What Sells Best on eBay: Data-Backed Analysis
Understanding what sells best on eBay is the key to profitable reselling. This comprehensive guide breaks down top categories, trending products, and data-driven strategies for success.
With over 130 million active buyers, eBay offers massive opportunities for sellers. But success depends on selling the right products. After analyzing millions of transactions, here's what sells best on eBay in 2025.
Top 10 Best-Selling Categories on eBay
1. Electronics & Accessories
Market Share: ~16% of eBay sales | Growth: Steady
Electronics dominate eBay. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and accessories are consistently the platform's best performers. Apple products lead in both volume and value.
Top sellers:
- iPhones (especially 1-2 generations old)
- AirPods and wireless earbuds
- Gaming laptops and accessories
- Smart home devices
- Cables, chargers, and cases
2. Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Market Share: ~14% of eBay sales | Growth: Strong
Fashion is eBay's second-largest category. Both new and used items sell well, with vintage and designer pieces commanding premium prices.
Top sellers:
- Athletic sneakers (Nike, Jordan, Adidas)
- Designer handbags and wallets
- Vintage band tees and sportswear
- Lululemon and athletic wear
- Watches (both luxury and casual)
3. Collectibles
Market Share: ~10% of eBay sales | Growth: Explosive
eBay is THE marketplace for collectibles. Trading cards have seen unprecedented growth, while traditional collectibles maintain strong markets.
Top sellers:
- Pokemon cards (vintage and modern)
- Sports cards (especially graded)
- Coins and currency
- Vintage advertising and signs
- Funko Pops and figurines
4. Home & Garden
Market Share: ~9% of eBay sales | Growth: Steady
From small appliances to vintage decor, home goods consistently perform well. Kitchen items and tools are particularly strong performers.
Top sellers:
- KitchenAid mixers and attachments
- Vintage Pyrex and kitchenware
- Power tools (DeWalt, Milwaukee)
- Vacuum cleaners (Dyson leads)
- Smart home devices
5. Sporting Goods
Market Share: ~8% of eBay sales | Growth: Seasonal
Golf equipment leads this category, followed by fitness gear and outdoor equipment. Quality brands maintain strong resale value.
Top sellers:
- Golf clubs and equipment
- Cycling gear and components
- Fishing equipment
- Fitness equipment (Peloton accessories)
- Hunting and outdoor gear
6. Toys & Hobbies
Market Share: ~7% of eBay sales | Growth: Strong
LEGO dominates this category, but vintage toys and hobby supplies also perform exceptionally well.
Top sellers:
- LEGO sets (especially retired)
- Vintage action figures
- Model trains and RC vehicles
- Board games (out of print)
- Craft supplies
7. Video Games & Consoles
Market Share: ~6% of eBay sales | Growth: Strong
Both current and retro gaming markets are thriving. Complete-in-box retro games command significant premiums.
Top sellers:
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
- Nintendo Switch games
- Retro games (N64, SNES, GameCube)
- Limited edition consoles
- Gaming accessories
8. Health & Beauty
Market Share: ~5% of eBay sales | Growth: Moderate
Premium skincare, fragrances, and salon equipment sell well. Brand authenticity is crucial in this category.
9. Business & Industrial
Market Share: ~5% of eBay sales | Growth: Steady
Medical equipment, restaurant supplies, and industrial tools have dedicated buyer bases willing to pay premium prices.
10. Musical Instruments
Market Share: ~4% of eBay sales | Growth: Steady
Guitars dominate, but all instruments have markets. Vintage gear commands significant premiums.
What Makes Items Sell Well on eBay
Products that sell best on eBay share common characteristics:
Brand Recognition
Buyers search for specific brands. Apple, Nike, LEGO, and KitchenAid products sell faster and for higher prices than generic alternatives.
Condition Clarity
Items with clear condition grading sell better. eBay's condition options (New, Like New, Very Good, etc.) help set buyer expectations.
Authentication Available
Categories with eBay's Authenticity Guarantee (sneakers, handbags, trading cards) see higher prices and faster sales due to buyer confidence.
Shippability
Items that are easy and affordable to ship have broader buyer pools. Heavy or oversized items often need local pickup, limiting demand.
Trending Products for 2025
Based on current market data, these niches are growing fastest:
- Vintage electronics - Film cameras, Walkmans, retro tech
- Y2K fashion - 2000s-era clothing and accessories
- Graded trading cards - Pokemon, sports cards with PSA/BGS grades
- Sustainable fashion - Pre-owned luxury, vintage denim
- Home fitness equipment - Post-pandemic gym gear
How to Find What Sells
Don't just follow trends - research specific items before investing. Here's how:
- Use ItemsToFlip - Our free tool shows current eBay listings and prices
- Check sold listings - Filter by "Sold" on eBay to see actual sale prices
- Monitor sell-through rate - High-demand items have 30%+ sell-through
- Track seasonality - Some items peak during holidays or seasons
Getting Started
Now that you know what sells best on eBay, it's time to start sourcing. Check out our related guides:
- Best Things to Flip on eBay - Product-specific strategies
- Things to Flip for Profit - Comprehensive item ideas
- Garage Sale Flipping - Best sourcing strategy for beginners
- Flipping for Beginners - Complete starter guide
- Best Things to Flip on eBay - Our comprehensive guide to profitable flipping
ItemsToFlip Team
Editorial Team
The ItemsToFlip editorial team combines real-world flipping experience with data analysis. Our guides are based on actual eBay market data and hands-on reselling experience.
- Combined 10+ years reselling experience
- Data-driven insights from eBay API
- Active sellers in multiple categories
Research Before You Buy
See what any item sells for on eBay right now. Our free tool shows real listings and calculates your profit after fees.
Search eBay Prices Free