What sells best on eBay? Tips and hot items for 2026

I’ve sold Adidas shoes, X-Men cards, and kitchen sets on eBay since 2003. Here, I’ll discuss what sells best on eBay and how to get more buyers. 

What sells best on eBay?

Clothing and shoes, electronics, home goods, collectibles, and toys are among the best sellers on eBay. These categories have high search volumes and solid sell-through rates, which often lead to stronger profit potential.

Clothing, shoes, and accessories

Fashion categories on eBay span everything from everyday casual wear to sneakers. You can move inventory fast from this high-demand category, but expect heavy competition. Here are some potential money makers:

• Sneakers and athletic footwear: Nike and Adidas sneakers attract folks looking for the latest footwear, with prices starting around $40/pair. Vintage running shoes and classic basketball sneakers from the 1980s and 1990s also generate strong interest from buyers chasing nostalgia.
• Brand-name everyday apparel: Levi's jeans, Carhartt workwear, and outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face attract buyers seeking durability at discounted prices. These practical items sell consistently across seasons.
• Seasonal clothing and outerwear: Selling winter coats in October and November and summer dresses in March and April attracts buyers aiming to don the latest seasonal fashion. Timing your listings around seasonal demand helps you sell items at higher prices.
• Streetwear and designer brands: Supreme, Off-White, Stüssy, and similar streetwear labels sell quickly when authenticated and priced competitively. For instance, you can sell brand-new, authentic Supreme hoodies for several hundred dollars.

Electronics and accessories

Electronics consistently rank among eBay's fastest-moving categories. Buyers actively search for deals on these current and previous-generation devices:

• Smartphones and mobile devices: iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel phones sell quickly when listed with accurate battery health and screen condition details. Pre-owned, unlocked iPhone 11s often sell in the ballpark of $100 to $200, depending on storage, condition, and carrier status.
• Laptops and computers: MacBooks, ThinkPads, and Dell XPS models attract buyers seeking reliable performance at discounted prices compared to retail. Many brand-new laptops list in the $400 to $800 range, while refurbished models commonly sell between about $250 to $700, depending on specs and brand.
• Gaming consoles and controllers: PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles generate consistent demand, especially during holiday seasons and after major game releases. Don’t forget about retro systems like the Nintendo 64 or original PlayStation, which tap into Millennial nostalgia.
• Headphones, speakers, and accessories: Bose, Sony, and Apple AirPods are popular because of their strong brand reputations. Many new Bose headphones sell around the mid-$200s, while used pairs can range from roughly $40 upward, depending on model and condition.

Home goods

Home goods sell best on eBay because buyers need them in their day-to-day lives. Here’s what sells best: 

• Kitchen gadgets and cookware: Mixers, air fryers, and cookware pots see strong demand because they play a significant role in meal prep. Cookware sets frequently sell for around $50 to $60+, while some open-box items can be found for $30.
• Power tools and hand tools: Folks need power tools to maintain their homes and pursue hobbies. DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee power tools attract contractors and DIY enthusiasts willing to pay for reliable performance at discounted prices. 
• Small appliances and home essentials: Coffee makers, fans, and vacuum cleaners from trusted brands like Dyson and Keurig can move quickly. Buyers actively search for these practical items year-round, making them reliable inventory choices.

Collectibles

eBay stands out as a platform for selling collectibles, vintage goods, and niche items. Here are some popular choices:

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• Trading cards and sports memorabilia: Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards from the 1980s and 1990s spark intense bidding wars. eBay designed its Authenticity Guarantee program to verify these goods through third-party inspection, significantly reducing the risk of counterfeits. 
• Action figures and vintage toys: Childhood action figures in unopened packaging attract serious collectors willing to pay hundreds or even thousands for mint-condition pieces. For instance, bundles of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures from the 1990s can go for well over $100.
• Vintage items and antiques: Mid-century furniture, retro advertising signs, and antique glassware appeal to buyers seeking unique pieces that mass-produced modern items cannot replicate. Detailed provenance and clear condition photos help justify higher prices and build trust with collectors.

Toys and hobbies

Toys and hobbies generate year-round sales from collectors and parents. Yet, items from these categories also see strong demand during holiday shopping seasons. Here are some best sellers:

• LEGO sets: LEGO sets attract hobbyists and collectors. Many basic sets sell for well below $50. This price reflects a typical mid-range set price, not an entry-level baseline. Star Wars or Harry Potter sets, however, can go for several hundred dollars.
• Puzzles and board games: Ravensburger puzzles and vintage board games sell steadily to families seeking screen-free entertainment and to collectors. Complete games with all pieces intact and minimal box wear move faster than incomplete sets because buyers want ready-to-play conditions.
• Model kits and hobby supplies: Gundam models, Revell aircraft kits, and Warhammer miniatures attract dedicated hobbyists who purchase multiple items over time to build collections. 

Sporting goods

Sporting goods see seasonal spikes in spring and summer when buyers gear up for outdoor activities. Here’s what to look for:

• Fitness gear: Home workout equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and yoga mats sells consistently. Yoga mats often range from about $10 to $50+, while weight sets commonly sell in the low hundreds of dollars, depending on size and weight.
• Outdoor equipment: Camping gear, hiking boots, and fishing supplies move fast during spring and summer. Brand-new multi-person Coleman tents can cost between $60 and $150, while pre-owned Yeti coolers range from $100 to $250, depending on size. 

Prohibited and underperforming items

Now that you know what sells best on eBay, I’ll walk you through what you can’t sell and what you shouldn’t sell:

Prohibited items …

• Counterfeit goods: eBay's VeRO program aggressively removes fake items and can permanently suspend your account. When buyers report suspected counterfeits, they trigger investigations that freeze payouts. 
• Recalled products: Selling recalled items violates federal law and eBay's policies, leading to immediate removal and potential legal liability. Always check recall lists before listing.
• Hazardous materials: Certain batteries, aerosols, and flammable liquids are subject to strict shipping rules and may require certifications or special services.

Underperforming items …

• Low-value or generic apparel: Basic tees, generic socks, and no-name clothing get buried under millions of similar listings on eBay. Buyers won't pay shipping costs for items they can buy cheaper at Walmart or Amazon.
• Fragile decor with high shipping risk: Glass vases, ceramic figurines, and delicate art are prone to breakage during shipping, leading to returns and negative feedback. Insurance and specialized packaging eat into already thin margins on decorative items. 
• Oversized items with poor shipping economics: Furniture and large appliances cost more to ship than their resale value justifies. Buyers expect free or cheap shipping, making it impossible to profit after carrier fees. 

eBay top sellers: What they have in common

Regardless of category or inventory size, successful eBay sellers share these key traits:

Top seller trait #1: They’re brand-focused 

Top sellers prioritize recognizable brands that buyers actively search for on eBay. They source Nike, Apple, LEGO, and Coach because these names generate consistent traffic and higher conversion rates.

Top seller trait #2: They list consistently 

High-performing sellers post new inventory daily or weekly to maintain visibility in eBay's search algorithm. Fresh listings signal active accounts, which can help your items rank higher in the search results. 

These sellers avoid posting items at random times. They follow a set listing schedule to build momentum and attract repeat buyers.

Top seller trait #3: They offer professional photos with SEO-friendly titles

Top sellers use clean, well-lit photos with white backgrounds and multiple angles to showcase items clearly. They craft titles by following an SEO strategy with searchable keywords like brand, model, size, and condition.

Many sellers often use photo-editing tools, like Nifty’s, which also comes with a Photoroom integration for background removal. 

Top seller trait #4: They price competitively

Successful sellers research competitors’ listings and learn how to price their own items for fast turnover. They focus mostly on items that have actually sold, using real data instead of guesswork to price their listings. 

Top seller trait #5: Fast communication and strong seller metrics

Top-rated sellers respond to messages within hours, ship within one business day, and maintain high positive feedback. eBay's algorithm prioritizes sellers with strong metrics, giving them better search placement and Top Rated Seller badges. 

Top seller trait #6: They crosslist to other platforms

The best sellers extend their reach beyond eBay. They crosspost the exact same items already on eBay to Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, and Etsy. Crosslisting increases visibility and buyer potential by exposing your items to different buyer demographics. 

A growing number of sellers are skipping manual crosslisting and using Nifty instead. This convenient crosslisting tool lets you upload new items and items from existing marketplaces directly to your dashboard. With a few clicks, you can list these goods on all other connected marketplaces, instantly expanding your reach.

Move more eBay items with Nifty

Move more of what sells best on eBay with Nifty, the top crosslisting tool on the market. Its automation features let you set a schedule while its crossposting capabilities get your listings in front of even more buyers. 

Here’s why more than 10,000 sellers have chosen Nifty:

• List in seconds, not hours: Upload a photo, and Nifty’s AI builds your entire listing for you. That includes SEO titles, keyword-rich descriptions, hashtags, and prefilled dropdowns.
• Automate the busywork: Relist, share, and discount items on your schedule, no manual labor needed. Nifty works in the cloud, so you can even schedule drafts to publish or items to relist while you sleep.
• Track what’s working: View sales, fees, top performers, and dead inventory in one dashboard. Nifty shows where you’re winning and what needs to move.
• Automatic delisting, handled: When an item sells, Nifty’s sales detection removes it from all connected marketplaces. No more double-selling issues or sending awkward “this item already sold” messages.
• Crosslisting: List your qualifying eBay items on your Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, and Etsy accounts (more platforms coming soon!)

Get started with a 7-day free trial and see why top eBay sellers use Nifty to save time, increase visibility, and make more money.

FAQs

1. What sold best on eBay in 2025?

In 2025, the top-selling categories on eBay included electronics, vintage clothing, collectibles, and popular branded sneakers. These items continue to perform well in 2026, driven by consistent buyer demand. 

2. How often should I relist items on eBay?

You should relist items on eBay every 30 to 60 days if they haven't sold. eBay's algorithm rewards fresh listings with better search placement. Older listings lose visibility, while new postings appear higher in search results. Use a tool like Nifty to automate relisting on eBay, keeping your inventory up to date without manual work.

3. Can I crosslist eBay items with other platforms?

Yes, you can crosslist eBay items with other platforms like Mercari, Poshmark, Depop, and Etsy to maximize item visibility. Crosslisting reaches different buyer demographics, increasing your chances of selling quickly. Nifty automatically detects sales and delists items across all connected marketplaces, eliminating manual tracking and preventing costly duplicate orders.

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