What is eBay and how does the platform work

eBay is the second most popular marketplace after Amazon. Many remember it as an online auction, but the platform has long moved to a new level. Its popularity speaks to its benefits for both buyers and sellers. DiFFreight experts do not aim to explain everything about eBay — instead, we’ll focus on how it works, explore its alternatives, and share what buyers and businesspeople say about the platform.

How to find a seller on eBay

Let’s start with the advantages:

• A huge market of buyers from all over the world

Offers both everyday and niche products, including handmade items, antiques, and a large selection of used goods

• Flexible pricing system

Models:

• Auction. Buyers compete for an item by placing bids. This is a great option if you’re selling vintage, collectibles, or handmade goods. Listing time is limited.
• Fixed Price, just like other marketplaces. The seller lists an item at a set price with no bidding.
• Make Offer. Buyers propose a price (usually blindly, without knowing others’ offers). If your bid is accepted, you must purchase the item.
• Combined method. Buyers can either purchase at a fixed price or place a bid in an auction.

Pay attention to the right side of the listing.

• Payment system integration

Customers can choose convenient payment methods: credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Discover, and others. A business account is linked to a Payoneer account.

So, what should you know to find a suitable seller on eBay?

First — whether it’s an individual or a legal entity (business). People sell used goods, secondhand finds, and unpackaged items. Many private sellers don’t accept returns: what you buy is what you get.

Second — the rating. It’s shown as a percentage next to the user’s name or store title. Look for sellers with lots of reviews and a rating above 98%.

There is a "Shop with confidence" section in the listing interface with the seller status:

• Top Rated Seller — the highest category. The seller provides excellent customer service, meets all eBay requirements, offers fast shipping and 30-day free returns.

• Above Standard — meets minimum standards.
• Below Standard — fails to meet one or more key standards.
  

eBay Money Back Guarantee — buyer protection. You get a refund if the item doesn’t arrive or doesn’t match the description.

logistics services

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Third — quality of the listing description. Use filters carefully — auction vs fixed price. Read the item description closely: is it new or used, with or without defects, original packaging or opened box, etc.

It’s easiest to begin searching by category. Then, use the filters at the top:

• all listings/auction/buy it now;
• sort by price, listing expiration, or the cost + shipping feature (low to high or vice versa);
• technical specifications;
• item condition: new, used, for parts (non-working), opened box, etc.

You can always use the search bar and enter the exact product model.

eBay Alternatives: Competitive Marketplaces

Although the platform remains one of the titans of e-commerce, alternatives are emerging. To find the best eBay alternative, consider the type of product, target audience, preferred subscription model, and payout method.

Sites like eBay — Top 5 by DiFFreight:

• Amazon. The main difference is the focus on selling new items at fixed prices, although there is a section for used goods.
• Etsy — an ideal alternative for handmade goods, vintage items, and unique art pieces.
• Mercari is a popular platform in the US and Japan for selling second-hand items. A fixed commission applies to sellers.
• Depop. Popular among young users, with key niches like fashion apparel, vintage, and streetwear.
• Poshmark has categories including clothing, shoes, and accessories. The marketplace is known for its “virtual parties,” where users exchange products and find inspiration.

Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. We recommend studying all the features before starting to sell, with particular attention to selling fees.

Earning on eBay — Reviews of Buying and Selling

It’s worth noting that most reviews about buying on eBay are positive. The marketplace offers a user-friendly interface, detailed categories and filters, money-back guarantees, and other nice features.

However, entrepreneurs leave some negative reviews about eBay:

1. High commissions (10–12%). This reduces profitability for low-margin products.
2. Business registration requires verification, and Payoneer verification is also mandatory.
3. Return policies favor buyers. The platform is lenient with returns, but sellers often suffer from abuse.
4. Limited support: dispute resolution takes longer than on Amazon.

Purchases on eBay from Ukraine are not available — you need to use forwarding services. This affects delivery speed, tracking, and makes returns more complicated. Therefore, most purchase reviews are based on international buyers' experiences.

But for those looking to sell on the marketplace, there’s good news. DiFFreight offers logistics services almost worldwide:

• Cargo delivery from Ukraine to Europe to your warehouse or a partner fulfillment center to serve your eBay customers in the EU.
• Cargo delivery from Ukraine to the USA, if you’re targeting the American market. We offer a fulfillment model at our warehouse in New Jersey.

With the right niche, optimized listings, and fast delivery throughout the EU or USA, a store from Ukraine can become highly profitable! Although eBay has its nuances, it’s a solid marketplace for international trade.