Amazon vs eBay: which one makes sense for what you're selling

They're not really competing

People compare Amazon and eBay like they're interchangeable. They're not. Amazon is built for new stuff and Prime delivery. eBay is built for used goods and auctions.

The question isn't which is "better" - it's which one fits what you're selling.

The quick version

	Amazon	eBay
Best for	New items, FBA	Used items, collectibles
Fees	15-45%	13-15%
Active users	300M+	132M
Used items	Restricted	Welcome
Auctions	No	Yes

Fee math

Amazon

Amazon fees are complicated and stack up:

Referral fees: 8-45% depending on category

• Most stuff: 15%
• Electronics: 8%
• Jewelry: 20%
• Amazon device accessories: 45% (yes, really)

If you use FBA:

• Pick & pack: $3.22+ per unit
• Storage: $0.87/cubic foot per month
• Get hit with extra fees if stuff sits too long

Per-item fee: $0.99 unless you pay $39.99/month for a Professional account

eBay

Simpler:

Final value fees: 12-15% of total (item + shipping)

• Most categories: 13.25%
• Plus $0.30 per order

Listing fees: First 250/month free, then $0.35 each

Real example

You sell a $100 used phone:

Amazon: Referral (8%): $8 + per-item: $0.99 = $8.99 in fees You keep: $91.01

eBay: Final value (13.25%): $13.25 + per-order: $0.30 = $13.55 in fees You keep: $86.45

Looks like Amazon wins, right? Except Amazon heavily restricts used phone sales. So for this category, eBay wins by default.

This happens a lot. Amazon's lower fees in some categories don't matter if you can't actually list your item.

Category breakdown

Electronics

eBay. Lower fees, no restrictions on used, auction format can drive up prices on rare stuff.

Books

Amazon. Huge book audience, trade-in program exists, FBA handles shipping well.

Clothing

Depends. Designer/vintage goes to eBay for the collector crowd. Standard brands can work on Amazon. Sneakers and streetwear go to eBay - that's where the buyers are.

Collectibles

eBay, obviously. Auctions exist for a reason. Amazon doesn't really support this category.

Home goods

Amazon. Buyers expect new. FBA handles heavy stuff.

Gaming

eBay. Used games, retro consoles, the whole collector scene lives there.

The FBA question

FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) sounds great: ship your stuff to Amazon, they handle storage, shipping, returns, customer service.

The reality:

• Fees add up fast
• Long-term storage penalties hurt
• Less control over your inventory
• Returns get complicated

It makes sense for high-volume new inventory. It doesn't make sense for one-offs or used items.

With eBay, you handle everything yourself. More work, but no storage fees and complete control. The Global Shipping Program makes international sales simpler if you want that.

Different buyers

Amazon shoppers want new, fast, perfect. They're used to Prime. They don't tolerate much variation. They trust Amazon to make things right.

eBay shoppers are comfortable with used. They'll wait for an auction. They appreciate finding something unique. Many are collectors or resellers themselves.

If your item is used with minor wear, eBay buyers get it. Amazon buyers might complain.

When to use which

Amazon makes sense when:

• You're selling new, sealed products
• You have bulk inventory
• The items are commodity products (the same thing everyone else sells)
• You want FBA to handle logistics
• Books, media, home goods

eBay makes sense when:

• Selling used or refurbished items
• Rare, vintage, or collectible stuff
• You want control and lower fees
• Electronics, fashion, gaming

The honest answer

For used items, eBay almost always wins. Lower fees, buyers who actually want used stuff, and the auction format when you need it.

Amazon works for new products and situations where FBA convenience is worth the fee hit.

Plenty of sellers use both - Amazon for new inventory, eBay for everything else. There's no rule against it.

Check what your stuff is actually selling for on eBay with CostBuddy before you decide. The sold prices might surprise you.