Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a way to declutter your home, or a way to run your own business as a full-time job, learning how to make money on eBay is a smart move. With over 130 million active buyers worldwide, eBay offers a huge market for you to sell and make money.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – step by step – so you can start making money on eBay, covering:
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Make Money on eBay and More!
With LitCommerce, you can connect your eBay store to top channels like Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop, and more to get more sales. Sync inventory and manage all orders in one place.
How to Make Money on eBay: A 4-Step Guide
eBay is one of the world’s largest eCommerce marketplaces, connecting millions of buyers and sellers every day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start selling and making money on eBay effectively.
Step 1: Create an eBay seller account
First, to start selling and making money on eBay, you’ll need to create an eBay seller account. It’s simple:
- Go to the eBay website.
- Click My eBay in the top right corner > Select Selling.
- Then, provide your city and address to set up your eBay seller profile.
You can start with a personal account or upgrade to a business account later, depending on your goals.
Step 2: Find the right items to sell
When it comes to how to make money on eBay, choosing the right products is one of the most important steps. eBay offers a wide range of product categories, making it a great place for everything from brand-new items to vintage collectibles.
You can choose between two main types of products when selling on eBay:
- New items: These often command higher prices and appeal to buyers looking for the latest products. Perfect for sellers using wholesale, dropshipping, or print-on-demand (POD) models.
- Used or vintage Items: These can be highly profitable, especially in categories like collectibles, fashion, and electronics. Buyers often turn to eBay to find rare or pre-owned items in good condition.
💡 Pro tip: Choose products that interest you. When you’re passionate about what you sell, it’s easier to stay consistent and succeed in the long run.
Still unsure what to sell on eBay to make money? You can use some tools like eBay search bar, Google Trends, or keyword tools to find eBay business ideas.
If you’re planning to sell new items, there are a few eBay business models that you can consider:
- Retail arbitrage or wholesale: Buy products in bulk or at a discount, then resell them on eBay for a profit.
- Create your own products: In this business model, you will build your own brand. If you already sell your products on your online store, you can just simply list them to your eBay store.
- Dropshipping on eBay: A low-risk model where suppliers handle inventory and shipping. You only list, promote, and sell the products on eBay.
- eBay print on demand (POD): You offer personalized or custom-designed items without holding inventory. This approach is great for eBay sellers wanting to stand out with unique products. Similar to eBay dropshipping, eBay POD allows you to avoid the hassle of storage and fulfillment so you can focus on marketing and customer service.
Step 3: Create eBay listings
Once you’ve decided what to sell on eBay, let’s list your products on eBay and start making money.
To create a listing on eBay, follow these steps:
- On the eBay website, click Sell > List an item
- Find a product that matches your item or create a whole new one.
- Fill in all your product details, including Photo&Video, Title, Item category, Item specifics, Condition, Description, Pricing, and Shipping.
- Once finished, click List it to publish your listing on eBay.
When listing an item to make money on eBay, you can choose between Auction and Buy It Now pricing. Choosing the right pricing method depends on the nature of your product and your goals.
- Auctions create urgency and can raise prices through bidding. This pricing method is ideal for rare or collectible items. You can also set a reserve price to protect your minimum.
- Buy It Now offers a fixed price, which is great for quick sales and items with a clear market value. It provides more control and a faster selling process.
Simplify eBay Selling Today!
LitCommerce makes it easy to list products from your current online store to eBay, update stock in real-time, and manage all orders in one place.
Step 4: Ship and fulfill your eBay orders
Once you start getting sales, it’s time to fulfill your orders — and this step is just as important as listing your items. Great fulfillment shows buyers you’re a responsible seller who values quality, which helps build trust and credibility.
To ensure a smooth order fulfillment process, focus on the following:
- Prioritize fast, safe, and reliable delivery. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also boosts your reputation, increases positive reviews, and encourages repeat business, all essential for making money on eBay long-term.
- Package items properly. Use strong boxes, appropriate materials, and plenty of padding for fragile items. This protects your products during transit and reduces the risk of damage, refunds, or negative feedback.
- Offer free shipping (if possible). Many buyers filter search results to show only listings with free shipping. Including it can improve your visibility and help increase sales. Just make sure to include the shipping cost in your product price so you don’t lose profit.
- Handle shipping costs smartly. Accurately calculate shipping based on item weight, size, and destination. Moreover, you can also compare rates across carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx to choose the most affordable and reliable option. Finally, clear communication about your shipping policies and delivery times can help manage your buyer expectations effectively.
10 Pro Tips to Make More Money on eBay
To make money on eBay, you need more than just list an item on eBay and wait for your sale. These 10 actionable tips will show you the best way to make money on eBay, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your store.
1. Master eBay’s ranking algorithm
One of the most effective ways to boost your visibility and ultimately make money on eBay is to understand how eBay’s search algorithm (Cassini) works. This algorithm determines which listings appear at the top of search results.
Cassini prioritizes listings that are highly relevant to a buyer’s search. That’s why crafting optimized titles, clear descriptions, and using the right keywords is essential (we’ll dive deeper into that in the next section).
But keywords aren’t the only thing that matters. eBay’s algorithm also rewards sellers who:
- Maintain positive feedback and high seller ratings
- Provide fast and reliable shipping
- Offer competitive pricing and clear return policies
If you want to get ahead, aim to become an eBay Top Rated Seller. This status not only boosts trust with buyers but also improves your chances of appearing higher in search results.
By mastering how eBay’s search engine works, you’re putting your products in front of the right buyers, giving you a better shot at making consistent sales and growing your business over time.
2. Optimize your eBay listings
Another key step in learning how to make money on eBay is creating optimized listings that follow eBay SEO best practices. Well-optimized listings improve your visibility in search results, helping you attract more buyers. Better visibility leads to more traffic, which means more chances to convert views into sales.
Here is how to optimize your eBay listings to boost your product rankings on eBay:
- Write keyword-rich and compelling titles: Write clear, concise, and keyword-rich titles that reflect exactly what you’re selling. Think about how buyers would search for your item and use those terms naturally in your title.
- Add detailed descriptions: You should highlight key features, benefits, dimensions, and any unique selling points in your product description. The more informative and honest your description is, the more confident buyers will feel.
- Use high-quality and really good photos: A good photo is also a crucial factor that attracts your customers to click on your item. Include multiple high-resolution images with good lighting, neutral backgrounds, and clear angles. Good visuals can make the difference between a view and a sale.
- Price your item effectively: To truly make money on eBay, calculate your base costs, shipping fees, and eBay’s selling fees. Then, price your item for profit while remaining competitive. You only pay a final value fee after a successful sale, so make each listing count.
- Transparency: Always be upfront about the condition of the item. Clearly state if it’s new, used, refurbished, or vintage. This helps manage expectations and reduce returns.
3. Use eBay promotions and promoted listings
Want to get more eyes on your listings and boost your sales? eBay’s promotion tools can help with that. They’re an easy way to make your products stand out and give buyers a reason to click and buy.
One tool worth trying is Promotions Manager. It lets you create special offers like “buy one, get one free” or bundle discounts. These deals encourage shoppers to buy more, which can increase the total value of each order.
You can also try promoted listings. For a fee, you can feature your items at the top of eBay search results, where more buyers will see them. This added visibility can significantly boost traffic to your listings, which can potentially lead to more sales. Promoting your items on eBay may cost a little upfront, but it often pays off with extra sales.
If you’ve got a popular item or something that sells well, adding a deal or promotion can give you an edge over other sellers. It’s a simple way to attract more buyers and make more money on eBay without changing your whole strategy.
4. Leverage social media marketing
Social media isn’t just for fun; it’s a powerful way to bring more eyes to your eBay listings and grow your business. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and especially TikTok are filled with users looking for cool finds, great deals, and unique products.
One of the most effective ways to grab attention in 2025 is through short-form video marketing. According to recent trends, short videos remain one of the top-performing content formats across all platforms. People love quick, engaging content, and it’s a great way to showcase your products in action.
If you’re considering TikTok, create short videos that highlight your best-selling items, show unboxing moments, or give behind-the-scenes peeks of your eBay store. Add popular sounds, hashtags, and text overlays to help your videos reach more people.
Also, don’t forget to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, use polls or Q&As in Instagram Stories, and thank your buyers publicly when they tag you. The more active and authentic you are, the more your following and sales can grow.
In short, integrating social media into your eBay selling strategy can help you build a brand, attract more traffic, and ultimately make more money on eBay.
5. Offer Free Delivery and really good packaging
If you’re serious about learning how to make money with eBay, don’t overlook packaging and shipping. They play a huge role in the buyer experience and your long-term success.
High shipping costs are a top reason for cart abandonment. Offering Free Delivery or competitive shipping can boost your chances of making a sale and even help your listings rank higher when buyers sort by price. Many sellers include shipping in the item price to stay profitable while offering free shipping.
Packaging matters, too. Use sturdy, clean materials to protect your items and show you care. Great packaging not only reduces damage and returns but also creates a better unboxing experience, helping you earn positive reviews and repeat buyers.
6. Provide excellent customer service
Providing great customer service is a key part of how to make money on eBay, happy buyers are more likely to return, leave positive reviews, and recommend your store to others.
Start by responding quickly to buyer messages and questions. Fast, helpful communication builds trust and shows buyers you care. Make sure your return policy is clear and aligns with eBay’s guidelines to avoid confusion and disputes.
If you receive negative feedback, don’t ignore it. Respond professionally and promptly to resolve the issue; a calm and helpful approach can often turn a bad situation into a positive outcome.
Moreover, deliver orders on time, package products with care, and consider offering small perks like a discount on a future purchase. Follow up after delivery to make sure your customer is satisfied. All of these can encourage positive reviews from your customers and help your eBay money-making business go the extra mile.
7. Tap into international markets
If you’re looking for a smart way to boost your eBay sales, tapping into its global marketplace is a great move. Selling internationally opens the door to a much larger audience and, with it, more chances to make money on eBay.
Different countries have different buying trends and demands. A product that’s common in your country might be rare or even considered a luxury elsewhere. That means you could leverage this gap to sell the same item at a higher price simply by offering it to international buyers.
Using eBay’s international shipping programs, like the Global Shipping Program (GSP), makes the process simple. eBay handles customs paperwork and international delivery, so you don’t have to stress about the logistics.
8. Build a strong feedback score
When it comes to how to sell on eBay and make money, your feedback score plays a big role. It’s more than just a number; it’s a reflection of your reliability and credibility as a seller. Buyers often compare sellers based on their reviews, and a high score can be the deciding factor that gets you the sale.
Every smooth transaction and happy customer adds to your positive reputation. Great service, accurate listings, and on-time shipping encourage buyers to leave good reviews. These customer reviews act as social proof, helping new buyers trust your store and feel confident in their purchase of your products on eBay.
Moreover, a solid feedback score also improves your visibility in eBay’s search results. The higher your rating, the better your chances of getting your listings seen and clicked on.
Plus, maintaining excellent feedback can qualify you for Top Rated Seller status, which comes with perks like:
- The Top Rated Plus badge on your listings
- Same-day or 1-business-day handling time
- A 30-day or more return policy, boosting buyer confidence
9. Connect with the eBay Seller community
One of the most underrated ways to make more money on eBay is by connecting with other sellers. Joining eBay forums, Facebook groups, or online seller communities gives you access to real-world tips, shared experiences, and fresh ideas that can level up your selling strategy.
In these communities, you’ll often find discussions around:
- Trending and seasonal products
- Proven marketing tactics
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Platform updates or policy changes
By staying active and engaged, you not only learn faster but also build relationships that can lead to cross-promotions, collaborations, and shoutouts that help you reach new buyers.
Plus, the more involved you are, the more visible and credible you become within the eBay ecosystem. Being part of a seller network helps you stay informed, motivated, and ready to grow and discover new ways to make money on eBay smarter, not harder.
10. Use third-party tools for automation
Managing your eBay store manually can be time-consuming. Use third-party tools like LitCommerce to automate tasks like inventory sync, order management, and cross-channel listing. Automation saves time and reduces errors, giving you more time to focus on selling and scaling.
How to Make Money on eBay – FAQs
Yes. Selling on eBay can still be profitable and a smart way to make money in 2025. With over 133 million active buyers, it remains one of the largest eCommerce marketplaces with high profit potential. Yes. As of March 16, 2025, the average hourly pay for an eBay seller in the U.S. is $21.56. While earnings can vary, most sellers make between $12.98 and $29.33 per hour, with top earners making up to $48.80. Your income depends on what you sell, how often, and how well you manage your business. On average, eBay sellers make about $35,000 a year. Smaller, part-time sellers may earn a few thousand annually, while top performers can reach up to $70,000 per year. How much you can make on eBay depends on what you sell, how much you sell, and how well you market your listings. Some of the best product categories to sell on eBay in 2025 and start making money include:
Final Thoughts: How to Make More Money on eBay?
Learning how to make money on eBay isn’t just about listing items; it’s about choosing the right products, understanding your customers, optimizing your listings, and delivering a great buying experience. With the right strategy, you can turn eBay into a reliable income stream, whether you’re just selling part-time or growing a full-scale online business.
If you’re ready to take things to the next level and expand beyond eBay, LitCommerce is here to help! As a leading multichannel selling tool, LitCommerce makes it simple to list, sync, and manage your products across top platforms like Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and more – all from a single dashboard. Try out our LitCommerce eBay integration, or contact us if you have any questions!
