eBay
A long-established general marketplace for both auctions and fixed-price sales.
eBay Referral Code & Link
No referral code or link is currently available for eBay.
Quick Summary
eBay is one of the longest-running online marketplaces, supporting both auction-style and fixed-price listings across nearly any product category, from collectibles to electronics to everyday retail goods. Its broad category support contrasts with Etsy's narrower handmade/vintage focus.
eBay at a Glance
| Category | Online Marketplaces |
|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium |
| Starting price | Varies |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Launched | 1995 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California, USA |
| Best for | A long-established general marketplace for both auctions and fixed-price sales. |
| Community votes | 187 |
Pros
- Supports both auction-style and fixed-price listings across nearly any product category
- Decades-long brand recognition and an enormous existing buyer base
- Strong fit for collectibles, used goods, and items where auction-style pricing makes sense
- Store subscriptions reduce fees for higher-volume sellers
Cons
- Final value fees apply on most sales, cutting into margins
- More crowded and competitive than niche marketplaces like Etsy for some categories
- Buyer trust varies more by individual seller reputation than on more curated marketplaces
eBay Pricing Plans
Official pricing as published by eBay. Verify current rates before purchasing.
eBay’s three-decade head start and category breadth keep it relevant for everything from rare collectibles to everyday retail overstock — a different audience and use case than Etsy’s curated handmade niche.
Who Should Use eBay
Sellers of new or used goods across broad categories, especially collectibles or items suited to auction-style pricing.
Expert Verdict
eBay remains the right choice for general and auction-style selling across nearly any category; handmade/craft sellers will find a more targeted audience on Etsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about eBay, answered by our editorial team.
- Is eBay good for selling new retail products, not just used items?
- Yes, eBay supports both new and used goods across nearly any category, unlike Etsy's restriction to handmade, vintage, or craft items.
- How much does it cost to sell on eBay?
- A limited number of free listings per month, then listing fees, plus a final value fee (a percentage of the sale) — exact rates vary by category and seller subscription tier.
- Is eBay or Etsy better for my products?
- Etsy is better suited to handmade, vintage, or craft items with its built-in niche audience; eBay supports a far broader range of categories including new retail goods, electronics, and auctions.
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