The best eBay business ideas are those that balance profitability and low investment. They are scalable, allowing for growth and increased revenue potential. These ideas also align with high market demand, ensuring a constant stream of customers.
If you are looking for such ideas to start an eBay business, this article is for you. In this article, we will explore with you the list of 28+ best eBay business ideas for your business:
- #1- Kitchenware
- #2 – Vintage clothes
- #3 – Electronics
- #4 – Crafts and handmade products
- #5 – Auto parts
- #6 – Beauty products
- #7 – Home and garden items
- #8 – Digital products
- #9 – Fashion and clothing
- #10 – Sporting goods
- #11 – Toys and games
- #12 – Books and magazines
- #13 – Jewelry and accessories
- #14 – Pet supplies
- #15 – Art and collectibles
- #16 – Musical instruments
- #17 – Baby products
- #18 – Office supplies
- #19 – Party supplies
- #20 – Travel accessories
- #21 – Educational products
- #22 – Home Furniture
- #23 – Car accessories
- #24 – Collectible coins
- #25 – Musical records
- #26 – Sneakers and footwear
- #27 – Handbags and purses
- #28 – Vintage camera
Let’s discover with us now!
5 Most Popular Business Models on eBay
Before exploring the list of ideas to start a business on eBay, let’s take a moment to examine some of the prominent business models that have flourished on this platform, including:
- Dropshipping
- Thrifting
- Wholesaling
- Retailing
- Manufacturing
Now, it’s time to dive deep into each of them and thoroughly analyze their specifics!
#1. Dropshipping
Dropshipping refers to a business model where the seller doesn’t keep the products in stock. Rather than that, when a customer makes a purchase, the seller sources the item from a third party and facilitates direct delivery to the customer. Functioning as a mediator, the seller generates profit by leveraging the variance between the wholesale and retail prices.
Who should use this model?
Dropshipping is ideal for individuals who want to start an online business with minimal upfront costs and without needing physical inventory. It is ideal for those who value flexibility and the ability to work remotely.
If you’re interested in learning more about this model, check out our comprehensive eBay dropshipping guide!
#2. Thrifting
Thrifting, also known as reselling or flipping, involves buying second-hand items at a low price and reselling them for a profit. Sellers often search for valuable or unique items at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces, then list them for sale at a higher price.
Who should use this model?
Thrifting is suitable for eBay business idea owners who enjoy treasure hunting. They should have an eye for valuable items, and are willing to invest time searching for unique products. It is ideal for those who want to start a business with a low initial investment and are passionate about sustainable practices.
Advanced Note: Maximize your eBay store’s potential through our powerful eBay integration.
#3. Wholesaling
In the wholesale business model, one procures products in large quantities from manufacturers or distributors at a reduced price and subsequently sells them to retailers or other enterprises at a marked-up price. Wholesalers are crucial intermediaries, linking manufacturers with retailers in the supply chain.
Who should use this model?
Wholesaling is suitable for eBay selling ideas with the financial resources to invest in bulk purchases and the ability to establish relationships with retailers. It is ideal for those who want to operate as intermediaries in the supply chain and have the capacity to manage inventory and logistics.
#4. Retailing
Retailing is the traditional business model of selling products directly to consumers. Retailers purchase products from wholesalers or manufacturers and sell them to customers through physical stores, online platforms, or a combination of both.
Who should use this model?
Retailing suits eBay business plan, which wants to establish a physical presence and directly interact with customers. It is ideal for those passionate about curating products, providing personalized service, and creating a unique shopping experience.
A quick heads up: The retail model encompasses an intriguing branch known as eBay Retail Arbitrage. Dive into our article to explore this fascinating model in greater detail.
#5. Manufacturing
Manufacturing involves producing goods from raw materials or components. Through a series of processes like assembly, fabrication, or production, manufacturers transform raw materials into the final products.
Who should use this model?
Manufacturing is suitable for eBay business ideas with the resources and expertise to set up and manage manufacturing operations. It is ideal for those who want to have control over the entire production process, offer customized products, and have the potential for higher profit margins.
If you’re aiming to build a successful and sustainable eBay business, creating your own eBay store can offer significant advantages. To learn more about the key benefits of having an eBay store, check out our detailed guide here.
The 28 Best eBay Business Ideas for Your Business to Kick Off in 2024
Let’s dive into our list of 28 best eBay business ideas for your business to make a profit in 2024:
- Kitchenware
- Vintage clothes
- Electronics
- Crafts and handmade products
- Auto parts
- Health and beauty products
- Home and garden items
- Digital products
- Fashion and clothing
- Sporting goods
- Toys and games
- And more
Now, we will discuss different ideas for eBay business in detail.
#1- Kitchenware
People always need cooking utensils, appliances, and other kitchen essentials. As a result, kitchenware is one of the top eBay business ideas that caters to a broad customer base.
Here are some specific kitchenware eBay business ideas list that might be good options for selling on eBay
- Small appliances: Air fryers, blenders, instant pots, coffee makers
- Cookware: Cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, stainless steel pots and pans
- Cutlery: High-quality knives, vintage silverware sets
- Gadgets: Multi-functional kitchen tools, space-saving organizers
- Bakeware: Cake pans, muffin tins, cookie sheets
#2 – Vintage clothes
In the past few years, there has been a growing trend of individuals seeking distinctive and nostalgic fashion items. Moreover, due to the fashion industry’s significant impact on environmental pollution, more and more people are refraining from purchasing new clothing. Consequently, vintage apparel has experienced a surge in popularity. It is also one of the great eBay business ideas.
When selling vintage clothing as one of your business ideas on eBay, you should consider popular eras and styles. Here are some specific suggestions for simple eBay business ideas in terms of vintage apparel to sell on eBay based on eras:
- 1960s: Mod dresses, mini skirts, psychedelic prints, graphic tees
- 1970s: Boho maxi dresses, denim flares, floral prints, corduroy jackets
- 1980s: Acid wash jeans, neon colors, shoulder pads, bomber jackets
- 1990s: Grunge flannel shirts, band tees, baggy jeans, crop tops
#3 – Electronics
As life becomes increasingly modern, people have increasingly high demands for electronics. And, eBay is a great platform to sell new and used electronic devices. To start one of the excellent eBay business ideas with electronics, you can sell:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Gaming consoles
- Wearables
- Drones
- Headphones
- Smart speakers
#4 – Crafts and handmade products
If you have a talent for crafting and creating handmade products, eBay can be an excellent platform to showcase and sell your creations. To start this eBay business idea, you can find some business ideas for selling on eBay:
- Home decor: Wall hangings, macrame plant hangers, painted tiles, handmade pillows, decorative candles.
- Jewelry: Unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets, personalized keychains, statement rings.
- Fashion accessories: Hats, scarves, bags, embroidered patches, hand-painted t-shirts.
- Stationery: Greeting cards, notebooks, personalized journals, calligraphy gifts, decorative envelopes.
- Toys and dolls: Amigurumi crocheted stuffed animals, wooden toys, dollhouse furniture, custom fabric dolls.
#5 – Auto parts
As we mentioned in the article How to sell a car on eBay guide, this platform has a dedicated automotive segment called eBay Motors. It attracts online shoppers looking for automotive parts and accessories. eBay provides a parts compatibility tool that allows you to match your auto parts with the vehicles in eBay’s database. This increases the chances of attracting the right buyers for your parts.
Given these advantageous circumstances, it would be an understatement to claim that auto parts represent one of the most lucrative eBay business opportunities.
Here are some specific business ideas on eB ay related to auto parts categories:
- Exterior parts: Bumpers, grilles, headlights, taillights, side mirrors, spoilers, emblems.
- Suspension and steering parts: Struts, shocks, control arms, tie rods, ball joints, bushings.
- Brakes and brake parts: Brake pads, rotors, calipers, drums, brake lines.
- Performance parts: Air intake systems, exhaust systems, turbochargers, performance chips.
#6 – Beauty products
Regardless of the time of year or the state of the economy, health and beauty products are consistently in demand. According to a recent Jungle Scout Consumer Trends Report, many consumers plan to buy more beauty-related products in the coming year. This consistent demand makes it a profitable eBay business idea.
You can sell:
- Skincare items: Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, serum, eye cream, exfoliator, toner
- Makeup products: Foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick
- Hair care items: Shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, leave-in conditioner, heat protectant hair oil, styling products
- Body care products: Body wash/shower gel, lotion/moisturizer, body scrub, deodorant, shaving cream/gel, bubble bath, hand cream.
#7 – Home and garden items
Because people are constantly looking to improve their living spaces, garden items are one of the good business ideas on eBay. On eBay, you’ll find a diverse array of garden products that present excellent selling opportunities, such as:
- Indoor furniture: Tables, chairs, sofas, bookshelves, and ottomans.
- Gardening supplies: Pots, planters, seeds, soil, tools, fertilizers, and garden ornaments
#8 – Digital products
Selling digital products involves much lower overhead costs than physical products. You don’t need to worry about running a physical storefront, warehousing inventory, or shipping.
Moreover, digital products can be easily replicated and distributed without additional costs. Once you create a digital product, you can sell it multiple times without needing inventory replenishment or production costs. This scalability allows for potentially higher profit margins.
For the reasons mentioned above, it is clear that selling digital products is one of the best eBay business ideas.
Some digital products you can sell include:
- eBooks
- Software programs
- Digital photos
- Digital trading cards
- Graphic design templates
- Printable artwork
#9 – Fashion and clothing
Selling fashion and clothing allows for flexibility in terms of inventory management and scalability. You can start small and grow steadily with experience and customers. Also, eBay makes managing inventory easier and reaches a larger audience. For these reasons, it would be better to consider fashion and clothing as good business ideas for selling on eBay.
Here are some high-demand clothing categories you can sell on eBay:
- Graphic Tees: Always popular, especially with pop culture references, band tees, or vintage designs.
- Denim: Jeans, jackets, and shorts in classic cuts and washes are always in demand.
- Sneakers: Limited-edition or popular styles from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Vans can sell well.
- Streetwear: Hoodies, sweatpants, and accessories from brands like Supreme, Off-White, and Bape are popular.
- Activewear: Leggings, sports bras, and workout gear from popular brands like Lululemon and Nike can sell well.
#10 – Sporting goods
As stated by Persistence Market Research, the global sporting goods market is projected to experience a remarkable growth rate of 8.6%, with an estimated value of US$ 1.65 trillion by 2033. This significant increase is anticipated compared to its 2023 size of US$ 722.2 billion. Furthermore, millions of people use eBay every day, and many are specifically looking for sporting goods. With such a big potential, sporting goods is one of the great eBay business ideas to try.
You can sell various sporting goods on eBay, including
- Team sports equipment
- Fitness equipment
- Outdoor sports equipment
#11 – Toys and games
As one of the best ideas to start a business on eBay, selling toys and games on eBay can be a lucrative opportunity to make some extra money. Toys and games sell especially well during the holiday season.
Here are some eBay business ideas related to toys and games you can sell:
- Collectible toys
- Board games
- Video games
- Trading cards
- Action figures
- Dolls
- Puzzles
- Legos
#12 – Books and magazines
Selling books and magazines on eBay requires minimal investment. It makes an accessible option for individuals looking to make money with little upfront cost. Some types of books and magazines you can sell on eBay are:
- Popular fiction
- Textbooks
- Children’s books
- Special interest magazines
- Comic books
#13 – Jewelry and accessories
One of the best eBay business ideas is selling jewelry and accessories. Jewelry is a popular item that people often purchase as gifts or for personal use. It has a high demand and can be sold at a profitable price. These items can be easily shipped, making them ideal for online selling.
Some items that can be sold in this category include
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Earrings
- Rings
- Watches
- Handbags
- Scarves
- Sunglasses
#14 – Pet supplies
Another profitable eBay business idea is selling pet supplies. The pet industry is experiencing significant growth, with pet owners increasingly willing to allocate funds for their cherished pets. There is a wide range of pet supplies that can be sold on eBay. Selling pet supplies allows you to target a specific niche market and cater to pet owners’ needs.
Some best eBay business ideas that can be sold in this category include:
- Pet food
- Toys
- Leashes and collars
- Grooming products
- Beds and crates
- Pet clothing
- Training supplies
#15 – Art and collectibles
Selling art and collectibles are eBay business ideas for those with an interest in art and a good eye for valuable items. Moreover, Some types of art and collectibles may appeal to a smaller, more specific audience. Online platforms like eBay make it easier to find these niche markets and connect with the right buyers.
Art and collectibles business ideas for your eBay business can include:
- Paintings
- Sculptures
- Vintage items
- Antiques
- Coins
- Stamps
- Sports memorabilia
#16 – Musical instruments
If you are passionate about music, selling musical instruments can be a profitable eBay business idea. Musical instruments are in high demand, and many prefer buying them online. Furthermore, eBay provides dedicated categories tailored to various musical instruments, including guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, and more. This makes it easier for buyers to find the specific instrument they are looking for, increasing the chances of a successful sale
In the musical instruments category on eBay, you can discover items like:
- Guitars (electric, acoustic, bass)
- Keyboards and pianos
- Drums and percussion instruments
- Brass and woodwind instruments
- String instruments (violin, cello, etc.)
- DJ equipment
- Amplifiers and effects pedals
- Music accessories (stands, cases, cables, etc.)
#17 – Baby products
Baby items are always in demand as new parents constantly need essential items for their little ones. Also, many new parents are on a budget and look for quality brand names at affordable prices, making eBay an attractive platform for them.
Some items you can sell when choosing this eBay business idea include:
- Baby clothing
- Toys
- Strollers
- Car seats
- Diapers
- Baby monitors
- High chairs
- Baby carriers
#18 – Office supplies
There are many reasons why selling office supplies is one of the best eBay business ideas. Office supplies are generally lightweight and inexpensive to ship, making them ideal for online selling. This can help keep your shipping costs low and attract buyers who are looking for cost-effective options. Alternatively, many businesses and organizations prefer to purchase office supplies in bulk. eBay provides a platform to offer bulk discounts or sell office supplies in larger quantities. This attracts buyers who are looking to stock up on supplies.
Some items that can be sold in the office supplies category on eBay include:
- Pens and pencils
- Notebooks and notepads
- Desk organizers
- Staplers and paper clips
- File folders and binders
- Calculators
- Whiteboards and markers
- Office furniture (chairs, desks, etc.)
- Printers and ink cartridges
#19 – Party supplies
Selling party supplies can be eBay business ideas due to the market size and demand and the variety of products available. ResearchAndMarkets.com predicts that the global party supplies market will achieve a significant milestone, with an estimated value of $20,290.8 million by 2027.
Many business ideas on eBay can be sold in this category, including:
- Balloons
- Party decorations
- Tableware
- Party favors
- Cake toppers
- Invitations
- Costumes
- Pinatas
#20 – Travel accessories
Selling travel accessories on eBay is a practical business idea, as many people travel frequently and need essential items for their trips. Travel accessories include luggage, travel adapters, toiletry bags, travel pillows, and more. Selling travel accessories on eBay allows you to target a specific market of travelers and provide them with the necessary items for their journeys.
In terms of travel accessories, it would be better to try the following eBay business ideas:
- Luggage
- Travel adapters
- Toiletry bags
- Travel pillows
- Passport holders
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Travel organizers
- Travel locks
#21 – Educational products
As one of the great business ideas for eBay, selling educational products on eBay allows you to reach students, parents, and educators who are looking for educational resources. Some items that can be sold in this category include:
- Textbooks
- Study guides
- Educational toys
- Flashcards
- Science kits
- Math manipulatives
- Language learning materials
- Educational puzzles
- STEM learning kits
- Audiobooks and language learning apps
- Online educational resources
#22 – Home Furniture
Customers are increasingly turning to online furniture shopping to shop from anywhere, anytime. Moreover, when shopping for furniture online, they are offered delivery right to your home. This gets rid of the hassle of renting a truck or having to move heavy pieces yourself. With this potential, selling furniture deserves to be one of the best eBay business ideas.
Within this eBay home business ideas, there is a wide range of items that can be successfully sold, such as:
- Chairs
- Tables
- Sofas
- Beds
- Desks
- Bookcases
- Dressers
- Cabinets
#23 – Car accessories
Many people are passionate about their vehicles and want to personalize or enhance their functionality. As a result, selling car accessories is a practical eBay business idea.
With this specific eBay business idea, you can explore a range of selling possibilities, including:
- Car mats
- Seat covers
- Phone holders
- Car chargers
- Car cleaning products
- Car organizers
- Car air fresheners
- Car audio systems
#24 – Collectible coins
Selling collectible coins on eBay is a great business idea for those interested in numismatics. Moreover, selling coins on eBay can often yield higher prices compared to selling them at local coin stores or shows, especially if you create accurate and quality listings.
However, it would be better to take the time to learn about coins and their value before selling them. This will help you ensure that you accurately price your coins
When it comes to this category, there are a lot of eBay business ideas that can be profitably sold, including:
- Rare coins
- Commemorative coins
- Silver coins
- Gold coins
- Foreign coins
- Ancient coins
- Error coins
- Proof coins
#25 – Musical records
Selling musical records can be one of a great eBay business ideas for several reasons. First, there is a strong demand for vinyl records among collectors and music enthusiasts. Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many people appreciating the unique sound and tactile experience they offer. This demand creates a market for sellers to offer a wide range of musical records, including rare and limited-edition releases.
Some items that can be sold in this eBay business idea include:
- Vintage vinyl records from classic artists
- Limited edition pressings and reissues
- Signed records and collector’s items
- Turntables and record players
- Vinyl accessories like cleaning kits and sleeves
#26 – Sneakers and footwear
Selling sneakers and footwear can be a profitable eBay business plan due to the high demand for fashionable and collectible shoes. Sneaker culture has grown significantly in recent years, with many people willing to pay a premium for limited-edition releases or rare models. This presents an opportunity for sellers to tap into this market and offer a wide range of sneakers and footwear.
Within these eBay business ideas, you’ll find an extensive range of items available for sale, such as
- Limited edition sneakers and collaborations
- Vintage sneakers in good condition
- Designer shoes and high-end brands
- Sports shoes and cleats for specific activities
- Custom sneakers and personalized footwear
#27 – Handbags and purses
Handbags and purses are other excellent eBay business ideas due to the high demand for fashionable accessories. Many people are willing to invest in quality handbags and purses that complement their style and make a fashion statement. This presents an opportunity for sellers to offer a wide range of handbags and purses, catering to different tastes and budgets.
There is an extensive range of products that can be sold in this eBay business plan, including
- Designer handbags from popular brands
- Vintage purses with timeless styles
- Custom or handmade handbags
- Wallet and clutch sets
- Travel bags and totes
#28 – Vintage camera
Engaging in the eBay marketplace with a business centered around selling vintage cameras presents an opportunity for substantial profits, thanks to various factors. There is a strong demand for vintage cameras among photography enthusiasts, collectors, and those interested in retro aesthetics. Also, vintage cameras offer a unique shooting experience and can be highly sought after for their design, craftsmanship, and historical value
Several potential eBay business ideas for this niche are:
- Classic film cameras from Leica, Nikon, and Canon
- Vintage Polaroid cameras and instant film
- Camera accessories like lenses, filters, and bags
- Collectible photography books and manuals
- Limited edition or rare photographic prints
If you’re looking to start a profitable eBay business, understanding how to effectively sell on the platform is essential. Our comprehensive guide on how to sell on eBay provides valuable insights into creating compelling listings, attracting buyers, and maximizing your profits.
How to Research Ideas to Start a Business on eBay
Starting eBay business ideas requires careful research and planning. You can learn these eBay business tips to research ideas:
- Identify a niche
- Check what’s hot
- Research successful eBay stores
1. Identify a niche
To start successful eBay business ideas, it’s essential to identify a niche market. By focusing on a niche, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and target a specific audience. Identifying a niche involves the following actions:
- Market research:This can involve analyzing trends, studying consumer behavior, and understanding the competition.
- Identify customer needs: Identify specific needs you plan to address by surveying on open forums or social media.
- Build a budget: This will help you plan your expenses and allocate resources effectively.
2. Check what’s hot
After identifying a niche, it’s important to check what products or services are currently in demand. This involves researching popular trends and identifying hot-selling items on eBay.
You should use tools like Exploding Topics and Google Trends to identify emerging trends and popular products in your chosen niche.
3. Research successful eBay store
To gain inspiration and insights, it’s essential to research successful eBay stores that are already operating in your top eBay business ideas. This can help you understand their strategies, product offerings, and customer engagement techniques. It would be better to:
- Analyze top sellers: You should identify the top sellers in your niche. Then, you can study their listings, pricing strategies, customer reviews, and overall business approach. This can provide valuable insights into what works well in your chosen market.
- Learn from customer feedback: We suggest you read customer reviews and feedback for successful eBay stores to understand what customers appreciate and what improvements can be made. This can help you tailor your own business to meet customer expectations.
Read more: 400 eBay store name ideas.
Best eBay Business Ideas: FAQs
To run an ebay business from home, you can follow these steps: The most profitable item to sell on eBay can vary depending on various factors such as market demand, competition, and current trends. However, some categories that are known to be profitable on eBay include consumer electronics, music, crafts, health and beauty products, and tablets and desktop products. To grow your eBay business, you can consider the following strategies:
Get on the Best eBay Business Ideas and Start Today!
In general, there are many eBay business ideas for you to explore. Before diving in, it is crucial to clearly understand your financial capabilities, strengths, and personal preferences. Additionally, you must acquaint yourself with eBay’s policies when embarking on any venture related to selling on the platform. Your eBay business plan should outline your strategies for effectively addressing any potential policy violations that may occur.
On another note, let’s explore LitCommerce – a fantastic tool for your business on this platform. To learn more, get in touch with us right away.
Lastly, don’t forget to stay connected with our blog to receive and exchange incredible eCommerce business tips daily.
