How to sell your NFT on OpenSea from your wallet

Understanding the Basics of Selling NFTs on OpenSea

Before initiating the sale of your NFT on OpenSea, it's essential to understand the foundational elements involved. OpenSea operates as a decentralized marketplace built primarily on the Ethereum blockchain, though it also supports other networks like Polygon, Arbitrum, and Solana. Your NFT must reside in a compatible Web3 wallet, such as MetaMask, WalletConnect, or Coinbase Wallet. These wallets allow you to interact with the OpenSea platform securely. When you connect your wallet to OpenSea, the platform scans your holdings and displays any NFTs eligible for listing. The process of selling begins with this wallet connection, which authenticates your ownership and grants OpenSea temporary permission to manage the listing process.

Connecting Your Wallet to OpenSea

To start selling, navigate to the official OpenSea website. In the top-right corner, click on the 'Profile' icon or the 'Create' button. A pop-up will prompt you to connect your wallet. Select the wallet provider you're using—MetaMask is the most commonly used. A confirmation window will appear in your wallet extension asking for permission to connect to OpenSea. Review the details and approve the connection. Once connected, your wallet address will be visible in the top-right corner of the OpenSea interface. This step is crucial because without a verified wallet connection, you cannot list or sell any NFTs. Ensure your wallet is on the correct network (e.g., Ethereum or Polygon) matching where your NFT resides.

Locating and Selecting the NFT to Sell

After connecting your wallet, go to your 'Profile' page by clicking your wallet address or profile image. This page displays all NFTs owned by your wallet across supported blockchains. Scroll through the collection or use the search bar to locate the specific NFT you wish to sell. Click on the NFT to open its detailed view. Here, you’ll see metadata, transaction history, and ownership details. To initiate the sale, click the 'Sell' button located near the top-right of the NFT’s page. This action opens the listing interface where you can configure pricing and sale type. Make sure the NFT is not already listed, as OpenSea does not allow multiple active listings for the same asset.

Choosing the Sale Type and Setting the Price

OpenSea offers multiple sale formats: fixed-price listing, declining-price (Dutch auction), and timed auction. Choose the format that suits your goals. For a fixed-price sale, enter the desired amount in ETH or another supported cryptocurrency. Ensure the price reflects market demand and recent sales of similar NFTs. For a declining-price auction, set a starting price and an ending price, along with the duration over which the price will decrease. For a timed auction, specify a reserve price and auction duration (minimum 15 minutes, maximum 60 days). After selecting the format, confirm the blockchain network and currency. Gas fees will apply, so review the estimated cost before proceeding. You can also set a royalty percentage (typically 2.5% to 10%) that you’ll earn on future resales.

Finalizing the Listing with Smart Contract Approval

Once pricing and sale type are configured, click 'Complete listing'. This triggers two critical blockchain transactions. The first is a contract approval, which authorizes OpenSea’s smart contract to manage your NFT during the sale process. This is a one-time action per collection unless you change marketplaces. Confirm this transaction in your wallet—MetaMask will prompt you to sign it. After approval, the second transaction creates the actual listing. This step requires paying a gas fee, which varies based on network congestion. Confirm this transaction as well. Upon success, your NFT will appear as 'Listed' on its OpenSea page, and buyers can now purchase it according to the terms you set. You’ll receive the proceeds directly in your connected wallet upon sale, minus platform fees (2.5%).

Monitoring and Managing Active Listings

After listing, you can monitor your NFT’s status through your OpenSea profile or the 'Listings' tab. If a buyer purchases a fixed-price NFT, the transaction executes automatically, and funds are sent to your wallet. For auctions, ensure you approve the winning bid if a reserve price was set. You can cancel a listing at any time before a sale occurs. To do so, go to the NFT’s page, click 'Cancel listing', and confirm the transaction in your wallet. Cancellation also incurs a gas fee. If the NFT doesn’t sell, you can relist it with adjusted pricing or switch sale types. Always keep your wallet secure and never share private keys during this process.

Troubleshooting Common Listing Issues

Some users encounter errors when listing NFTs. If the 'Sell' button is grayed out, verify that the NFT is not already listed or locked in another marketplace. If the wallet connection fails, disconnect and reconnect your wallet, ensuring you’re on the correct network. High gas fees may deter listing; consider switching to Polygon, which offers near-zero fees. If the transaction stalls, check the blockchain explorer (e.g., Etherscan) using the transaction hash. You can also speed up or cancel pending transactions via your wallet interface. For NFTs from newer collections, ensure the contract is compatible with OpenSea’s listing standards—some require manual verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I list an NFT that’s part of a collection not verified on OpenSea?Yes, you can still list unverified collection NFTs. OpenSea allows listings even if the collection lacks official verification. However, buyers may be cautious, and some features like floor price tracking might not work properly. Ensure the NFT’s metadata is accessible and the contract is functional.

What happens if my NFT sells while I’m offline?The sale process is automated through smart contracts. If someone buys your NFT at a fixed price or wins an auction, the funds are automatically sent to your wallet address. You don’t need to be online for the transaction to complete. Check your wallet later to confirm the receipt of funds.

Do I have to pay gas fees every time I list an NFT?You pay gas fees only for the initial contract approval (per collection) and when creating or canceling a listing. On Ethereum, these fees vary. Using Polygon reduces or eliminates gas costs for listing and canceling, making it cost-effective for frequent sellers.

Can I edit the price after my NFT is listed?Yes, you can edit the price of an active listing. Go to your profile, find the listed NFT, click on it, and select 'Edit listing'. Adjust the price and confirm the change with a wallet transaction. This update is reflected immediately on the marketplace.