September 18, 2024

From Clutter to Cash: The 5 Best Things to Sell on eBay

Tired of thinking about what to sell on eBay that sells fast? Here, we've done the entire research on the best things to sell on eBay in 2024.

With all the fuss about e-commerce gradually becoming one of the biggest industries in the world, this might as well be the best time to go into it.

If you intend to start your e-commerce journey by selling on sites like eBay and don’t own any popular brands, you should first know what moves the market.

By this, we mean learning about the best things to sell on eBay; what products have more demand on the platform.

To prepare you for this, we’ve done all the hard work—rigorously researching eBay’s selling trends—and come up with a review of the best items you can sell now, in 2023.

And you’ll also find tips to improve your chances of success on the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • E-commerce is booming; now's an ideal time to start selling on eBay.
  • Top eBay categories: consumer electronics, clothing, collectibles, home/garden, health/beauty.
  • Research trends, use eBay tools, and provide excellent service for success.
  • Selling on eBay offers large audience reach but includes fees and competition.

Our Review Method

To ensure accurate and updated data, we consulted several sources. These include online retail industry reports, market research studies, and eBay’s internal data on best-selling products.

We also considered market demand, product pricing, competition level, and shipping and handling logistics.

The aim was to identify items in high demand and relatively easy to sell on the eBay platform.

To do this, we checked sales data, conducted keyword research, and reviewed popular product categories to understand trends and search volume.

From here, we could identify the most popular and profitable product categories. But these categories are a wild list, so we researched specific products to find the best-selling and most profitable items.

The Top 5 Best Things to Sell on eBay in (2024)

After much research, here are the top-selling items on eBay that can bring you a good profit if you play your cards well.

1. Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics are one of eBay’s most popular product categories, with several items available for sale.

According to eBay’s 2023 Q1 earnings report, the company’s Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) for the electronics category was $6.8 billion, representing a 4% increase from the previous year.

This indicates that it continues to be in high demand among shoppers, making it one of the top-selling items on eBay in 2023.

Some of eBay’s most popular items in consumer electronics are video game consoles and accessories.

According to eBay’s 2021 Spring Seller Update, sales of gaming products on the platform increased by 73% in 2020.

Part of the factors driving this demand was the release of new gaming consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Next to this are laptops, smartphones, and tablets. There’s a high demand for them due to the increased demand for remote work and online learning.

2. Clothing and Accessories

Another popular category on eBay that features some of the best things to sell for profit is clothing and accessories.

With merchant sales volume up by 10% in 2023, it’s certainly a category you want to look into

Women’s clothing and accessories are among the best-selling items within this category. This doesn’t come as a surprise since, factually, women shop more than men.

In 2020’s eBay Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping periods, women’s clothing recorded some of the highest orders, with over 13 million units sold.

Men’s clothing, followed by shoes and jewelry, is the next hot-selling item within this category.

3. Collectibles

Collectible items are one of the surprising things that sell well on eBay, with millions of items available for purchase.

According to eBay’s 2023 Q1 earnings report, the company’s Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) for the collectibles category was $2.3 billion, representing a 23% increase from the previous year.

A report by Magnify Money states that over 61% of Americans are self-proclaimed collectors.

With 33% of eBay users coming from the United States of America, we can understand why this is among the top-selling products on the platform.

One of the most popular types of collectibles on eBay is sports memorabilia. eBay has a dedicated section for sports memorabilia, which includes items such as autographed jerseys, trading cards, and game-used equipment.

Other top-selling collectibles on eBay include vintage clothing and antique items. And selections like furniture and artwork are in high demand in this category.

Other items with decent sales volume on eBay include trading cards and pop culture collectibles such as movie and TV memorabilia, comic books, and video game collectibles.

Related: How to Sell Funko Pops

4. Home and Garden Products

In the US alone, the home sector was valued at $841.9 billion in 2020, with up to a 17% increase in online sales on platforms like eBay.

These products are in high demand and have become one of the easiest things to sell on eBay. With over a 28% increase in GMV since 2021, we can suggest selling them if you’re new to eBay.

In this category, furniture seems to be topping the charts. eBay has several furniture products, including sofas, beds, and dining sets.

According to a press release by eBay, demand for refurbished home products like sofas and furniture has increased by 74%, with searches for sustainable and eco furniture rising to 170%.

Outdoor and gardening products are also popular on eBay. This category includes items like patio furniture, grills, pet supplies, and gardening tools.

According to eBay’s 2020 Holiday Shopping Report, outdoor and gardening products were the third-most popular category during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping periods, with over 750,000 items sold.

5. Health and Beauty Products

Health and beauty products have become a popular category on eBay recently.

In the past two years, the platform has recorded over a 25% increase in sales within this category, which means there’s a decent amount of constant demand for them.

One of the most popular products in the health and beauty category on eBay is skincare. eBay has a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and face masks.

Makeup products like eyeshadow palettes, primers, and enhancing serums are also trending in this category. And you’ll also find personal care products popular on eBay as well.

If you intend to go in this line, hair care products, fragrances, and oral care products might be your best bet.

Others

Surprisingly, you can sell several free things on eBay for cash. Some of them include:

  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Driftwood
  • Sea Glass
  • Empty glass bottles
  • Large pine cones

How Do You Find High Demand Items on eBay?

Selling high-demand products can help you maximize your potential sales. Here are some simple steps to find them on eBay:

Research eBay’s “Trending” Section

eBay’s Trending section shows you the top-performing products on the platform. You can find this section by scrolling down on eBay’s homepage or searching for “trending” on eBay.

Use this section as a starting point to identify popular product categories and items.

Use eBay’s Advanced Search Feature

Besides finding trending products with eBay’s search bar, there’s an advanced search feature to narrow down your search results.

You can search based on specific criteria, such as product category, price range, and location. This can be useful for identifying high-demand items within a particular category or price range.

Check eBay’s “Completed” Listing

Completed listings show you the final selling prices of items sold on the platform. This can be a vital way to identify high-demand products and gauge their market value.

To access completed listings, click on “Advanced” next to the search bar, check the box next to “Sold listings” under “Search including,” and enter your search criteria.

Check Other Online Marketplaces

While eBay is a popular platform for online sales, other marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy can also provide insights into high-demand products.

Check these marketplaces for popular products and cross-reference them with eBay to see if they’re in high demand on both platforms.

Related: What to Sell on Amazon, What to Sell on Etsy

Use Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or eBay’s Terapeak can help you identify high-demand keywords and products on eBay.

Use these tools to search for popular keywords within your product category and see what products come up.

Is it Worth it to Sell on eBay?

eBay has several pros and cons, but let’s see if it’s worth the trouble.

Pros of Selling on eBay

1. Large Scale Immediately

One of the biggest advantages of selling on eBay is its fast reach to a large audience.

eBay has over 133 million active buyers globally, which means that you have the potential to reach a larger customer base without the need for a physical storefront or other marketing channels.

2. Get a Higher Price

Selling on eBay can often lead to selling your products at a high rate than when you sell through other channels.

This is because eBay has a bidding system, so buyers are often willing to pay more than the asking price for items they desperately want, resulting in a higher profit margin for you.

3. Easy to Set Up

Setting up an eBay account and listing items for sale is relatively straightforward.

eBay provides tools and resources to guide you through the process, including step-by-step instructions and best practices for successful selling.

4. Seller Protections

eBay offers several protections to sellers, including dispute resolution services, buyer feedback systems, and seller performance standards.

These protections can help you minimize the risks associated with selling online and build a reputation as a trusted seller.

5. Can Get Healthcare With PowerSeller Status

The PowerSeller program is designed to recognize and reward high-performing sellers.

One of the benefits of achieving PowerSeller status is access to healthcare through eBay’s partnership with Marsh Advantage America.

This can be a valuable benefit for sellers who are self-employed or don’t have access to healthcare through other channels.

Related: Is eBay Safe?

Cons of Selling on eBay

1. Lots of Fees

eBay charges several fees to sellers, including listing fees, final value fees, and payment processing fees going up to 11% per sale.

These fees can reduce your profit, especially for low-margin items like hygiene products, household chemicals, and underwear.

2. Not Much Control Over Listings

eBay has strict policies and guidelines for listings, which can limit a seller’s control over their listings. For example, eBay uses an automated system that can place a limit on the number of items you can list.

There are several cases where this is possible. For instance, if you have a poor rating and customers are constantly dissatisfied with your deliveries, you might face restrictions like this.

This also applies to new sellers or those who violate eBay’s seller policies.

3. Lots of Competition

eBay is a highly competitive marketplace, with millions of sellers offering a wide range of products. This can make it difficult to stand out and attract potential customers.

4. Have to Ship Items Quickly

On eBay, there are strict requirements for shipping times, and you’re expected to ship items quickly after customers make payments.

This can be a challenge if you don’t have the resources to process orders quickly or live in remote areas with limited shipping options.

5. Must Adapt to Changes on the Site

eBay frequently changes its site and policies, which can be challenging to keep up with. Be ready to adapt quickly to these changes to remain competitive on the platform.

Verdict: Is it Worth it to Sell on eBay?

Despite its disadvantages, selling on eBay can be a worthwhile venture for you. There’s a large and diverse customer base, easy setup, seller protections, and the potential for high profits.

However, the decision to sell on eBay will depend on individual circumstances, including the nature of the products sold, the competition, and your ability to adapt to changes on the site.

Tips for Selling on eBay

To maximize the selling opportunities on eBay, here are a few tips you can keep to heart.

1. Create an Appealing Listing

When creating a listing on eBay, it’s necessary to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. You can do this by:

  • Using high-quality images.
  • Writing detailed and accurate descriptions.
  • Highlighting the product features.

2. Set Competitive Price

Setting a competitive price is crucial to attracting buyers on eBay.

Research the average sales prices of similar items from top-selling brands on the platform and set yours accordingly.

You can also consider offering discounts, small freebies, or promotions to attract more buyers.

3. Offer Free Shipping

Offering free shipping is a proven way to increase sales on eBay.

Buyers are often more likely to purchase from sellers offering free shipping, even if the item is more expensive than competitors.

A rule of thumb here will be to add shipping costs to the selling price so that you can state shipping as free while keeping your profit.

4. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Excellent customer service is vital to building a good reputation on eBay.

And it’s also essential to your eBay business’s success; it only takes a few steps. Some things you can do to improve your customer service rating include:

  • Responding promptly to buyer questions and concerns.
  • Shipping items quickly and securely.
  • Resolving any issues that arise professionally.

5. Manage Your Inventory

Proper inventory management can help you maintain accurate listings and avoid overselling.

Try to track your inventory levels regularly and update your listings accordingly. You should consider using inventory management software or tools to help streamline the process.

Wrapping Up

The best things to sell on eBay are within several categories like consumer electronics, home and garden, health and beauty, and collectibles.

If you’re starting, you can start by selling smaller items within a niche you’re comfortable with, or better yet, sell free stuff like empty perfume bottles or used toilet rolls to gain some experience.

If you’re having challenges choosing a product to sell on eBay or have any questions, please drop them in the comment section. We’ll be more than happy to help out!

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