Looking to make serious money on eBay? The key to success lies in knowing exactly what to sell. With over 135 million active buyers worldwide, eBay offers incredible potential for sellers who choose the right products. This comprehensive guide reveals the 22 most profitable items to sell on eBay right now, complete with sourcing tips and profit potential.
Whether you’re just starting your eBay business or looking to expand your inventory with high-margin products, these recommendations are backed by market research and real seller success stories. Let’s dive into the most lucrative opportunities waiting for you on this powerful marketplace.
Find Winning Products Faster
Stop guessing what sells well on eBay. Get access to real-time data on the hottest selling items, profit margins, and competition levels with a professional research tool.
Electronics and Accessories
1. Smartphones
Used and refurbished smartphones are consistently top sellers on eBay, generating over $144 million in annual sales. The market for pre-owned phones is projected to reach $143.8 billion by 2031, according to recent industry reports.
Profit Potential: $50-200+ per phone depending on brand, model, and condition
Best Brands: Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel
Sourcing Tips: Buy from trade-in programs, local marketplaces, or wholesale liquidation lots
eBay allows separate listings for used, refurbished, and new phones, giving you better visibility than platforms like Amazon. Focus on phones that are 1-3 generations old, as they offer the best balance of demand and affordability.
2. Wireless Earbuds
The wireless audio market continues to boom, with earbuds being particularly popular due to their portability and improving sound quality. Their compact size also makes them ideal for eBay selling with minimal shipping costs.
Both new and refurbished models sell well, with Apple AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds leading the pack. Look for open-box returns from retailers or buy in bulk from wholesalers to maximize your margins.
3. Laptop Accessories
Computer accessories generate over $651 million annually on eBay. With remote work becoming permanent for many, the demand for laptop accessories continues to grow steadily.
Top Sellers: Laptop cooling pads, USB-C hubs, external webcams, wireless mice, ergonomic keyboards
Profit Margins: 30-60% on new items, higher on bulk purchases
These items are lightweight, easy to ship, and have a broad customer base. Source from electronics wholesalers or look for closeout sales from retailers refreshing their inventory.
Collectibles and Vintage Items
4. Trading Cards
Sports cards and collectible trading cards generate over $43 million in annual eBay sales. The pandemic sparked renewed interest in this market, with rare cards sometimes selling for thousands of dollars.
Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards (especially basketball and baseball) are consistently strong performers. Cards graded by professional services like PSA command significantly higher prices.
5. Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing generates over $48 million annually on eBay. The sustainability movement and unique fashion trends have created strong demand for pre-owned clothing with character and history.
Hot Categories: 90s and Y2K fashion, band t-shirts, vintage denim (especially Levi’s), designer pieces
Profit Potential: 50-300% ROI on thrifted items
Source from thrift stores, estate sales, and yard sales. Look for unique pieces from recognizable brands with good condition tags and minimal wear. Detailed measurements and clear photos are essential for successful listings.
6. Vinyl Records
The vinyl revival continues strong with over 3.9 million record listings sold on eBay in the past year. Some rare records have sold for as much as $10,000 each.
Focus on classic rock, jazz, and limited edition pressings. Condition is crucial—records graded VG+ (Very Good Plus) or better command the highest prices. Proper packaging is essential as vinyl can easily warp or crack during shipping.
Fashion and Accessories
7. Luxury Watches
Luxury watches generate over $803 million in annual eBay sales. Unlike many products, high-end watches often retain or even increase in value over time.
Top Brands: Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, Seiko, Citizen
Profit Potential: 30-150% depending on brand, model, and condition
Authentication: eBay’s Authentication Service for watches over $2,000 helps build buyer confidence
Consider using eBay’s auction format for rare or limited edition watches, as competitive bidding can drive prices higher than fixed-price listings. Source from watch wholesalers, estate sales, or authorized dealer clearances.
8. Designer Handbags
Luxury handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci consistently rank among eBay’s top sellers in the fashion category, with strong resale value and steady demand.
Authentication is crucial in this category. eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service for luxury bags over $500 helps build buyer trust. Focus on classic styles that remain in demand year after year rather than seasonal trends.
9. Sneakers
The sneaker market generates over $225 million annually on eBay, with some limited-edition pairs selling for thousands of dollars. The sneakerhead culture continues to drive strong demand for both new and gently used footwear.
Most Profitable: Limited edition releases, collaborations, and retro models
Top Brands: Nike (especially Jordan), Adidas (Yeezy), New Balance collaborations
Authentication: eBay now offers authentication for sneakers sold over $100
Stay informed about upcoming releases and “drop dates” to purchase limited-edition sneakers at retail before they sell out. Condition is paramount—new, unworn shoes with original packaging command the highest prices.
Discover Even More Profitable Products
The items listed here are just the beginning. Professional sellers use market research tools to identify emerging trends and untapped niches before they become saturated.
Home and Garden
10. Furniture
Furniture, especially vintage and mid-century modern pieces, generates over $306 million in annual eBay sales. The home furnishing market continues to grow as more people invest in their living spaces.
Focus on smaller, easily shippable items like side tables, chairs, and unique decor pieces. For larger furniture, consider offering local pickup options. Restoration skills can significantly increase your profit margins—a well-restored mid-century piece can sell for 3-5 times its purchase price.
11. Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen gadgets and small appliances are consistent sellers on eBay, with particular demand for specialty and high-end brands.
Best Sellers: Espresso machines, stand mixers, air fryers, high-end blenders
Top Brands: KitchenAid, Breville, Vitamix, Ninja, Instant Pot
Profit Margins: 25-100% depending on condition and brand
Look for open-box returns, discontinued models, or estate sales to source quality appliances at low prices. Complete units with all original parts and manuals sell faster and at higher prices.
12. Outdoor Furniture
With more people investing in their outdoor spaces, patio furniture and outdoor accessories have seen strong growth on eBay, generating significant sales volume.
The outdoor furniture market is projected to reach $62.17 billion by 2029. Focus on weather-resistant materials and recognizable brands. Seasonal timing is crucial—list these items in early spring for maximum visibility and price potential.
Tech Gadgets and Accessories
13. Smartwatches
Smartwatches and fitness trackers remain strong sellers on eBay as consumers increasingly focus on health monitoring and connected devices.
Top Sellers: Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Fitbit Versa and Charge models
Profit Potential: 20-50% on new and refurbished models
Sourcing: Carrier trade-in programs, open-box returns, wholesale lots
Limited editions and discontinued models often sell for premium prices. Include all original accessories and packaging whenever possible to maximize your selling price.
14. Tablets
Tablets remain popular on eBay, with Apple iPads dominating the category. Their versatility as entertainment, education, and productivity devices ensures steady demand.
Focus on current and previous generation models, as they offer the best balance of features and affordability. Refurbished units with new batteries are particularly profitable if you have the technical skills or a reliable supplier.
15. Gaming Consoles
Video game consoles generate over $1.09 billion in annual eBay sales. Both current and retro gaming systems sell well, with different buyer segments for each.
Modern Consoles: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Retro Systems: Nintendo NES/SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1-2
Profit Margins: 15-30% on current gen, 50-200% on rare retro systems
Limited edition consoles and bundles typically command higher prices. Complete systems with original controllers, cables, and packaging sell faster and for more money than console-only listings.
Toys and Collectibles
16. LEGO Sets
LEGO sets generate over $136 million in annual eBay sales. Both new and used sets can be highly profitable, with retired sets often selling for multiples of their original retail price.
Limited edition sets, especially from Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Architecture series, tend to appreciate significantly after retirement. Complete sets with all pieces, instructions, and original boxes command the highest prices.
17. Action Figures
Collectible action figures generate over $379 million in annual eBay sales. Figures from popular franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and vintage lines have strong collector demand.
Most Valuable: Rare variants, convention exclusives, vintage figures in original packaging
Popular Lines: Star Wars Black Series, Marvel Legends, Transformers, G.I. Joe
Condition Matters: Mint in Box (MIB) or Mint on Card (MOC) can sell for 3-10x loose figures
Knowledge of specific lines and variants is crucial in this category. Research comparable sales thoroughly before listing to ensure optimal pricing for rare or limited edition figures.
18. Vintage Toys
Nostalgia drives strong demand for vintage toys on eBay, with collectors willing to pay premium prices for pieces from their childhood.
Toys from the 1970s-1990s are particularly popular, with brands like Transformers, He-Man, Thundercats, and My Little Pony commanding strong prices. Original packaging dramatically increases value—a loose figure might sell for $20, while the same figure mint in box could fetch $200 or more.
Specialty and Niche Items
19. Camera Equipment
Camera gear generates over $1.42 billion in annual eBay sales. Both digital and film equipment have strong markets, with vintage film cameras seeing renewed interest in recent years.
Digital Equipment: DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, flashes
Film Equipment: Vintage SLRs, rangefinders, medium format cameras
Accessories: Tripods, camera bags, filters, memory cards
Camera equipment requires careful testing and accurate condition descriptions. Include sample images taken with the equipment when possible, as this builds buyer confidence and can justify higher prices.
20. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments generate millions in annual eBay sales, with both new and vintage instruments finding ready buyers.
Guitars, keyboards, and brass instruments are particularly popular. Vintage instruments from brands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and Selmer can sell for thousands of dollars. Even instrument parts and accessories like pickups, tuners, and cases sell well to musicians looking for upgrades or replacements.
21. Craft Supplies
Craft supplies generate over $72 million in annual eBay sales. The maker movement continues to drive demand for both new and vintage crafting materials.
Popular Categories: Fabric, yarn, beads, scrapbooking supplies, die-cutting machines
Vintage Appeal: Discontinued patterns, vintage buttons, old sewing patterns
Bundling Strategy: Group similar items together for higher overall sales
Craft supplies are ideal for bulk purchasing and splitting into smaller lots. Many crafters search for specific brands or materials that are no longer manufactured, creating premium pricing opportunities for vintage supplies.
22. Baby Gear
Baby products generate over $176 million in annual eBay sales. High-quality baby gear is expensive new, creating strong demand for gently used items at lower prices.
Focus on premium brands like UPPAbaby, Bugaboo, and Nuna, which retain value well. Safety standards change frequently, so research current guidelines before listing older items. Thoroughly clean all items and include multiple photos showing condition details.
Start Your Profitable eBay Business Today
The 22 profitable items to sell on eBay listed above represent proven opportunities with strong buyer demand and healthy profit margins. Success on eBay comes from selecting the right products, sourcing them at the right price, and creating listings that stand out from the competition.
Remember that market trends evolve constantly. What’s profitable today may change tomorrow, so staying informed about emerging trends and buyer preferences is essential for long-term success. Consider diversifying across several product categories to minimize risk and maximize your selling potential.
Take Your eBay Business to the Next Level
Stop guessing what will sell. Get access to professional research tools that reveal exactly what’s selling on eBay right now, complete with profit margins, competition levels, and sourcing opportunities.
“The difference between successful eBay sellers and those who struggle isn’t luck—it’s research. Knowing exactly what to sell and when to sell it is the foundation of a profitable eBay business.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling on eBay
What are the easiest items to sell on eBay?
The easiest items to sell on eBay are small electronics, collectible cards, designer clothing, and smartphone accessories. These items are lightweight (reducing shipping costs), have strong demand, and typically sell quickly when priced competitively. They’re also easy to photograph and describe, making listing creation straightforward.
How do I know if an item will be profitable on eBay?
To determine if an item will be profitable, research completed listings on eBay for the same or similar products. Filter by “Sold Items” to see actual selling prices rather than just asking prices. Calculate your potential profit by subtracting your cost, eBay fees (typically 10-15%), shipping costs, and packaging materials from the average selling price. Product research tools can automate this process for serious sellers.
What items should I avoid selling on eBay?
Avoid selling prohibited items (weapons, certain medical devices), counterfeit goods, items with high return rates (like clothing with fit issues), extremely fragile items that may break in transit, very low-value items where fees eat most profits, and extremely heavy items with prohibitive shipping costs. Also be cautious with electronics that may have compatibility issues or require extensive testing.
Where can I source inventory for my eBay store?
Popular sourcing methods include thrift stores, garage/estate sales, clearance sections at retail stores, liquidation pallets, wholesale suppliers, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, flea markets, and auctions. Many successful sellers use a combination of these methods to maintain diverse inventory. Start with what you already own to learn the platform before investing in inventory.
