Selling on eBay vs. Amazon: Which One is Right for You?

Selling online used to be simple. You listed something, waited for bids or a buyer, and hoped for the best. Fast forward to today, and you’re met with a crossroad that every online seller eventually faces: Is it better to sell on eBay or Amazon?

On one hand, you’ve got eBay, the OG marketplace where collectibles, one-offs, and niche products still reign supreme. On the other, there’s Amazon, the e-commerce juggernaut built for scale, speed, and efficiency.

The question isn’t just about traffic or tools anymore. It’s about strategy. And if you’re wondering which platform actually fits your selling goals, product type, and budget, you’re in the right place.

This guide breaks down selling on Amazon vs eBay from all angles including fees, experience, niches, arbitrage opportunities, and more. Whether you’re new or thinking of switching platforms, you’ll find what you need to make an informed call.

Marketplace Basics: Know Your Battlefield

Let’s not overcomplicate this. Here’s a snapshot of what you’re dealing with:

Feature	eBay	Amazon
Seller Type	Individuals & businesses	Primarily businesses
Product Focus	New, used, rare, and vintage	Mostly new, high-demand items
Fulfillment Options	Seller ships	FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) or FBM
Listing Style	Auction or Buy Now	Standard listings
Brand Competition	Low to moderate	Very high

While eBay like sites (think Mercari, Bonanza, or Poshmark) offer similar functionality, they still don’t compete with the raw traffic and infrastructure of Amazon and eBay. These two remain the biggest players, so choosing the right one really matters.

The Seller Experience of Selling on Amazon and Ebay

Selling on Amazon can feel like operating inside a machine; streamlined, automated, but also rigid. Everything is optimized for scale. But that also means stricter rules, higher fees, and intense competition, especially from other sellers listing the exact same product.

In contrast, eBay is more like an open-air market. You set your own pace. Your product descriptions can have personality. You might even strike up a chat with your buyer before they purchase. There’s more flexibility, especially if you’re selling something unique.

What that looks like in real life:

• On Amazon, you’re likely using UPC codes, optimizing for Buy Box visibility, and dealing with Amazon’s return policy.
• On eBay, you’re handling direct listings, potentially fielding questions, and possibly doing eBay to eBay arbitrage (more on that in a bit).

Bottom line? If you want control and connection, eBay has your back. If you want volume and automation, Amazon’s your beast.

Fee Face-Off: Let’s Talk Numbers

Amazon vs eBay Fees – Who Takes the Bigger Cut?

One of the most common (and important) concerns new sellers ask is: Who charges more, eBay or Amazon?

Here’s how it generally breaks down:

eBay Fees:

• Insertion (listing) fee: First 250 are free monthly, then ~$0.35/listing.
• Final value fee: 10%–15% of the sale price.
• Optional: Promoted listings, PayPal fees (if used).

Amazon Fees:

• Individual account: $0.99 per item sold
• Professional account: $39.99/month
• Referral fees: 6%–20% depending on category (average ~15%)
• Fulfillment (FBA) fees: Based on item size/weight

Example:
If you sell a $50 item:

• On eBay: You might pay around $5–$8 in total fees.
• On Amazon: With FBA, your cost could be $10–$15.

In plain terms, eBay is cheaper for casual or low-volume sellers. Amazon gets expensive fast, but offers infrastructure, shipping, and trust.

Want to scale fast with less manual work? You’ll likely be okay with higher Amazon vs eBay fees. Want to keep more profit per item? eBay might be a smarter pick.

Niche Markets & Arbitrage Opportunities

Now this is where eBay really flexes. One of the coolest things you can do as a seller is exploit price mismatches across the platform. Enter: eBay to eBay arbitrage.

How it works:

• Seller A lists a vintage T-shirt at $12 with bad photos and a vague description.
• You, savvy Seller B, buy it, re-list it with sharp images and better keywords, and flip it for $30.

This method is far less common on Amazon due to its standardized listings and tighter control over product pages.

But on eBay? Arbitrage is alive and well, and a real profit strategy for those who know how to spot underpriced items.

Plus, eBay dominates in niches like:

• Collectibles
• Vintage clothing
• Car parts
• Electronics accessories

Trying this on Amazon would be a headache (and probably a loss). That’s why sellers asking “is selling on eBay worth it” need to factor in these micro-opportunities.

Is Selling on eBay Worth It in 2025?

Short answer? Yes, but it depends on what you’re selling and how you want to sell it.

Let’s break it down:

eBay Still Wins If:

• You sell one-of-a-kind, rare, or vintage goods
• You want lower fees and more control over listings
• You’re trying your hand at eBay to eBay arbitrage
• You prefer direct communication with buyers

But Watch Out:

• eBay’s user base isn’t growing as fast as Amazon’s
• Shipping and returns are completely on you
• Less built-in trust for new sellers

So, is selling on eBay worth it? If you’re not aiming for mass-scale right away and enjoy the thrill of flipping or niche selling, 100% yes.

Is It Better to Sell on eBay or Amazon? Let’s Lay It Out.

When comparing selling on Amazon vs eBay, sometimes it helps to strip things down to the essentials. Here’s a breakdown that speaks to both beginners and experienced sellers:

eBay Pros

• Lower selling fees for most categories
• Flexible listing formats (auction or fixed price)
• Ideal for used, collectible, or rare items
• Easier to start without a business license
• Better suited for eBay to eBay arbitrage

eBay Cons

• Manual shipping and customer service
• Smaller buyer pool compared to Amazon
• Less brand trust for new sellers
• Sales velocity can be slower

Amazon Pros

• Huge, trust-filled marketplace
• FBA handles shipping, returns, and logistics
• Stronger potential for high-volume sales
• Better suited for scalable, branded products

Amazon Cons

• Higher Amazon vs eBay fees, especially with FBA
• Competitive environment (often with Amazon itself)
• Strict listing and performance requirements
• Difficult to sell used or one-off items

So, is it better to sell on eBay or Amazon? The short answer: it depends on your goals. But here’s a good rule of thumb…

Start with eBay if you’re bootstrapping or testing niche markets.
Go with Amazon if you’re scaling a product-based business and want volume.

Don’t Sleep on the Alternatives

While we’re deep-diving into the eBay vs Amazon world, it’s worth giving a nod to other eBay like sites that might suit your style, or even outperform both giants in certain niches.

Here are a few you might want to test:

Mercari: User-friendly mobile-first platform, great for used goods, clothing, and home items.

Bonanza: Similar to eBay but with lower fees and less competition. Ideal for handmade or niche inventory.

Poshmark: Fashion-focused with an engaged buyer base. Best for sellers in apparel, shoes, and accessories.

While these don’t have the same reach as Amazon or eBay, they offer solid alternatives, especially if your items aren’t moving fast on the bigger platforms.

And if you’re really looking to diversify, these eBay like sites could offer the edge you need.

Final Thoughts: The Answer Isn’t Either/Or

So… is selling on eBay worth it? Yes.
Are Amazon’s fees worth the reach and fulfillment services? Also yes.
Can both platforms be profitable? Absolutely, if you play your cards right.

The real decision isn’t about which platform is better. It’s about which one aligns with your:

• Inventory type
• Budget for fees
• Long-term goals
• Willingness to manage logistics

A lot of new sellers waste time trying to crack one platform perfectly before even testing the other. That’s a mistake.

Test both. Track results. Let the data guide you.

If you’re selling used books from garage sales or flipping thrifted goods, start on eBay. Try your hand at eBay to eBay arbitrage. Learn what sells and what doesn’t.

If you’re launching a private-label product, aiming for scale, or want the ease of hands-off fulfillment, Amazon is your lane; just be prepared for Amazon vs eBay fees to bite harder.

At the end of the day, platforms are tools. And you’re the one doing the building.Ready to get started? Pick a product. Pick a platform. List it. Learn.
The right path is the one you actually take.