Best Things to Sell on eBay

Electronics: Always a Safe Bet

Electronics remain a top seller on eBay due to the platform's global reach and the tech-savvy audience that frequents it. Buyers often turn to eBay for both new and refurbished electronics, making it an ideal platform for resellers.

Why Electronics Thrive on eBay

eBay's older demographic (35-65) often seeks out electronics for personal use or as gifts. The platform’s auction format is excellent for high-demand gadgets, allowing competitive bidding to drive up the price. eBay's Global Shipping Program also simplifies international sales, increasing your customer base significantly.

Popular Electronics to Sell

• Smartphones: Source gently used models for $100-$200 and sell for $150-$300.
• Laptops: Expect to source them for $200-$400 and sell for $350-$600.
• Headphones: Buy high-quality headphones at $50 and sell between $80-$120.

Collectibles: eBay's Sweet Spot

eBay is famous for its thriving market in collectibles, thanks to its older demographic and auction format. Whether it’s rare coins or vintage action figures, eBay is where collectors come to bid.

Why Collectibles Are Hot on eBay

The competitive bidding process can significantly increase the final sale price of rare collectibles. Additionally, eBay’s audience is well-versed in the value of these items, making it easier to achieve sales at fair market prices.

In-Demand Collectibles

• Vintage Toys: Source for $20-$50, sell for $100-$200.
• Comic Books: Source individual issues for $5-$10, sell for $30-$100 each.
• Antique Coins: Buy at $50 per coin, auction for $100-$300.

Vintage Clothing: Nostalgia Sells

Vintage clothing continues to be a lucrative niche on eBay. The platform’s older audience appreciates the nostalgia and authenticity, while collectors search for rare pieces.

Why Vintage Clothing Works

eBay’s large audience of collectors and fashion enthusiasts makes it an ideal platform for vintage clothing. The reasonable final value fees allow you to maintain a healthy profit margin, especially when sourcing items at thrift stores or estate sales.

Top Vintage Clothing Items

• 80s Band T-Shirts: Source for $10-$20, sell for $50-$150.
• Levi's Denim: Buy at $20-$30, sell for $60-$120.
• Designer Dresses: Source for $40-$60, sell for $150-$300.

Video Games: A Growing Market

Video games and consoles have a dedicated following on eBay, with buyers often looking for both new releases and retro titles.

Why Video Games Are Perfect for eBay

eBay’s auction format allows for competitive bidding on rare or in-demand games, maximizing your sale price. Additionally, eBay’s fee structure is competitive, enabling good profit margins even after fees.

Hot Video Game Items

• Retro Consoles: Source for $50-$100, sell for $150-$300.
• Collector's Edition Games: Buy at $30-$40, sell for $80-$150.
• Rare Game Titles: Source for $20, sell for $50-$100.

Luxury Watches: Big Tickets

Luxury watches represent a high-value category that benefits from eBay's global reach and dedicated collector base.

Why Luxury Watches Sell on eBay

The platform is well-suited for rare and high-value items, with buyers often seeking verified sellers for luxury goods. With the right keywords and item specifics, your listings will attract enthusiastic bidders.

Top Luxury Watch Brands

• Rolex: Source for $5,000-$8,000, sell for $10,000-$15,000.
• Omega: Buy at $2,000-$3,000, sell for $4,000-$6,000.
• Tag Heuer: Source for $1,500, sell for $3,000.

Home Decor: Aesthetic Appeal

Home decor items are always in demand on eBay, particularly those with a vintage or unique aesthetic.

Why Home Decor Works on eBay

Buyers regularly use eBay to find unique home decor pieces that aren’t available in stores. The platform’s global reach means that your items can attract international interest, enhancing sales potential.

Popular Home Decor Items

• Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Source for $100-$200, sell for $300-$600.
• Decorative Art Pieces: Buy at $20, sell for $80-$150.
• Handmade Rugs: Source for $200, sell for $500-$1,000.

Sports Memorabilia: A Collector's Paradise

Sports memorabilia is a niche market on eBay, ideal for collectors looking for specific items related to their favorite teams or athletes.

Why Sports Memorabilia Thrives

eBay’s auction format is perfectly suited for rare and one-of-a-kind sports items, which can drive up prices significantly. Additionally, the platform's global audience allows access to fans from around the world.

Top Sports Memorabilia

• Signed Jerseys: Source for $100, sell for $250-$500.
• Collector Cards: Buy at $10, sell for $50-$100.
• Game Tickets (Historic Matches): Source for $50, sell for $200-$400.

Jewelry: Small but Mighty

Jewelry is a category that consistently performs well on eBay, especially pieces that are vintage or handmade.

Why Jewelry is a Good Fit

Jewelry benefits from eBay’s broad audience and lower shipping costs due to their small size. With the right keywords and quality images, jewelry items can attract significant attention and good profits.

Profitable Jewelry Items

• Antique Rings: Source for $50-$100, sell for $200-$400.
• Necklaces: Buy at $20, sell for $80-$150.
• Bracelets: Source for $30, sell for $100-$200.

What Not to Sell on eBay

While eBay is a versatile platform, some items just don’t work well due to high fees or mismatched audiences.

Items to Avoid

• High-Shipping-Cost Items: Bulky items can be cost-prohibitive due to shipping expenses.
• Low-Value Commodities: Items priced under $10 often yield negligible profits after fees.
• Perishables: Food items are tricky due to potential spoilage and regulations.

Fee Impact Analysis

Understanding eBay’s fee structure is crucial for calculating profits. Here’s a breakdown for items priced at $30, $80, and $200:

• $30 Item: Final value fee is 13.25% ($3.98). Take-home: $26.02.
• $80 Item: Final value fee is 13.25% ($10.90). Take-home: $69.10.
• $200 Item: Final value fee is 13.25% ($26.80). Take-home: $173.20.

Store subscribers can lower these fees, enhancing profitability.

Boosting Sales with ListingGenie

Ebay sellers can benefit from tools like ListingGenie, which helps create compelling descriptions that convert viewers into buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is eBay still a good platform for new sellers?

  Yes, eBay's vast audience and diverse categories make it ideal for new sellers to test the waters.

• How does eBay's Global Shipping Program work?

  eBay handles international shipping on your behalf, simplifying customs and international logistics.

• Are auctions or Buy It Now better on eBay?

  Use auctions for rare items where competitive bidding can drive up prices, and Buy It Now for common items with a known market value.

• What is eBay's final value fee?

  eBay charges a 13.25% final value fee on most categories, which is crucial to factor into pricing strategies.

• How can I improve my eBay search ranking?

  Utilize complete item specifics, offer free shipping, and aim for a 1-day handling time to improve search visibility.