Selling on eBay has been a consistent and reliable income stream for me. I spend about two hours a day maintaining my eBay store, and it does well for me. It’s an easy business to scale—just post consistently, and eBay’s algorithm will reward you. Since I sell cards, I can list items quickly, making it even easier to grow. But is eBay still a good business in 2025? Here’s my honest take based on real experience and what I see coming in the future.
eBay’s Market Position in 2025
eBay has been around for decades, and it remains one of the biggest online marketplaces. But in 2025, its strengths and weaknesses look a little different.
✅ Still a Trusted Platform: eBay’s brand recognition, global reach, and ease of use make it a solid choice for sellers.
✅ Great for Unique & Collectible Items: eBay has carved out a niche as the go-to place for collectibles, vintage items, and hard-to-find products—making it ideal for sellers in those spaces.
⚠️ More Competition: Other platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify continue to grow, each offering alternatives to eBay’s marketplace.
⚠️ Algorithm & Policy Changes: eBay is constantly updating its system, and staying on top of changes can impact your sales.
Verdict: If you sell unique, secondhand, or collectible items, eBay is still one of the best platforms to be on in 2025.
Trends That Could Impact eBay Sellers
E-commerce is always evolving. Here are some key trends that will affect eBay sellers in 2025:
📈 E-commerce Growth Continues: More people are shopping online than ever, which is great news for sellers.
♻️ Sustainability Matters More: Consumers are increasingly turning to secondhand items as a more eco-friendly option. eBay’s resale market is perfectly positioned for this.
🌍 Globalization = Bigger Market: eBay makes it easy to sell internationally. With the rise of cross-border trade, there’s huge potential for expansion.
💳 Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Growth: More buyers expect flexible payment options, which could boost conversion rates if eBay continues to integrate these features.
Verdict: If you keep up with market trends and adapt, selling on eBay will remain a strong business opportunity in 2025.
Challenges for eBay Sellers
It’s not all smooth sailing. Here are some hurdles eBay sellers should be aware of:
💰 Fees Keep Rising: eBay’s seller fees cut into profits, so it’s crucial to price your products wisely.
🔎 Algorithm Shifts: eBay’s search algorithm decides which listings get visibility. If you’re not posting consistently, sales can drop.
🚚 Shipping & Customer Expectations: Buyers expect fast shipping and top-tier service. If you can’t meet these expectations, your feedback score (and sales) may suffer.
Verdict: As long as you understand and manage these challenges, you can still succeed.
How to Succeed as an eBay Seller in 2025
If you want to thrive on eBay, you need to stay ahead of the competition. Here’s what works for me:
🎯 Find Your Niche: The most successful eBay sellers focus on specific products rather than selling everything. Whether it’s collectibles, vintage items, or electronics, specializing helps you stand out.
📊 Use Data & Trends: Pay attention to which products are trending. eBay offers seller tools that show what’s in demand.
📦 List Consistently: The eBay algorithm rewards active sellers. The more you post, the more visibility you get.
🤖 Leverage Automation Tools: Use tools like eBay’s bulk listing feature and inventory management systems to save time.
🌎 Expand Internationally: If your niche has demand overseas, consider offering international shipping for more sales.
What’s Next? Technological Advances That Could Impact eBay
Technology is rapidly changing the e-commerce game. Here’s how it might affect eBay sellers in 2025:
🤖 AI & Automation: eBay has been rolling out AI-driven features like price recommendations and automated listing optimization. Smart sellers will use these to stay competitive.
📱 Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping: Some eBay categories might start incorporating AR, allowing buyers to “see” products before purchasing. This could boost engagement and sales.
🚀 More Seller Tools & Analytics: As AI improves, eBay is likely to provide better analytics and automation to help sellers optimize their listings.
Verdict: Staying on top of new technology will give eBay sellers an edge in 2025.
Economic Factors: Will eBay Hold Up?
The economy can impact online sales, but eBay has unique advantages:
💸 Recession-Proof? During economic downturns, people look for bargains, making eBay’s secondhand marketplace more appealing.
🚚 Inflation Challenges: Rising costs of goods and shipping could affect profit margins, but strategic pricing can help sellers stay profitable.
Verdict: eBay tends to thrive during recessions, but sellers should always keep an eye on costs and pricing.
Is Selling on eBay Still a Good Business in 2025?
From my experience, selling on eBay is still a solid business model in 2025 if you play it smart. Here’s why:
✅ eBay remains one of the best platforms for collectibles, used goods, and niche products.
✅ With consistent listing and smart strategies, you can scale your business fairly easily.
✅ If you’re adaptable, eBay’s evolving tools and features can work to your advantage.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you don’t enjoy listing, optimizing, and staying competitive, it may feel like a grind.
But if you’re willing to put in the work, eBay can still be a great business—one that’s scalable, profitable, and recession-resistant.
