Traders typically source items from wholesalers, charity shops, other eBay traders, suppliers of ex-catalogue or clearance stock and car boot sales, as well as from auctions and insolvency sales. Some traders sell items they have made themselves, such as handmade crafts and jewellery.

Many eBay traders start up as private sellers, offering their surplus household items, clothes or collectables for sale, and then develop their trading activity commercially as registered business sellers.

In order to promote items via eBay, traders list the items they have for sale and support their listings with photographs and written descriptions. They also monitor auctions, deal with enquiries, arrange for the despatch and delivery of items, and respond to customer feedback.

This profile provides information about starting up and operating as an eBay trader. It describes the skills required, the training courses available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.