Private Sellers Can Now Sell for Free on eBay UK

Selling on eBay for Free: Key Insights 

• Fee-Free Selling Initiative: eBay UK has eliminated selling fees for private sellers in most categories, excluding motors, aiming to make selling more affordable and increase platform activity, building on successful strategies from other regions.

• UK’s Significance to eBay: As eBay’s second-largest market, the UK contributes 17% of the company’s GMV, with the U.S. leading at 42%, followed by Germany at 14%, and other regions collectively accounting for 27%.

• Boosting Resale and Sustainability: The fee removal supports the growing second-hand market, which surged during the pandemic, and is expected to thrive due to ongoing environmental and economic factors, reinforcing eBay’s role in sustainable commerce.

eBay has announced the removal of selling fees for private sellers across all categories in the United Kingdom. This excludes motors, making it easier and more cost-effective for users to sell items. 

Alongside a range of new features, this new initiative aims to streamline the selling experience and attract more sellers to the platform.  

New Features on eBay 

Key updates include simplified listings with AI-generated descriptions, a new Simple Delivery service offering tracked shipping, and the launch of eBay Local, allowing for easy in-person collection of items. From mid-October, sellers will also be able to use their earnings via eBay Balance to shop on the platform or withdraw funds.

The decision to remove fees follows the success of similar measures in other markets, like Germany, where free selling led to significant growth in both sellers and buyers. Since launching free fashion selling earlier this year, eBay UK has already seen a double-digit increase in listings for popular categories such as jeans and dresses.

The UK is Important for eBay 

eBay estimates that there are 294 million unused items in UK homes, with a resale value of £9 billion (US$11.86 billion), offering a significant opportunity for individuals to earn money by selling unwanted goods. 

In addition, the UK is an important market for the online marketplace. Our GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) breakdown of eBay by country shows that the country ranks second:

• With 42% of eBay's total GMV, the U.S. is the company's top market.

• The United Kingdom follows in second place, accounting for nearly one-fifth (17%) of eBay's GMV. Germany is almost as important, accounting for 14% of eBay's GMV.

• While Australia and Italy also account for significant portions of the total GMV (6% and 4% respectively), the remainder of the GMV (15%) comes from various markets around the world. 

Selling on eBay for Free: Closing Thoughts 

These changes aim to unlock that potential while also promoting sustainability, as many users sell items to avoid waste or make space for new purchases.

The pandemic gave a significant boost to the second-hand market, with consumers becoming more conscious of both spending and sustainability. As economic uncertainty persists, this trend is likely to continue, with platforms like eBay leading the way. 

Looking ahead, the demand for resale and circular economy models will likely grow, driven by environmental concerns and the desire for affordable options. eBay’s fee removal positions it to remain a key player in the market.

Sources: eBay, ECDB