Ready to take control of your investments and execute trades like a pro on Webull Desktop? Whether you're taking profits, cutting losses, or rebalancing your portfolio, knowing how to efficiently sell your positions is a fundamental skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're confident and capable when it's time to hit that "sell" button.
Step 1: Engage with Your Portfolio - Let's See What You're Holding!
Before we dive into the mechanics of selling, let's get you acquainted with your current holdings. It's crucial to know exactly what you want to sell.
First, open your Webull Desktop application. If you haven't downloaded it yet, head to Webull's official website and grab the latest version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux are typically supported). Once it's up and running, log in with your credentials.
Now, look for the "Account" tab. This is your command center for all things related to your portfolio. Within the "Account" section, you'll find a "Positions" tab. Click on it. Here, you'll see a clear, organized list of all the stocks, ETFs, and other securities you currently own. Take a moment to review them. Identify the specific security (or securities!) you intend to sell.
Step 2: Navigating to the Sell Order - Your Path to Execution
Once you've identified the security you wish to sell, the next step is to initiate the sell order.
Sub-heading: Direct from Your Positions
Locate the Security: In your "Positions" list, find the row corresponding to the stock or ETF you want to sell.
Click "Sell to Close": Most Webull interfaces will have a clear "Sell to Close" button or link directly next to your position. Clicking this will automatically populate the sell order ticket with that specific security. This is often the quickest and most straightforward method.
Sub-heading: From the Quote Page
Alternatively, if you're already viewing the detailed quote page for a particular stock:
Find the "Trade" Button: On the stock's detailed quote page, usually prominently displayed, you'll see a "Trade" button. Click it.
Select "Sell": Within the trading interface that appears, make sure you select the "Sell" option (it might be a toggle or a separate button) rather than "Buy."
Step 3: Understanding the Sell Order Ticket - Your Key Controls
Now you're at the sell order ticket, which is where you define the specifics of your trade. This is where precision matters!
Sub-heading: Quantity - How Much Do You Want to Sell?
This is straightforward. Enter the number of shares you wish to sell. You can choose to sell a portion of your holdings or all of them. Double-check this number to avoid accidental over-selling!
Sub-heading: Order Type - The Heart of Your Trade
This is one of the most critical decisions you'll make when selling. Webull offers several order types, each serving a different purpose.
Market Order: This order type instructs Webull to sell your shares immediately at the best available current market price. While it guarantees execution, it does not guarantee a specific price. In fast-moving markets, the price you receive might be slightly different from what you saw moments before. Use with caution, especially for illiquid stocks.
Limit Order: This is arguably the safest and most recommended order type for selling. With a limit order, you specify a minimum price at which you are willing to sell your shares. Your order will only be executed if the market price reaches your specified limit price or higher. If the price doesn't hit your limit, your order won't fill. This gives you control over the execution price, but does not guarantee immediate execution.
How to set a Limit Price: Simply type in the desired minimum selling price in the "Price" field.
Stop Order (Stop Loss): A stop order is designed to limit your potential losses. You set a "stop price." If the stock's price falls to or below your stop price, your stop order is triggered and automatically becomes a market order to sell.
Important Note: Because it converts to a market order, your shares might sell below your stop price in a rapidly falling market.
Stop Limit Order: This combines aspects of both stop and limit orders. You set a "stop price" and a "limit price." If the stock's price falls to or below your stop price, a limit order is triggered at your specified limit price. This offers more control over the execution price than a regular stop order but does not guarantee execution if the market falls past your limit price.
How to set it: You'll enter both a "Stop Price" and a "Limit Price." Ensure your limit price is at or below your stop price for a sell stop-limit order.
Trailing Stop Order: This advanced order type dynamically adjusts your stop price as the stock price moves in your favor. You set a trailing amount (either a percentage or a dollar amount) below the market price. As the stock price rises, your stop price rises with it, maintaining the set distance. If the stock price falls by the trailing amount, the order triggers and becomes a market order to sell. Excellent for protecting profits while allowing for further upside.
Sub-heading: Time-in-Force (TIF) - How Long Do You Want Your Order Active?
This setting determines how long your order remains active in the market.
Day: Your order will remain active only until the end of the current trading day. If it's not filled, it will be canceled automatically. This is the default and often suitable for most intraday trades.
GTC (Good-Til-Canceled): Your order will remain active until it's filled or you manually cancel it. Be mindful of GTC orders, as market conditions can change significantly over time.
Extended Hours (Pre-Market/After-Hours): Webull allows trading during extended hours. If you select "Include Extended Hours" in the trading hours dropdown, your order can be executed outside of regular market hours (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET). Note: Only limit orders can be placed during extended hours, and liquidity can be significantly lower, leading to wider bid-ask spreads and potential price volatility.
24-Hour Market: For certain eligible stocks and ETFs, Webull offers 24-hour trading. This extends beyond regular and extended hours. Again, use a limit order and be aware of potentially lower liquidity.
Step 4: Review and Confirm - The Final Check
Before you hit that final button, always, always, always review your order.
Check all parameters: Quantity, order type, price (if applicable), and Time-in-Force.
Review estimated costs: Webull will typically show you an estimated cost or proceeds for your trade, including any regulatory or exchange fees. While Webull generally offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, regulatory fees and option contract fees may still apply.
Confirm your intent: Are you truly ready to sell?
Once you're satisfied that everything is correct, click the "Sell" or "Place Order" button.
Step 5: Order Confirmation and Monitoring - What Happens Next
After placing your order, you'll receive a confirmation.
Order Status: You can typically find your active orders under the "Orders" tab in your "Account" section. Here you can see if your order is pending, partially filled, filled, or canceled.
Modifying or Cancelling Orders: If your order hasn't been fully filled, you usually have the option to modify or cancel it. This is particularly useful for limit or stop orders if market conditions change.
Trade Confirmation: Once your order is executed (filled), you'll receive a trade confirmation, detailing the exact price and quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers to further empower your Webull Desktop selling experience:
How to check my available funds after selling? Your available funds will update in your "Account" tab under "Buying Power" or "Cash Balance" once the sale has settled. US stock trades typically follow a T+1 settlement cycle, meaning funds become fully available one business day after the trade.
How to sell fractional shares on Webull Desktop? Webull does support fractional share trading. To sell fractional shares, simply enter the fractional quantity you wish to sell in the "Quantity" field of the sell order ticket.
How to cancel a pending sell order on Webull Desktop? Navigate to your "Account" tab, then to the "Orders" section. Find the pending order you wish to cancel and click the "Cancel" button next to it.
How to set a stop-loss order on Webull Desktop? When placing a sell order, select "Stop" as the order type. Then, input your desired stop price. If the stock price falls to or below this price, a market order to sell will be triggered.
How to sell pre-market or after-hours on Webull Desktop? When setting up your sell order, look for a "Trading Hours" dropdown or toggle. Select "Include Extended Hours" or "24-Hour Market" (if applicable). Remember, only limit orders can be placed during extended hours.
How to determine the best order type for my sell?
Market Order: For immediate execution when price isn't the primary concern (e.g., exiting a position quickly).
Limit Order: For control over your selling price (recommended for most situations).
Stop Order: To limit potential losses automatically.
Trailing Stop: To protect profits while allowing for upside. Consider your risk tolerance and market conditions.
How to find my trade history on Webull Desktop? Go to your "Account" tab and look for "Trade History" or "Order History." This section will show all your past trades, including buys and sells, their prices, and execution times.
How to avoid pattern day trader (PDT) rules when selling? If you have a margin account with less than $25,000, be mindful of selling and then buying the same security within the same trading day, as this can lead to being flagged as a pattern day trader. Consider selling with a "Day" Time-in-Force to ensure orders expire if not filled.
How to understand Webull's selling fees? While Webull offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, regulatory fees (e.g., SEC fees, FINRA TAF) and exchange fees may still apply to sell orders. These are typically very small and will be shown in the "Estimated Cost" section of your order ticket.
How to sell a security I shorted on Webull Desktop (to cover)? If you have shorted a stock, you would "buy to cover" to close your position. The process is similar to buying, but you'll be reducing your short position rather than increasing a long one. Look for the "Buy to Cover" option when selecting the security.
