What are eBay Classified Ads?
Do you remember eBay Classifieds?
eBay once had a website dedicated to local, classified listings. This was in addition to its auction-style listings and GTC listings.
Back in 2010, eBay introduced a dedicated site for classified listings, eBayClassifieds.com. This was a free, easy-to-use marketplace connecting local buyers and sellers. Listings could be created almost anything, including jobs, cars, pets, and services. This was eBay’s version of Craigslist.
It did not take off as well as eBay would have imagined, and as such, eBayClassifieds closed in 2016. However, eBay have introduced their new Classified Ads.
What are these Classifieds Ads?
Classified Ads give you the ability to list an item through eBay, state a price, and when a buyer contacts you, and together you finalize the transaction outside of the eBay platform. Simple, right?
Well, while eBay Classifieds no longer exist, users can still create Classified Ads, which are listings that are searchable from eBay’s homepage. Since eBay currently has over 180 million active users, creating a Classified Ad for your product or service gives it the exposure it needs to sell.
Here are the categories an eBay Classified Ad can be created for:
- Business & Industrial
- Construction > Buildings, Modular & Pre-Fab
- General Office > Trade Show Displays
- Websites & Businesses for Sale
- Specialty Services
- Travel
- Everything Else
- eBay User Tools
- Funeral & Cemetery
- Information Products
How do I create Classified Ads?
You can create Classified Ads directly from eBay, or by using your preferred eBay listing tool. As with every other eBay listing, make sure to add a thorough description, some great images, and a fair price.
If you’re on eBay, whenever you create a new listing for a product, make sure that you’ve selected “Classified Ad” under the “Format” of the listing.
If you’re using a third party listing tool, (we’ll pick Ad-Lister for this example), all you have to do is make sure you’ve set up a listing template for Classified Ads, then use that whenever listing a new product – simple.
Remember, because Classified Ads are posted on eBay but the transaction takes place off eBay, you don’t have access to services such as feedback, and can’t open unpaid item cases if a buyer doesn’t pay.
A few tips about classified ads
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, here are a few tips to get started with eBay Classifieds. If you’re selling, eBay Classified Ads might be a good fit for you if:
- The product is too large to be shipped
- You’d like to be paid in cash
- Your posting is exclusive to your specific area
- You’re offering a service
However, if you’re a buyer, eBay Classifieds could be the right fit if:
- You want to purchase a service or product that can’t be shipped
- You’d like to meet the seller in person
- You don’t want to deal with the time commitment of an eBay auction
How can you find Classified Ads on eBay?
Just go to eBay and search for a product or service in one of the following categories: “Business & Industrial,” “Specialty Services,” “Travel,” or “Everything Else.” On the left-hand side of the results page, filter the ads by selecting “Classified Ads” under “Buying Format.” Explore the resulting classified ads.
In addition to searching for Classified Ads, you can specify the location you’d like to purchase from. On the left side of the search results page, under “Item Location,” select the “Within” option to search for classified listings located near your zip code.
Closing thoughts
The ability to post and search for local classified listings in eBay simplifies the process of connecting local sellers and buyers on a platform with millions of users.
It really can be a great alternative to eBay auctions.
Give it a try today, just go to eBay and search for some Classified Ads. Who knows what hidden gems or bargains you could find.
Learn more:
- What are eBay managed payments?
- How to use Holiday Settings on eBay
- How important is customer feedback for your business?
- How to manage your eBay store
