eBay is a long-established global e-commerce marketplace where both individuals and businesses can sell. This guide explains what documents eBay sellers should prepare, how to complete registration step by step, and what to keep in mind before getting started.
eBay is a long-established global e-commerce marketplace with a large base of active buyers, and it continues to attract sellers looking to reach overseas markets. If you want to sell on eBay, registration is the first step. This guide explains what you need to prepare, how to complete seller registration step by step, and what to pay attention to before you start selling. For specific policies and interface details, always refer to eBay's official information.
First, know the difference: individual and business sellers need different documents
eBay supports both individual and business sellers, but the documentation requirements are different:
Individual sellers usually need: an identity document matching the registrant, a personal email address, an account for receiving payments, a dual-currency credit card that can be linked for payments, and a mobile number that has not previously been registered with eBay.
Business (commercial) sellers usually need: a legally registered business license (mainland China or Hong Kong, with the registration period meeting platform requirements), the legal representative's identity document and proof of address, a business email address not previously registered with eBay, the legal representative's mobile number, a business payout account, and a corporate bank account used for payment setup, among other documents.
It is best to decide in advance whether you will operate as an "individual" or a "business" and prepare the corresponding documents before you start. This can reduce interruptions during registration.
Where should you start? Use an official eBay site
For transactions such as registration and shopping, use an official eBay site that provides the appropriate services and transaction functions for your region, such as eBay's Hong Kong site or the official site for your location. When registering, enter only through an official eBay website and avoid unknown links or imitation pages.
Overview of the registration process
- Go to the official site and click "Register";
- Choose an account type: personal account (suitable for most sellers) or business account (for operating under a company name);
- Enter registration information: provide your name, email address and password as prompted; business accounts also need company information;
- Verify your email: after submission, eBay will send a verification email; click the link to complete verification;
- Complete account information: add your contact address, phone number, bank details and other account information;
- Link a payout method: if you use PayPal to receive funds, connect your PayPal account under "Account"; you can also follow the platform's instructions to link other supported payout methods;
- Create your seller account: after setting up the payment method, go to the seller dashboard to complete seller information and set preferences such as return policies;
- List a product: create your first listing in the seller dashboard and add the description, price, photos and shipping information.
Things to keep in mind before you start
- Follow eBay selling policies: understand the rules for descriptions, returns, buyer-seller communication and other areas, and do not sell products prohibited by eBay, such as infringing or prohibited items;
- Register with real and accurate information: keep the registration entity, identity details and payout account truthful and consistent, and complete any required verification when selling across borders;
- Do not sell counterfeit or pirated products that infringe rights: this is a major compliance risk in cross-border e-commerce, and complaints can directly affect your account;
- Maintain seller performance according to platform requirements: ship on time, describe products accurately and handle after-sales issues properly. Good seller performance is especially important for new accounts.
In one sentence
To open an eBay store, first decide whether you will sell as an individual or business and prepare the required documents. Then register through the official site, verify your email, set up payouts and list products compliantly. Accurate information and compliance with platform policies are the foundation for building a sustainable eBay business.
