14 Reasons to Sell on eBay Instead of Amazon

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Following on from one the other way around, I feel I should discuss the merits of selling physical products on eBay, rather than Amazon. Neither is better than the other, but they both have unique qualities.

1. Product naming

For the majority of Amazon products, you have to sell your item using a pre-existing listing. If you're not happy with the imagery, title or description, there's not a lot you can do about it. With eBay, you can do as you wish, as each one is yours to own.

2. Auctions

At times when you just don't know how much something is worse, or you'd just like to get rid of it quickly, eBay auctions are a fun way to make those sales. Just make sure you list it for what you're willing to see it go for.

3. Best offer

Pricing high can be a front sometimes. Best offer gives you the freedom to ask for higher prices than usual, but with the ability to settle for a little less.

4. Customers

The customers are bargain hunting on eBay. Even if your price is higher than the one on Amazon, they may overlook it, and assume that they're never going to get a better deal anywhere else.

5. Personality

With eBay, you have room to inject your own personality into a listing. This allows you to put a unique spin on an otherwise boring product listing. It's up to you what images and text you accompany with. Amazon is a bit lifeless, in comparison.

6. Flexibility

Job lots, rare collectibles and stupid other items just don't suit Amazon, but make eBay what it is. It's a more flexible platform, and gives you the freedom to list (pretty much) whatever you want.

7. Local collection

It's perfectly reasonable to be against posting large, fragile or pricey items. It's a lot of hassle, there are risks, and it's generally quite a lot of hassle. Local collection on eBay allows people to meet face to face to deal with these more troublesome products.

8. Argos click and collect

For some customers, the ability to click and collect from Argos is a lot more convenient for them. If it's a deciding factor on whether a customer goes for your listing or one on Amazon, it's worth it.

9. Ease of use

Amazon's SellerCentral interface is painful. It takes months of use to work out what everything does, unlike the simple and intuitive eBay alternative.

10. Nectar points

Buying at eBay can earn you cash back. Amazon aren't on Quidco, Top Cashback or any of these other rebate sites, so the kickbacks from eBay buys are appreciated. It may cause some customers to choose the equally priced counterpart of your item over the one on AMZ.

11. Multiple accounts

As discussed in another post, having a number of accounts means you have all sorts of privileges. Amazon just aren't into that kinda stuff.

12. Custom storefronts

You can’t do much of anything on Amazon. Sticking a logo on there is pretty much the max. On eBay, you can customise your shop in all kinds of creative ways.

13. Commission

It's cheaper to sell on eBay. Plain and simple. Why eat into your margins, when you don't need to? Once you're selling on larger quantities, the commission rate is even more in your favour.

14. PayPal

Probably the internet'a most trusted payment gateway can be found on eBay, unlike Amazon. It's a big draw for those that value a smooth payment, which can even be arranged to be sold as Buy Now, Pay Later.