How to Create Ebay Seller Account in USA?
Optimize your eBay selling process with EBAY . Automate product listings, synchronize inventory, manage orders, and grow your sales on one of the world’s largest online marketplaces.eBay connects sellers to over 159 million active buyers globally. It offers flexible selling options like auctions, fixed prices, and store subscriptions, along with advanced tools to track performance, manage returns, and run advertising campaigns.
Get to know the marketplace behind your next big sales opportunity:
- 133+ million active buyers worldwide
- 190+ markets supported globally
- 1.2+ billion live product listings
- $12 billion in mobile sales in Q3 2024
- Built-in promotional and advertising tools
eBay’s scale and reach make it one of the most powerful platforms for both emerging and established online sellers.
Requirements, Fees & Taxes
To sell on eBay, you’ll need to choose between a personal and a business account. For commercial selling, a business account is highly recommended — it provides access to more features, insights, and bulk selling tools.
During registration, eBay may ask for:
- Verified bank or PayPal account
- Business contact information and VAT ID (if applicable)
- Identity verification (for compliance)
USA eBay Fees
eBay uses a two-fee model:
- Insertion Fee: Charged when listing products. Often waived for your first X listings per month.
- Final Value Fee: A commission on the final sale price (including shipping), typically 5%–15%, depending on category.
Optional fees may apply for Promoted Listings, international visibility, or eBay Store subscriptions.
VAT and USA Sales Tax
In many regions, eBay automatically calculates and collects sales tax or VAT on behalf of the seller. You should:
- Register for VAT if required by law
- Include tax info in your invoices
- Keep prices tax-inclusive or set correct VAT classes via your store
Ebay supports tax synchronization — price, currency, and tax class data are pulled directly from your store setup, ensuring consistency across platforms.Running an ecommerce business means constantly looking for ways to reach new customers and increase sales. Selling on eBay is a practical way to do just that.With 134 million active buyers worldwide, eBay offers entrepreneurs a massive built-in customer base and global reach. Whether you’re selling vintage finds or trending products, you can promote them directly on eBay while keeping everything synced with your Shopify store.
Taking an omnichannel approach, where eBay becomes one of several strategic sales channels, helps you reach more shoppers and seize new opportunities for growth.
What do I need to start selling on eBay?
Before you can list an item, you’ll need a few basics in place:
An eBay account: Sign up using your email address through the registration page. Choose a business account if you plan to sell regularly or at scale.
Bank account details: eBay uses direct deposit to pay sellers, so you’ll need to link a valid bank account to receive payouts.
Valid ID and tax information: eBay may ask for identity verification and tax details depending on your location and business type.
Product details: Gather your product titles, item details, pricing, and high-quality photos. These help build trust and draw in potential buyers.
Shipping plan: Decide how you’ll fulfill orders—whether through self-fulfillment, third-party logistics, or dropshipping—and set clear delivery times and costs.
If you’re a Shopify user planning to connect your store to eBay, don’t worry about importing everything manually. The eBay app for Shopify makes it easy to sync your listings, inventory levels, and order data. Just make sure your product info is complete and up to date in Shopify before you connect.
Choose your selling account type
The first step to selling on eBay is choosing the type of account that best fits your goals: individual or business.
If you’re testing the waters or selling occasionally, like running a garage sale, an individual account may be enough. But if you’re building a brand, selling at volume, or running a Shopify store, a business account is the smarter choice. It gives you access to more tools, custom branding, and seller protections designed for entrepreneurs.
Set up your eBay seller account
After you create your account, eBay will send an email prompting you to verify it.
Next, eBay will ask a few questions about your business information, including whether you’re..
Whether you want to make some extra cash, clear out unwanted items from around the house, or even start a business, it’s easy to start selling on eBay.
You may register to sell on eBay if you have a verified address in any of the countries, regions, or overseas territories listed below. If your country or region is not listed, you are unfortunately not eligible to sell on eBay at this time.
What will verification entail?
- eBay will/can verify the following:
- Phone and email
- Personal and business information
- Bank account information
How and when will the verification happen?
- The verification for new EU business sellers will kick off immediately after onboarding
- As a part of the onboarding process, new sellers on any eBay EU marketplace agree to comply with all EU regulations
- For existing EU business sellers, eBay will have until 2025 to push full verification, after which all sellers will be required to be verified
- Existing EU business sellers have agreed to eBay's User Agreement and their obligation to comply with the laws of the countries in which they sell. A statement of compliance is shown on all listings. eBay will be working with existing sellers throughout 2024 to ensure awareness of this obligation and compliance with EU laws
- For non-EU business sellers, the verification requirements will only kick into action if the user lists an item actively in an EU country. This means that the non-EU business sellers will have to navigate to an eBay EU site (e.g. ebay.de or ebay.fr), sign in, and actively list an item on the website. Upon listing, the seller will be accelerated through personal, business and bank account verification
What are the consequences of not passing verification?
- New EU business sellers will not be able to list until they have passed verification
- Existing EU business sellers, and non-EU business sellers listing actively, will experience payout blocks during the verification process if there is an issue with bank verification
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Seller news and updates
To find out about the latest platform changes, enhancements and tools that are important to your business, read our Seller Center updates.eBay Seller Capital
eBay works with third-party partners to provide business sellers with financing through the eBay Seller Capital program. Depending on your business needs and eligibility, a number of financing options may be available to help you grow your business. To find out more, see our eBay Seller Capital page. -
Want to sell online for export? eBay is a great place to do this!
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You will find:
- A worldwide community of more than 134 million shoppers
- Rich selling management functionality and useful tools to increase sales
- Transparent fees
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To start selling on eBay you need to create a Seller Account.
We will guide you through every stage of this journey and support you if you need.
There are two account types on eBay:
- Personal account, if you sell on eBay as an individual
- Business account, if you sell on eBay as a company or a sole proprietor.
If you don’t represent a registered business, please create a Personal account on eBay.
If you are a registered business seller (sole proprietor/Single member LLC, Corporation/Multi member LLC, Partnership), please select Business account on the registration page. eBay will ask for some additional details, like your business name, type, and address, as well as any beneficial owners, officers, directors or account managers.When you register as an eBay seller, your account details need to be verified. After that you’ll receive payouts directly to your bank account or to your Payoneer account depending on the country of your registration.To create an eBay account, all you need is an email address. Once your account is set up, you can buy, sell, and enjoy all the benefits of being an eBay member.You'll be able to use My eBay to keep track of your buying and selling activity, send messages to other members, save your favorite searches and sellers, and watch up to 300 items you're thinking about buying.
Creating an eBay account using Google
If you have a Google account, you can use it to create an eBay account. Here's how:
On the Registration page, select Continue with Google.
Sign in to your Google account.
Allow eBay to access your public profile and email address.
Confirm the email address you want to use for your eBay account.
Select Create account.
In the next step, enter your contact address and telephone number.
We'll use this information to create an account for you and send you an email to confirm account details. If an eBay account already exists with the email address you use for your Google account, you'll be prompted to enter your eBay password to link your accounts.
Creating an eBay account using Apple
You can also use your Apple ID to create your eBay account. Here's how:
Registering as a seller
If you're thinking about selling on eBay, you can choose to register as an individual or a business seller.If you're a Registered Business seller (Sole proprietor/Single member LLC, Corporation/Multi member LLC, Partnership), select Create a business account on the registration page. We'll ask for some additional details, like your business name, type, and address, as well as any beneficial owners, officers, directors or account managers.If you're a US based seller with inventory outside the US, you may have additional tax obligations. You can find more information about these possible obligations in the Seller Center.Make sure that your bank account type matches your eBay account type. For example, if you have a business bank account, make sure you register as a business seller. If you have a personal account, you can change it to a business account from account settings.
Changing from a personal account to a business account
If you've already registered with a personal account but would like to upgrade to a business account, here's how:
Go to Account settings in My eBay.
Select Personal information.
Select Edit next to Account type. You may be asked to sign in again.
Select Confirm to upgrade to a Business account.
Specify whether you operate your business as a legal entity or as a sole proprietor and select Continue.
On the following page, enter your business information such as name, contact information, and returns policy. Then select Save.
Note: Please be aware that once you've upgraded your personal account to a business account, it won't be possible to revert back to a personal account.
Getting started on eBay
Once you've signed up for an eBay account, check your inbox for a welcome email from us with tips for getting the most out of your membership. You can find more information on mastering the basics by taking a look at the articles below. Welcome to eBay!
How buying works
Start selling on eBay
Opening a second eBay account
You can open more than one eBay account as long as you use different email addresses and usernames for each additional account.
All you need to do is sign out of the account you're currently using, go to the Registration page, and follow the steps above to create a new account.Be aware that you can't use more than one account for activity related to the same listing. For example, you can't bid on the same item from multiple accounts or bid on an item you're selling from another account. You can find out more in our Multiple accounts policy.If you want to move an email address from one eBay account to another, you'll need to remove it from the first account and wait 60 days before you can add that email address to a different account. Learn how to change your email address.Step into the world of live selling, where you can connect with buyers, tell the story behind your products, and expand your customer base.Visit the Community Announcements board for essential product and policy updates, and other need-to-know information for your business.
Connect with fellow sellers, explore the latest discussions, and find answers to your questions in our vibrant eBay Community.
Hear how Laurie Wong transformed her small thrift shop into a global enterprise, using proceeds from her eBay for Charity store to feed over 8,000 people each month, fulfilling her passion for helping others.
- Start strong with the basics: Setting up an eBay and PayPal account, understanding fees, and choosing the right items to sell are essential first steps for any new seller.
- Create listings that sell: High-quality photos, clear descriptions, and smart pricing strategies help your items stand out and attract buyers.
- Stay tax savvy: Understanding VAT and U.S. sales tax rules is crucial—especially for international or high-volume sellers—to stay compliant and avoid surprises.
Selling on eBay can be a great way to clear out your clutter, find a market for your crafts, or even start a full-fledged business. But if you’re new to eBay, the process can seem a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, which will walk you through everything you need to know to become a successful eBay seller, from setting up your account to shipping your items to understanding VAT and Sales Tax.
Introduction to eBay selling
eBay, one of the world's largest online marketplaces, offers a unique platform for individuals and businesses to sell a wide variety of goods. It operates on an auction-based model, but also allows for fixed-price listings. Whether you are a seasoned merchant or a first-time seller, eBay provides an accessible and user-friendly interface to list items, reach a global audience, and conduct transactions securely.
Setting up your eBay account
Creating an account: To start selling, you need to create an eBay account. Visit eBay’s website, click on the registration link, and choose the option for creating a seller’s account. You’ll need to provide some basic information, including your name, address, and a method of payment. If you're registering as a business, you'll also need to provide your business name along with other identifying details. For merchants, it's recommended to create an eBay business account, which allows you to customize settings, access eBay store subscription plans, and utilize additional tools for managing sales.
Setting up a PayPal account: PayPal is the most common way for eBay transactions to be processed. It’s essential to set up and link a PayPal account to your eBay account for smooth financial transactions.
Understanding eBay’s fees: Familiarize yourself with eBay’s fee structure, which includes listing fees and a final value fee, which is a percentage of the sale price. There are also payment processing fees and shipping costs to take into consideration.
Finding products to sell
Finding the right products to sell on eBay is crucial to the success of your online business. With millions of active listings on the platform, it’s essential to identify a niche or product category that has demand and relatively low competition. Here are some tips to help you find products to sell on eBay:
- Conduct market research: Use online tools such as Google Trends, eBay’s own research tools, or third-party software to identify popular products and trends. These tools can help you understand what buyers are looking for and spot emerging trends before they become saturated.
- Analyze your competition: Research your competitors’ listings, prices, and sales strategies to understand what works and what doesn’t. Look at the top sellers in your chosen category and take note of their pricing, listing quality, and customer feedback.
- Identify your niche: Focus on a specific product category or niche that you’re passionate about or have expertise in. This can give you an edge as you’ll be more knowledgeable about the products and better able to answer customer questions.
- Check eBay’s prohibited and restricted items: Make sure the products you want to sell are allowed on eBay and comply with their policies. Selling prohibited items can lead to account suspension, so it’s crucial to review eBay’s guidelines.
- Consider dropshipping: Partner with a supplier to sell their products without holding any inventory. Dropshipping can be a great way to start selling on eBay with minimal upfront costs, as you only purchase the product after you’ve made a sale.
By carefully selecting the products you sell, you can increase your chances of success and build a profitable online business on eBay.
Crafting your listings
Choosing what to sell: It’s important to gauge the demand for the items you plan to sell and understand the competition you’re up against. If there are too many listings for a particular item, it might be harder to sell, so consider niche alternatives.
Creating a compelling listing: Your listing should include a clear, honest description, high-quality photos, and a competitive price. Make sure your title is descriptive and includes key search terms.
Pricing your item: Decide whether to auction your item or list it at a fixed price. Auctions can be exciting and potentially more lucrative, but fixed prices give you more control over how much you make. Consider using the auction format for rare items or items with uncertain value. Use ‘Buy It Now’ for items with a known market value. Additionally, consider the shipping cost when setting your item's price, as buyers often factor this into their purchasing decisions.
Shipping and handling: Set realistic shipping costs and handling times. Consider offering free shipping where possible, as this can often attract buyers.
Taking great photos
Importance of photos: Photos are one of the most critical aspects of your listing. They provide buyers with a visual representation of what you're selling.
How to take good photos: Use natural lighting, a neutral background, and take multiple shots from different angles. Ensure your photos are clear and focused.
Marketing and promoting your listings
Once you’ve created your listings, it’s essential to promote them to attract more buyers and increase sales. Here are some marketing and promotion strategies to help you succeed on eBay:
- Optimize your listings for search: Use relevant keywords, descriptions, and titles to ensure your listings appear in search results. Think about what terms potential buyers might use to find your products and incorporate those into your listings.
- Use high-quality images: Add multiple high-quality images to showcase your products from different angles. Clear, professional photos can make your listings stand out and give buyers confidence in the quality of your items.
- Set competitive prices: Research your competition and set prices that are competitive and attractive to buyers. Consider the total cost to the buyer, including shipping, and ensure your prices are in line with or better than similar listings.
- Offer free shipping: Consider offering free shipping to attract more buyers and increase sales. Many buyers filter their searches to show only listings with free shipping, so this can help your items get more visibility.
- Utilize eBay’s promoted listings: Use eBay’s promoted listings feature to increase your listings’ visibility and attract more buyers. This paid feature can boost your items to the top of search results, making them more likely to be seen and purchased.
- Leverage social media: Share your listings on social media platforms to reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your eBay shop. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for promoting your products.
- Provide excellent customer service: Respond to buyer inquiries promptly and provide excellent customer service to build trust and increase positive feedback. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and become repeat buyers.
By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of success on eBay and build a thriving online business.
Managing your listings
Monitoring your listings: Check your listings regularly. Answer any questions from potential buyers promptly and courteously.
Adjusting prices: If your item isn't selling, consider adjusting the price or improving the listing description or photos.
Promoting your listings: eBay offers various tools for promoting your listings, such as those that boost them to appear higher in search results.
Understanding eBay policies
eBay's selling policies: Familiarize yourself with eBay's selling policies to avoid any potential issues. This includes understanding prohibited items and following eBay's guidelines for listing and shipping.
Dealing with issues: Learn how to handle issues like non-paying buyers or returns. eBay offers seller protection, but you need to know the rules and how to qualify for protection.
Finalizing sales and shipping
Invoicing and payment: Once your item sells, send an invoice to the buyer if they haven't paid directly through the eBay checkout. Ensure you receive payment before shipping the item.
Packing and shipping: Pack your items carefully and ship them promptly. Use tracking and insurance for high-value items.
Feedback: Feedback is crucial on eBay. Always leave feedback for buyers and encourage them to leave feedback for you.
Growing your eBay business
Analyzing your sales: Regularly review what’s working and what’s not. Use eBay’s analytics tools to track your sales and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Expanding your inventory: As you become more comfortable with selling, consider expanding your inventory. Look for trends and niches that you can tap into. Being a registered business can enhance your credibility and ensure compliance with eBay's policies.
Customer service: Excellent customer service can set you apart from other sellers. Respond promptly to inquiries and resolve any issues swiftly and professionally.Navigating VAT requirements: For eBay sellers, understanding and managing VAT is crucial if you're selling to or from regions where VAT applies, like the European Union. As an eBay seller, you need to determine whether you're required to charge VAT on eBay for your sales. This often depends on your location, the location of your buyers, and the nature of the products you're selling.Including VAT in your prices: You can include VAT on eBay in your listed prices. This is often the simplest approach, as it provides clarity to buyers about the total cost of the item. Make sure to clearly state in your listings that VAT is included.Handling VAT on international sales: If you're selling to customers in a different country, the VAT rules can get more complex. You may be required to register for VAT in the buyer's country and comply with their VAT regulations. This is particularly relevant in the post-Brexit landscape, where selling to and from the UK and EU may involve additional VAT considerations.
Reporting and paying VAT: Once you're registered for VAT, you'll need to account for it in your sales, report it to the relevant tax authorities, and pay the collected VAT to them. This often involves periodic VAT returns, detailing your sales and the VAT collected.eBay's VAT policies: eBay itself has mechanisms in place to help sellers with VAT compliance. They may collect and remit VAT on certain transactions, particularly for goods imported into the EU or the UK. However, as a seller, it's your responsibility to understand these processes and ensure you are compliant.Seeking professional advice: VAT regulations can be complex and vary significantly between countries. It's advisable to consult with a VAT professional who is knowledgeable about VAT, especially if you are conducting a significant amount of cross-border trade.Embarking on your eBay selling journey can be both fulfilling and lucrative. It requires a blend of careful research, creating compelling listings, delivering outstanding customer service, and an eagerness to continuously evolve. As you familiarize yourself with the platform and refine your approach, you'll discover the potential to grow a loyal customer base and increase your sales.Keep in mind, though, that success on eBay doesn't happen overnight; it's a gradual process fueled by dedication and adaptability. So, stay patient, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the process of connecting with buyers and thriving in the vast eBay marketplace.Do you need help with your VAT or Sales Tax compliance? Book a free call with one of our experts to find bespoke solutions for your business, optimize your tax costs, and reach millions of new potential customers.
Posted on 2025/11/22 09:51 AM