Yes, you're anxious to get started, but don't click on an auction site's Sell button just yet. First, be aware that many items cannot be sold online. Lists of banned or questionable items vary from one auction site to another. However, eBay's lists are an excellent and comprehensive starting place to review.

From eBay's main page, click on the small Site Map link just above the My eBay tab. The screen will display headings in the following categories:

• Buy

• Sell

• Search

• Help

• Services

• Community

Scroll down to the bottom of the page. In the lower-left corner, under the Help heading, click on the link: Is my item allowed on eBay? This will open the Is My Item Allowed? screen. On that page, several lists are displayed under the heading Prohibited, Questionable, and Infringing Items. Here is what these major categories mean:

• Prohibited items: These may not be sold, period.

• Questionable items: These require further investigation by the seller. Some may qualify to be listed for auction, but many will not.

• Possibly infringing items: These may violate copyrights, trademarks, or other protections if they are sold online.

Under each category, eBay has links to discussions of their meanings, plus expanded lists of the items rated as prohibited, questionable, or possibly infringing.

Seller, Be Aware

A seller is responsible for what she lists for sale on online auction sites. If something in one of the prohibited, questionable, or infringing categories is posted, auction site personnel may remove her listing as soon as they spot it. Some online auction sites ask their members to act as site monitors and report any questionable or improper listings. If you post a listing for a banned item, your selling privileges may be revoked. So, it is vital to know that there are items that may be trouble. You don't have to memorize the lists, but you will need to refer to them when choosing certain items to sell.

The best approach for your first auction is to steer clear of anything on the warning lists. Pick an item commonly auctioned. It can be something from your garage or closet or storage cabinet, such as a camera, a nice but unwanted vase, a floppy drive for a computer, or even an old lunch box. You may be surprised at what people need or collect.

If several items exactly like yours, or similar, are being sold on the online auction site and closed auctions can first be found, you can be sure there is a market for your item, and it will be a safe item to list and sell.