Three years after the pandemic, some side effects, such as digital adoption in almost every aspect of daily life, have become a trend. And this is where e-commerce has managed to hold its ground in times of economic uncertainty.
Although at a slower pace, online retail platforms continue to grow. For example, The Economist pointed out that Amazon increased its profits by 11% in one year, while other sites, such as eBay, grew by 5%, according to its most recent Q2 report. In this opportunity, we will focus on this one in particular.
And yes, we all know this has been a challenging year economically. Inflation and low consumer confidence are becoming a reality in several regions. However, if you want to leverage your business through solid marketplaces, pay attention to these 10 eBay statistics that will help you to boost your sales in 2024.
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eBay Demographics
Initially launched as AuctionWeb, the platform was rebranded as eBay in 1997. However, the primary concept has remained unchanged: to bring buyers and marketers together in a safe and open marketplace.
Today, eBay remains a valuable eCommerce business across the globe. Thanks to its impressive selection and unbeatable prices, its 132 million active buyers keep returning to this marketplace.
1. 47% of eBay sellers are from Europe.
Buyers in Q2 decreased by 4% compared to the same period in 2022. However, trade continues at a good pace thanks to 17 million sellers. Internal reports show eBay generated $2.5 billion in revenue in Q2 2023.
If you want to use eBay to increase your income and list your products, you should know the markets where people use this platform. According to Statista, these are currently the countries with the most eBay sellers:
- U.S.: 31%
- United Kingdom: 19%
- Germany: 15%
2. eBay is the third most used retail platform in the U.S.
eBay has a presence in more than 190 markets around the world. However, the United States remains the country that closes the most sales. This country alone generated $35.91 billion of the $73.9 billion in total sales in 2022.
With that clear picture, what is eBay’s penetration level there? According to the most recent information, this company has a 4.7% share of the U.S. retail market.
This percentage places this platform as the third most used in that country:
- Amazon: 38.7%
- Walmart: 5.3%.
- eBay: 4.7%.
3. 24% of Amazon sellers also sell on eBay
A notable revelation from Jungle Scout’s 2023 State of the Amazon Seller report unveils that 61% of Amazon sellers are currently taking a dual path and have set up shop in various bustling marketplaces.
Diving deeper into the multichannel strategy, eBay seems a strategic choice for many. Among the multichannel sellers, 24% have allied themselves with eBay as one of their favorite selling arenas.
eBay Usage
Even though eBay’s a US-registered company, its total gross merchandise volume comes from its international audience; but what is the user behavior within this marketplace? Let’s see.
4. eBay’s app is among the top 20 shopping apps in the U.S.
Since the eBay app arrived in 2008, it has recorded around 476 million downloads; however, by 2023, the number of active app accounts has varied in its two main markets.
In the U.K., for example, the number of daily users on the app dropped by 2 million and now stands at 4.2 million. Meanwhile, in July alone, the U.S. saw 2 million more downloads on iOS and 1 million on Android, reaching revenues of $5,000.
The above numbers place the eBay app in 15th place in the top shopping apps in the United States, two positions ahead of other options such as Etsy.
Some estimates calculate that today eBay’s app has approximately 7.5 million active users in that country.
5. 19% of U.S. consumers shop on eBay
Even with the uncertainties caused by inflation, positivity shines through in the e-commerce landscape.
Look at the Q2 of 2023, and you’ll see something interesting: 19% of savvy shoppers in the U.S. have been hitting up eBay for their retail fix.
So, as the tides of the market ebb and flow, it’s intriguing to witness how platforms like eBay remain a steadfast shopping haven for a significant chunk of consumers looking from tech gadgets to vintage treasures.
Credits: Freepik.com
6. The number of eBay downloads has decreased by 24% since 2020.
It is well known that the pandemic increased the use of technology when it comes to acquiring virtually any service.
Delivery, shipping, and shopping experienced a boom that, in the case of eBay, was reflected in 40.3 million downloads. However, with the return to normality, the flow of transactions has dropped more than pre-pandemic levels.
As a result, the trend over the last two years has decreased in eBay downloads. According to Business of Apps, 30.5 million downloads were recorded in 2022, almost one million less than in 2021.
7. 1.9 billion listings on eBay
A report from eBay found that there are a total of 1.9 billion listings on the marketplace, more than 12 times the number of eBay users, meaning there are many products vying for the attention of 132 million buyers.
Undoubtedly, competition for sales is high, so you must be prepared to go the extra mile to optimize your product listings. Writing informative product descriptions and including relevant keywords will help send your products higher on eBay’s search results pages.
eBay Engagement Statistics
Knowing what users prefer when searching for items on eBay is essential if you are thinking of selling through this platform, so pay attention to what works best here:
8. Electrical, motor, and household products: top sellers on eBay
Figuring out what to sell on eBay might seem puzzling. Should you go with something unique or hop on the trend train?
eBay makes it more accessible. Let’s explore some hot categories:
- eBay Motors: Think cars, parts, and cool gear. You’ve got performance stuff and high-tech car gadgets. Cables, for example, are a hot item on eBay, with over 2.1 million listings, and also sell incredibly well.
Zik Analytics says the average listing makes at least 300 online sales in 30 days. At an average price of $6.55, that’s a sales potential of around $1,900 every day per cable listing in your online store. - Home & Garden: Snazzy kitchen gadgets, cozy heating, and must-have pantry essentials are here.
- Business & Industrial: Fancy machines, health gear, and dental stuff. Think PLCs & HMIs and medical supplies.
- Clothing, Shoes & Accessories: Fashion lovers, this is your zone. Clothes, shoes, and hip accessories await.
- Collectibles: Crystals, war memorabilia, and fabulous vintage stuff are all the rage. Jewelry and watches shine too.
- Health & Beauty: Vitamins, incredible scents, and health goodies are big hits here.
For sellers still trying to decide what to sell online, eBay has a convenient page to help sellers decide what to list and sell. Their “best-selling items” page has a list of products that serves as a guide for potential sellers. Not only does it recommend categories, but it also dives into specific items in each category.
Credits: Unsplash
As you explore eBay’s world, remember you’re part of a vibrant community. So, whether you’re into gadgets, cameras, games, or treasures, eBay offers an ever-evolving realm for buyers and sellers.
Remember, by aligning your offerings with trending categories, you ensure that your inventory resonates harmoniously with the dynamic rhythm of the market.
9. 79% of the items sold on eBay are brand new.
When stepping into eBay’s bustling marketplace, you’ll discover a notable trend: 79% of items sold here are brand new. This surge in fresh products is a testament to eBay’s evolution from its auction roots to a comprehensive retail platform.
This shift has attracted diverse sellers, from big brands to nimble newcomers, all vying for the attention of eBay’s devoted customer base.
Additionally, eBay is working on helping sellers boost buyer engagement and encourage sales by allowing them to upload videos to their eBay stores and increasing the number of photos they can use on their product listings.
10. 60% of eBay’s sales are made through a mobile device.
If you rewind to Q2 of 2022, you’ll find that mobile devices gobbled up around 58.99% of web traffic. Fast forward to 2023, and this mobile trend is still strong, especially on eBay.
Now, picture this: 60% of eBay’s sales involve mobiles. That means users are browsing, bidding, and buying from their smartphones and tablets more than ever.
Consider giving your store a mobile-friendly makeover to ensure you’re catching this wave. It’s as easy as downloading the eBay app and checking that your store layout is smooth and your text is nicely spaced for those tiny screens. After all, a few tweaks could mean many more eyes on your listings.
Summary: eBay Statistics
Having delved into each of the data presented in this article, we leave you with a summary of the 10 most important eBay statistics:
- 47% of eBay sellers are from Europe.
- eBay is the third most used retail platform in the U.S.
- 24% of Amazon sellers also sell on eBay.
- eBay’s app is among the top 20 shopping apps in 2023 in the U.S.
- 19% of U.S. consumers shop on eBay in 2023.
- The number of eBay downloads has decreased by 24% since 2020.
- There are 1.9 billion listings on eBay.
- Electrical, motor, and household products: top sellers on eBay.
- 79% of the items sold on eBay are brand new.
- 61% of eBay’s sales are made through a mobile device.
Final Thoughts
While the number of eBay app downloads may be experiencing a decline, the platform’s enduring legacy and commitment to innovation speak volumes about its resilience.
Since its inception in 1995, eBay has become one of the titans of online marketplaces. It offers a dynamic platform where entrepreneurial dreams can take flight and stills stand tall as a tried and true avenue for sellers to showcase their products and connect with a vast community of buyers.
However, like any bustling marketplace, the platform’s success is mainly in the hands of its sellers. Ensuring that you accurately portray your items, adhere to eBay’s selling policies, and prioritize customer satisfaction is crucial to your e-commerce journey.
Remember that clear communication is your guiding star. Whether you’re presenting brand-new items or pre-loved treasures, eBay provides an array of condition tags to ensure your customers understand exactly what they’re getting.
From “new with box” for pristine shoes to a spectrum of descriptors for used goods, the accurate depiction is vital to a smooth and successful transaction in 2024.
Sources
- Has e-commerce peaked?
- eBay Inc. Reports Better Than Expected Second Quarter 2023 Results
- EBAY’s Investor Relations
- Worldwide eBay seller location by country | Statista
- Annual Report
- 2023 State of the Amazon Seller Report – Selling Statistics & Data – Jungle Scout
- eBay statistics 2022
- Amazon loses 1M daily app users, eBay loses 2m – ChannelX
- eBay Revenue & App Download Estimates from Sensor Tower
- Top Shopping Apps Ranking – Most Popular Apps in the United States | Similarweb
- Jungle Scout Consumer Trends Report Q2-2023.pdf
- eBay Revenue and Usage Statistics (2023) – Business of Apps
- eBay Inc. – Fast Facts
- Best selling items
- 15 Best Selling Items On eBay For 2023 (Original Research)
- How to Sell on eBay – Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide for 2023
- Mobile Commerce Sales in 2023 – Skillademia
