| Acknowledgments | xvii |
| Introduction | xix |
Part I | Get Started with eBay | |
Chapter 1 | Become an eBay Auction Expert | 3 |
| Set Goals for Your eBay Business | 5 |
| Know How eBay Auctions Work | 11 |
| Get the Hardware and Software You Need | 19 |
| Follow the Eight-Step eBay Sales Plan | 22 |
Chapter 2 | Start Selling with eBay | 31 |
| Learn the Culture of eBay | 32 |
| Do Your Research | 38 |
| Get Registered | 42 |
| Get the Computer Equipment You Need | 44 |
Chapter 3 | Become an eBay Auctioneer | 55 |
Decision 1 | Custom-Design Your eBay Business | 57 |
Decision 2 | Pick the Auction That's Right for You | 63 |
Decision 3 | Decide How to Take and Store Auction Photos | 74 |
Decision 4 | Figure Out Your Payment Options | 75 |
Decision 5 | Pick Your Shipping Options | 77 |
| Conduct Your First Auction | 78 |
| Keep Your Store Well Stocked | 87 |
Part II | Improve Your Competitive Edge | |
Chapter 4 | Tips and Strategies for Online Sellers | 93 |
| Work for the Long Term | 95 |
| Be Community-Minded | 109 |
| Relax, It's Only a Sale | 111 |
| Buy Strategically So You Can Resell | 114 |
Chapter 5 | Spruce Up Your Auction Presentation | 119 |
| Create a Sales Template | 120 |
| Fine-Tune Your Descriptions | 127 |
| Dress Up Your Descriptions | 132 |
| Make Your Auction Count with a Counter | 134 |
| Use eBay Seller's Assistant | 138 |
Chapter 6 | Manage Multiple Auctions | 141 |
| Start with eBay's Management Tools | 142 |
| Find a Third-Party Auction Manager | 156 |
Chapter 7 | Create Your Own Web Pages | 163 |
| MeBay: Create an About Me Page | 165 |
| Publish Your Own Web Site | 173 |
Chapter 8 | Create Digital Images That Sell | 183 |
| Capture Those Images | 184 |
| Create Images That Attract | 197 |
| Find a Home for Your Images | 202 |
Part III | Business Practices for eBay | |
Chapter 9 | Accept Payments and Serve Your Customers | 213 |
| Provide Customer Service | 214 |
| Keep It Simple: Checks and Money Orders | 220 |
| Offer PayPal and Other Payment Services | 226 |
| Accept Credit Card Payments | 232 |
| Convert Currency | 238 |
Chapter 10 | Make Sure Your Goods Reach Their Destination | 241 |
| Pack 'n' Ship Like a Pro | 242 |
| Choose Your Shipping Options | 249 |
| Reach International Buyers | 257 |
Chapter 11 | Meet Other Auction Hounds | 267 |
| Use Feedback to Your Advantage | 268 |
| Observe Good E-Mail Manners | 271 |
| Frequent eBay's Discussion Boards and Cafes | 276 |
| Send Emergency Messages | 282 |
| Give to Charitable Causes | 283 |
Part IV | Sell Specialty Items on eBay | |
Chapter 12 | Drive Home the Deal on eBay Motors | 287 |
| Avoid the Used-Car Lot | 289 |
| Get Your Bankroll Rolling | 293 |
| Get Your Auction in Gear | 302 |
| Complete the Transaction | 305 |
Chapter 13 | Auction Off Business Goods and Services | 311 |
| Buy or Sell What You Need to Run a Business | 315 |
| "Lots" of Items Mean Lots of Sales | 318 |
| Look for Local Buyers | 322 |
| Buy Surplus from Uncle Sam | 324 |
| Hang Out Your Shingle on eLance | 325 |
Chapter 14 | Sell at Fixed Price: eBay Stores and Half.com | 331 |
| Create an eBay Store | 332 |
| Fix Your Price on Half.com | 343 |
| Feedback and Customer Service | 354 |
Chapter 15 | Get Instant Results with eBay Live Auctions | 359 |
| Get Acquainted with eBay Live Auctions | 360 |
| Become a Live Auctions Seller | 366 |
| Find a Consignment Seller | 370 |
Part V | Keep Your eBay Business Running Smonthly | |
Chapter 16 | Protect Yourself and Your Customers | 375 |
| Control Who Bids and Buys from You | 376 |
| Build Your Credibility | 384 |
| Keep Your Transactions Trouble Free | 392 |
Chapter 17 | Fulfill Your Accounting and Tax Requirements | 401 |
| What's Different about Being Self-Employed? | 402 |
| Perform the Basic Accountign Practices | 403 |
| Deduce Your Business Deductions | 410 |
| Find Accounting Help Online | 412 |
| Use Accounting Software | 413 |
Chapter 18 | Keep Your eBay Business Legal | 421 |
| Copyright and Trademark Concerns | 422 |
| Decide on a Legal Form for Your Business | 432 |
| Comply with Licensing and Trade Restrictions | 436 |
Chapter 19 | What to Do in Case of Trouble | 439 |
| If the Transaction Falls Through | 440 |
| If Problems Occur after You Ship | 447 |
| If Problems Occur During the Sale | 450 |
| How to Resolve a Dispute | 450 |
| Glossary | 453 |
| Index | 459 |