Is eBay Still A Thing? Unpacking the Online Marketplace in 2025
In the vast digital wilderness of online marketplaces, one name stands out: eBay. Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay was once the place to get everything. But in a world ruled by giants like Amazon, you might be wondering: Does anyone still use eBay?
eBay’s Pulse Check: Still Kicking in 2025?
Let’s be clear. If you think eBay is a ghost town, think again. People are still using eBay to buy and sell. And it’s not just small change.
By the Numbers: eBay’s User Base
eBay is not deserted. As of late 2022, they had over 135 million active users. Even with a slight drop to around 132 million in 2024, that’s still more than many countries. About 170 million users visit monthly. That’s more foot traffic than many stores.
eBay’s Not-So-Secret Weapon: Global Reach
Why do people still choose eBay? For starters, eBay acts like a passport to global markets. Selling there connects you to buyers worldwide. Want to sell your vintage spoons? You can reach a buyer in Saskatchewan. eBay makes that happen.
Is eBay Fading or Evolving? Navigating Trends
Now, let’s talk about rumors. You may hear about declines and eBay losing its charm. Is it true? Kind of. Like any long-term business, eBay has seen ups and downs.
The Not-So-Rosy Picture: User Base and Sales
Yes, eBay’s active user numbers dipped slightly. Some sources show about 8% fewer active sellers than before. Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) has grown each year but hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Some sellers report major sales drops—60% to 70%. That hurts.
But Wait, There’s Good News: Revenue is Up!
Despite these user dips, eBay’s revenue is looking healthy. In fiscal year 2024, they made $10.28 billion, a 2% increase from $10.11 billion the year before. So, while users may fluctuate, eBay is still profitable.
Why the Wobbles? Fees, Innovation, and Tastes
So, why the changes? Several factors could explain this:
- Fee Frenzy: eBay isn’t known for being cheap. Its fees can hurt seller profits.
- Innovation Lag: In e-commerce, innovation is key. Some say eBay has slowed compared to flashier competitors.
- Changing Tastes: Online auctions built eBay’s empire. However, shoppers today often prefer fixed-price listings like those on Amazon.
eBay’s Comeback Strategy: Winning Back Hearts
eBay isn’t just watching trouble pass by. They aim to win back sellers and buyers. Details are unclear, but their goal suggests recognition of challenges with plans in the works for improvement.
Who’s Hanging Out on eBay? Debunking Myths
Who uses eBay? Are they all nostalgia-driven boomers? Nope. Younger shoppers visit too.
Millennials and Gen Z: eBay’s Budding Fan Base
eBay isn’t solely for older folks. Both Millennials and Gen Z shoppers frequent the platform. In early 2023, the largest group of mobile shoppers on eBay was aged 18 to 24.
Global Hotspots: Where is eBay Most Popular?
Sellers are worldwide, but one country stands out: The United States, home to 31% of eBay sellers. Other loyal nations include the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Australia.
Selling on eBay in 2025: Is It Worth Your Time?
The big question for entrepreneurs: Is selling on eBay still worth it? Let’s look at pros and cons.
The Perks of eBay Selling: Reach and Opportunities
eBay offers serious benefits for small businesses:
- Global Stage: eBay’s international reach is huge. You can reach customers globally without setting up storefronts abroad.
The Not-So-Great Side of eBay Selling: Fees and Effort
It’s not all good. Consider these downsides:
- Fee Factor: Those fees can slice into your profits more than on competitors.
- Auction Action Required: With auctions, you monitor listings continuously and relist unsold items. It’s a time-consuming effort.
What Sells Like Hotcakes on eBay?
If you plan to sell on eBay, here’s what sells well:
- Memorabilia
- Vintage Clothing
- Antique Furniture and Vases
- Jewelry and Watches
- Collectibles
- Books
- Sporting Goods
- Games and Mobile Phones
Seller Beware: Account Troubles
eBay has rules. Breaking them can lead to account issues. Sellers may face holds or even suspensions for reasons like:
- Unpaid fees
- Refunds owed that eBay covered
- Policy violations
eBay vs. The Competition: Who Comes Out on Top?
eBay isn’t the only online marketplace around. Let’s compare it to some rivals.
eBay Alternatives: Etsy, Amazon, and More
Your product choice influences which platform works best:
- Etsy: If selling handmade or unique goods, Etsy is often better than eBay.
- Amazon & Shopify: For wider ranges of new items, Amazon or Shopify could be more effective.
- Facebook Marketplace: For local sales, Facebook Marketplace is popular.
eBay vs. Etsy: Handmade Haven or General Goods Galore?
Etsy vs. eBay? Which is better?
- Etsy’s Niche: Etsy excels in handmade and vintage goods.
- eBay’s Breadth: eBay offers a wider variety of products both new and used.
eBay vs. Amazon: Niche Finds or Mass Market Mania?
Choosing between eBay and Amazon? Your product type matters.
- eBay’s Edge: Better for unique or pre-owned items.
- Amazon’s Army: Amazon is a beast for selling new products with a huge customer base.
eBay vs. Craigslist: National Reach or Local Hustle?
Craigslist or eBay? It’s local versus national.
- Craigslist’s Charm: Craigslist has no fees and works well for local sales.
- eBay’s Empire: A larger user base offers broader reach for sales.
Poshmark vs. eBay: Fashion Focus or Everything Emporium?
Fashion sales? Poshmark versus eBay.
- Poshmark’s Passion: Poshmark focuses on clothing and accessories.
- eBay’s Expansiveness: eBay covers a wider range of goods globally.
Mercari vs. eBay: Simplicity or Selection?
sMercari or eBay? Simplicity against selection.
- Mercari’s Minimalism: Mercari is simple for secondhand items, ideal for casual sellers.
- eBay’s Multitude: More options at eBay cater to serious sellers and diverse goods.
Is eBay Safe? Navigating
the Digital Marketplace Safely
Online safety matters. Money is involved. Is eBay secure for buying and selling?
eBay’s Legitimacy: Holding the Line on Security
eBay takes security seriously. They have a Level 1 PCI DSS certification, the highest level. This means they protect your card details well. They process millions of transactions each year. Strong security measures are in place.
Buyer Beware (But eBay’s Got Your Back)
Is eBay always safe? Generally, yes. Like any platform, scams can occur. It’s smart to be wary.
eBay’s Safety Net: Money Back Guarantee
The good news is eBay provides a Money Back Guarantee for buyers. If you are scammed, the item doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described, refunds are usually available. That’s reassuring.
Red Flags: Spotting Shady Sellers
Do you want to avoid dodgy sellers? Watch for these warning signs:
- Lightning-Fast Listings: Fraudulent sellers want quick deals. Short listing times can indicate a red flag.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Low prices on high-value or rare items? Be cautious.
Seller Struggles: Why Aren’t My Listings Getting Views?
Sellers may encounter issues, like listings that seem overlooked. Why are there no views?
View Vacuum: Listing Visibility Issues
If your eBay listings lack traction, here are some potential reasons:
- Keyword Catastrophe: Bad keyword optimization means buyers can’t discover your listings.
- Title Troubles: Unclear or unattractive titles fail to grab attention.
- Image Issues: Low-quality or unappealing photos deter buyers.
- Category Chaos: Misplaced items vanish in the digital shuffle.
Seller Exodus? Are People Leaving eBay?
Earlier, we noted a slight dip in active sellers. About 17 million global active sellers remain, but numbers have decreased.
Oversaturation Situation? Is eBay Too Crowded?
eBay is a crowded marketplace filled with sellers. It’s more saturated than Etsy. Still, eBay also enjoys high traffic and buyer demand. While competitive, opportunities exist due to the larger market.
Forbidden Fruit: What’s Banned on eBay?
eBay has restrictions on certain items. Avoid listing:
- Adult content
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Embargoed goods
- Firearms, weapons, and knives
- Government and official items
- Hazardous materials
- Items promoting illegal acts
- Lock-picking devices
- …and more. See eBay’s policy for details.
eBay’s Inner Workings: Fees and Secrets to Success
Let’s explore how eBay operates.
eBay’s Fee Breakdown: What Will It Cost You?
eBay fees can be complex. Here’s a clearer breakdown:
- Insertion fees: Range from free to around $0.40 per listing.
- Final value fees: A percentage of the sale price, typically 13.25% to 15%.
- Store subscription fees: Monthly fees start around $7.95 if you have an eBay Store.
- Listing upgrade fees: Enhance visibility with upgrades costing from $0.50 to $6.
The Secret Sauce of eBay Selling: Confidence and Brands
To increase sales, focus on products that inspire buyer trust. New, branded items often sell better. Buyers see them as higher quality and pay more.
Who’s at the Helm? eBay’s Ownership
eBay is publicly traded. It is owned by shareholders. Major owners include big investment firms like State Street Corporation and BlackRock. Pierre Omidyar, co-founder, still holds a significant stake.
Top Sellers: What’s Hot on eBay?
Curious about what sells quickly on eBay?
eBay’s Bestsellers: Fashion, Collectibles, and Gadgets
No single “most popular” item exists, but top-selling categories include:
- Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
- Collectibles
- Sporting Goods
- Electronics/Gadgets
Most Wanted: The iPhone Phenomenon
Specific items like iPhones and their accessories generate high demand on eBay. Apple’s allure works wonders.
Easiest Resale Site? eBay’s Simplicity Score
How user-friendly is eBay among resale platforms?
Poshmark’s Simplicity Crown
For newcomers, Poshmark is often seen as the easiest platform to use. Its social media-style layout and sharing focus create an intuitive experience, especially for fashion sellers.
Final Verdict: eBay in 2025 – Still a Player?
So, is eBay relevant in 2025? Yes. It may not be the top e-commerce site anymore and faces competition along with user base challenges. However, with millions of users and billions in revenue, eBay remains a powerful player in online marketplaces. Keep an eye on it, but be cautious of suspiciously cheap antiques.
