Introduction

If you’re considering launching an e-commerce business, eBay stands as a great option. As one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, eBay draws millions of visitors every month. But with so many product options available, the question remains: What are the best-selling items on eBay, and how do you find them? This guide will walk you through the top categories and provide actionable tips on identifying the most profitable products.

Top Categories to Sell on eBay

1. Sporting Goods and Accessories

The pandemic spurred a major shift in consumer behavior, leading to a growing interest in fitness and wellness products. Even post-pandemic, the demand for sporting goods remains high. Popular products include home gym equipment like treadmills, yoga mats, and weights, which cater to customers looking for convenience and at-home workouts.

One standout subcategory is bicycles and bicycle parts. Whether it’s for commuting, leisure, or fitness, bicycling has gained immense popularity worldwide. Bike components, clothing, and accessories are consistently among the top sellers. As a seller, you can capitalize on this trend by offering branded, high-quality items that cater to both casual riders and enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: Target your listings toward popular fitness trends, such as home workout equipment or branded bicycle parts. Branded items tend to attract higher-paying customers, so ensure that your listings highlight recognized brands.

2. Home and Garden Products

The Home & Garden category has remained a powerhouse on eBay for years. What makes it appealing is the wide variety of products, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. Many products in this category, such as small kitchen appliances or tools for heating and cooling, see steady demand throughout the year.

While some products, like outdoor garden equipment, are seasonal, many home improvement and kitchen items experience consistent sales. For instance, small kitchen appliances—air fryers, blenders, and coffee makers—are hot sellers, especially when you can provide well-priced, high-quality options.

Selling in this category offers flexibility for both beginners and experienced sellers due to the sheer variety of lightweight, easy-to-ship products that don’t require special approval to sell.

Pro Tip: Offering unique or improved versions of popular home and garden items can set your store apart from competitors. Look for products with high customer demand but low competition.

3. Jewelry and Watches

Luxury and fashion have always had a strong market on eBay. The Jewelry & Watches category is particularly attractive for sellers because of the low shipping costs due to the size and weight of the items. However, with high value comes high responsibility—customers in this category expect authenticity.

Top sellers include engagement rings, fine earrings, and luxury watches. These items are often purchased as gifts or for special occasions, making them popular year-round. However, sellers must be extremely cautious to avoid counterfeit items. Fake or poorly authenticated products can result in lost sales, returns, and even eBay account suspension.

Pro Tip: Always source your jewelry and watches from reputable suppliers, and include clear certificates of authenticity where possible. Also, using professional photography for luxury items can enhance your listings and attract more serious buyers.

4. Health and Beauty Products

This category is a gem for eBay sellers. Health and beauty items are in constant demand because they need regular replenishment. Makeup, skincare products, vitamins, and hair care items consistently sell well across eBay. Not only are they high-demand items, but they also offer great potential for repeat buyers.

Another advantage of health and beauty products is their relatively small size, making them cost-effective to ship. Whether it’s a fragrance or an anti-aging serum, customers are always on the lookout for their next beauty fix, leading to steady and recurring sales.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the strict health and safety regulations governing this category. Make sure you comply with all eBay policies and local regulations when selling health-related products.

Pro Tip: Provide detailed product descriptions, ingredient lists, and compliance information to reassure customers and build trust.

Items That Sell Well on eBay

You don’t always have to stick to conventional categories to find success on eBay. Some items might surprise you with their high demand and profitability. Here are a few unexpected yet profitable products:

1. Boxes

As strange as it may sound, boxes are a hot-selling item on eBay. With the rapid growth of e-commerce, packaging materials such as shipping boxes are in high demand. Many sellers are looking for affordable and reliable sources for their shipping supplies, making this a lucrative niche for sellers who can meet that need.

2. Toilet Paper Rolls

Although it might seem odd, toilet paper rolls—especially themed or novelty varieties—are surprisingly profitable. Sellers have tapped into this quirky market with options ranging from printed designs to sustainable, eco-friendly products. With constant demand for household essentials, this could be a niche worth exploring.

3. Vacuum Cleaner Parts

Vacuum cleaner parts are another unexpected but profitable category. Many people opt to repair their old vacuum cleaners rather than purchase a new one, especially when new vacuums can be costly. Selling replacement parts, filters, and accessories for popular vacuum brands allows you to cater to a growing DIY repair market.

4. Bicycle Parts

Bicycling as a sport, hobby, and mode of transportation has seen a surge in popularity, especially in urban areas. Selling bicycle parts—from handlebars to brake systems—can be a steady source of income. As more people opt for bicycles as an environmentally friendly alternative to cars, the demand for replacement parts and accessories will continue to rise.

How to Find the Best-Selling Products on eBay

Now that you know the best categories to sell in, how do you identify specific products that will perform well? Here are some strategies for finding winning products:

1. Use eBay Search Filters

eBay provides a range of search filters that can help you pinpoint the best-selling items in any category. Start by selecting a category and then filter results by “Condition” (New), price range (between $10 and $60 is ideal), and “Buying Format” (choose “Buy It Now” to exclude auction listings). These filters will help you find high-demand products that offer good profit margins.

2. Monitor Trends on eBay

Keeping an eye on eBay’s “Trending” section can give you insights into rising products and seasonal trends. This data can help you identify products that are on the rise in demand, allowing you to list them before your competitors catch on.

3. Conduct Competitive Analysis

Take time to research what other sellers in your niche are offering. Look at their pricing, product descriptions, shipping policies, and customer reviews. By analyzing competitors, you can identify gaps in the market or opportunities to differentiate your listings.

4. Utilize Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools designed to help you find high-performing products. Tools like Zik Analytics or Terapeak (an eBay-owned tool) allow sellers to analyze product performance, search volume, and price trends. These insights can help you make data-driven decisions about what products to sell.

Conclusion

Succeeding on eBay requires a combination of choosing the right products, staying ahead of market trends, and maintaining a customer-first mindset. By focusing on high-demand categories like sporting goods, home and garden, jewelry, and health and beauty, you can ensure that your eBay store remains competitive. Don’t be afraid to explore surprising niches like vacuum cleaner parts or boxes to diversify your product offerings. Finally, use eBay’s tools and market research strategies to continually refine your product selection and maximize your profits.

THE SELLER RANK