Sell custom products without inventory
It makes sense that you want to find out how to make money on eBay. With 1.2 billion monthly visits, it’s one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world.
Whether you want to earn extra cash with a side hustle or build a full-fledged online business, eBay provides the audience and all the tools you need to turn your goals into reality.
Our guide covers the latest tips and tricks to maximize your success and teaches you everything you need to know about how to make money selling on eBay.
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Key takeaways
- eBay is a great place to sell just about anything, whether brand new or gently used, in bulk or one at a time.
- Success on eBay starts with setting up a professional seller profile and creating eye-catching listings with competitive prices to attract buyers.
- Offering top-notch customer service and fast shipping will keep eBay customers happy and improve your seller rating.
- Using eBay’s promotional tools like Offsite Ads or the subscription-based Promotions Manager can significantly increase your eBay sales.
- Expand your product range, use automation tools, and closely monitor your store’s performance metrics to grow your eBay venture successfully.
Understanding eBay
eBay is an eCommerce marketplace that allows individuals and businesses to buy and sell a large selection of products.
If you want to open a Seller account, here’s what eBay offers:
- No Upfront Costs
Start selling without any initial investment; you’ll only pay fees once an item is sold.
- Large Customer Base
Gain exposure to a vast audience of prospective buyers, increasing sales potential worldwide.
- Ease of Use
Opening a seller account, listing products, and starting your sales journey is a straightforward process.
- Built-In Traffic
eBay’s large user base means built-in traffic, so you don’t need extensive marketing to reach buyers – they’re already searching on the platform.
- Marketing and Promotional Tools
eBay subscriptions offer promotional tools to help increase your listings’ visibility and drive sales.
eBay hosts a diverse selection of products and services, catering to a wide range of consumer needs and interests, including:
- Electronics and Gadgets: Features smartphones, computers, and accessories.
- Fashion and Apparel: Offers clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages and styles.
- Collectibles and Memorabilia: Has rare items, antiques, and vintage toys.
- Home and Garden: Provides furniture, decor, and household essentials.
- Specialty Categories: Includes automotive parts, health products, and craft supplies.
Set up your eBay account
If you already have a personal account, it’s easy to use it to sell items on eBay. However, setting up a separate account for business is worth considering.
Let’s go over the steps on how to become an eBay seller.
Step-by-step guide
Register an eBay account:
- Visit eBay’s Website
Go to eBay.com and click Register in the top left corner. Alternatively, click Sell in the top right corner, choose a product to sell, and only then fill out the registration form. - Fill in Your Information
Enter your first name, last name, email address, and create a password. Click Create account. - Verify Your Email
Check your email for a message from eBay. Click the verification link to confirm your account. - Set Up Security Measures
Add security questions or enable two-factor authentication for extra protection.
Click Sell in the top right corner to access the Seller Hub and configure your Seller profile:
- Complete Your Profile
Add a professional profile picture – a clear headshot or your business logo. Write a short, engaging bio highlighting your selling experience. - Payments
eBay will manage all payments and offers popular options, including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo, so you won’t need to worry about setting up the right payment gateways. - Set Up Seller Preferences
In the Selling section, adjust your shipping, returns, and communication preferences. Clear policies help build trust with buyers.
Choose the right account type:
- Personal Account:
Perfect for casual sellers or those just starting out. It’s easy to set up and ideal for selling personal items. - Business Account:
Offers advanced tools, higher selling limits, and the option to use your business name for a more professional appearance.
It’s possible to switch your account type back at any point by going to My eBay → Account → Personal information → Account type → Edit.
Go through our advice on how to start an eBay store for additional tips.
Tips for success
- Add a Professional Profile Picture
Use a high-quality, professional image. A clean logo works best for businesses, while a friendly headshot is excellent for individual sellers. - Write an Engaging Bio
Write a concise bio that explains who you are, what you sell, and why buyers should trust you. Highlight any relevant experience or expertise. - Publish Clear Policies
Clearly state your shipping, return, and customer service policies. Being transparent builds buyer trust and prevents misunderstandings. - Stick to Consistent Branding
Keep your branding consistent across your profile, product listings, and communication. Use the same logo, color schemes, and tone of voice. - Receive Positive Feedback
Provide excellent service to earn positive reviews from eBay buyers. Your feedback score will lead your business to success and loyal customers. - Regular Updates
Keep your profile information current. Update your bio, profile picture, and policies to reflect any changes in your selling practices or business focus.
Go through our tips for selling on eBay to attract more buyers and maximize your sales potential.
Decide what to sell
Whether clearing your attic from unwanted things, flipping items, or sourcing products from third-party suppliers, making informed decisions about what to list on your online store can significantly impact your sales and profits.
Research other eBay sellers and market demand
First, you’ll need to find your niche market of eBay customers. Choose areas that align with your interests and expertise, as that will help you identify market trends and understand which products you should add to your store.
Identify Profitable Niches:
- Look for Market Gaps
Go through what other sellers offer and find areas where demand exceeds supply. These gaps can be profitable market niches.
- High-Demand, Low-Competition
Look for products that have high buyer interest but few sellers.
- Seasonal and Trending Products
Consider products that are in demand during certain seasons or are currently trending.
Tools and Resources for Market Research:
- eBay’s Search Bar
eBay searches will give you insights on profitable items. Look at completed listings to identify trends.
- Keyword Research
Use online tools like Semrush and Google Trends to check the popularity of targeted keywords, find trending search terms, and review customer interest over time.
Types of products
New vs Used Items:
- New Items
These are brand-new, unused products. They often come with higher prices and appeal to buyers looking for the latest and best.
- Used Items
Pre-owned products attract potential buyers looking to save money, but they can also go for a higher price if you’re selling hard-to-find items like vintage clothing.
To build trust with buyers, make sure that used items are in good condition and accurately described.
Wholesale vs Retail:
- Wholesale
Buying in bulk from manufacturers or distributors usually means lower costs per unit. This can be profitable if you have the storage space and capital to purchase large quantities.
- Retail
Purchasing smaller quantities, often from other retailers or online marketplaces, can be more flexible but might come with higher per-unit costs.
Source inventory
Where to Find Products to Sell?
- Thrift Stores
Great for finding unique, vintage, or collectible items at low prices. Perfect for sellers looking to offer one-of-a-kind products.
- Wholesale Suppliers
Purchase large quantities of products directly from manufacturers or distributors at lower costs. Websites like Alibaba and SaleHoo can help connect you with suppliers.
- Dropshipping
Partner with dropshipping suppliers who handle inventory and shipping. You list the products on eBay, and the supplier ships directly to your customers.
This model requires minimal upfront investment and no storage space.
Explore our guide on eBay dropshipping to understand how it works.
- Local Marketplaces and Auctions
Flea markets, garage sales, and local auctions can be treasure troves for profitable resale items.
- Online Marketplaces
Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other online platforms can offer good deals on items that are great for reselling.
Create listings
Creating effective listings
eBay’s quick listing tool makes it easy to choose the right product category and shows you similar listings to use as templates to create your own.
Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics in your product listings, using relevant keywords to drive organic traffic from popular search engines like Google to your eBay listing.
- Compelling Titles. Craft clear, concise, natural, and descriptive titles that include important keywords.
- Detailed Descriptions. Highlight features, benefits, and unique points.
- Transparency. Be clear about the item’s condition.
- High-Quality Photos. Multiple shots, good lighting, high-resolution, neutral background, and zoom feature enabled. Learn how to take product photos.
Easily list items and pay the final value fee only after they sell.
Go through our tips on eBay SEO to drive traffic to your store.
Pricing strategies
Developing an effective pricing strategy is essential to make money selling items on eBay. Calculate the base product and shipping costs, factor in eBay fees, and price for profit to guarantee your pricing covers all expenses and earns you money.
eBay will charge $0.35 insertion fees for listing products on the marketplace, but you’ll receive 250 free listings.
Additionally, final value fees range from 3% to 15% of the total sale price, including the selling price, sales tax, payment processing, shipping, and other applicable fees, plus a $0.30 charge per order.
- Condition-Based Pricing. Price new items higher and used items lower.
- Best Offer Option. Allow for price negotiation.
- Discounts and Promotions. Use occasional discounts and sales to draw in potential buyers.
Conduct regular market research to stay informed about current pricing trends and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Auction vs Buy it now
Choose the best-selling option for your item based on your sales goals and the nature of the product.
- Auctions can drive competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher final prices. This method creates excitement and urgency among buyers, ideal for rare, collectible, or hard-to-find products, as the bidding process can significantly increase the perceived value.
It’s possible to set a reserve price as the lowest price you’re willing to sell an item for. - Buy It Now provides certainty with a fixed price, appealing to buyers looking for immediate purchase options.
This method is perfect for items with a well-established market value or for eBay sellers looking to sell an item quickly. It reduces the uncertainty of auction outcomes, ensuring a predictable and consistent sales experience.
Manage sales and customer service
Order fulfillment
Make sure you promptly process orders, package items securely, and ship them on time to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Packaging and Shipping
Packaging plays a crucial role in protecting items during transit. Use appropriate packaging materials and secure fragile items with padding.
- Handling Shipping Costs and Choosing Carriers
Calculate shipping costs accurately based on item weight, dimensions, and destination. Compare carrier rates and services to offer affordable shipping options to buyers.
Offer free shipping
Attract more views and increase sales by selling items with free shipping.
It’s essential to accurately calculate shipping costs based on item specifics to guarantee profitability while remaining competitive.
Clearly outlining your shipping policies, including any conditions for free shipping, helps manage buyer expectations and enhances transparency.
Using free shipping as a promotional strategy can increase your visibility, potentially leading to higher sales and happier customers.
Customer service
Effective customer service is important for eBay sellers to maintain buyer satisfaction and loyalty.
Respond promptly to buyer messages and establish clear return policies aligned with eBay’s guidelines. Address negative feedback quickly and professionally to maintain positive buyer relationships.
Encourage buyers to leave positive feedback by providing excellent service and delivering as promised. Offer incentives like discounts on future purchases for leaving positive feedback. Follow up with buyers to ensure satisfaction.
A positive feedback score is your way to becoming a Top Rated Seller on eBay. Achieving this status grants the Top Rated Plus seal on qualifying listings, offering your buyers a free 30-day or longer return window and same-day or one-business-day shipping with tracking.
Promote your eBay store
Marketing strategies
Try various marketing strategies to increase visibility and drive traffic to your online business.
Harness the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your eBay listings. Share engaging content, showcase products, and encourage followers to visit your eBay store.
Check out our guide on how to get more views on eBay for additional tips.
Building a brand
Create a strong brand identity on eBay to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
- Design a memorable logo that embodies your brand’s core values and personality. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easily recognizable.
- Establish a cohesive color palette and visual style that reflects your brand’s identity and appeals to your target audience.
- Develop clear and compelling brand messaging that communicates your business’s mission, values, and unique selling proposition.
- Maintain consistency in language and tone across all communication channels, including eBay listings, customer interactions, and social media.
Scale your eBay business
Advanced selling techniques
You don’t need a subscription to use the Seller Hub to manage your inventory, track sold items, and launch Offsite Ads, but you’ll need to invest in an eBay Store subscription to gain access to more advanced promotional tools.
Go for the Starter plan to access the Promotions Manager, which will allow you to set order and shipping discounts, create coupons, launch sales events, and offer volume pricing discounts.
Upgrade to higher-tier subscriptions like the Basic or Premium plans to access Terapeak, which uses eBay’s supply, demand, and pricing data to give you detailed insights on what to sell.
Expanding product lines
Broadening your product range on eBay can help you reach more customers and boost sales. Consider adding related items or exploring a new product category that complements your current product offer.
Collaborate with reliable suppliers to expand your product selection, and consider using services like Printify to create custom products with your own designs. We offer over 900 custom products and a global network of Print Providers.
Make sure to stay updated on trending products in your niche to capitalize on market demand.
Review the top-selling items on eBay to find popular products to start selling on this popular eCommerce marketplace.
Track your performance
Monitor and analyze your eBay business performance to make informed decisions on how to make more money.
- Use eBay Analytics Tools
eBay’s analytics dashboard helps track sales trends, monitor listing performance, and identify growth opportunities.
- Set and Evaluate Business Goals
Define measurable goals such as sales targets, profit margins, or customer acquisition metrics. Regularly assess progress and adjust strategies to achieve business objectives effectively.
FAQ
Although eBay is a crowded marketplace, many sellers generate substantial income on eBay by effectively managing their listings, leveraging market demand, and providing excellent customer service.
The profitability of eBay items varies widely based on market demand, trends, and competition. Electronics, fashion accessories, and collectibles often fetch higher prices, but your success depends on thorough market research and strategic pricing.
Some sellers earn extra cash on the side, while others achieve substantial revenue streams comparable to full-time jobs or businesses.
To make the most money on eBay’s marketplace, focus on a niche market, follow popular trends, optimize listings, provide excellent customer service, expand your product range, and use promotional tools.
Supercharge your eBay sales by implementing effective listing strategies, setting competitive pricing, and offering excellent customer service.
Consistently source in-demand products, optimize product listings for search visibility, and take advantage of eBay’s promotional tools to start making money.
You first need to create an eBay profile if you don’t have one already. Then, list a few items to familiarize yourself with the process.
Research similar products to price competitively, write detailed and honest descriptions, and use high-quality photos. Provide excellent customer service by responding promptly, shipping quickly, and packaging securely.
Conclusion
Mastering eBay in 2024 opens doors to profitability, whether you’re clearing clutter from your house or launching a full-scale business.
Set up a professional seller profile, craft compelling listings at a reasonable price, and use eBays marketing tools to attract potential buyers.
Partner with Printify to start making money selling custom print-on-demand products!
