What Sells on eBay? Three Top Tips for Buyers and Sellers

If you want to know what sells on eBay then you probably fall into one of three categories. You might be someone who wants to sell full time on the site in order to earn a living, someone who wants to sell in order to have a clear out, or you might be someone who wants to buy something but isn’t sure what people or selling and whether anyone else might be after the same item.

Here is a top tip for you, whichever category you fall into.

If you want to sell in eBay to earn a living or a significant second income, you will want to maximise the time you spend listing items so that you get the greatest return. Consider browsing eBay’s categories to see if you can compete in the most popular categories, such as media, or try to find a gap in the market that you can plug. eBay will accept suggestions for new categories or sub-categories, so they might even set up a category just for you. If you have established a reputation as the main seller of an item, then other sellers may never be able to compete with you.

If you are an occasional seller who enjoys the satisfaction of turning clutter into cash, then you should keep an eye on eBay’s e-newsletters and notice board announcements. That way, you will know of any special money-saving promotions that allow you to list for free. This is ideal if you want to avoid front-end fees; that is to list your item free of charge and only pay a final value fee to eBay if your item sells. Listing an item can cost as little as a few cents/pence, but if you list a few items then the listing fees could run into dollars/pounds. So take advantage of as many promotions as are relevant to you. They crop up regularly and can last for as little as a day and as long as a few months.

If you are a buyer looking for a specific item, a top tip for you is to search for that item using the most effective key words. If the item does not come up, or if the only ones on offer are too expensive or not in a condition that appeals to you, then why not click on ‘save this search’. eBay will then offer to notify you by email as soon as something matching your search criteria is listed. This saves you having to keep searching whenever you remember or have the time. Best of all, it may result in a quick sale for you if the item is on a Buy It Now offer. You can then beat everyone else to it and buy the item before your competitors even know it’s been listed.

On eBay, it pays to be wise, quick and shrewd, whether you are a buyer or a seller.