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What's the most popular item sold on eBay?

What are the most popular items sold on eBay? My wife wants to start selling on eBay but dont know what is a good starting point.

Dave's Answer:

Rather than guess, I called in an expert on the world of online auctions, Ina Steiner of AuctionBytes and asked her for help. Here's her response:

To start, I have to say that I think the question should be re-framed. Selling the most popular items on eBay sounds good, but that's also where you're going to have the most competition and downward pricing pressure. When people ask me what they should sell on eBay, I ask them what their interests and competencies are. This is particularly good for beginners who have to start selling items to see if they like it in the first place.

Many of our readers started out selling collectibles, books, clothing, things they knew something about and could research and describe easily, and didn't have to take a big risk in inventory acquisition. Once people have experience, they can look around their area and see if there are unique sources of inventory - outlet stores/factories or things that are hard to get in other parts of the country/world. Experienced sellers often become consignment sellers (eBay Trading Assistants).

I recommend Skip McGrath's publications at auction sellers resource.com, and he has one guide devoted to consignment selling with sample contracts, etc.

But, in terms of finding out what's popular on eBay, you can use the market-data tools profiled in my forthcoming book (The eBay Seller's Guide to Sales Research and Analysis), like Andale, Terapeak, Hammertap, and eBay Pulse.

I hope that helps you and your wife make a smart entry into the world of online auctions. there's risk, but it's also exciting and there's lots of potential upside.

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Categorized: Auctions and Online Shopping (Article 4073)
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Comments

You sure the most popular item on ebay isn't the various incarnations of the Virgin Mary on household items?

Posted by: Mike at September 20, 2006 11:46 AM

Not helpful at all. Turns out to be a blatant plug for a book.

Posted by: chas at July 28, 2007 2:53 PM

I agree with the previous post - ..."Not helpful at all. Turns out to be a blatant plug for a book."

Posted by: St at September 12, 2007 2:05 AM

you know thats great you have a whole wedsite full of nothing all you scam people are horrible liars it looks like you should find a new profession the qustion that was asked is what is the most popular item sold on e bay not do you have a book for sale who cares about that i still need an answer to my qustion is that so hard to do

Posted by: angie at September 26, 2007 2:45 PM

To answer "angie's" question .. ipods. iPods are one of the most popular items currently being sold on eBay. And that is a fact.

Posted by: Dan Walter at October 7, 2007 10:29 PM

Thanks for he book referral. I'm going to read it. I'm serious about advancing my e-commerce entrepreneurship and will do whatever it takes to succeed!

I don't think that this person received the title of "expert" because they sat around and thought up scams to sell you a book! There is probably way too much to explain within a post. I guarantee the most successful people in the world did not make the most out of their lives by staying ignorant! As Bill Hicks would say, "Whatcha readin' fo'"? If you want to find out what the most sold item is on ebay then do your research. Look around on ebay and compile a list. I would not want to compete with others who are already selling the most popular items. As the person stated you will have plenty of competition and will have to lower your prices. Offer something that no-one else has thought to sell. Or bundle what's "hot" with something that will give you the advantage over the other sellers... I guess people just like to have everything handed to them and remain ignorant. Good Luck.

Posted by: Dietrich Brooks at October 14, 2007 7:53 AM

I am the most popular thing on Ebay because I suck at everything I do and I am in mint condition! There is only one of me and I am very unique! If you would like one of me then you better count on the only me! I just posted myself for $00.01 plus $300 shipping and handling (You should purchase my own insurance so I don’t arrive all mangled up, it's only cost $20). If you are interested in me, then please bid on me! I would feel like a useless human being if I only got 30 bids! But you can also buy me now for $10,000! (Definitely put more insurance on me at that price!) I will do nothing but look good! you can set me next to your fire place or hang my head on a wall... the list goes on but don't waste time! Go bid!

Posted by: YAAAY! at March 26, 2008 4:14 AM

What of the mentioned software you do use?

Posted by: Daniel Hernandez at April 9, 2008 12:23 PM

I have a lot to say, but ...

I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!