Looking to make some extra cash, declutter your home, or even start a full-fledged online business?
Selling items on eBay is not only a fun and profitable venture for anyone willing to put in a bit of effort, but it also has the potential to turn into a 6 or even multi 6 figure business.
The key to that happening though? Choosing the right items to sell – ones that are in demand, have good profit margins and actually sell relatively quickly.
In this guide, with the help of e-commerce data, I’ll help you do just that.
Why Sell on eBay?
eBay is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of active buyers searching for everything from vintage collectibles to brand-new electronics.
Here are a few reasons why selling on eBay can be a great way to make money:
- Large Audience: With over 180 million active buyers worldwide, eBay offers a vast audience for your items.
- Ease of Use: eBay’s platform is user-friendly, making it easy to list items and manage your sales.
- Flexibility: Whether you want to sell a few items occasionally or run a full-time business, eBay accommodates all levels of sellers.
- Low Startup Costs: You can start selling on eBay with little to no initial investment, especially if you’re selling items you already own
Now that you know why eBay is a fantastic platform for selling, let’s dive into the items that are always incredibly in demand.
Best Items to Sell on eBay to Make Money
1) Electronics
Smartphones:
- Both new and used models from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google are always in high demand.
- Buyers look for good deals on the latest models as well as older, refurbished ones.
Laptops and Tablets:
- High-demand brands such as Apple (MacBook, iPad), Microsoft (Surface), and popular gaming laptops sell well.
- Buyers often seek out powerful, portable devices at a lower cost.
Gaming Consoles and Games:
- Current and previous generation consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and video games are hot commodities.
- Collectors and gamers alike are willing to pay premium prices for rare or limited-edition items, especially.
Smartwatches and Accessories:
- Popular models from Apple, Samsung, Fitbit and Garmin attract buyers looking for health tracking and tech integration.
- Accessories like bands and chargers are also sought after. Even better if you can offer a bundle deal.
2) Fashion and Accessories
Designer Clothing and Handbags:
- Brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada are always in demand.
- Even ‘lower end’ affordable designer brands such as Ralph Lauren, Zara, Ted Baker, Michael Kors and Coach are still heavily sought after.
- Shoppers often look for deals on high-end fashion items that they can’t afford at retail prices.
Vintage Clothing:
- Unique, rare, or trendy vintage apparel appeals to fashion enthusiasts and collectors.
- Items from specific eras or with distinctive styles can fetch high prices.
Sneakers:
- Popular and limited-edition models from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Yeezy are coveted by sneakerheads.
- These items often appreciate in value over time, making them great investment pieces.
Watches:
- High-end brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Tag Heuer attract collectors and luxury buyers.
- More affordable brands such as Michael Kors, Casino, Citizen and Swatch and Fossil attract lots of buyers.
- Authenticity and condition are critical factors in the selling price.
Related: How to Make a Ton of Money Selling Clothes! (Complete Guide)
3) Collectibles and Memorabilia
Vintage Toys:
- Items from brands like LEGO, Star Wars, and Transformers are highly collectible.
- Special edition sets such as the F1 models are extremely lucrative.
- Nostalgia and rarity drive up prices for these beloved childhood items.
Trading Cards:
- Rare and valuable cards from Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards have a dedicated collector base.
- Limited editions and mint conditions can command significant prices.
Antiques:
- Unique and rare antiques, including furniture, jewelry, and décor, appeal to collectors and decorators.
- Provenance and condition greatly affect their value.
Autographed Memorabilia:
- Signed items from celebrities, athletes, and musicians can be very valuable.
- Authenticity and the fame of the signer are crucial to their worth.
4) Home and Garden
Small Appliances:
- Kitchen gadgets like Instant Pots, air fryers, and coffee makers are popular due to their convenience.
- Buyers often look for reliable brands and lightly used or new items. Heavily used items typically don’t sell on eBay.
Tools:
- Power tools from brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are always in demand among DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
- Quality and durability are key selling points.
Home Décor:
- Popular home decor items, especially those in trending styles like farmhouse or mid-century modern, attract many buyers.
- Unique and stylish pieces can enhance any living space.
- Look on Tiktok and Insta to see what’s currency ‘en vogue’.
Furniture:
- Small furniture pieces that are easy to ship, like chairs and side tables, sell well.
- Buyers often look for unique designs or high-quality materials.
Related: 10 Best Places To Sell Second Hand Furniture
5) Health and Beauty
Skincare Products:
- Popular and high-end brands such as Clinique, Estée Lauder, and The Ordinary have a loyal customer base.
- Authenticity and new condition are crucial for these items.
Fitness Equipment:
- Items like yoga mats, dumbbells, and resistance bands are always in demand.
- Anything with Barre or Pilates is hot right now.
- Home workouts have surged in popularity, increasing the need for affordable equipment.
Haircare Products:
- High-demand brands and tools like Dyson hair dryers and straighteners are sought after for their performance.
- Buyers often seek professional-grade tools for home use.
6) Automotive Parts and Accessories
Car Parts:
- Replacement parts for popular car models, performance parts, and vintage car parts are valuable.
- DIY car enthusiasts and mechanics are always looking for quality parts.
Motorcycle Accessories:
- Helmets, jackets, and aftermarket parts are popular among riders.
- Safety gear and customization options are key selling points.
Tools and Gadgets:
- Diagnostic tools, car cleaning kits, and other automotive tools attract car owners who prefer to maintain their vehicles.
- Quality and usability are important factors.
7) Hobbies and Crafts
Craft Supplies:
- Items like yarn, fabric, and scrapbooking materials are essential for hobbyists.
- Unique and high-quality supplies are particularly desirable.
Model Kits:
- Scale models of cars, airplanes, and trains appeal to both beginners and experienced builders.
- Detailed and rare kits can be particularly valuable.
Musical Instruments:
- Guitars, keyboards, and other instruments, both new and vintage, have a wide audience.
- Quality and condition are key factors in their resale value.
Related: 23 Hobbies That Make Money: Build Your 6 Figure Business!
8) Books and Media
Rare and Collectible Books:
- First editions, signed copies, and out-of-print books are highly sought after.
- Collectors and bibliophiles pay premium prices for these treasures.
DVDs and Blu-rays:
- Popular movies, TV series, and collectible editions attract media enthusiasts.
- Rare or special editions can fetch higher prices.
Music:
- Vinyl records, CDs, and rare music memorabilia appeal to collectors and music lovers.
- Condition and rarity significantly influence their value.
9) Sports Equipment
Bicycles and Accessories:
- High-quality bikes, helmets, and gear are popular among fitness enthusiasts.
- Well-known brands and lightly used items sell quickly.
Outdoor Gear:
- Items like camping equipment, hiking gear, and fishing supplies are in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
- Durability and brand reputation are important.
Fitness Equipment:
- Home gym equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, and weights are highly sought after.
- The convenience of home workouts drives the demand for these products.
10) Baby and Kids
Baby Gear:
- Strollers, car seats, and baby monitors are essential for new parents.
- Safety, brand, and condition are crucial selling points.
- If it’s something to do with a child’s safety e.g. carseat, most parents will want it very lightly used or brand new.
Toys and Games:
- Popular and educational toys, especially those in high demand, are always in demand.
- Items that promote learning and development are particularly valuable.
11) Seasonal Items
Holiday Decorations:
- Items for Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays are popular during their respective seasons.
- Unique and high-quality decorations can attract many buyers.
Seasonal Apparel:
- Winter coats, summer swimwear, and other seasonal clothing sell well during the appropriate times of the year.
- Popular brands and good condition are key factors.
How to Pick the Right Items For You
1) Think About Your Interests and Expertise
Passion and Knowledge
- Passion: Selling items you are passionate about can make the process more enjoyable and sustainable. If you love vintage clothing, for example, sourcing and selling these items can feel less like work and more like a hobby.
- Expertise: Knowledge about specific items can give you a competitive edge. If you’re well-versed in electronics, you can better evaluate and describe these items, increasing buyer trust.
2) Research Market Demand
Use eBay’s Tools
- Completed Listings: Check completed listings to see what similar items have sold for. This helps you understand the market value and demand for specific items.
- Trending Items: eBay often highlights trending items. Pay attention to these trends to identify popular products.
Other Marketplaces
- Amazon Bestsellers: Browse the bestsellers on Amazon to see what’s currently popular. Items that sell well on Amazon often do well on eBay too.
- Google Trends: Use Google Trends to gauge the popularity of items over time. Consistently trending items are more likely to sell.
Related: 30+ Small Business Ideas to Become Your Own Boss (& Take Back Your Time)
3) Evaluate Competition and Pricing
Competition Analysis
- Similar Listings: Search for similar items on eBay to see how many are currently listed. High competition might mean you need to differentiate your listings with better photos or lower prices.
- Price Points: Compare prices of similar items. Ensure you can offer a competitive price while still making a profit.
4) Consider Item Sourcing
Availability
- Personal Belongings: Start with items you already own but no longer need. This is a cost-effective way to begin and test the waters.
- Thrift Stores and Garage Sales: These can be gold mines for unique, valuable items at low prices.
- Wholesale and Liquidation: Buying items in bulk from wholesalers or liquidation sales can lower your cost per item and increase profit margins.
5) Calculate Profitability
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
- Purchase Price: Consider how much you’re paying for the item. Lower COGS increases your potential profit.
- Additional Costs: Include shipping, eBay fees, and any other costs associated with listing and selling the item.
Profit Margin
- Price vs. Cost: Ensure that the selling price minus all costs leaves a sufficient profit margin. Aim for at least a 30-50% margin to account for unexpected expenses or price reductions.
