Selling on eBay can look deceptively simple. You take a few photos, write a short description, and list your item. But if you’re planning to make it more than a one-off sale or turn it into a serious side hustle, it’s easy to slip up. And those slip-ups? They can cost you time, money, or even your selling privileges.
Whether you’re just getting started or already making regular sales, here are some of the most common traps sellers fall into and how to steer clear of them.
1. Overpromising in Your Listings
It’s tempting to hype up your items to make them stand out. Everyone wants their listing to shine. But if your title says “new” and your description mentions “never used” while the item has clearly been opened or lightly worn, you’re setting yourself up for trouble.
Buyers on eBay are quick to notice mismatches and even quicker to leave negative feedback. Worse, eBay may side with the buyer if there’s a dispute, which could mean a forced refund and no return of the item.
Photos matter here, too. Make sure they show the item clearly and accurately — no filters and no misleading angles. The more honest your listing, the less likely you’ll end up in a customer service nightmare.
2. Ignoring the Financial Side of Things
A lot of sellers focus only on what they’re earning. The excitement of seeing money come in can distract you from what’s going out and how it all adds up behind the scenes.
eBay fees, PayPal or other payment processing charges, postage costs, packaging, and returns… it all chips away at your profits. If you’re not tracking things properly, you may not even realise that your margins are too slim (or non-existent) until it’s too late. This is especially important if you’re selling regularly or have turned your account into a business.
That’s where working with a specialist eBay accountant makes a big difference. They understand how eBay works, how the fee structures impact your books, and how to stay on the right side of tax rules without paying more than you need to. Even if you’re not ready to hire one full-time, getting advice early on can save you a ton of stress down the road.
3. Using Generic Titles and Descriptions
Your item title is prime real estate. It’s what buyers see in search results, and it needs to work hard. Too often, sellers use vague titles like “great condition top” or “awesome phone”. These say nothing about what you’re actually selling and make it harder for the right buyers to find you.
The same goes for the description. If it’s just one line or full of filler words with no actual information, it’s not helping your sale. You don’t need to be a copywriter. Just think like a buyer. What would you type in if you were looking for that item? What details would you want to know? Focus on facts — brand, size, model number, features, condition, and anything that sets it apart.
4. Underestimating Shipping Costs
It might feel like a good move to offer free shipping to attract more buyers. But if you haven’t factored in the actual cost, especially for heavier or larger items, you could end up making a loss. Even if you’re charging for postage, get it right. Guessing the cost and then realising you’ve undercharged is not just frustrating, it also eats into your earnings.
And let’s not forget packaging. Bubble wrap, boxes, tape — it all adds up. You need to consider both the cost and the practicality. A well-packed item is less likely to be damaged in transit (which also means fewer returns and unhappy customers).
Use proper scales to weigh items. Check postal rates and keep an eye on any changes. And make sure you’re charging enough to cover not just postage, but the time and materials that go into getting the item shipped safely.
5. Poor Customer Service After the Sale
You might think the hard part is done once the item sells. However, how you handle things after the sale can make or break your reputation on the platform. Late dispatch, ignoring buyer questions, or being dismissive in messages are all things that can come back to bite you.
Buyers can (and do) leave negative feedback for poor communication or slow shipping, even if the item was exactly as described. Set clear expectations in your listings, stick to your stated handling times, and respond to messages politely and promptly. Even if a buyer is being difficult, staying calm and professional usually leads to a better outcome.
6. Forgetting About Returns
It’s easy to assume you’ll never have to deal with returns, especially if you’ve described the item honestly. But they’re a part of online selling, and if you’re not prepared, they can throw a spanner in your whole system.
Some sellers avoid offering returns altogether, thinking it will protect them. But in reality, eBay’s buyer protection means they can still initiate one if the item doesn’t match the description or arrives damaged.
Having a clear return policy helps you stay in control. If you don’t want to offer free returns, that’s fine; just make your terms clear and stick to them. And make sure you’ve got a system in place for handling returns quickly and fairly.
7. Not Reading the Rules
eBay has a lot of policies, and while most sellers don’t read every word, it’s still important to understand the basics.
Things like:
- What you can and can’t sell
- How eBay handles disputes
- What your responsibilities are as a seller
If you break the rules, even by accident, you risk account restrictions or bans. That includes things like using copyrighted images, listing items in the wrong category, or not resolving issues promptly.
It only takes one mistake to lose your account — and potentially your income source.
Take the time to read up on seller policies, or at least check their updates regularly. eBay does change things from time to time, and staying informed keeps you protected.
Selling Smart Starts with Awareness
Most of these traps are avoidable, but only if you know where they are. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be informed, honest, and consistent. Treat it like a business, even if it’s just a hobby for now. Keep your finances clean, your listings clear, and your buyers happy, and you’ll avoid most of the headaches that catch others out.
And when in doubt, step back and look at your shop through a buyer’s eyes. That perspective can save you more than any shortcut ever will.
