Researching what sells best on eBay usually means one of two things. A new eCommerce brand is about to launch, or an existing seller is expanding onto another marketplace.
The objective is not simply to identify the most popular selling items on eBay. The real goal is to find products with proven demand, workable margins and operational practicality so the business can scale.
In this guide, we’re going to break down what items sell the most on eBay in the UK, share realistic product examples that consistently perform well in eBay’s strongest categories, and show how to turn demand into repeatable operations.
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Why eBay Still Matters in the UK
eBay is still one of the largest ecommerce marketplaces globally, and the UK is one of its strongest regions.
In 2024, eBay reported $74.7 billion in Gross Merchandise Volume and 134 million active buyers worldwide. Its annual report also confirmed around 2.3 billion live listings on the platform.
In the UK alone, eBay has stated it supports over 300,000 small and medium-sized businesses, and research shows 46% of UK shoppers buy pre-loved items at least once a month.
That combination of scale, active buyers and strong resale culture is why categories like refurbished electronics, branded fashion, replacement parts and practical home essentials consistently rank among the most popular selling items on eBay UK.
Most Popular Selling Items on eBay UK
These are the categories that repeatedly produce great sellers on eBay because they match how eBay buyers shop.
1. Mobile Phones, Tablets and Accessories
Electronics are consistently among the most popular items sold on eBay UK, driven by model specific search.
Product examples that typically perform well:
– Refurbished iPhone models from recent generations
– Samsung Galaxy devices, especially mid range models
– iPad models and compatible cases
– Charging cables, USB C plugs and power banks
– Phone cases for current and recent devices
– Replacement parts such as screens and batteries for repair focused niches
Why this category sells:
– Buyers search by model name, storage size and condition
– Refurbished and graded stock gives room for margin if listings are clear
– Accessories create repeatable add on sales
Operational note: electronics attract more condition and performance returns than many categories. Packing standards, grading clarity and dispatch speed have an outsized impact on feedback.
2. Home and Kitchen Essentials
Homeware is one of the safest answers to “what items sell the most on eBay” because demand is stable. eBay UK has also highlighted Home and Garden as a popular category for new businesses joining the platform.
Product examples that commonly sell in volume:
– Air fryer accessories, liners, racks and replacement trays
– Vacuum cleaner filters, spares and compatible parts
– Storage organisers, drawer dividers and clear stackable boxes
– Bedding sets, fitted sheets and pillowcases
– Small kitchen tools that solve one job well, like can openers or mandolines
– LED lighting strips and under cabinet lights
Why this category sells:
– Purchases are practical and repeatable
– Many items are lightweight and low damage risk
– Bundles increase order value, for example filter multipacks
3. Vehicle parts and accessories
Automotive is a classic eBay strength because buyers search for compatibility.
Product examples that often perform well:
– Wiper blade multipacks
– Car mats for common UK models
– Phone mounts and dash accessories
– Interior LED upgrade kits
– Replacement trim clips, fasteners and fittings
– OBD accessories and simple maintenance tools
Why this category sells:
– Buyers search exact make and model fit
– Products are often low cost, high volume and repeat purchase
Operational note: listing accuracy matters more than persuasion. Compatibility tables and clear fitment information reduce returns.
4. Fashion, trainers and pre loved clothing
Fashion remains one of the biggest category areas on eBay UK. eBay UK has highlighted Fashion as a popular category for new businesses joining the platform.
Product examples that tend to do well:
– Branded trainers in popular sizes
– Streetwear basics from known labels
– Vintage and Y2K inspired styles
– Occasion wear and seasonal outerwear
– Handbags and accessories where authenticity can be verified
There is also strong evidence of buyer demand for pre loved branded fashion. For example, reports around the Marks and Spencer partnership noted a sharp rise in searches for M and S items on eBay over a year.
Why this category sells:
– Buyers come to eBay expecting value and selection
– Condition based pricing creates multiple entry points
Operational note: returns are part of the model. Sizing, photos, and consistent dispatch prevent feedback damage.
5. Collectibles and enthusiast products
Collectibles have been a notable growth driver in recent reporting. eBay has attributed recent performance momentum to categories like collectibles, and industry coverage of eBay’s results has highlighted collectibles as a key driver.
Product examples that often show strong demand:
– Trading cards and card accessories such as sleeves and binders
– Coins and graded currency
– Vintage toys and sealed sets
– Memorabilia connected to sports and music
– Niche hobby items where buyers search very specific terms
Why this category sells:
– Buyers are highly search led and often repeat purchase
– Listings can command premium pricing when grading is clear
Operational note: presentation matters. Protective packaging and condition control reduce disputes.
6. Health, grooming and personal care devices
Health and personal care often produces great sellers on eBay because it blends repeat purchase with practical demand.
Product examples that commonly perform well:
– Electric toothbrush heads and compatible refills
– Grooming kits and replacement blades
– Hair styling tools
– Skincare devices and accessories
Why this category sells:
– Refill and replacement cycles
– Gift purchases and self care spending
Operational note: stay within platform rules and product safety expectations. Clear brand and authenticity signals matter.
What Actually Makes a Product a Strong eBay Seller
A list of best selling things on eBay is not enough.
Products tend to perform well when they have:
– Clear search demand for a specific model, type or compatibility
– Strong price comparison behaviour, especially in refurbished and pre loved
– Repeat purchase cycles, such as refills or replacement parts
– Low damage risk in transit
– Listing clarity that reduces returns
The sellers who become great sellers on eBay are not just strong at sourcing. They are disciplined in execution.
Accurate picking, fast dispatch, organised storage and controlled returns directly influence seller ratings and visibility.
As order volumes increase, many merchants move from self fulfilment to a structured eBay order fulfilment setup, particularly when dispatch time and feedback are starting to affect conversion.
Scaling on eBay Without Operations Becoming the Bottleneck
If the research points towards the most popular selling items on eBay, the opportunity is real. But scaling is usually decided by operations.
Common friction points as orders grow:
– Stock is spread across locations and becomes harder to track
– Picking accuracy drops
– Dispatch cut off times become inconsistent
– Returns start consuming time and cash flow
For growing sellers, this often leads to working with a 3PL partner once order volume becomes consistent and in-house fulfilment starts limiting growth.
Thinking About Starting Your eCommerce Brand on eBay?
Thinking about starting your eCommerce brand on eBay? PackPro Fulfilment works with eBay sellers to store stock in the UK, pick and pack accurately, and dispatch on time so growth is not limited by operational bottlenecks.
FAQs: Selling on eBay in 2026
What are the best selling things on eBay right now?
The best selling things on eBay tend to sit within repeat demand categories such as refurbished electronics, home and kitchen essentials, vehicle parts, branded fashion and collectibles. Rather than chasing one viral product, successful sellers focus on products with consistent search demand and clear compatibility or model specific buying behaviour.
What items sell the most on eBay for new sellers?
For beginners, products with broad appeal and low return risk are usually safer. Examples include:
– Phone cases for popular models
– Vacuum cleaner filters and spares
– Car accessories such as wiper blades
– Storage organisers
– Appliance accessories
These categories tend to offer steady search demand without complex sizing or condition disputes.
Is eBay still profitable in the UK?
Yes. eBay reported $74.7 billion in Gross Merchandise Volume in 2024 and ended the year with 134 million active buyers worldwide. In the UK, over 300,000 small and medium sized businesses sell on the platform. That level of activity shows sustained demand, particularly in value-driven and pre-loved categories.
Do products that sell well on Amazon also sell well on eBay?
Often, yes. Categories that appear in Amazon best sellers frequently overlap with high-demand products on eBay, especially in electronics, home essentials and everyday items. Demand signals seen in Top selling products on Amazon UK 2026 can indicate stable product categories that also perform well on eBay.
Are trending TikTok products worth listing on eBay?
Trending products can create short-term opportunities once buyers begin price checking across marketplaces. Items highlighted in Trending TikTok Shop products to sell in 2026 often see follow-on demand on eBay as awareness increases.
When should a seller consider eBay order fulfilment?
Once daily orders become consistent and dispatch speed begins affecting feedback and visibility, structured fulfilment becomes important. Accurate picking, same-day dispatch and managed returns directly influence seller ratings and repeat purchases.
Should a business use more than one next day courier
Many ecommerce brands use more than one courier to balance cost, coverage, and service levels. This allows lightweight parcels to be sent through lower cost networks while premium services handle high value or urgent orders.