Getting Started with Amazon.com Auctions

Currently you can sell items in four categories at Amazon Marketplace--New, Refurbished, Used, and Collectible. Amazon.com collects fees on items once they sell. The fees include $.99 plus a sales commission. The sales commission is 10% for Electronics and Camera & Photo items and 15% for everything else. However, Amazon.com does have a shipping allotment that they will credit you to cover your shipping expenses. The shipping credit varies depending on what type of item you have sold. You can view the Amazon.com shipping chart here. However, even if your shipping credit does not completely cover your shipping costs, you are still responsible for shipping the item.

To start auctioning on Amazon.com, you will need to follow the steps below:

1. First, you will need to list your item. To do this, you will need the ISBN, UPC, or ASIN number of the product or you can search through Amazon.com's database to find the product and then click on the "Sell Yours Here" link on the right-hand side of the page.
2. You will need to register for Amazon Payments. Amazon Payments is the way that all payments are received on their Auction site. To register for Amazon Payments you will need to provide your credit card number (if you haven't already), enter your daytime telephone number, enter a nickname, read and accept the Participation Agreement, and then enter your checking account information (now or later).

After the Auction

Once your item has sold, you will need to ship the product out. Amazon.com will let you know via email if the product has been purchased and who to ship it to. Amazon.com will deposit your money directly into your checking account (minus the $.99 + Sales Commission and they will include your shipping credit.