice. Once when they will be shipped by the manufacturer or wholesaler to you and then when you sell the product and ship it to your customer. There is money involved in shipping.

Check out this cool video that tells you everything about finding profitable products to sell on eBay:

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.

If you are looking for inputs on eBay dropshipping, eBay shipping options, eBay delivery options, and how does selling on eBay work, we have a great course waiting for you.

Check out the course “Learn How to Import from China and Start Selling on eBay for Beginners” on Academy from Appy Pie.

Conclusion

Selling on eBay sounds lucrative as you hear multiple stories of entrepreneurs who started small and found success to turn into successful business owners. However, one thing to remember is that you must be patient. It takes time to build up a profitable business on eBay.

This post gives you insights into different ways you can sell on eBay and how to procure inexpensive products, import them, and sell on eBay.

Using these insights, you can start selling on eBay and establish yourself as a strong eBay seller. Before you know it, you would be asking the question – how to open an eBay Store.