How to Sell on eBay: A Beginner’s Guide
How to start selling on eBay: setting up your account, researching sold prices, writing listings that sell, auction vs Buy It Now, fees, shipping and ratings.
Etsy vs eBay vs Facebook Marketplace for Sellers
Where to sell online: Etsy, eBay and Facebook Marketplace compared on audience, fees, shipping, effort and what sells best on each, with tips for choosing.
Key takeaways
- Etsy suits handmade, vintage and craft supplies; eBay suits almost anything shippable; Marketplace suits bulky local items.
- Fees, shipping and effort differ a lot, so compare net profit, not sale price.
- Many sellers use more than one platform for different items.
On this page
Choosing the right platform can double what you earn from the same item. Each marketplace has a different audience, fee structure and style of selling.
At a glance
| Etsy | eBay | Facebook Marketplace | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handmade, vintage, craft supplies | Almost anything shippable, collectibles, electronics | Furniture, bulky and local items |
| Audience | Buyers seeking unique items | Huge, broad audience | Local buyers |
| Fees | Listing and transaction fees | Final value fees by category | Often free for local pickup; fees for shipped sales |
| Shipping | Usually shipped | Usually shipped | Mostly local pickup |
| Effort | Shop setup, branding | Listing detail, shipping | Messaging and meetups |
Etsy
Ideal if you make things, sell vintage items or supply crafters. Buyers expect personality, so good photos, a story and shop branding matter.
eBay
The generalist. Great for electronics, collectibles, parts and branded goods, with powerful search and a vast audience. See our beginner’s guide to selling on eBay.
Facebook Marketplace
Best for large items that are expensive to ship, like furniture and appliances, and for fast local sales. Safety matters: read Facebook Marketplace safety.
How to choose
- Is it bulky? Sell locally.
- Is it handmade or vintage? Try Etsy.
- Is it branded, collectible or electronic? Try eBay.
- Calculate net profit after fees, shipping and your time; see pricing used items.
Clothing?
Clothing often sells best on dedicated resale apps; see how to sell clothes online.
Frequently asked questions
Which platform has the lowest fees?
Local sales on Facebook Marketplace are often free. Etsy and eBay fees vary; compare them for your item and price.
Can I sell the same item on several platforms?
Yes, but remove it everywhere once it sells to avoid overselling.
Which is best for beginners?
Facebook Marketplace for local items and eBay for shippable items are easy starting points.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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