How Old Do You Have to Be to Sell on eBay?

Snap it, list it and cash in on it! You can sell on eBay with a few simple steps and make money from your eBay shop!

Sounds simple, right?

While eBay selling sounds easy enough that even teenagers can do it, eBay has strict policies, specifically about the account holder’s age.

So, how old do you have to be so you can sell online on eBay?

Take time to learn about eBay’s policies on how to set up an eBay business, specifically at what age you are allowed to create an eBay account.

While some people think they could easily create a fake profile claiming they are older than they really are, serious consequences could put your eBay business at risk of being suspended for good, making it not worth the cost and effort.

Before we can get to the tips on how to start selling and running a successful business on eBay, it’s important to learn about its policies on who and at what age you can set up an account.

Basic Requirements to Set Up an eBay Business

Age requirements are implemented before you can sell on eBay as part of the platform’s efforts to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all users. The age restriction is one of the pillars of eBay user policies, which aims to safeguard buyers and sellers alike.

Understanding the minimum age requirement before you can create an account on eBay is one of the basic steps to set up an eBay store. It is just one of many restrictions on the ecommerce platform and on items you can sell on eBay and locations.

eBay imposes an age restriction for its sellers to maintain the integrity of the marketplace and foster trust among its customers. Once you become familiar with the age restrictions, you can confidently navigate the platform and start selling to make money for your eBay business.

Age Restrictions for eBay Selling

The minimum age requirement to sell on eBay is 18 years of age. Only those who have reached this age threshold can create an eBay account and engage in selling activities on the platform.

This age requirement is compliant with existing laws and protects underage individuals in various online commerce activities.

eBay implements an age verification process for buyers, especially when buying an age-restricted product. eBay will look up the customer details before proceeding and finalising the order.

A few examples of age-restricted products on eBay are cigarettes and tobacco. Therefore, sellers could also be at risk of being penalized if they sell these products to underage users.

As a seller, it is your responsibility to ensure that you not only meet the age restrictions to set up an eBay business account, but you also have to be wary about the age of your customers.

It might be tempting to overlook this one when you are selling, especially if you want to make more money. But it is better to pay due diligence than risk the suspension or termination of your own account.

Underage User Policy on eBay

Selling on eBay requires business account owners to enter into a contract with the ecommerce platform. For this reason, the platform requires all sellers on eBay must be of legal age or at least 18 years old.

This policy aims to protect users on eBay, especially underage users, and ensure it is a safe marketplace for everyone.

Here is an overview of the eBay underage policy:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to create an eBay account.
• Anyone under 18 can use another’s eBay account, provided the latter offers supervision for the underage user. The account holder is also responsible for the underage user’s activity, which includes penalties for any illegal activity.
• eBay strictly implements the underage user policy. Any violations will be subject to a range of penalties, such as placing limits on your buying and selling capabilities and possible account suspension.
• Any buyers suspecting they are buying from an underage user are encouraged to report the violation to eBay. You must supply information on why you believe the seller is underage to help with the investigation.

It is a requirement in law for most countries to be 18 years old before you can enter into a contract. Therefore, eBay abides by this law to allow users to sell items on the platform.

Online Safety Tips for Underage Users

Since eBay allows users below the age of 18 to use another account with adult supervision, it is important to observe online safety tips. These tips help ensure that all users can stay safe on this platform and create a positive buying experience.

1. Remind teens never to share passwords online. Remind them never to share it with strangers via email or chat or anywhere else can access it.

2. Use eBay’s two-factor authentication. It will trigger a code that will be used to access your account to protect your eBay account from unwanted access, even when certain users get a hold of your username and password.

3. Always keep communication within eBay. Never share your address or phone number with someone else.

4. Keep payments within eBay. Some policies protect buyers from fraudulent sellers and ensure sellers get paid and profit from this marketplace.

5. Monitor your eBay transaction history. If you spot any suspicious transactions, contact eBay immediately.

If you’re an adult user and you give your teenager permission to use your account, take note that you will be legally responsible for any activity your teenage user performs using your account. M

Monitor their activity online and ensure they do not conduct activities involving illegal stuff that could cause you to lose your account.

Consequences of Violating Age Restrictions for eBay Selling

Violating eBay policies on age restrictions can seriously affect your account. Therefore, it is important to comply with eBay policies to maintain your seller status in the online marketplace.

If you violate the policies and create an account as a minor, you could face these consequences:

1. Account Termination or Suspension

Since you enter into a contract with eBay, you agree to abide by its policies and regulations. Agreeing to the terms and conditions of using the website and its features, even as a minor, means clearly and blatantly violating those policies. As a result, eBay reserves the right to suspend or terminate an account for such violation.

Any aspiring seller on eBay must be at least 18 years old to set up their own account. If the seller is discovered to have falsified their information and they are underage, it is automatically considered a violation. When your account is suspended or terminated, you lose access to your account, such as seller listings, buyer communication, and feedback. You could also lose any of the money in your account since you won’t be able to process them to your bank account.

Even if you manage to restore your eBay account and start selling again, it could tarnish your reputation. Your customers can no longer trust you, which could hurt your ability to grow your business.

2. Legal Penalties

Aside from suspending and terminating your business account on the eBay site, you could also face other legal penalties and fines. When you set up an eBay account, you agree to the legal terms and conditions. These contractual agreements are legally binding and adhere to local laws.

Therefore, entering into a contract as a minor or without legal capacity can have serious legal repercussions. The penalties and fines you could face vary based on your legal jurisdiction and the specific circumstances concerning your case.

Key Takeaways

The privilege of selling with your eBay business is a wonderful opportunity since you can make money online. Therefore, you should not waste this opportunity by violating the most basic requirements on eBay, such as the age requirement.

You must be at least 18 years old to create your eBay store account and start selling. If you’re a teenager, you can use an adult’s account to sell but with proper supervision from an adult. It is also important to observe the best and ethical practices for selling to stay safe when conducting business online.

These policies were created for the benefit of all users on eBay. Whether you are a seller or customer, it pays to understand these policies so you don’t violate them and keep using your account for buying or selling.

FAQs

Can anyone sell on eBay?

Yes. Anyone can sell on eBay, except for a minor or anyone below the age of 18. The age restriction is the only limiting requirement to become a new seller on eBay. It’s no wonder there are millions of sellers on eBay because creating an account is easy, and you can start selling on your eBay store immediately.

Does eBay check age?

While eBay does not check your age upon registration, they will be able to verify your age since new account owners are required to submit IDs and proof of verification. Therefore, they will have access to your eBay account information.

Why does eBay need my SSN?

eBay requires new account holders to provide identification, such as SSN and any government IDs. It will help with the verification of the account information to ensure that no new users can create fake seller accounts and help keep it a safe marketplace for everyone to use.

Can I have 2 eBay accounts?

Yes. It is possible to have multiple eBay accounts, as per the website’s policy. However, you cannot create multiple accounts if you are trying to circumvent eBay’s policies and best practices.

Why does eBay need ID?

eBay is just one of many online marketplaces that require ID verification upon account registration. It is based on the INFORM Consumers Act, which requires the platform to authenticate the identity of the user by requiring government ID, bank account information, Tax ID, and contact information for third-party new sellers.

How safe is eBay?

eBay is one of the safest marketplaces where you can create an account and start a successful business online. The eBay site implements various policies that protect its users, whether you’re a seller or a buyer. Some policies ensure they can transact honestly and that you can avoid dealing with fraudulent sellers.

They have various policies such as eBay’s money back guarantee, eBay’s authenticity guarantee, and payment protection for buyers. Therefore, you can transact on eBay with confidence.

Can a teen sell on eBay?

Yes. An account holder can permit their teenager to sell items on eBay through their account. However, the account owner’s responsible for monito their transactions online to ensure they do not violate any of eBay’s policies.