This will open the registration page.  The registration form is straightforward. It uses a series of text boxes and several drop-down boxes.

• The first two text boxes are for your first and last names. Next come two address text boxes. If you have a short address, just put it in the first box. Next comes a city text box and then a state drop-down box. Next is a zip code text box, followed by a drop-down box for a country. The top choice, which is already displayed, is the United States.

• The next part of the form is for telephone numbers. To register, a primary phone number must be provided. The first text box is for the area code, the second is for the first three digits of the telephone number, and the third is for the last four digits. There is also an text box for an extension. A secondary telephone number can be added, and the text boxes follow the same entry format.

• eBay users must be at least 18 years old, so you need to enter your date of birth on the registration form using two drop-down boxes and an text box. The first drop-down box is for the month, the second is for the day, and the text box is for the year. Next come two text boxes to enter and then reenter your e-mail address.

• Finally, you are presented with eBay's rules and privacy policy. If you agree to these rules, check the I Agree box and then activate the Continue button.
  Now it is time to choose a user identification (ID). Pick an ID that you will remember. Do not use your name unless it is the name of your business. Your user ID identifies you to other eBay users. eBay will display several choices for a user ID via radio buttons. You can pick one of eBay's suggestions or check the radio button that says, "Create Your Own ID." Right below this radio button is the text box to enter an ID. Note that e-mail messages from eBay always include your user name.

• Since so many people use eBay, it is possible that your first choice for a user ID will have already been taken by someone else. If it has, eBay will give you several options for creating a new one. There are three text boxes where eBay asks you to name three of your favorite things. If you fill out these text boxes and choose the Create New User ID button, eBay will display several choices. Select the one that you want by checking its radio button. Another option is just to enter a new user ID in the user ID text box. You may have to try many times with this method.

• The next two text boxes are for entering and then reentering a password. The password must be at least six characters. Next comes a security measure in case you forget your password. The first part of the security measure consists of a drop-down box where you choose a question that eBay will ask if you forget your password. Questions include What is your mother's maiden name? What is your pet's name? and What street did you grow up on? Once you select a question, type the answer in the text box that is below the question. Then select the Continue button.

• Once your user name, password, and secret question have been accepted, a new page will come up telling you to check your e-mail. You will quickly receive an e-mail message from eBay explaining how to validate your registration. To perform this task, just select the line Complete eBay Registration in the e-mail. Once your registration is validated, you can buy and sell on eBay.

• Before you shop or list an item for sale, it is a good idea to visit the Track Your eBay Activities link. If you have not already signed in, activating the link will bring up the form. Once you are signed in, you can view and manage various aspects of your eBay activities. You can track items of interest, receive and send messages to and from sellers, have eBay keep you signed in on the computer you are using, and much more. It is definitely worth the time to review this section.
  (AFB Ebay101)