Article

Find Profitable Products & Grow your Businness.

with Unlimited Market Insights

Start your eCommerce Journey with ZIK

Start your eCommerce Journey with ZIK

Start your eCommerce Journey with ZIK

Success on eBay starts with selling the right products—items that are in demand, competitively priced, and have strong profit potential. But with millions of listings live at any given moment, how do you know what will sell?
That’s where data-driven research comes in. Instead of relying on guesswork, ZIK Analytics helps sellers uncover top-performing products with real insights. By analyzing trending products, competitor performance, and market demand, you can confidently choose winning products and scale your eCommerce business.

search comes in. Instead of relying on guesswork, ZIK Analytics helps sellers uncover top-performing products with real insights. By analyzing trending products, competitor performance, and market demand, you can confidently choose winning products and scale your eCommerce business.

Article Overview

3 Key Takeaways from the Article

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Successful eBay Sellers Rely on Data, Not Guesswork

Choosing profitable products requires analyzing sales trends, competitor performance, and market demand. Tools like ZIK Product Explorer help sellers identify high-demand items before listing them.

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Profitability Depends on Multiple Factors, Not Just Sales Volume

Choosing profitable products requires analyzing sales trends, competitor performance, and market demand. Tools like ZIK Product Explorer help sellers identify high-demand items before listing them.

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Testing New Product Ideas Before Scaling Reduces Risk

Instead of bulk-buying inventory, sellers can use dropshipping and competitor analysis to validate demand. ZIK Market Insights helps sellers identify trending products and ensure they are worth investing in before scaling up.

Before You Get Started: Setting Yourself Up for eBay Success 🚀

Before diving into what to sell on eBay, it’s essential to have the right foundation in place. Whether you’re a new seller or looking to scale your business, taking these key steps will set you up for success.

Steps
Success
Understand eBay’s Selling Policies Avoid pitfalls by familiarizing yourself with eBay’s VeRO (Verified Rights Owner) program, restricted items, and seller guidelines.
Define Your Selling Strategy Are you planning to dropship, wholesale, or source products locally? Each approach has different profit margins and operational requirements.
Set Up Your Seller Account Properly Ensure your eBay store is fully optimized, with a professional store name, branding, and payment setup for smooth transactions.
Leverage Product Research Tools Instead of guessing what sells, use ZIK Analytics to identify high-demand, low-competition products that maximize profitability.
Plan for Fees & Shipping Costs eBay fees, payment processing costs, and shipping expenses affect your margins. Make sure you understand how these impact your final profits.

With these steps in place, you’re ready to start finding highly profitable products and growing your eBay business with confidence.

What are the best things to sell on eBay to make money?

The best things to sell on eBay to make money in 2025 are:

  • Gaming Chairs
  • Phone Cables
  • Pillow Protectors
  • Elbow Pads
  • Cat Trees
  • Sock Aids
  • Cuban Link Chains

NOTE: This data was collected from our eBay Product Research Tool, based on recent sales trends. The data was sourced with the criteria that the products will need to be viable and profitable all year, and not seasonal in nature.

Here is why these products are some of our hot picks to sell online and add to your eBay store in 2025:

Gaming Chairs

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Here is why Gaming Chairs are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Gaming office chairs are a hit because they combine style and practicality, catering to both gamers and those working from home. With more people investing in their home setups, a high-quality, comfortable chair is in demand.

Profit potential of this item: $2,484 in estimated profit was made.

The dropshipper in our video sold the chair for $139.99, while a similar item was found on Amazon for $99.99. This drop shipper made approximately $23 profit per chair after eBay fees. With 106 sales, the total profit was $2,484

How do we know that gaming chairs sell well on eBay?

To validate the gaming chairs profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keywords: "Gaming Chair” into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant gaming chair supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential

Phone Cables

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Here is why Phone Cables are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Phone charging cables are essential because everyone relies on their devices. A durable, fast-charging cable is a necessity for home, office, and travel

Profit potential of this item: $293 in estimated profit was made.

The dropshipper in our video sold the cable on eBay for $18.98, while the same product was on Amazon for $1.99. This seller made a profit of around $4.30 with each sale. With 69 sales, the total profit reached about $293

How do we know that phone cables sell well on eBay?

To validate the Phone Cables profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keywords: "Phone Cables" into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant Phone Cable supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential

Pillow Protectors

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Here is why Pillow protectors are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Zippered pillow protectors are a top pick because they keep pillows clean, fresh, and protected from dust or spills. They’re ideal for extending bedding life and maintaining hygiene, especially for allergy sufferers.

Profit potential of this item: $798 in estimated profit was made.

One drop shipper sold the protector on eBay for $10.39, while the same product was on Walmart for $5.64. This seller made around $3 profit on each sale. Having sold the item 266 times, the total profit was approximately $798.

How do we know that pillow protectors sell well on eBay?

To validate the Pillow Protectors profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keyword: "Pillow Protector" into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant Pillow Protector supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential

Elbow Pads

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Here is why Elbow Pads are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Elbow pads are a useful everyday item that can be used in all seasons.

Profit potential of this item: $164 in estimated profit was made.

One item was selling for $20.05 on eBay, while the same product was available on AliExpress for $13.11. The seller makes a profit of around $4.20 per sale. With 39 sales, the total profit is around $164

How we know that elbow pads sell well on eBay?

To validate the Elbow Pads profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keyword: "Elbow Pads" into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant "Elbow Pad" supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential

Cat Trees

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Here is why Cat Trees are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Cat trees are popular because they keep cats entertained while protecting furniture from scratches. This makes them a win-win for both pets and their owners.

Profit potential of this item: $1,070 in estimated profit was made.

One seller listed the cat tree on eBay for $75.99, while a si milar product was on Amazon for $56.90. The drop shipper earned around $10 profit per sale. With 107 sales, the total profit after eBay fees was $1,070

How we know that cat trees sell well on eBay?

To validate the Cat Trees profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keywords: "Cat Tree" into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant Cat Tree supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential

Sock Aids

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Here is why Sock Aids are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Sock aids are a lifesaver for anyone with trouble bending down or reaching their feet, offering a painless solution for those with arthritis, back pain, limited mobility, or those recovering from surgery

Profit potential of this item: $684 in estimated profit was made.

Selling for $16.89 on eBay, this item had 163 sales since being listed. The same product was found on Walmart for $9.16. This seller makes a total profit of $4.50 on each sale after eBay fees, resulting in a total profit of around $684.

How we know that sock aids sell well on eBay?

To validate the Cat Trees profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keywords: "Sock Aids" into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant "Sock Aid" supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential
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Here is why Cuban Link Chains are profitable on eBay

Why it’s good to sell?

Cuban link chains are a classic, stylish piece that works with any outfit, suitable for any season, and makes a solid gift idea. Its appeal lies in its versatility as a “go-to statement piece”.

Profit potential of this item: $2,584 in estimated profit was made.

Profit potential: Selling on eBay for $23.74, the drop shipper had sold 323 units. The same item was available on AliExpress for $12.39. The seller made around $8 profit per product sold, totaling approximately $2,584 in profit.

How we know that cuban link chains sell well on eBay?

To validate the Cuban Link Chains profit potential, we take the following steps:
  1. Enter the keywords: "Cuban Link Chains" into the ZIK Product Explorer
  2. Hit "Find product by image"
  3. Analyse the available products that closely match the product you are analysing
  4. Find the relevant "Cuban Link Chain" supplier
  5. Validate the profit potential

To identify trending products on eBay, we use the ZIK Market Insights dashboard and review the following 4 areas:

1. Trending products

Here we review the trending products over the last 7 days
We can see data such as:
  • Total Items Sold
  • Number of sales
  • Sale price
  • Potential Product Suppliers

2. Top selling eBay Categories and Niches

Here we can review the trending niches over the last 30 days.
We can see data such as:
  • Keyword
  • Revenue

We can then analyze the niche further to get the full picture of how the niche is trending and see even more important information such as:

Sell Through rate
This is the % measurement of how fast items are selling. EG: A sell through rate of 500% means 5 items sold per listing, on average.

Sold Items
The total amount of sold items for the listings being analysed

Sales Earnings
The total amount of money generated from the sold items

Successful Listings
The % of listings that have had at least 1 sale

Average price
Average price per item sold in the observed listings

Sales Trend
How the items have been tending through the observed period

Market Share
Which sellers are dominating the market

We can then dive deeper and analyse the trending products in the niche to:
  • Locate similar trending products
  • Source suppliers selling similar products

3. eBay Best Sellers list

Here, we can see the top 500 items selling on eBay over the last 48 hours
We can see data such as:
  • Item image
  • Product title
  • Selling price
  • Units Sold
  • Location

HOT Tip

We can take this one step further, by scanning the store of this item, to see what other profitable items they have listed!

4. Trending eBay Sellers

Here, we review trending eBay sellers by revenue and sales over the last 30 days.
We can see data such as:
  • The store Name
  • Overall Feedback
  • Total Sales
We can then scan the store, and see what the best selling items that they have listed are as well as:
  • The sell through rate
  • Their active listings
  • How many items they have sold
  • Their total revenue
  • Their successful listings
  • Their feedback score
  • The average price of items in their store
  • Which suppliers they are using

What niches are most suitable for beginners on eBay?

Choosing suitable niches for beginners on eBay can greatly enhance the chances of successful selling. We suggest focusing on categories like electronics, fashion, and home goods, as they often feature what sells well on eBay.

EXPERT Tip

Popular brands like Nike and Apple consistently rank among what items are most profitable to sell on eBay, however we do not recommend selling branded items as they generally fall under VeRO.

DID YOU KNOW: You can filter for VeRO items inside of ZIK to help spot items that you should not list on your store.

Seasonal items and trending products, such as collectibles or unique gifts, are also hot items to sell on eBay. By targeting these top-selling eBay categories, we can identify what to sell for profit and make informed decisions about what items to sell on eBay that appeal to buyers.

What factors determine the profitability
of products on eBay?

The factors that impact the profitability of products on eBay are:
  1. Product Cost and Sourcing:
    • Cost of acquiring products (wholesale/dropship price)
    • Consistent quality and reliability to reduce returns
  2. eBay Fees and Additional Costs:
    • Listing fees and final value fees
    • Payment processing fees
    • Shipping, packaging, and handling expenses
  3. Market Demand and Competition:
    • Search volume and consumer interest
    • Level of competition in the product category
    • Seasonal trends affecting demand
  4. Listing Optimization and SEO:
    • Strategic keyword usage in titles and descriptions
    • High-quality images and detailed descriptions
    • Alignment with eBay’s search algorithm for better visibility
  5. Customer Experience and Reputation:
    • Positive feedback and high seller ratings
    • Clear return policies and responsive customer service
    • Fast and reliable shipping
  6. Operational Efficiency:
    • Effective inventory management
    • Use of automation and management tools
    • Regular data analysis to optimize sales performance
  7. Market Trends and Adaptability:
    • Staying updated with industry trends
    • Adjusting strategies based on evolving eBay policies and consumer behavior
    • Monitoring and responding to algorithm changes
Each of these factors plays a vital role in determining the overall profitability of products on eBay.

How to see what items sell for on eBay?

To see what items sell for on eBay, we can use eBay’s advanced search tools to analyze sold listings, or we can use ZIK’s product explorer to view the items sold history. Below are examples of both.

Using eBay

Using ZIK

This gives us a clear view of what to sell on eBay and highlights the top selling items on eBay. Here are some key strategies we can employ:

  • Conduct eBay product research to identify profitable items.
  • Monitor market trends for shifts in demand.
  • Perform competitor analysis to gauge pricing strategies.

How to source products to sell on eBay:

To source products on eBay, we must identify reliable suppliers, and determine the market demand of the items that they stock.

We can leverage eCommerce insights and product research to find profitable products. Utilizing dropshipping and bulk scanning techniques helps streamline our sourcing process. Competitor analysis allows us to monitor market trends and adjust our strategies accordingly. Here’s a quick overview of sourcing methods:

Method Description Purpose
Wholesale Buying in bulk from suppliers
  • Lower costs per unit
Dropshipping Selling products without holding stock
  • Minimal upfront investment
Retail Arbitrage Buying discounted items to resell
  • Quick Profits
Online Marketplaces Sourcing from platforms like AliExpress
  • Wide product variety
Local Sourcing Finding items from local stores
  • Unique inventory
Seasonal trends and timing greatly influence what to sell on eBay, as consumer demand fluctuates throughout the year. Understanding these patterns helps us maximize sales. We should focus on:

HOT Tip

 ZIK has a handy “Holiday Calendar” that helps you plan ahead for trending periods such as this.

What tools and techniques can help me find hot eBay products?

The best tools to find Hot eBay Products are:

How do eBay fees and shipping costs influence product selection?

eBay fees and shipping costs greatly affect product selection for sellers. Understanding these factors helps us make better decisions about what to sell. We must consider:

HOT Tip

These are all calculated for you automatically, inside of ZIK

What common mistakes should I avoid when choosing products and what not to sell on eBay?

You should avoid listing VeRo items on your eBay store. They are against eBay’s terms, and are a quick way to get your eBay account banned.

Further, choosing products wisely is essential for success on eBay, as common mistakes can lead to wasted time and resources. One mistake is ignoring market trends; we need to stay informed about what’s popular. Conducting thorough product research and competitor analysis helps us identify top selling items and avoid what not to sell on eBay, such as outdated or low-demand products. We should also consider profitability; items with high shipping costs may not yield good returns. By steering clear of these pitfalls, we can enhance our chances of becoming successful eBay sellers and make informed choices about what to sell on eBay.

How can I test new product ideas before fully investing in them on eBay?

Test new product ideas by dropshipping them from suppliers that are local, or from marketplaces with quick shipping such as Amazon. This allows you to guage demand for a product, without fully investing in inventory.

We can also utilize product research tools, analyze market trends, and conduct competitor analysis to identify promising items. By listing a few products and optimizing titles, we can measure interest through sales or views. Automated dropshipping allows us to test products without holding inventory. Here’s a simple table to help visualize our testing approach:

Method Description Purpose
Product Research Optimize titles and descriptions
  • Identify what to sell on eBay
Listing Optimization Optimize titles and descriptions
  • Increase visibility
Competitor Analysis Study successful sellers
  • Understand market dynamics
Automated Dropshipping Test products without inventory
  • Minimize risk

What should I do after selling an item on eBay?

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Shipping
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Communicate
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Fees & Profit Margins
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After selling an item on eBay, we need to follow several key steps to guarantee a smooth transaction and maintain our seller reputation.

  • Promptly ship the item to confirm buyer satisfaction.
  • Communicate effectively with the buyer regarding tracking information and shipping updates.
  • Reflect on our fees, including final value fees and listing fees, to understand our profit margins.

Using eBay sellers tools, we can streamline our process, monitor competitors, and stay updated on market trends. These practices contribute to our growth in online sales and help us achieve financial independence through informed product research and automated dropshipping.