How to Sell Sportswear on eBay

You've just cleaned out your closet and found three pairs of barely-worn Nikes, a couple of Adidas tops you never wore, and a high-end Lululemon jacket. If you're thinking of selling these on eBay, you've come to the right place. With over 135 million active buyers, eBay offers a massive platform to reach sportswear enthusiasts worldwide. Here's how you can maximize your sales and profits on eBay while navigating the nuances of its enormous marketplace.

Understanding eBay's Fee Structure

Before you start listing, it's crucial to understand eBay's fee structure. For most sportswear items, eBay charges a 13.25% final value fee (12.35% + $0.30 per order). If you're serious about selling, consider subscribing to an eBay Store, which starts at $4.95/month and offers reduced fees. Additionally, if you opt for promoted listings to boost visibility, you'll incur an extra cost between 2-20% of the item's sale price.

For example, if you sell a Lululemon jacket for $80, eBay's final value fee would be $10.90 (13.25% of $80 + $0.30). If you used a 5% promoted listing, you'd pay an additional $4, bringing total fees to $14.90. This leaves you with $65.10 before shipping costs.

Sourcing Quality Sportswear

Sourcing the right items is half the battle. Look for deals at TK Maxx or Marshalls, where you can find Nike Dri-FIT, Adidas, Under Armour, and Lululemon pieces at 50-70% off. Popular sizes such as S-L for women and M-XL for men tend to sell best. End-of-season sales are another opportunity, as sports stores often clear out football kits, running gear, and team apparel in January/February and July/August.

For more unique finds, check charity shops in affluent neighborhoods. It's not uncommon to find Lululemon leggings that retail for $98 for just £3-5. Additionally, consider liquidation websites like B-Stock for wholesale Nike/Adidas overstock, where you can secure pieces at $3-5 each.

Listing Your Sportswear on eBay

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to create an effective sportswear listing on eBay:

1. Start a New Listing: From your eBay seller account dashboard, click "Sell" to begin a new listing.
2. Choose Your Category: Enter the brand and type of item (e.g., "Nike Running Shorts") and select the most relevant category, like "Men's Athletic Apparel" or "Women's Sportswear." eBay's suggestions can help here.
3. Fill in Item Specifics: Be thorough with item specifics like size, color, material, and brand. eBay's search algorithm favors listings with complete item specifics, so don't skip this step.
4. Write a Compelling Title and Description: Use clear, keyword-rich titles like "Lululemon Define Jacket Women's Size M Black". For descriptions, detail any special features and conditions, and consider using ListingGenie's eBay listing generator (/ebay-listing) for optimized descriptions.
5. Set Your Price: Use eBay's "Buy It Now" for straightforward pricing or "Auction" for rare items. A combination, "Auction + Buy It Now", lets you test the market.
6. Add Quality Photos: Lay items flat or use a dress form. Include brand tags, tech features like mesh panels, and detailed measurements with a tape measure for accuracy.
7. Select Shipping Options: eBay favors free shipping, which boosts search rank. Use poly mailers to keep costs under $5. For international sales, consider the Global Shipping Program.
8. Review and List: Check all details, confirm any return policies (offering free returns can earn you the Top Rated Plus badge for 10% off final value fees), and then list your item.

Optimizing Sales and Visibility

To stand out on eBay, consider these tips:

• Free Returns: Offering free returns can increase buyer confidence and give you a Top Rated Plus badge, reducing your final value fee by 10%.
• Promoted Listings: Boost visibility with promoted listings. Even a small ad rate can significantly increase exposure.
• Fast Handling Time: Keep handling time to 1 day to improve search rankings and buyer satisfaction.

Photography Tips for eBay

Good photos are essential. Always lay sportswear flat or use a dress form to prevent stretching and deformation. Highlight the brand tag and any special features like reflective elements or thumb holes. Include detailed measurements to assist buyers in making informed decisions.

FAQs About Selling Sportswear on eBay

• What are the best sportswear items to sell on eBay? Nike and Adidas items are popular, while premium brands like Lululemon and Patagonia can fetch higher prices. Vintage and rare jerseys also perform well.
• How can I reduce eBay fees when selling sportswear? Consider subscribing to an eBay Store for lower fees, and aim for the Top Rated Plus badge for a 10% fee reduction.
• Should I offer free shipping on eBay? Yes, offering free shipping can boost your search ranking and appeal to more buyers.
• How do I deal with returns on eBay? Offering free returns increases buyer confidence and can earn you a Top Rated Plus badge. Always ensure your return policy is clear in the listing.