🛒 Make Money from Home with eBay: A Simple Guide for Beginners

💼 Make Money on eBay from Home

If you're looking for a flexible, low-cost way to earn money from home, eBay is one of the best places to start. Whether you’re decluttering, flipping second-hand finds, or building a small online shop, eBay gives you access to millions of buyers across the UK (and beyond!) without needing to leave the house.

As a busy mum of three, I love that I can list items in the evening, package them in my own time, and bring in a bit of extra money without needing to juggle shifts or work around childcare.

📦 What to Sell to Make Money on eBay

You’d be surprised by how much can sell on eBay — even things you think are “junk.” Here are some great starting ideas:

• Used clothes (especially branded or vintage)

  
  

• Toys and games (board games, LEGO, baby toys)

  
  

• Homeware and décor

  
  

• Tech (phones, chargers, old laptops)

  
  

• Books, DVDs, and Blu-rays

  
  

• Baby items (prams, clothes, bottles, etc.)

  
  

• Collectibles (Funko Pops, trading cards, rare finds)

  
  

One of my first ever sales was a half-used makeup set — I thought no one would want it, but someone did! So don’t rule anything out.

🛠 How to Get Started Selling on eBay

1. Create an Account

Sign up at ebay.co.uk and create a seller account. You’ll be asked to link a PayPal or bank account so eBay can pay you when things sell.

2. Take Clear Photos

Use your phone to take bright, clear photos of the item from all angles. Make sure you:

• Photograph any flaws

  
  

• Include brand labels or size tags

  
  

• Use natural lighting if possible

Tip: eBay allows up to 12 free images — use them all!

3. Write an Honest Description

Include:

• Brand, size, and colour

  
  

• Condition (new, used, worn once, etc.)

  
  

• Any damage

  
  

• Why you're selling it (optional)

Keep it friendly but professional — people like knowing it’s from a real person.

4. Price It Right

You can choose between:

• Auction (let people bid)

  
  

• Buy It Now (set a fixed price)

  
  

I usually search for “sold listings” of similar items to see what they’ve gone for. This gives you a good idea of what people are actually willing to pay.

🚚 Postage Tips (Don’t Undervalue This!)

eBay allows you to either charge postage or offer free shipping. If you go for free shipping, make sure you include that in your price.

Use Hermes (Evri) or Royal Mail — both have apps that let you book postage from home.

💡 Tip: Save empty boxes and bubble wrap from deliveries. It’s free packaging!

💰 Fees and Payments

eBay does charge selling fees, usually around 12.8% of the total (including postage). But these are automatically deducted — you don’t have to worry about surprise bills.

Once the buyer pays, the money is sent to your linked account, usually within a few days.

💡 My Experience Selling on eBay

I've sold all sorts on eBay — kids' clothes my youngest has grown out of, unused baby gear, and even quirky things like a box of old cables. One of my favourite sales was a birdhouse I’d won in a competition — it wasn’t my style, but someone loved it!

I love that it gives me a bit of extra money and helps me clear space at the same time. It’s also a great way to recycle and stop things going to landfill.

🧠 Extra Tips for eBay Success

• Respond to messages quickly — polite communication builds trust.

  
  

• Send items quickly — aim for within 1–2 days.

  
  

• Be honest — don’t hide faults or overpromise.

  
  

• Bundle small items (e.g., baby grows) to save on postage and boost value.

  
  

• Schedule listings on Sunday evenings when traffic is highest.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Selling on eBay Worth It?

Absolutely! eBay is a brilliant option for anyone wanting to make money from home, especially if you're just getting started. You don’t need a business plan, startup costs, or even fancy equipment — just a phone, a few things to sell, and a bit of time.

And once you get the hang of it, you can even move into flipping bargains from charity shops or car boot sales. The possibilities really do grow the more you get involved.

🌟 Want to Start Today?

Go have a look around your home — I bet there are at least 5 things you could list tonight! And if you want more tips like this, don’t forget to check out my other posts on making money from home.

Visit Ebay

📌 You Might Also Like:

• Check out my other posts about different selling sites!