Thinking about selling online but don’t know where to begin?
eBay is one of the easiest places to start. You can sign up in minutes and start listing things you already have—no fancy setup or inventory needed.
And you don’t need a big budget or business plan to get going.
In fact, millions of people search eBay every day for everything from vintage baseball cards and Pokémon cards to used books, shoes, and furniture.
It’s beginner-friendly. It’s low-cost. And it works—even if you’ve never sold a thing before.
But eBay isn’t your only option.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to start selling on eBay, then show you other websites like eBay that make it just as easy to earn from what you already have.
Whether you’re clearing clutter, starting a side hustle, or looking for a more sustainable way to bring in extra income, this guide is designed to help you get started—and keep growing.
Getting Started on eBay (Even If You’ve Never Sold Anything Before)
Starting something new can feel overwhelming—but selling on eBay doesn’t have to be.
Selling on eBay is one of the simplest ways to dip your toe into online income. You don’t need inventory, a storefront, or even a niche. All you need is a few items around your house, an internet connection, and a little curiosity.
Here’s how to get started—step by step.
1. Set Up Your eBay Account
You can create a seller account in under 5 minutes.
- Head over to eBay.com and click “Register” in the top left.
- Choose a personal account to start. (You can always upgrade to a business account later when things take off.)
- Connect your bank account to receive payments and link your address for shipping.
Tip: Use a separate email address just for selling so you can keep everything organized as you make more sales.
2. Understand the Fees (and How to Keep More of What You Make)
Like every business, eBay does charge fees—but they’re manageable when you plan ahead.
Here’s what to expect:
- Listing (Insertion) Fees: Your first 250 listings per month are free. After that, it’s a small fee per item if you remain on the free plan.
- Final Value Fees: Once something sells, eBay takes around 12.9% on average of the total, including shipping.
- Payment Processing: A small payment fee is deducted when eBay transfers your money.
Wondering how to sell on eBay for free? Stick to the 250 monthly listings, avoid listing upgrades (like bold fonts or gallery plus), and ship through eBay’s built-in label system to save on costs.
You’ll keep more profit—and avoid surprises while you ramp up sales.
3. Create Your First Listing
This is where the magic happens. Your listing is your digital storefront. You don’t need professional photos or clever marketing—you just need clarity, honesty, and the right keywords.
Showcase your items with great photos
Natural light works best. Shoot from multiple angles. Show wear and tear if it’s a used item—transparency builds trust and repeat customers.
Tip: eBay gives you up to 12 free photo slots—use them to show the full picture, including different angles and any flaws. Just don’t get stuck trying to make it perfect. The goal is progress, not perfection. The sooner you hit “list,” the sooner you can start selling.
Create a title that will get your item found
A great item without a good title will never be seen. But a bad item with a great title? That’ll still get clicks—and often a sale.
Your title is how buyers find you. Be specific and include brand, size, color, model number, and any keywords someone might search.
Not sure what to write? Go to eBay, search for your item, and filter by “Sold Items.”
Find a listing that matches what you’re selling and copy the structure of their title. What they did worked—so use it to your advantage.
Don’t overthink the description
Your description doesn’t need to be long—just helpful.
- What is it?
- What’s the condition?
- Are there any flaws or details not obvious in the photos?
- Why might someone want it?
You’re not selling perfection—you’re helping the buyer feel confident in what they’re buying.
Don’t guess, research your starting price
Don’t just pick a price—look at what’s actually selling. Use the “Sold Listings” filter to see what your exact item has sold for. That tells you what buyers are actually willing to pay, not just what sellers are hoping for. Stay close to that price when you list. But if your version is in better condition, rare, or has extras, feel free to test a slightly higher number.
You can always lower the price later if it doesn’t sell. No harm in trying. Start with Buy It Now pricing. It gives you more control. You can explore auctions once you’re more comfortable.
4. Learn the Basics of Shipping
Shipping is one of the easiest parts of selling on eBay—as long as you keep it simple.
- eBay automatically recommends the best shipping method based on your item’s size and weight.
- You can use your own packaging or grab free Flat Rate Boxes from USPS.
- Printing your label through eBay is the fastest option. It gives you a discount and uploads tracking automatically.
Using a different carrier? Just make sure to manually upload the tracking number. It’s essential for protecting yourself and reassuring the buyer.
Bonus tip:
Ship your item as soon as it sells—ideally within 24 hours.
Here’s why it matters:
- It shows eBay that you’re a reliable seller
- It increases your chances of getting positive reviews
- And it boosts your visibility in search results
eBay wants buyers to have a great experience. Fast, reliable shipping tells the algorithm you’re someone worth rewarding—with more sales.
Start simple. Grow smart.
When you’re new to selling, don’t overthink it. Start with what you already have—or what you understand—and build from there.
eBay is packed with buyers searching for everyday items, collectibles, and secondhand deals. And some of the highest-performing categories are hiding in plain sight.
Top Items to Sell on eBay for a Profit (From Cards to Golf Gear and More)
Certain items are always in demand—and they’re easy to list, easy to ship, and easy to find.
Here’s what’s trending (and searchable):
- Baseball cards, Pokémon cards, and sports cards are dominating search volume right now. Use specific titles, include condition, and check “Sold Listings” for pricing.
- Books still sell—especially textbooks, vintage hardcovers, or niche non-fiction. Use “eBay books” in your research to spot popular titles.
- Shoes are one of the best-selling categories on the site. Focus on name brands and be honest about condition.
- Watches are surprisingly strong performers—even budget-friendly brands. Search “eBay watches” to see what styles are moving.
- LEGO sets, even used, do well. Buyers love complete sets, rare minifigs, or bulk bricks.
- Golf gear is a hidden gem—especially clubs and accessories. “eBay golf” searches are steady, and prices stay strong for name brands.
- Furniture sells best locally or in small, shippable pieces (think nightstands, bar stools, or vintage decor).
Use eBay’s filters to explore these categories and see what people are actually buying. The “Sold” section is your blueprint to being profitable selling via ebay.
The Best Websites Like eBay to Start Selling On
The more places you show up, the more chances you have to sell.
Once you’ve got a handle on how to sell on eBay, it’s worth exploring other platforms to expand your reach. Each site has its own vibe, its own audience and even one that’s turning live-stream selling into a full-time income stream. Exploring more platforms doesn’t mean more stress. It means more chances to earn—and reach buyers where they already shop.
Here’s where to go next:
1. Mercari
Think of Mercari as eBay’s laid-back cousin. It’s app-based, beginner-friendly, and built for casual sellers.
- Best for: Clothing, electronics, toys, home goods
- Fees: 10% of each sale
- Perks: Prepaid shipping labels, mobile-first design, fast listing process
Mercari works especially well for small items under 5 lbs. If you’re flipping shoes, watches, or LEGO sets, it’s a solid second option.
2. Poshmark
If you’re selling fashion, shoes, or accessories, Poshmark is the place to be. The audience here expects gently used name-brand items—and they’re ready to buy.
- Best for: Clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry
- Fees: Flat $2.95 fee for sales under $15, 20% for sales over $15
- Perks: Flat-rate shipping, active buyer community, bundled purchases
It’s also very social—engaging with other users can boost visibility and sales.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Selling locally? This is your go-to.
- Best for: Furniture, tools, kids’ items, electronics
- Fees: Free for local sales (shipping options available with small fees)
- Perks: No listing limits, no upfront fees, instant access to nearby buyers
It’s perfect for eBay furniture sellers who want to avoid the hassle of shipping heavy items.
Tip: Be clear, respond quickly, and meet in safe public places.
4. Whatnot
Welcome to the rise of live selling.
Whatnot is one of the fastest-growing platforms for sellers who want to build a following and connect live with buyers. Think QVC, but on your phone.
- Best for: Pokémon cards, sports cards, sneakers, collectibles
- Fees: ~8.5% commission + payment processing
- Why try it: High energy, live interaction, growing buyer base
Live selling on Whatnot isn’t just trendy—it’s working. Sellers are earning full-time income by auctioning items in real-time, engaging directly with collectors, and moving inventory fast.
5. Craigslist
Simple, local, and still very much alive.
- Best for: Furniture, home goods, bulky items, cars
- Fees: None for most categories (small fees for shipping or promoting listings)
- Perks: Easy to list, low competition, fast turnover for local deals
Great for decluttering or testing products before scaling to eBay or other platforms.
Start With eBay, Then Grow Your Sales One Platform at a Time
When you’re building something that lasts, it helps to start with something solid.
eBay is still one of the best platforms for online selling.
It’s massive. It’s trusted. And it has decades of buyer behavior behind it.
Whether you’re flipping sports cards, cleaning out your garage, or starting a side hustle—eBay is a launchpad with long-term potential.
But growth often means looking beyond just one platform. There are other platforms—like Mercari, Poshmark, and Whatnot—that are carving out their own space and winning over niche audiences. And smart sellers use both. Each one gives you the chance to reach new people, test new categories, and create more consistency in your sales. So if you’re just getting started, Start with eBay. Learn the ropes.
Then pick one new platform to explore. See where it takes you.
One listing today can lead to a long-term income stream tomorrow.