Should I sell on Amazon or eBay?
Amazon: Pros and Cons
Amazon has millions of Prime members and high conversion rates. FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) handles storage, shipping, and customer service, but fees can eat 30-50% of your revenue. It's best for new, branded items with a proven sales rank.
Competition is fierce, and you need to win the Buy Box to make consistent sales. Amazon also has strict rules and can suspend accounts for policy violations.
- High traffic and trust
- FBA simplifies logistics
- Higher fees and competition
- Strict performance metrics
eBay: Pros and Cons
eBay is more forgiving for used, vintage, or unique items. You can list items for free (up to a limit) and pay fees only when they sell. It's easier to start part-time without a business license in many cases.
However, eBay has lower overall traffic than Amazon, and you manage shipping and customer service yourself unless you use a fulfillment service. Auctions can be unpredictable, but fixed-price listings work well for many categories.
- Good for used, collectible, and unique items
- Lower fees for low-volume sellers
- You handle shipping and returns
- Less competition in niche categories
Common mistakes
- Thinking you must choose one—many resellers use both platforms.
- Underestimating Amazon's fees and the need for competitive pricing.
- Listing used items on Amazon without checking if the category requires approval.