SCORE – Chapter 476SCORE – Chapter 476Staten Island, NYStaten Island, NY

Presents Presents

Alan Briskin August 9, 2005

eBay was founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar in his living room in San Jose, California. He created the site to help his girlfriend buy and sell Pez Dispensers.

Now, it’s the world’s largest online marketplace. Just about anything you can imagine can be found on this site. At the end of September, eBay had 348 million items for sale.

I have been using eBay for several years, buying and selling mostly sports memorabilia, books, music videos and LPs. As in any computer application, the more you use it, the friendlier it becomes.

This presentation merely highlights the important features of eBay and is not to be considered as a complete tutorial. You can go to eBay.com and avail yourself of their extensive on-line tutorials.

The first screen you see when you go to eBay.com, which is shown on theThe first screen you see when you go to eBay.com, which is shown on the

following slide, is actually an introduction page asking what you’d like to do.following slide, is actually an introduction page asking what you’d like to do.

Across the top of the screen are links to all of the functions that eBay provides. Across the top of the screen are links to all of the functions that eBay provides.

Simply click on the link you want and you will be brought to the appropriateSimply click on the link you want and you will be brought to the appropriate

page.page.

Before you can Buy or Sell on eBay, you must register.Before you can Buy or Sell on eBay, you must register. And, part of this And, part of this

registration process is providing eBay with a Credit Card Account Number.registration process is providing eBay with a Credit Card Account Number.

When you think about it, it’s When you think about it, it’s safersafer to provide to provide high-security siteshigh-security sites like eBay with like eBay with

a Credit Card Account Number than it is to give it to an attendant at a service a Credit Card Account Number than it is to give it to an attendant at a service

station or to a server in a restaurant.station or to a server in a restaurant.

Welcome Screen

Why eBay is SafeWhy eBay is Safe

The eBay Community is guided by the values of open communication The eBay Community is guided by the values of open communication between buyers and sellersbetween buyers and sellers

Feedback provides the buyers and sellers a snapshot of their respective Feedback provides the buyers and sellers a snapshot of their respective reputations and how long they’ve been a registered memberreputations and how long they’ve been a registered member

Fraud Protection Program - PayPal Buyer Protection helps you buy with Fraud Protection Program - PayPal Buyer Protection helps you buy with confidence on eBay. When you use PayPal to pay for a qualified listing on confidence on eBay. When you use PayPal to pay for a qualified listing on eBay, PayPal Buyer Protection provides free coverage up to $1,000. eBay, PayPal Buyer Protection provides free coverage up to $1,000.

Using a Credit Card on eBayUsing a Credit Card on eBay

Safe Harbor, eBay’s comprehensive safety resourceSafe Harbor, eBay’s comprehensive safety resource

PayPalPayPal

Major Types of AuctionsMajor Types of Auctions

Standard Single Winner AuctionsStandard Single Winner Auctions allow potential buyers to place allow potential buyers to place bids on specific items. If you are outbid before the close of an auction, bids on specific items. If you are outbid before the close of an auction, eBay sends you an email indicating that there is a higher bid.eBay sends you an email indicating that there is a higher bid.

Dutch AuctionsDutch Auctions are used when several of the same items are are used when several of the same items are offered. All items may be sold at the highest bid amount.offered. All items may be sold at the highest bid amount.

Reserve Price AuctionsReserve Price Auctions are auctions where a seller offers an item are auctions where a seller offers an item with a specific value and will not sell the item until the reserve is met.with a specific value and will not sell the item until the reserve is met.

Buy it Now AuctionsBuy it Now Auctions are auctions that have a are auctions that have a Buy it NowBuy it Now price. As price. As soon as a buyer clicks on soon as a buyer clicks on Buy it NowBuy it Now, he is automatically the winner. , he is automatically the winner. Once a bid is placed, the Once a bid is placed, the Buy it NowBuy it Now feature disappears. feature disappears.

Selling Your ItemSelling Your Item

You must first You must first RegisterRegister with eBay with eBay

Sign-up to accept Sign-up to accept PayPalPayPal (optional) (optional)

Fill out your Fill out your Item FormItem Form

Choose a Choose a Selling FormatSelling Format

Select aSelect a Category Category

Add a Add a PhotographPhotograph

Selling Your ItemSelling Your Item

Write a TitleWrite a Title

Provide Item SpecificsProvide Item Specifics

Add an Item DescriptionAdd an Item Description

Add PicturesAdd Pictures

Determine Pricing and DurationDetermine Pricing and Duration

Enter Payment and Shipping InformationEnter Payment and Shipping Information

Review and Submit your ListingReview and Submit your Listing

Selling Your ItemSelling Your Item

Before pricing an item, search for like items being sold by others. Before pricing an item, search for like items being sold by others. You can do this by searching Completed Items on the Smart You can do this by searching Completed Items on the Smart Search Page, which can be accessed by clicking on Search in the Search Page, which can be accessed by clicking on Search in the top navigation bar.top navigation bar.

You can also search ongoing auctions to see current bids and You can also search ongoing auctions to see current bids and activityactivity

Consider eBay’s Picture Services. This service makes it easy for Consider eBay’s Picture Services. This service makes it easy for sellers to include one digital image in each of their eBay listings sellers to include one digital image in each of their eBay listings for free and additional images for only $.15 each.for free and additional images for only $.15 each.

Finding Stuff to SellFinding Stuff to Sell

Old radios, stereo and video equipment, and 8-track systemsOld radios, stereo and video equipment, and 8-track systems Records, video tapes, CDsRecords, video tapes, CDs Old watches and camerasOld watches and cameras Books you’ve finished readingBooks you’ve finished reading Unwanted giftsUnwanted gifts Exercise equipmentExercise equipment Autographs – make sure they’re the real thingAutographs – make sure they’re the real thing Go to Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Closeout StoresGo to Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Closeout Stores

Basic FeesBasic Fees

When you list an item on eBay, you're charged an When you list an item on eBay, you're charged an Insertion FeeInsertion Fee according to the table shown on the following slide.according to the table shown on the following slide.

If the item sells, you are also charged a If the item sells, you are also charged a Final Value FeeFinal Value Fee..

The total cost of selling an item is the Insertion Fee plus the Final The total cost of selling an item is the Insertion Fee plus the Final Value Fee.Value Fee.

The first picture is free. Each additional picture is $.15The first picture is free. Each additional picture is $.15

Insertion and Final Value Fees

Navigation Screen For Selling Activities

Anticipate Prospective Questions from the BidderAnticipate Prospective Questions from the Bidder

When you have an item listed, be prepared to answer potential questions When you have an item listed, be prepared to answer potential questions fromfrom

the bidder, such as condition, provenance, age, etc. Assume you are the the bidder, such as condition, provenance, age, etc. Assume you are the buyerbuyer

and determine what type of questions you may want answers to.and determine what type of questions you may want answers to.

When developing your item description, try to anticipate these When developing your item description, try to anticipate these questions that may pertain to the item you are sellingquestions that may pertain to the item you are selling

Publish your shipping and handling costs up frontPublish your shipping and handling costs up front

Clearly state your payment acceptance policyClearly state your payment acceptance policy

Prohibited ItemsProhibited Items

Firearms of all typesFirearms of all types Police and other law-enforcement badges and IDsPolice and other law-enforcement badges and IDs Birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and passportsBirth certificates, driver’s licenses, and passports Locksmithing devicesLocksmithing devices Human parts and remainsHuman parts and remains Drugs and drug paraphernalia, wine and alcoholDrugs and drug paraphernalia, wine and alcohol Stocks, bonds or negotiable securitiesStocks, bonds or negotiable securities Bulk e-mail lists, raffles and prizes, and want adsBulk e-mail lists, raffles and prizes, and want ads Pets and wildlifePets and wildlife Child pornographyChild pornography Forged itemsForged items

Finding an ItemFinding an Item

Finding an item is simple. There are two options available:Finding an item is simple. There are two options available:

1.1. In the In the Find Search BoxFind Search Box, key in the name of the item you’re looking for, , key in the name of the item you’re looking for, such as such as 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers1955 Brooklyn Dodgers and either press Enter or click Search. and either press Enter or click Search.

1.1. Click on the down-arrow to the right of Click on the down-arrow to the right of Browse CategoriesBrowse Categories and select and select the category that best describes what you’re looking for. You’ll be the category that best describes what you’re looking for. You’ll be surprised to see how many categories there are.surprised to see how many categories there are.

When the search is returned, as shown on the following slide, you will When the search is returned, as shown on the following slide, you will know know

how many items were found within your search. There will also be a how many items were found within your search. There will also be a pane onpane on

the left hand side of the screen with what’s called Matching Categories.the left hand side of the screen with what’s called Matching Categories.

Finding an ItemFinding an Item

Finding an ItemFinding an Item

The returned search page will provide you with the Item Title, whether orThe returned search page will provide you with the Item Title, whether or

not the buyer accepts PayPal, Current Price, Number of Bids, and Time not the buyer accepts PayPal, Current Price, Number of Bids, and Time LeftLeft

before the auction ends. In most cases there will be a photograph listed before the auction ends. In most cases there will be a photograph listed withwith

the item.the item.

By clicking on the Item Title, you will see who the seller is, his FeedbackBy clicking on the Item Title, you will see who the seller is, his Feedback

Rating, his location, usually a photograph of the item, and a detailed Rating, his location, usually a photograph of the item, and a detailed

description of the item, the opening and current bids, number of bids, a description of the item, the opening and current bids, number of bids, a list oflist of

bidders with their bid amounts, and shipping information.bidders with their bid amounts, and shipping information.

Buyer and Seller ToolsBuyer and Seller Tools

There are several tools available to assist buyers and sellers. One of There are several tools available to assist buyers and sellers. One of them is them is

called called My eBayMy eBay which is shown of the following slide. The main which is shown of the following slide. The main categories on categories on

this page include:this page include:

All Buying – Watching, Bidding, Won, Didn’t WinAll Buying – Watching, Bidding, Won, Didn’t Win All Selling – Scheduled, Selling, Sold, UnsoldAll Selling – Scheduled, Selling, Sold, Unsold All Favorites – Searches, Sellers, CategoriesAll Favorites – Searches, Sellers, Categories My Account – Personal Information, Addresses, Manage My Account – Personal Information, Addresses, Manage

Subscriptions, eBay Preferences, Feedback, and Seller AccountSubscriptions, eBay Preferences, Feedback, and Seller Account

My eBay

How Bidding WorksHow Bidding Works

Incremental BiddingIncremental Bidding

– Place opening or next higher bid and continue to monitor the Place opening or next higher bid and continue to monitor the auctionauction

Proxy BiddingProxy Bidding

– Decide the maximum you’re willing to pay and enter this amountDecide the maximum you’re willing to pay and enter this amount

– eBay will now confidentially bid up to your maximum amounteBay will now confidentially bid up to your maximum amount

– If other bidders outbid your maximum before the end of the If other bidders outbid your maximum before the end of the auction, you will be notified by email. If you don’t place a higher auction, you will be notified by email. If you don’t place a higher bid, you won’t get the item. Otherwise, you’re the winner – and bid, you won’t get the item. Otherwise, you’re the winner – and the final price might even be the final price might even be lessless than the maximum you had than the maximum you had been willing to spend.been willing to spend.

Creating a Picture for Your ItemCreating a Picture for Your Item

There are several methods you can use to create a picture of the item you are There are several methods you can use to create a picture of the item you are selling:selling:

Digital Camera enabling you to upload the photos to your PCDigital Camera enabling you to upload the photos to your PC Regular Camera and ScannerRegular Camera and Scanner Film-to-digital-image service processing to a CDFilm-to-digital-image service processing to a CD

It’s important to use the JPEG (.JPG) format instead of other formats, like GIFIt’s important to use the JPEG (.JPG) format instead of other formats, like GIFand BMP. The potential buyer wants to see the picture without having to waitand BMP. The potential buyer wants to see the picture without having to waitfor it to load onto the screen. JPEGs use less resolution than the other for it to load onto the screen. JPEGs use less resolution than the other

formatsformatsand loads quicker. And, even though you’re using a lower resolution, you lose and loads quicker. And, even though you’re using a lower resolution, you lose no clarity!no clarity!

Creating a Great PhotoCreating a Great Photo

Use proper lightingUse proper lighting

Consider using a backdrop – the potential buyer doesn’t want to Consider using a backdrop – the potential buyer doesn’t want to see anything else but the picture itselfsee anything else but the picture itself

Get close up so that details show wellGet close up so that details show well

Edit your photo, if necessaryEdit your photo, if necessary

Save the photo on your computer as a JPEG (.JPG) fileSave the photo on your computer as a JPEG (.JPG) file

Add Pictures on the Sell Your Item FormAdd Pictures on the Sell Your Item Form

eBay Picture Services is easy to use. It’s a bit different depending on your eBay Picture Services is easy to use. It’s a bit different depending on your

browser and computer platform, but the concept is the same.browser and computer platform, but the concept is the same.

Your photos are stored on eBay’s Picture Services only while your listing is Your photos are stored on eBay’s Picture Services only while your listing is

running on eBay. It’s a good idea to retain your photos on your computer if running on eBay. It’s a good idea to retain your photos on your computer if

you want to use them again.you want to use them again.

Also, the photo will be transferred to eBay’s Picture Services Also, the photo will be transferred to eBay’s Picture Services fasterfaster if you if you use ause a

JPEG (.JPG) format and have Cable or DSL Service.JPEG (.JPG) format and have Cable or DSL Service.

Personal Note Thanking the Buyer or SellerPersonal Note Thanking the Buyer or Seller

If you successfully sold an item, it’s a good idea to contact the buyer as soonIf you successfully sold an item, it’s a good idea to contact the buyer as soon

after the auction ends as possible. If you are the buyer, you can wait to hear after the auction ends as possible. If you are the buyer, you can wait to hear

from the seller or you can contact him first.from the seller or you can contact him first.

I always felt that a rapid response to the buyer or seller is good practice. ItI always felt that a rapid response to the buyer or seller is good practice. It

shows that you’re an interested party and would like to consummate the shows that you’re an interested party and would like to consummate the dealdeal

as soon as possible. It might also help in getting a more favorable Feedbackas soon as possible. It might also help in getting a more favorable Feedback

Comment.Comment.

A sample letter is shown on the next screen.A sample letter is shown on the next screen.

Personal Note Thanking BuyerPersonal Note Thanking Buyer

Dear Joe:Dear Joe:

Congratulations! You were the high-bidder on my eBay Auction 12345678, a Congratulations! You were the high-bidder on my eBay Auction 12345678, a 1985 Topps Factory Sealed Baseball Set.1985 Topps Factory Sealed Baseball Set.

The amount of your bid was in the amount of $25.00 and the shipping cost isThe amount of your bid was in the amount of $25.00 and the shipping cost isan additional $5.00. Please send a check in the amount of $30.00 to me asan additional $5.00. Please send a check in the amount of $30.00 to me asfollows:follows:

Your name, address, city, state and ZIP codeYour name, address, city, state and ZIP code

Also, please email me your complete name and address so that I may prepare the itemAlso, please email me your complete name and address so that I may prepare the itemfor shipment.for shipment.

I’m a firm believer in eBay’s Feedback Forum and will post a favorable comment for you asI’m a firm believer in eBay’s Feedback Forum and will post a favorable comment for you assoon as I receive your payment. If, when you receive the item, and you find it satisfactory,soon as I receive your payment. If, when you receive the item, and you find it satisfactory,I would appreciate it if you would do the same for me.I would appreciate it if you would do the same for me.

Again, thanks for bidding.Again, thanks for bidding.

AlanAlan

Thank you for attending my presentation eBay.Thank you for attending my presentation eBay.

I hope you’ve learned a little about how I hope you’ve learned a little about how comprehensive a comprehensive a

site this is and that you’ll be able to navigate site this is and that you’ll be able to navigate through thethrough the

many screens availablemany screens available

Alan BriskinAlan Briskin

Locations For Business Locations For Business HelpHelp

CHAMBER OF COMMERCECHAMBER OF COMMERCE Appointment Required.Appointment Required.

130 Bay Street130 Bay StreetStaten Island, New York 10301Staten Island, New York 10301

Wednesday 9:00 AM to 12:00 NoonWednesday 9:00 AM to 12:00 NoonCall 718 727-1221Call 718 727-1221

Appointment Required for Saturday mornings at:Appointment Required for Saturday mornings at:

ST. GEORGE LIBRARYST. GEORGE LIBRARYAppointment RequiredAppointment Required

5 Central Ave.5 Central Ave.Staten Island, New York  10301Staten Island, New York  10301

Saturday Morning 10:00 AM to 12:00 NoonSaturday Morning 10:00 AM to 12:00 NoonCall 718 442-8560.Call 718 442-8560.

S.I. BANK & TRUSTS.I. BANK & TRUSTNo Appointment RequiredNo Appointment Required

Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 NoonTuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon1550 Richmond Road1550 Richmond Road

Staten Island, New York 10304Staten Island, New York 10304