How to Make Money on eBay: 16 Tips for 2025

Alright, all you entrepreneurial spirits. Ever rummaged through your attic and thought, Hey, I bet someone on eBay would buy this? Well, you’re onto something—with 133 million active buyers worldwide, eBay offers a huge market you could tap into.

Learning how to make money on eBay is like uncovering a secret treasure map, but instead of “X marks the spot,” it’s “click, list, and profit.” But this isn’t just for the old jigsaw puzzle or your aunt’s vintage feather boa. The eBay realm is vast, and the treasures are endless.

Beyond the troves of pre-loved items and quirky finds, eBay has become a haven for unique and specialty products. Imagine custom t-shirts that showcase your original designs or custom hoodies that aren’t found in your run-of-the-mill stores. Got artistic flair? Custom stickers can be your currency on eBay.

In fact, print-on-demand is perfect for this eclectic platform where each purchase brings your creation to life. With eBay, the sky’s the limit when it comes to carving out your niche and turning passion into profit.

So, don your virtual pirate hat, and let’s explore how to make money on eBay. 

16 tips for making money on eBay

To start making money on eBay, you’ll need to do more than just post an item and wait for a buyer. To truly maximize your earnings and build a successful business, it’s essential to employ certain strategies and best practices. 

In the following sections, we’ll delve into 16 invaluable tips that can elevate your eBay selling game. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach and start selling on eBay more, these guidelines will set you on the path to profitability.

Valuable read: Effective Tips for Selling on eBay: Sell Smarter, Not Harder

1. Choose the right products

Selecting the right products to sell is the linchpin of any successful eBay business. It’s not just about what you want to sell but what the market demands. Keeping an eye on trending products can offer insights into what consumers are looking for. These items have a sudden spike in demand, often due to seasonality, pop culture influences, or emerging needs.

Another lucrative avenue is dropshipping products with high profit margins. Dropshipping lets you sell products directly from suppliers to customers without handling inventory yourself. The key is to identify products that have a high demand and offer a considerable markup, ensuring that each sale translates to a healthy profit.

Also, consider focusing on best-selling print-on-demand products. This approach allows you to offer customized items and unique designs without holding a vast inventory, as products are only produced when an item sells on your store. If you partner with an on-demand provider like Printful, you can easily choose best-selling products to customize and include in your offering. It’s about understanding what designs resonate with your audience.

By strategically choosing products in these categories, you’ll position yourself for sustained eBay success.

2. Optimize your eBay listings

Crafting a successful eBay listing goes beyond just describing what you’re selling. It’s about presenting your product in a way that grabs attention and convinces more potential buyers that your item is the one they need. Optimized listings can greatly help by improving your visibility and click-through rates and, ultimately, boosting sales.

First, start with a clear and compelling title. Use targeted keywords on your eBay page that potential buyers might type into the search bar. This helps your item appear in search results and gives it a better chance of being clicked on.

Next, when selling products, provide detailed and honest descriptions. A comprehensive breakdown of the product, its features, and its condition helps build trust with your buyers. High-quality photos from various angles enhance this trust by showing relevant details and giving buyers a visual sense of the item.

Source: eBay

Finally, consider the importance of pricing competitively and offering flexible shipping options. An optimized listing not only showcases your product but also caters to the preferences and needs of your target audience, leading to increased sales and satisfied customers. Remember that many eBay buyers come to the platform looking for bargains—they want to save money by shopping there compared to other marketplaces.

3. Master eBay’s search algorithm

Understanding and leveraging eBay’s search algorithm, often referred to as Cassini, can significantly enhance your product’s visibility and, as a result, increase sales. Think of the algorithm as a gatekeeper that decides which listings get prime exposure to potential buyers based on various factors.

The relevance of your listing title, description, and keywords to a user’s search query plays a pivotal role. Ensure that your listings use pertinent keywords without keyword stuffing—i.e., loading up your listing with keywords in an unnatural or forced way to manipulate the ranking in search engine results.

Some of the results when looking up “coffee mug for teacher” on eBay. Source: eBay

Additionally, the algorithm favors eBay sellers with good feedback and a history of prompt shipping. Maintaining a stellar seller rating improves your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Shipping details, return policies, and price also factor into the equation. Competitive pricing and buyer-friendly policies can give you an edge.

By mastering the intricacies of eBay searches, you’re positioning your products right before those most likely to buy, maximizing your chances for consistent sales and growth.

4. Provide excellent customer service

In eBay’s vast marketplace, where numerous sellers may offer similar items, excellent customer service can distinguish you from the crowd. Consistently delivering top-notch service builds trust among buyers and cultivates loyalty, leading to repeat business and increased sales. 75% of customers say they will do business with a company again if the customer service is excellent. The same percentage of people say they’ve recommended a company to others based on great customer service experience.

When customers have inquiries about your products, responding promptly and professionally can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Clear communication reduces the chance of misunderstandings, ensuring that buyers get exactly what they expect.

eBay shows detailed feedback for each seller. Source: eBay

Additionally, quickly resolving any issues, like shipping delays or product discrepancies, demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a good relationship with your buyer. Such positive experiences often translate into glowing feedback and reviews, further enhancing your reputation on the platform.

Remember, in the world of online business, your reputation is your currency. By providing excellent customer service, you’re not just making a single sale—you’re building a loyal customer base that can lead to sustained profitability. More on how to build a positive feedback reputation later on.

5. Leverage eBay promotions

Tapping into eBay’s promotional tools can be a game-changer for sellers looking to amplify their sales and visibility on their eBay store. By leveraging these promotions, you’re essentially boosting the attractiveness of your eBay listings, offering a more competitive selling price, and making them more enticing to potential eBay buyers.

One popular tool is the Promotions Manager, which allows sellers to offer special deals, like discounts on bundled items or a “buy one, get one” offer. These promotions can encourage larger purchases, increasing the average transaction value of your seller account.

Additionally, eBay often rolls out “Promoted Listings.” For a fee, sellers can spotlight their products, ensuring they appear at the top of search results. While this involves an upfront cost, the heightened visibility can increase sales, often outweighing the initial investment.

Promoted listings on eBay. Source: eBay

By strategically using profitable items with a low starting price and employing eBay promotions, sellers can capture the attention of potential buyers and incentivize them to spend more. In a crowded marketplace, these promotions can provide the edge needed to outshine competitors and bring in more revenue on your sold items.

6. Manage your inventory efficiently

Efficient inventory management is paramount when selling items on eBay. Not only does it ensure that you have stock ready for eager eBay buyers everywhere, but it also helps you avoid overstocking, which can tie up capital and storage space.

By keeping a close eye on your inventory levels, you can anticipate when to reorder products and how much inventory you’ll need to prevent potential sales losses from stockouts. By tracking sales trends, you can also avoid over-purchasing items that aren’t moving as quickly. This frees up resources for more in-demand products.

An easy way to do this? Use an on-demand partner like Printful. 

With on-demand production, you don’t have to worry about the complexities of inventory management since products are created only when customers place an order. This eliminates the risk of overstocking (and understocking!), allowing you to focus on design and marketing without the logistical burdens of holding and managing inventory.

Source: Printful

Solid inventory management translates to a smooth selling experience. It reduces costs, maximizes sales opportunities, and bolsters customer satisfaction. In the long run, this operational efficiency can significantly increase the profitability of your eBay store.

7. Shipping and packaging

The importance of shipping and packaging in the ecommerce realm, especially on platforms like eBay, cannot be understated. Unexpectedly high extra costs, like shipping, are the top reason for cart abandonment. And it’s not just about delivering an item—the entire post-purchase experience can influence your eBay customers’ future buying decisions and your brand’s overall reputation. 

Even eBay’s search filters take shipping expenses into account if you want to sort your results by price.

Source: eBay 

In that line, if you offer free shipping or competitive rates, it can be a significant draw for many buyers. While this might seem pricey, savvy online sellers often factor shipping costs into an item’s price, making sure they remain at a reasonable price but don’t undercut their profit margins.

Then comes packaging. Sending items in sturdy, well-packaged containers or boxes ensures the product reaches its destination safely and conveys professionalism and care. A well-packaged product can enhance the unboxing experience, leaving a lasting positive impression on the buyer.

With Printful, you get the best of both worlds: the ability to stock and use your own custom packaging without having to store, pack, and ship the items yourself. Plus, you have the advantage of fast shipping and clear tracking details that help keep your buyer informed, adding to their confidence in your service.

In essence, efficient shipping and thoughtful packaging can lead to positive reviews, repeat business, and a stronger brand reputation as a seller, all of which contribute to increased eBay sales and profitability for your eBay store.

8. Utilize eBay’s global market (selling internationally)

Expanding your reach to eBay’s international audience can significantly amplify your sales potential. By selling things globally, you tap into diverse markets, reaching customers beyond your immediate locale.

Different regions may have varying demands or preferences, allowing sellers to capitalize on trends not prevalent in their home country. Plus, products that might be common in one country could be rare or even considered exotic in another, fetching higher prices.

Find out Everything You Need to Know About Selling Internationally with Printful

By embracing eBay’s international shipping programs and understanding the customs and regulations of different countries, sellers can access a vast pool of potential buyers. Taking advantage of eBay’s global market diversifies your customer base and opens doors to increased revenue opportunities.

9. Build a strong brand presence

If you don’t want to be just another average eBay seller, a distinctive brand presence can set you apart, turning occasional buyers into loyal customers. By consistently showcasing a unique style, voice, and image across your listings and communications, you create a memorable buying experience. And a strong brand fosters trust, making potential buyers more likely to choose your products over competitors.

As your brand recognition grows, so does word-of-mouth marketing and the potential for repeat business. A cohesive brand presence isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s an investment in building lasting customer relationships. Over time, this loyalty translates into a solidified position in the eBay marketplace—and increased sales.

Check out this Printful Academy lesson on how to build a brand to learn more.

10. Tap into social media marketing

Harnessing the power of social media and strategic marketing can supercharge your eBay sales. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest offer vast audiences seeking original products and deals. By promoting your eBay listings through targeted ads, engaging posts, or even influencer partnerships, you direct a stream of potential buyers to your products.

Get started with our Beginner’s Guide to Social Media Marketing

Moreover, regular engagement on these platforms builds brand awareness and loyalty. Using social media insights, you can fine-tune your marketing strategies based on audience responses and preferences.

In an age where online presence is key, integrating social media marketing with your eBay business is a proven way to boost visibility, attract more customers, and, ultimately, drive revenue.

Interested in refining your approach? Read our blog post on 10 Effective Social Media Strategies for Your Print-on-Demand Business.

11. Network with eBay communities

Engaging with eBay communities, like seller forums and discussion groups, offers invaluable benefits for sellers. By connecting with peers, you gain access to shared experiences, insights, and strategies that can advance your selling game.

These communities often discuss trending products, effective marketing tactics, and even potential pitfalls or challenges to be wary of. Building relationships within these groups can lead to collaborative opportunities, like cross-promotions, increasing your chances of making more money selling on eBay. 

Being an active community member also raises your profile and credibility within the eBay ecosystem. Tapping into this collective knowledge and fostering connections enriches your selling experience and opens doors to potential profit-boosting avenues.

12. Stay informed about eBay policies

Staying abreast of eBay’s ever-evolving policies is crucial for sustained success on the platform. Like any dynamic marketplace, eBay frequently updates its rules, fees, and best practices to ensure a fair and efficient trading environment. By keeping yourself informed, you avoid pitfalls like listing violations or unexpected fees that can hinder profitability or even result in temporary suspensions.

Understanding recommended best practices for your eBay account can also help optimize your listings for better visibility and sales conversion. Proactively adapting to policy changes positions you as a reputable seller, ensuring smoother transactions, fewer disputes, and, ultimately, more sales on the platform.

13. Create detailed policies of your own

eBay’s policies are there to guide you, but if you want to stand out, crafting clear, buyer-friendly policies of your own is a game-changer. Think of them as the house rules for your eBay store—easy to understand, fair, and built to keep everyone happy. Shoppers love clarity, and when they know exactly what to expect, they’re more likely to hit that “Buy Now” button with confidence.

Source: Upside Down Store UK on eBay

Take the time to outline your shipping, payment, and return policies in a way that reflects your style of doing business. Offer free shipping on certain items? Highlight it. Accept returns within 30 days? Make it known. Detailed policies are a trust-building tool that can win over cautious buyers. When customers see that you’ve put thought into these details, they’ll feel like they’re in good hands.

If you work with a print-on-demand provider, align your policies with theirs to manage customer expectations.

14. Keep track of your expenses and profits

A successful eBay venture hinges not just on sales but on effective financial management. By diligently tracking expenses (from eBay fees to shipping costs) and regularly monitoring profits, you gain a clear picture of your store’s health.

This financial clarity enables informed decisions. For example, maybe the profit margin for a particular product is too thin, or certain expenses can be trimmed. Regularly reviewing financial statements can highlight trends, revealing which products or strategies yield the best returns. Plus, organized financial records simplify tax filings and potential business valuations.

If you partner with Printful, we make it easy for you by tracking your sales stats. Find out more about the financial info we provide you with from our Help Center.

A proactive approach to financial tracking ensures that your eBay business operates efficiently, maximizes profitability, and remains poised for growth.

15. Build a positive feedback reputation

When you sell on eBay, your feedback score isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of your credibility and trustworthiness as a seller. A strong, positive feedback reputation instills confidence in potential buyers and increases the likelihood of them choosing your listing over a competitor’s. In essence, it can directly impact your sales and revenue.

Every successful transaction that results in a satisfied customer can contribute to this positive reputation. As mentioned in a prior point about excellent customer service, ensuring each buyer has a seamless experience is pivotal. When customers feel valued and receive the product as described, they’re more inclined to leave a positive review.

Plus, a stellar feedback reputation can improve your standing in eBay’s search algorithm, potentially giving your products more visibility. As new buyers often rely on feedback scores to gauge a seller’s reliability, a commendable score can be a compelling factor in their purchasing decisions, leading to increased sales for you.

16. Monitor and adapt

Success on eBay requires an agile approach. By continuously monitoring your sales data, customer feedback, and market trends, you can gain invaluable insights into what’s working and what needs adjustment.

Perhaps certain products aren’t performing as expected, or maybe a pricing strategy needs tweaking. Regularly reviewing your listings and strategies ensures you stay aligned with consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Plus, adapting to feedback can lead to improved customer satisfaction, commanding higher prices and repeat business. In a fast-paced online marketplace, those who stay stagnant risk falling behind. Embracing a mindset of constant evaluation and adaptation positions you for sustained growth and profitability on eBay.

Ready to get started?

Success on eBay isn’t just about listing items and hoping they sell. It’s a blend of strategy, customer service, and adaptability. Choose products wisely, present them attractively, and engage with your audience. Monitor trends, stay on top of feedback, and monitor eBay policies.

With these 16 tools, you’re set to turn your eBay adventure into a formidable online business on the way to major profitability. Happy eBaying!