How to get Skype Button on your listings

 Note: I cannot put a Skype button on this guide (because the link is not in eBay)

I wrote this guide because I had so much trouble getting skype to show up in my listings and could not get quick answers from eBay (powerseller portal) nor Skype.

Introduction to Skype:

Skype is just another instant messaging system like Yahoo messenger, AOL messinger, Microsoft messenger and most of the others.  The difference is that it is an eBay company and they have found a way for you to talk from your computer to anyone who has a telephone or a computer.  Skype is offering free calls from Skype to any telephone in the US until the end of the year.

Ebay feels that it will be the next great way for you to communicate with your buyers.

I have not used Skype long and am just getting started.  I do know that through personal experience with IM (Instant Messaging), it becomes very hard to get work done if you make yourself available to your customers so easy and all the time.  What happens is IM customers do not read ANYTHING in your listings and then start asking you questions about your product or service that is already displayed in the ad.   What is nice about Skype is that you can tell them quickly what they want to know instead of IMing (writing) back and forth.

How to get started:

If you follow the directions below you can have skype working in your listings in 10-15 minutes.

First you will need to get a skype account and download the software on your system

Goto Skype*com and click on the download button.

Install Skype

Open your new Skype application

Click the “Don’t have a Skype Name” link. The Create a new Skype Account dialog will display.

Follow the instructions to create a new Skype account.

Goto Tools / options and click on the privacy button on the left

Click on the Allow my status to be shown on the web box

Click Learn More which will take you to a skype website

Click on Get a button - create a button for your ebay listings - NOTE:  in step 4 select Email HTML - The web HTML will not work because it uses scripts.

Copy the code and put it somewhere you can retreive it later.

Your Skype is now set up to use.

Now lets set up eBay and then your auction.

Goto My Ebay

On the left click on My Account / Preferences

On the right scroll down to Member-to-Member Communication Preferences 
 
 
      Skype preferences Show  

       Link your Skype account to eBay and edit your Skype preferences.

Click on show then edit and add your skype name.

This is supposed to give you a skype button on your listings - but it only works in some categories - not all.

So if no skype button shows up in your listing you must do it manually.

Goto your listing and revise the description - insert your saved button code into your listing and save.

You will now be able to communicate by Skype to your users.

Helpful Links:

eBay Help Pages for Skype

Skype Discussion Board on eBay

Categories where Skype buttons are inserted automatically

Happy Skyping!

PS.  Click on the yes button below if you think this guide was helpful.