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eBay

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e-commercemarketplaceonline auctionc2cb2cretailcollectiblesshoppingused goods

A pioneering global online marketplace connecting millions of buyers and sellers through auction-style and fixed-price listings for a vast array of new, used, and collectible goods.


eBay is a foundational e-commerce platform that created a global C2C and B2C marketplace for nearly any imaginable item. It uniquely blends two purchasing models: dynamic auction-style bidding and straightforward fixed-price 'Buy It Now' sales. The platform serves a vast audience, from casual users selling secondhand items and collectors hunting for rarities, to small businesses and large enterprises using it as a primary sales channel. eBay's enduring value proposition lies in its immense global reach, the sheer diversity of its inventory, and robust systems like its Money Back Guarantee and user-based feedback. These mechanisms build trust and facilitate transactions on a massive scale for both new and pre-owned products.

Pros

  • Massive built-in global audience with over 130 million active buyers.
  • Unparalleled variety of products, ranging from common consumer goods to rare and niche collectibles.
  • Flexible selling formats, including both auction-style bidding and fixed-price sales.
  • Strong buyer and seller protection policies like the eBay Money Back Guarantee.
  • Low barrier to entry for casual sellers with a generous number of free monthly listings.

Cons

  • Seller fee structure can be complex and costly, with insertion fees, final value fees, and international fees.
  • High level of competition among sellers for popular items can drive down profit margins.
  • The user interface and listing process can feel dated and less streamlined than modern alternatives.
  • Despite protections, resolving disputes with fraudulent buyers or sellers can be time-consuming.

Key features

  • Auction-style listings with bidding
  • Fixed-price 'Buy It Now' listings
  • Best Offer option on listings
  • Comprehensive seller and buyer feedback/rating system
  • eBay Money Back Guarantee for buyer protection
  • Promoted Listings Standard and Advanced advertising tools
  • Global Shipping Program to simplify international sales
  • eBay Stores for professional sellers to create a branded storefront

Integrations

PayPalShipStationChannelAdvisorCedCommerceLinnworksBigCommerceShopify (via connectors)3DsellersAd-Lister

Target audience

Individual consumers buying or selling used items, collectors sourcing rare and unique goods, and small to enterprise-level businesses utilizing it as a global direct-to-consumer sales channel.


Ratings & Reviews

0.0

Based on 0 reviews

Key Metrics

Active Users

132M+ active buyers

Founded

1995

Headquarters

San Jose, USA

Pricing Tiers

Standard Selling

For casual sellers. Get up to 250 free listings per month. Pay an insertion fee for additional listings and a final value fee (typically ~13.25% + $0.30) on each sale.

Pay-as-you-go

Starter Store

250+ free listings per month, access to seller tools like Terapeak Sourcing Insights, and discounted final value fees in select categories. For sellers listing regularly.

$4.95/mo

Basic Store

1,000+ free fixed price listings and 250 auction listings per month, lower final value fees, and a quarterly coupon for eBay shipping supplies.

$21.95/mo

Premium Store

10,000+ free fixed price listings and 500 auction listings per month, with further-reduced final value fees. For high-volume sellers.

$59.95/mo


Frequently Asked Questions


Top Alternatives to eBay

Amazon Marketplace

Choose Amazon for selling new products at scale, especially if you can leverage their Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service for logistics and Prime eligibility.

Etsy

Etsy is the ideal platform for artists and crafters selling handmade goods, vintage items (20+ years old), and unique craft supplies to a dedicated niche audience.

Facebook Marketplace

Best for fee-free local sales of used goods, leveraging a massive user base for quick, cash-based transactions without the need for shipping.

Mercari

A simple, mobile-first app that excels for casual sellers of clothing and household items due to its straightforward listing process and seller-friendly shipping options.

Ready to get started?

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