19 Best Things To Sell On eBay: The Top Items To Make Money

If you want to make money online on eBay, you must first figure out what to sell. This list of the best things to sell on eBay for profit will give you everything you need to make money from the start!

If there is one small positive to come out of lockdowns, it is the skyrocketing popularity of side hustles.

More people than ever have finally taken the plunge and are making extra money in their spare time or even running a lucrative small business.

For many, the secret to a successful side hustle is finding something unique to sell – it has never been easier to sell things online you make yourself, or flip new and used items for a profit.

And without a doubt, one of the best places to sell stuff online in 2022 is still, as it has been for decades, eBay.

Did you know that in 2021, people sold over $87 billion worth of goods on eBay?

Right now, there are nearly 140 million active buyers on the platform and 1.6 billion active listings!

If you are thinking about jumping into the mix and selling on eBay, you’re probably wondering what the best and most lucrative things to sell are.

You don’t merely want to sell on the platform. You want to make money doing it!

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Below are the 19 top-selling categories on eBay, alongside what products sell best in each, as well as tips to get started selling today, and make more money when you do!

As one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world, eBay is not only a great place to sell unused items you may have around the house, but it is an excellent choice for those who want to start an online store quickly and easily.

For new sellers, the platform has a built-in global customer base and a seemingly endless number of things you can sell.

Of course, what you can sell and what you should sell are two entirely different things.

That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you and dug deep into the bestseller lists and advanced analytics to find the absolute best things to sell on eBay in 2022!

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Also check the 25 Most Profitable Things To Sell Online Right Now!

Many people think their old video games and consoles have very little value because gaming stores offer almost nothing in exchange.

Not so fast.

On eBay, there is a global community of gamers looking to fuel their hobby, meaning sellers can actually make good money selling their gaming products on the platform.

Best things to sell in the Video Games & Consoles category on eBay

• Video games: The best-selling video games on eBay are often not the most popular titles but the hardest to find. If you want to sell games, it is definitely worth checking their going rate on the platform.
• Video game consoles: This means both current-generation and more classic consoles like the PlayStation, original Xbox, and Nintendo 64. Vintage consoles like the original Nintendo, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Atari Jaguar are particularly valuable. For example, it’s not unusual for a SNES to sell on eBay for more than $1,000!

Need motivation? I love this story of the man selling literally every console ever made – “all models, all colors, and every possible limited edition” – on eBay for a cool $1 million. Or what about this guy who tearfully put up his prized collection of over 3,000 video games for $150,000?

11. Movies & TV

Over the past year, nearly a million DVDs and Blu-rays have been sold on eBay in the US alone.

Considering the popularity of streaming services, it may seem surprising that demand for DVDs remains so high, but here we are – don’t shoot the messenger. DVDs are a great product to sell on eBay!

Best things to sell in the Movies & TV category on eBay

• DVDs and Blu-ray discs: the price range for most DVDs on eBay is between $2 and $20. However, limited editions, box sets, and entire series can sell for hundreds of dollars or even more. Don’t believe me? The Simpsons Limited Edition Box Set of seasons 1-20 sells for $3,000 and the Game of Thrones Season 8 Deluxe Mini-Master Set sells for $850.

Pro tip: In August 2022, HBO Max announced removing Infinity Train from its streaming service. Within weeks, DVD copies of the show were selling out at retailers, and individual seasons were being sold on eBay for hundreds of dollars. If you’re going to sell DVDs on eBay, it’s worth keeping an eye out for when shows are removed from streaming platforms, or simply taken out of circulation altogether, as this can be a great time to maximize profits.

12. Books & Magazines

Nearly three-quarters of American adults (74%) read at least one book per year. Over 650 million print books are sold in the country yearly.

If you’ve got a stack of books you never got around to reading or books you have read and want to pass on to someone else, listing them on eBay may be the perfect way to make money fast.

Best things to sell in the Books & Magazines category on eBay

• Books: Both fiction and non-fiction books are widely sold on eBay. Box sets, complete series, and special editions are the most lucrative things to sell.
• Magazines: Think specifically about vintage copies of popular brand magazines like Vogue, Life, Sports Illustrated, and National Geographic. Early issues of publications that are currently out of print also sell well.
• Textbooks: Many former students find selling their expensive used textbooks on eBay to be the perfect way to recoup some of the cost of their education.

Did you know: You can even make money selling books without words – think journals and diaries, daily planners, coloring books, or books of crossword puzzles and games. Find or create unique versions, purchase them in bulk, then sell them individually on eBay!

13. Pet Supplies

Americans spent an unbelievable $123.6 billion on their pets in 2021!

Moreover, this number is only growing. Nearly one in five US households got a new dog or cat during the COVID pandemic. And in fact, almost three-quarters of US households now have at least one pet.

It’s no wonder that pet supplies are one of the best things to sell on eBay.

Best things to sell in the Pet Supplies category on eBay

• Fish and aquariums: Interestingly, supplies and accessories for fish aquariums are by far the top US seller in the Pet Supplies category. This means decorative items like coral, rocks, and plants, accessories like filters, air and water pumps, lighting, and cleaning and maintenance products.
• Dog supplies: Well over half of American households have a dog. Perhaps unsurprisingly, sales of dog supplies on eBay in the US exceed those of supplies for cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals put together. This means things like toys, clothes and collars, travel bags, and even pet treats.

Want to break into selling pet supplies but not sure where to start? Check out this fantastic course on How to Start and Grow a Thriving Dog Treat Bakery.

14. Computers/Tablets & Networking

Do you have an old computer or a stack of unused computer equipment collecting dust? You can turn this into cash on eBay.

Looking to upgrade to a newer model and hoping to offset some of the cost? Again, eBay is the answer.

Best things to sell in the Computers/Tablets & Networking category on eBay

• Desktops and laptops: HP and Apple are noticeably the best-selling computer brands on eBay. Additionally, tablets and eBook readers are growing in popularity on the platform.
• Printers, scanners, and supplies: Yes, they’re notorious for breaking down and giving people problems, which is why there is a thriving market for printers and scanners on eBay.
• Computer accessories: Think about wireless routers, monitors, mice, and keyboards. Selling your old accessories, or buying and flipping new items, have become very profitable ways to make extra cash.

Bonus tip: Outdated computers may earn next to nothing if sold as-is. However, if you strip them down and sell the parts individually, you can make a much more substantial profit. Many people earn a comfortable living buying old computers for almost nothing and then selling the parts on eBay.

15. Cell Phones & Accessories

If you’re looking to sell your old phone, eBay is the easiest place to do this. They even offer an ‘Instant Selling’ option, where you can sell your device directly to eBay and get paid in a couple of minutes!

Moreover, smartphones have become one of the best items to flip for a profit on eBay. You can even use this handy tool to search the make, model, and details of specific phones and find the most lucrative products before you begin!

Best things to sell in the Cell Phones & Accessories category on eBay

• Smartphones: Both new and used phones are sold every day on eBay. Unsurprisingly, iPhone and Samsung are far and away the most popular brands.
• Phone accessories: This means cases and covers, mounts and holders, batteries, chargers, and adapters. Accessories are particularly good to sell for those looking to start a business requiring a lower upfront investment.

Fun fact: A recent eBay study found that 40% of Americans have two or more unused smartphones currently in their home. How much could these extra phones be worth? Well, a different study just estimated that Australians are sitting on at least $6.4 billion worth of unused phones!

16. Cameras & Photo

Yes, every smartphone has a camera these days. But with so many people now starting an eCommerce business, or looking to produce the next viral video, the need for professional quality photo and video equipment is growing every day.

And because not everybody is looking to make a huge upfront investment in their gear, eBay has become one of the best places for all things camera related.

Best things to sell in the Cameras & Photo category on eBay

• Camera and photo accessories: By far, the most popular thing to sell in the Cameras and Photo category is not cameras themselves but the seemingly endless plethora of camera accessories. Think straps, bags, covers, lenses and flashes, lighting and tripods, batteries, cables, and memory cards.
• Film cameras: Recently, The New York Times reported that “in the smartphone era, millennials are buying film cameras.” The popularity of film photography as a hobby has exploded in recent years, meaning film cameras are becoming great items to sell on eBay.

Are you a photographer who takes great shots? Check out my comprehensive breakdown of how to sell your photos online.

17. Consumer Electronics

As it has been since the platform launched, consumer electronics are one of the best things to sell on eBay.

And since there are always new products and innovations being released, the list of what you can sell is constantly growing.

Best things to sell in the Consumer Electronics category on eBay

• Portable audio: People love to take their music and podcasts with them wherever they go, making headphones, iPods, and MP3 players some of the most popular things to sell in the category.
• Home audio: Think speakers and subwoofers, and anything else needed to make a home sound system sound spectacular.
• TV and video accessories: Curiously, the popularity of this subcategory is driven almost exclusively by remote controls. If you’re looking for something relatively inexpensive and easy to flip, remotes might be perfect.
• Vehicle electronics: This means things like GPS systems, car alarms, security systems, vehicle audio equipment, as well as car video screens and accessories.

Bonus idea: Vintage electronics are growing in popularity on eBay. For a different type of electronics business, try scouring flea markets, thrift stores, yard sales, and estate sales for those electronics which have been collecting dust for multiple generations, then flip them on eBay for a healthy profit!

18. Music

Selling music on eBay does not mean selling your own original tracks to the masses, though if that is something you’d like to do, click here (and check out #24) to find out how.

So, what does it mean?

Best things to sell in the Music category on eBay

• Musical instruments: eBay is the go-to platform for musicians looking for new and used musical instruments. Guitars are by far the best seller, but DJ equipment is fast becoming a major player in the category.
• CDs: CDs may seem a bit outdated, but they’re still a popular seller on eBay. Greatest hits albums and special releases are often the most valuable, but many titles which were not mainstream when they were released also sell well because they are now harder to find.
• Vinyl records: Have you heard that vinyl records are making a comeback? They call it the “vinyl revival,” and eBay has become a hub where collectors of both new and vintage vinyl congregate.

Wondering how much those old records you have stashed in the attic could be worth? Check out this list of the top five best-selling records on eBay in May 2022 (yes, that Led Zeppelin box set really did go for over 15 grand).

19. Crafts

If crafts are your hobby, then you are already into one of the best things to sell on eBay.

Whether making and selling your own crafts or providing the supplies for others to make their crafting dreams a reality, there are so many ways to make money.

Best things to sell in the Crafts category on eBay

• Craft supplies: The easiest way to make money in the Crafts category is by selling craft supplies. Think about beads, gems, and stones, or the ribbons, yarn, and fabric crafters love. You can even sell DIY craft kits.
• Sewing: If you are a sewing expert, quilts are very popular, as are unique sewing patterns. Sewing accessories also sell well, from cutting tools and needles to patches and thread, even sewing machine accessories.
• Pottery: Recently, the BBC reported, “the slow, mindful craft of pottery is booming worldwide.” Alongside this boom has come a rise in sales of pottery on eBay. Things like decorative bowls, mugs and cups, plates, and other jugs are particularly popular.

Need more inspiration? Check out 25 Easy Things to Make and Sell Online for Extra Money. Want to take your craft business to the next level? Read my guide to How to Sell on Etsy.

Is eBay Safe?

If you’re thinking about selling on eBay, you’ve probably heard horror stories of scammers and fraudsters targeting those using the platform.

The truth is, eBay is just like anything else; from the latest apps to your bank, nothing is 100% secure.

That said, eBay is a well-established company that has been around for almost 30 years (more than some online marketplaces can say). They employ a robust security team as well as fraud detection specialists. If you do sell on eBay, you will have this behind you.

Even so, taking a few basic precautions to protect yourself from potential scams is not a bad idea.

• Only use the internal messaging system and approved payment options provided by eBay. The first thing many scammers do is ask to communicate or complete a deal outside of the platform. Staying where everything leaves a paper trail is a good idea.
• Use eBay’s shipping options and track your product’s delivery through the platform, so there is no possibility a customer can say they did not receive the product.
• Read reviews on eBay buyers and see what other sellers have said about them.

What Are the Easiest Things to Sell on eBay?

A great way to get started and gain experience selling on eBay with no upfront investment is simply to look around your home for items you aren’t using anymore. If you have them already and don’t need them, they represent an easy way to break the ice and dive in.

There are also numerous popular products that you can acquire and start selling without much money, such as:

• craft supplies
• smartphone accessories
• fashion accessories
• home décor

But ultimately, the easiest things to sell on eBay are the things that people want.

So don’t be afraid to dig deeper and find out exactly what potential customers are looking for.

Start by using the eBay search bar to look for similar items to those you want to sell. Check out how much they are selling for, how many are being sold, and how much competition there is.

And speaking of competition, don’t be afraid to spy on them either.

Look at what their best sellers are, what styles they are using, and what different categories they are taking advantage of, then read through their customer reviews to find out what their customers are saying they want.

Best Tips to Start Selling on eBay

1. Take good pictures: About 90% of online shoppers think product photography is “very” or “extremely” important. It’s okay if you’re not a professional photographer, just put some effort into cleaning your product and photographing it in a well-lit area.

2. Write good descriptions and titles: You don’t have to be an SEO expert to write unique, succinct descriptions and titles for your products which provide potential customers with everything they may need to know to make a purchase.

3. Don’t forget the shipping costs: If you are selling large items, shipping costs can eat into profits quickly. Make sure you calculate the shipping before listing your product, which you can do directly on eBay, and work this cost into the price.

4. Provide excellent customer service: Positive feedback and reviews are crucial to any online business. Make sure you reply as quickly as possible to customer queries in a friendly and helpful way.

5. Jump on trends: In 2020 and 2021, masks were among the most popular things to sell on eBay – thanks, COVID! More recently, products referencing Ukraine or Queen Elizabeth have been extremely popular. Paying attention to trends can be a great way to maximize profits.

Time to get started!

If you’ve made it this far, then you are ready to start selling on eBay. Choose one of the best things to sell on eBay from this list and get started!

In no time, you will be making extra money or even have a lucrative full-time business from the comfort of home with a thriving eBay store.

Let me know which category you decide to go with in the comments below!

And if after reading this you feel like eBay isn’t for you, well, check out these other great ways to make money from home, this guide to turning your hobbies into cash, or even this whole list of ways to make $100 a day!