eBay Education Specialists are a group of eBay users, taught by eBay, that teach others how to buy and sell on eBay.  The classes they teach are similar to the ones that are taught by eBay employees at EBAY UNIVERSITY.  The basic class outline is the same if you go to an eBay University or to a class taught by an eBay Education Specialist.  But not all classes are equal.  Each teacher, good in their own right, has a little bit different twist on how they use eBay so emphasis is a bit different in each class. 

eBay University travels around the United States from city to city, and usually only makes it major cities once a year.  Hundreds of students show up to each University.  Education Specialist classes, however, are more frequent and can often be set up to fit into your particular schedule.  eBay started the specialist program so that people wanting hands on teaching would be able to find a class near them when they are ready to learn.

eBay users have been helping each other learn how to use eBay on the boards since eBay began in September 1995.   And you can still get helpful information on the boards anytime.  But when you just want to sit down and watch, learn and be taught how to put a listing on eBay, then the Basics of Selling on eBay is the right class for you.  It should probably be called the best practices of selling on eBay.  It takes the new seller, (or even someone who has been selling for awhile) and shows you the steps necessary to get the best deal for your listing on eBay.  Then it goes beyond the listing, teaching you alot about how to get the item to the buyer and have a positive transaction.

The advantage of eBay Education Specialist programs is the size and the availability.  Classes are far more often, and usually somewhere between 4 to 100 students.  They might be held at the local library, the community center, the local high school or college, or even at a local restaurant.  The local specialist finds the location that best fits the demand in your area.  Some instructors even have one on one private classes. 

eBay Education specialists are trained by eBay.  Instructors provide you with the most up to date information, curriculum and course materials.  There are two classes to choose from.

The Basics of Selling on eBay - or the best practices of listing an item teaching:

• Open a sellers Account
• Do research  and create a listing
• Improved listing with better descriptions
• Taking the best photograph for eBay
• Open and using a PayPal account
• Monitor your listings
• How to complete your transaction

Beyond the Basics of Selling - start or grow an eBay business

• Choosing the right listing format
• Creating compelling listings
• Useing eBay Listing tools
• Market your eBay business
• Benefits of an eBay store
• Pack and Ship Inventory
• Use on line payments from PayPal

eBay Stores - learn how to open a store the right way

• eBay stores 101
• optimizing your ebay store
• how to market your eBay store effectively
• understanding your business with eBay store Traffic Reporting

Its easy to find the right eBay Education Specialist for you,  eBay has created a directory of all Education Specialist.  By entering your zip code, you can either find instructors or classes nearest to you.  Use the eBay University link in the site map section, and click on the find an instructor or class link to take you to the Education Specialist Directory.  Shop around, not all instructors are the same, not all classes are the same price.  And, by all means, check the feedback rating of your instructor.  Those stars next to their name or class are a good indication of how the students graded the classes they have taken from that teacher.  Get in contact with the Specialist, tell them what you want to learn, and how you are planning to sell, and find out if they are offering a class that will fit your need.   Often times you can get private lessons that will help too.