Having access to eBay is like having your own little storefront in your home. eBay is an easy way to sell items that you longer need or care to keep.
The process of listing and selling items on eBay is something that anyone with a bit of computer knowledge can quickly and easily figure out. As easy and convenient as eBay can be, it is not foolproof.
Some items sell quite a bit better than others. You will want to choose what you sell very carefully to allow yourself plenty of room for profit. Take a look at some of the best things to sell on eBay for profit.
What Are Some Of The Best Things To Sell On eBay For profit?
If you're looking to make some extra money or even start a business, selling on eBay can be a great way to do it. But what are the best things to sell on eBay? Well, that depends on a few factors.
First, you'll want to consider what items are in high demand and likely to sell quickly. Second, you'll want to think about what items you have easy access to.
And finally, you'll want to choose items that are relatively affordable to ship. With that in mind, here are a few of the best things to sell on eBay for profit:
1) Clothing
Most people have more clothing than they need. If something has been sitting in your closet for quite some time, chances are it can be sold on eBay for a decent profit. Clothing that is a brand name tends to sell a bit better than clothing from a generic or store brand.
When selling clothing, make sure that you take pictures of the size as well as the overall condition. Choose a room with good lighting to take your photographs.
Also, make sure people know how to use the clothing really is. If you wore your shirt two times, it’s acceptable to say that in the listing.
Some sellers have luck selling clothing in a lot. For instance, if you have twelve t-shirts that are all size medium, you can sell them all together.
Chances are you will get less for each individual shirt, but you will end up with a much easier and more profitable transaction. This process should be tried with kids’ clothes as well.
Best selling clothing brands:
2) Legos
Legos are a very expensive and very popular toy. As soon as you open a Lego box, you will lose some of the value; however, the pieces are still worth quite a bit.
You have two options for selling Legos on eBay. You can either sell them by the pound, or you can sell them by the set.
When you sell a Lego set, make sure that you have the instruction booklets as well as all of the pieces available. You will get quite a bit more money for Lego sets that have been expired for quite some time. Collectors enjoy getting their hands on unique Lego sets.
If you don’t have the booklets or the patience to ensure all the pieces are in place, you can sell Legos by the pound. Take a look at other listings on eBay and see what the going rate is per pound.
If you have a lot of Legos, you will be amazed at how much you can get for them. Legos are definitely one of the best things to sell on eBay for profit.
Legos Best Selling Items:
For a complete list, go to eBays Best Selling Products page.
3) Educational Materials
People who homeschool their children or have a general interest in education always look for lower-priced educational materials. Information, toys, books, and educational games are very appealing to a wide range of the population.
When selling educational materials, try to package the set together in a group. For instance, if you were once a rock collector and now you have books, pamphlets, and samples that deal with geodes and rocks, sell them together as a group on eBay.
Chances are an educator or parent will be very interested in sharing this material with their students. Education material is often still in very good shape as it passes from one interested party to another.
4) Golf Equipment
Golf equipment is one of the most popular categories on eBay. Not only do people sell used equipment, but some manufacturers sell brand new equipment on eBay.
If you are a golfer with custom clubs, you can get quite a bit of money for them on eBay.
Custom golf equipment is expensive, and most golfers really have no way around these costs. However, looking on eBay can be like a gold mine for these types of golfers.
So if you are a taller or shorter golfer and have a custom set of clubs, your equipment will sell very fast.
In addition to golf clubs, you can also sell golf accessories and golf balls. Small things like golf divot tools and headcovers are easy to ship and can sell for a good amount.
Be realistic about what you are looking to sell your golf clubs for. Remember that most golf brands and club types will lose their value rather quickly. The quicker you sell your golf clubs, the more money you will get for them.
5) Kids Toys
Kids tend to accumulate toys rather quickly. Even the parents that try very hard to keep their home with very little junk, it will still start to build up.
In addition, kids tend to grow out of their toys rather quickly; this could leave you with a good inventory of supplies to sell. Toys are one of the best things to sell on eBay for profit.
The toys that sell best on eBay are brand-name, higher, quality items. If you purchase something for $10, chances are you will not make any money for this when you try and sell it on eBay.
However, if you have classic wood trains or Tonka trucks, or Barbies, you can typically make some money. Card games and board games can also be good sellers if you have all the pieces and the game is still in good condition.
6) Books
Even with our entire world being almost all digital, millions of people want to have a book in their hands. In fact, book sales have not slowed down in recent years. If you have an extensive collection of books, you can sell them for a good amount of money on eBay.
The nice thing about selling books is that you will quickly be able to understand what the shipping costs will be like. The more books you sell, the better you will get at making these sales profitable.
It is easiest to make money selling paperback books. If you look at local sales, you can often find books that are priced relatively low and then sell them again on eBay.
It is best to stick with famous authors and series to get the recognition you need when selling your books.
7) Smaller Car Parts
Some people will sell their entire car on eBay. Although this is undoubtedly an option, this won’t be something that you can do day in and day out. However, if you have car parts available to sell, they will tend to do quite well on eBay.
If you have made customizations to your car, or you like to change features on your vehicle, you may be able to sell the old parts. Be sure to properly photograph part numbers when you are selling parts to a car.
Remember that just because something is listed on eBay does not mean that the person purchasing will be located halfway across the world.
If you want to try and sell your item locally, simply include this information on the listing, and you should have no trouble doing so.
8) Anything Disney
The people that collect Disney figurines and gear are very serious about this hobby. Sometimes if a person latches on to a certain character, they will purchase clothes, plates, books, hats, and anything with this character on it. Therefore, it is relatively easy to find a buyer for your Disney gear.
Disney products are often readily available in local thrift shops. We highly recommend choosing products that are lightweight and can be shipped for very low prices. If you are having trouble selling just one item, match it with a few other like items.
For instance, if a Mickey Mouse T-Shirt won’t sell, put it with a Mickey, book, hat, and figurine, and it may suddenly appeal to someone as a perfect gift. Be creative about the listings that you put on eBay. Making sure you are fair about pricing will also help you sell quite a bit more.
9) Collectibles
People have various interests, from coins to stamps to animal figurines. Taking the time to learn about rare collectibles and keeping an eye out for them in your travels can be very profitable.
We recommend researching and understanding the values of three to five different types of collectibles. Make sure you know what a fair price is and what products are selling for on eBay.
You can always search through the closed listings to find products that are no longer available for sale. The final pricing of what a product is sold for will help you determine how profitable you can be with collectibles.
The best collectibles are those that you can ship in small boxes. Rare glassware that is large and heavy is a dangerous item to sell.
The chance of it breaking during shipment is quite high and can cause you some serious customer service-related issues.
10) Handbags
Women’s handbags and high-end men’s briefcases or bags are some of the best things to sell on eBay for profit. Since these bags tend to have a very high initial cost, the resale value remains quite high. Making sure that the bag is in good condition is an important step.
If you have any of the original receipts or paperwork to prove that the bag is an authentic product, that will help increase the price of the handbag. Never say that something is authentic if you are not 100 % sure that it is an authentic product.
Handbags tend to be relatively lightweight, and they will ship without much trouble. Today may be the day to do a closet cleanout and see if you have anything that you could potentially sell.
11) Formal Attire
Formal attire is perhaps the most impractical clothing that we own. With formal wear or formal attire, you will pay a very high initial price to wear an outfit, likely only one time.
Since people are bothered by the fact that these single-use outfits are so expensive, they will often look to eBay. Chances are the formal attire that is being sold on eBay has probably only been worn once or twice and is in almost new condition.
The profit margins on clothing like this are generally relatively high. It is easy to sell a $700 suit for $100. If you can find these formal attire types in local thrift shops or consignment shops, you can flip them for quite a bit of money.
12) Watches
Watches are one of the best things to sell on eBay for profit because of their size and their availability. People that wear watches will generally have a formal one, an everyday one, a sports one and more.
Having several watches means that they will likely be on the lookout for good deals related to these watches. You can easily show the brand and model of a watch when selling on eBay.
It is also relatively easy to show the overall condition of the watch to potential buyers. If you have had any work done on the watch, try to show the service records as well.
As with any jewelry or watches you sell on eBay, make sure you pay for some extra shipping insurance. If this little package goes missing, it could be very costly for you.
Instances like these need to be tended to quickly so that your customer service rating does not drop on the eBay platform.
13) Outdoor Sporting Gear
Outdoor sports are gaining again in popularity. People are enjoying hiking, wakeboarding, skiing, and more. Being outside is good for our mental and physical health, and therefore buyers are shopping for products to help them improve their experiences outdoors.
Outdoor sporting gear like snowboards or ski poles sells well on eBay. This type of equipment is expensive and brand new. People that are just getting into the sport don’t necessarily want to spend this type of money on outdoor sporting gear.
Slightly used outdoor products are barely going to have any impact on the overall performance. A surfboard that has been used a few times should perform no differently than something that is brand new.
Buyers know this, and they will grab your used outdoor sporting gear rather quickly.
14) Baby Gear
People spend a lot of money on baby products. Babies come into this world with thousands of dollars worth of products that they will only use for a few weeks.
Used baby gear will tend to do quite well on eBay. Although you can sell larger items like car seats and strollers, they can be a bit expensive to ship.
Some of the better products to look for include things like sleep sacks or Muslim blankets. These are cheap to ship, yet they normally have high initial costs.
Parents who want premium products for their babies but don’t want the premium price tags will quickly scoop these items.
Remember that baby gear will sell much better if it can be washed and sanitized. Without the sanitization, the buyers won’t feel as though it is safe enough to use on their child.
15) Team Sports Apparel
People make purchases for emotional reasons when it comes to sporting goods and team sports apparel. If you have been a Packers fan since the time you were a kid, a new Packers jersey is probably a purchase you make quite often.
Even if players have retired or changed teams, those jerseys can still sell for quite a bit of money. People that are loyal fans of the team may not even wear this apparel; they may just collect it.
Depending on how well the player did on the team that they were on, the jersey could end up being worth quite a bit of money. If you have a signed jersey from a player who has made a name for themselves, you could be sitting on thousands of dollars of potential profit.
16) Video Game Gear
Video games are very popular, yet they also are costly, that's why they are one of the best things to sell on eBay for profit. Video games, controllers, and cable are very easy sales on eBay.
Since controllers tend to break or people decide they need a few extras, these tend to sell rather quickly on eBay.
Another thing that does quite well is video games. With new games costing $50 or more dollars, many people will be looking for a deal. You can often find used video games at local garage sales or on local swap websites.
Try to learn a few of the top games and what they normally sell for. If you have this as a base, you can start to analyze some of the options that you may come across to see if they are going to be a good value for you.
17) Crafting Supplies
Crafters are always looking for more supplies. When you continually go to Hobby Lobby or Michales to buy crafting gear, you will spend quite a bit of money. eBay has become known as a great place to pick up some extra craft supplies.
The best thing about this is that you will not have to organize and display your gear in any fancy way. If you have a bucket full of yarn, go ahead and sell it.
If you have wine corks, toilet paper rolls, and old crayons, put them all together and let the crafters offer you their best deal on these supplies.
Chances are the pricing on your used craft supplies will be well worth it for serious crafters. Talented people can take these basic supplies and create high-priced goods to sell.
18) Cameras
Photography is an expensive hobby, and people often look for cameras and gear at a reduced price. If you don’t have an entire camera to sell, sometimes you may be able to sell camera parts or gear.
A tripod or a stand or a special flash or light for a camera are good items to sell on eBay. Another great thing about cameras is that they are cheap and easy to ship.
The boxes you need to ship a camera in are relatively small. If you are selling camera equipment on eBay, try to stick with the brand names that people will trust. If your camera still has a bit of warranty left on it, that could certainly help increase the price that you can get for it.
Make sure that when selling a camera, you are very clear about what it comes with. If you are not including a memory card or a flash, clearly state that on your listing.
19) Textbooks
One of the best things to sell on eBay for profit is textbooks. Textbooks are still an essential part of schooling. Kids in high school and college will be looking for ways to find discounted textbooks. Unfortunately, these books change quite often, and the newer versions may be required by a certain professor or teacher.
When selling textbooks, make sure that you clearly list the volume and edition of that textbook. This will help your product be found and make sure that you can sell it quite a bit faster.
Textbooks are a bit heavy at times, be sure that you correctly estimate the shipping costs before you sell these products.
20) Bike Parts
Just like outdoor sports, biking is continuing to grow in popularity. When you get serious about biking, there are lots of parts that can make the sport more enjoyable.
Bike parts like seats, backpacks, and lights are relatively easy to sell and usually go for a good value. You will notice that there are groups of people that are very particular about the types of bikes that they are very specific about.
Sometimes a specific Schwinn part can be a very sought-after item on eBay. Like many of the other categories on our list, it will take a bit of knowledge for you to make money selling bike parts on eBay.
You must find out what the trends are in the market and what people are looking for to find the right parts to sell. The best-sellers are the ones that are properly reaching their market with the products they need most.
What is the best thing to start selling on eBay?
If you're looking to start selling on eBay, the best thing to do is figure out what you're passionate about and start from there. If you love fashion, for example, start by selling some clothes you no longer wear. If you love collecting books, start by setting up a stall at a local market or car boot sale.
Once you've got a feel for how much demand there is for your products, you can start setting up an eBay store and shipping items to buyers worldwide. Of course, it's always important to do your research before listing anything for sale and to ensure that you're offering good customer service to build a positive reputation. But with some effort, selling on eBay can be a great way to make some extra cash.
What sells for a lot of money on eBay?
Mobile phones and accessories are the top selling category on eBay, followed by video games, health and beauty, home and garden, computers and tablets, musical instruments, cameras and photos, clothing, shoes and accessories, jewelry and watches, toys and hobbies, vintage collectibles and antiques. According to eBay, the top-selling items in each of these categories are:
What is the most profitable thing to sell on eBay?
One of the most profitable things to sell on eBay this year is old phones. If you are a person that chooses to upgrade their smartphone each year, chances are your old phones still have quite a bit of value.
Phones can be shipped quickly, and it doesn’t take much to clear them and transfer them to another person. You may want to include a video showing that the phone functions correctly and that it is cleared of any personal items that you had on the phone.
If you have no cracks or damage to your cell phone, selling it on eBay could get you a few hundred dollars to pay off the new one.
How To Find Good Things To Sell Online
For most people, a trip through the basement or attic will leave you with plenty of great things to sell on eBay. If you have depleted your supply of products that you no longer use, there are lots of great ways to find items to sell on eBay.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are another good option for finding things to sell on eBay. You can often find high-quality items at thrift stores for a fraction of their retail price. However, it can be more difficult to find profitable items at thrift stores since they tend to be picked over by professional resellers.
Yard Sales/Garage Sales
Yard sales and garage sales are great sources for cheap items that can be resold for a profit. You can usually find a wide variety of items at these sales, from clothes and books to furniture and antiques. Just be sure to check the condition of the items before you buy them, as you don't want to end up with something that's not worth selling.
Flea Markets
Flea markets and antique shows are also good places to look for items to sell on eBay. These markets typically have a wider selection of unique and interesting items than yard sales or thrift stores. However, you'll need to be careful when pricing your items, as it's easy to overpay for something at a flea market.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another option for finding things to sell on eBay. This is a convenient way to browse listings from people in your area who are selling unwanted items. However, you'll need to be cautious when dealing with people you don't know, as there's always the risk of being scammed.
Friends and Family
You can also ask friends and family if they have any unwanted items that they'd be willing to sell. This is a great way to find high-quality items without spending money. Just be sure to agree on a fair price with the person selling the item.
Auctions and Estate Sales
Auctions can be a great source for finding unique items that are likely to sell for a high price. Another option is to check out estate sales. These can be a goldmine for finding antiques and other collectibles. While you may have to sift through a lot of junk, if you find the right item, you could make a killing on eBay.
Get Creative
Try to be creative in the way you collect things to sell on eBay. Do you live in an area with many acorns or pine cones in your yard? What about golf balls from the neighboring golf course? Try to step outside the box and remember that one man's trash is another man’s treasure.
Discarded Items
Finally, you can watch for discarded items on the street that people have thrown away. This is a great way to find unique items that nobody else sells. However, you'll need permission from the owner before taking anything that's not yours.
These are just a few ideas for finding things to sell on eBay. With a little effort, you should be able to find plenty of profitable items to sell!
Tips For Making The Most Profit On eBay
eBay is a great platform for making some extra money – but if you want to maximize your profits, there are a few things you need to bear in mind.
Set Up an eBay Store
Firstly, consider setting up an eBay store. This will give you access to promotional tools and allow you to create a professional-looking listing. Plus, customers will be able to find all your items in one place, making it more likely that they'll make a purchase.
Marketing Tools
Take advantage of eBay's marketing tools. Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions to ensure your listings appear in search results, and invest in eBay advertising to get your products in front of potential buyers who might not otherwise find your listings.
Use High-Quality Descriptions
Secondly, take the time to write detailed and accurate descriptions of your items, and include plenty of high-quality photographs. This will give potential buyers the confidence that they're getting what they expect and reduce the likelihood of returns.
Offer Fast Shipping
Offer fast shipping and excellent customer service. Buyers are more likely to purchase from sellers who offer free or low-cost shipping and have good feedback ratings. So do whatever you can to ensure that your buyers have a positive experience with their purchase.
Use Mannequins for Displaying Clothes
One way to increase bids on clothing items is to purchase a mannequin. A part-time eBay seller that makes over $800 a month selling clothes swears by this leg form, she says that jeans and pants look 10 times better in her ads because of it.
For tops and dresses, an expandable dress form will make the clothing look far better than it would on a hanger.
Price Items Correctly
Finally, remember that pricing is key. Research recent sales of similar items to get an idea of what prices are currently being charged, and then price your items accordingly. Be sure to include shipping costs in your prices so that potential buyers know exactly what they'll be paying.
Take Good Photos
If you're selling on eBay, one of the most important things you can do is take good photographs. Clear, well-lit pictures are essential in attracting buyers and getting the best price for your items. Here are some tips to help you take great photos that will make your listings stand out:
Minimize Your Shipping Costs.
What should I not sell on eBay?
There are a few essential guidelines to follow when you sell on eBay. If you don’t follow the recommended process, you will end up getting your account suspended.
We highly recommend you take a good look at the terms of service before choosing your first items to sell on eBay. In addition to those prohibited items, here are a few tips to help make you a bit more successful.
Summary
One of the best things about selling things on eBay for profit is that you can start today. Find a few items around your house that may have some value to someone and give this process a try.
Once you get some sales under your belt, you will have a higher seller rating and move on to more extensive sales. There are plenty of people that make a full-time living or a decent side income just from selling on eBay.
When you have a platform like this at your fingertips, you should utilize learning how to use it as a way to increase your overall income.