How to Do eBay Dropshipping in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

eBay is a very popular marketplace with many loyal customers and great potential for people to grow their online businesses. It's a highly attractive marketplace for a lot of sellers whether they are just starting or are already selling on other platforms.

If you're planning on starting your own dropshipping business on eBay, it's a highly attractive opportunity for new entrepreneurs.

Since you don't need as much start-up capital as you would with a regular store, eBay dropshipping could be a way for you to test out this type of eCommerce model.

In this article, I will show you how to do eBay dropshipping, including the pros and cons and if it's actually worth it or not.

eBay Dropshipping in 2025: What’s Changed

If you tried eBay dropshipping a few years ago, you’ll notice things aren’t quite the same anymore. eBay has made a few key changes to how sellers can operate — mostly to keep the platform clean and protect buyers from shady sellers.

Here’s what’s new (and what you need to watch out for) in 2025 👇

1. No More Amazon-to-eBay Dropshipping
If you’re thinking of buying items from Amazon or Walmart and then reselling them on eBay — don’t. eBay has officially banned that kind of “retail arbitrage dropshipping.”
If they catch you doing it, your account can be restricted or suspended.
Instead, only source products directly from wholesalers or legitimate dropshipping suppliers that ship on your behalf.

2. Tracking Numbers Matter More Than Ever
eBay now requires valid, trackable shipping updates for every single order.
If your supplier doesn’t upload tracking quickly (or uses fake numbers), it can destroy your seller metrics fast. This is why it’s critical to work with suppliers that use carriers eBay recognizes like USPS, FedEx, or UPS.

3. Handling Times Are Stricter
eBay expects orders to be shipped out within your listed handling time — usually 1 to 3 business days.
If your supplier ships slower than that, your on-time shipping rate can tank and you’ll lose search visibility.

4. AI Pricing & Listing Tools Are Becoming Common
A lot of top eBay sellers are now using software that automatically adjusts prices, syncs stock levels, and even helps write optimized titles.
It’s not mandatory — but if you want to compete in 2025, automation will save you hours every week.

5. Buyers Are Smarter Now
People on eBay know how to check prices across multiple sites. You’ll need to be strategic with your pricing and focus on value — better photos, faster shipping, or bundles that stand out.

👉 Bottom line:
Dropshipping on eBay still works, but the “easy money” days are long gone.
To succeed in 2025, you’ve got to treat it like a real business — use real suppliers, ship fast, stay compliant, and use data-driven tools to stay ahead.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a business model where you don't stock any inventory. You simply place a listing on your online store, add photos and a description. When someone buys from you, you order from the supplier and they send it to your customer on your behalf.

Dropshipping is a popular business model for new eCommerce entrepreneurs because it’s relatively low risk and easy to set up. There are also no upfront costs or minimum orders, so it’s easy to get started.

Dropshipping can be a great way to test out new products and niches without incurring huge costs. However, it’s important to remember that dropshipping is not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Successful dropshippers have to work hard to build a brand and stand out from the competition. But for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, dropshipping can be a very lucrative business.

What is Dropshipping on eBay?

eBay dropshipping is a type of e-commerce business in which products are sold directly to consumers on behalf of a supplier on their eBay store. 

This type of business model is often used by businesses that don't have the time or resources to manage their own inventory. In most cases, eBay dropshippers will use a third-party fulfillment center to store and ship products to their customers.

This can be an especially helpful way to run a business if you're just getting started and don't have the space or manpower to handle inventory yourself. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of eBay dropshipping is that it's relatively low risk.

Since you're not holding any inventory, you don't have to worry about being stuck with products that don't sell. Of course, this also means that there's less potential for profit, but if you can find a niche market and build a loyal customer base, dropshipping can be a very successful business model.

Is Dropshipping Allowed on eBay?

Dropshipping is allowed on eBay, but there are a few requirements that must be met in order to use this business model on the site.

Sellers must have a valid Dropshipping Agreement with their supplier.

This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship between the two businesses and ensures that both parties are aware of their responsibilities.

Sellers must clearly indicate on their listings that they are using a dropshipping fulfillment method. 

This ensures that buyers are aware that their orders will be fulfilled by a third-party supplier, and not by the seller themselves.

Finally, all listing photos must be provided by the supplier; sellers are not allowed to use generic stock photos or images that they have downloaded from the internet. 

eBay has strict guidelines around dropshipping, but as long as sellers meet all of the requirements, they are free to use this business model on the site.

How Does eBay Dropshipping Work?

Here are the steps on how to do eBay drop shipping:

1. Set up an eBay Seller Account.

The first thing you'll need is an eBay Seller account. First, go to the eBay homepage and click on the "Sell" link. This will take you to the registration page where you will be prompted to create an account.

You will need to provide your name, address, and phone number, as well as create a username and password. Once your account has been created, you will be taken to your Seller Dashboard for your eBay store.

As there are different eBay sites for various countries, be sure to sign up on the site that corresponds with the country that you wish to target.

2. Do Product Research and Find a Dropshipping Supplier

Once you find products that you’d like to dropship, the next step is to create an account as a retailer. You’ll do this with the suppliers of the products you have chosen. Finally, you will have to contact them and see if they allow dropshipping to your customers.

Keep in mind that in order to protect your brand, you need to make sure that the supplier is willing to include a label with your business name and address on it. This will let the customers know that it was sent by you.

3. How to Find Winning Products for eBay Dropshipping

Finding the right products to sell is what makes or breaks your eBay dropshipping business. You can have the best-looking listings in the world, but if no one wants what you’re selling — you won’t make a dime.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to spot profitable products that actually sell. Here’s how I like to do it 👇

1. Start With eBay’s “Trending” and “Best Sellers” Sections
Head to eBay’s main site and check the Trending on eBay or Best Sellers sections. This gives you a solid idea of what’s already moving fast across different categories.
Once you spot a few interesting products, plug them into Zik Analytics or even Google Trends to see if demand is rising or falling.

2. Use Product Research Tools (They Save a Ton of Time)
Instead of guessing, use tools that show you what’s actually selling well.

  • Zik Analytics – Find top-selling products, see what competitors are listing, and check profit margins.
  • AutoDS “Winning Products” Finder – Curates trending products that are performing well across eBay and other marketplaces.
  • TeraPeak (built into eBay Seller Hub) – This is a free tool from eBay itself. It shows real data on what’s selling, average prices, and sell-through rates.

Pro tip: Look for products that sell at least 10+ times per month with steady demand, not just one-hit wonders.

3. Focus on Evergreen Niches
Trendy products come and go, but evergreen niches sell all year round. These include:

  • Home & Kitchen
  • Tools & DIY
  • Health & Beauty
  • Pet Supplies
  • Automotive accessories

Once you build up a few consistent sellers in these categories, you can sprinkle in trending items for quick profits.

4. Check Supplier Catalogs Regularly
If you’re working with a wholesaler or platform like CJ Dropshipping or Inventory Source, don’t just set and forget it. Browse their catalogs weekly — suppliers are constantly adding new products.

5. Analyze Your Competitors
Search eBay for the product you want to sell, then check out the top 5 sellers in the listings. Look at their photos, titles, and pricing.
If they’re getting tons of sales but their listings look terrible — that’s an opportunity for you to create a better one and outrank them.

6. Look for Small, Lightweight Products
Shipping costs can eat into your profits. Try to focus on small, easy-to-ship items that won’t get damaged easily — things like tools, accessories, and gadgets under 2 lbs.

Want even more ways to discover winning items? Don’t miss my guide on finding trending products to sell online. It covers free and paid tools, influencer insights, and supplier tips that can work perfectly for eBay sellers too.

4. Start Listing Your Items

It's important to take the time to upload high-quality images of your products. Poor-quality images will deter potential buyers from considering your items, so make sure to take clear, well-lit pictures from different angles. 

In addition, it's important to write detailed and accurate product descriptions. Be sure to include all relevant information, such as dimensions, condition, shipping details, and so on. By taking the time to create strong listings for your online store, you'll be more likely to attract serious buyers and make successful sales.

When you mark up your price for retail, make sure it's high enough to make a good profit but low enough to remain competitive. It's important to remember that the goal is to make as much money as possible on each sale, not to simply sell as many items as possible.

5. Forward Your Customer's Details to the Supplier

When you make a sale, the next task is to forward your customer's information to them.

Bear in mind that even though your supplier is responsible to package and ship your item, it is your responsibility to make sure the item is sent within the required time frame that eBay requires. This will be stated clearly in your listing.

As an option, if you’re having a hard time finding a supplier that will agree to dropship for you, you could buy items in bulk and then send them to a fulfillment center. A fulfillment center can pack and ship your items for you including the monitoring of your inventory.

That's it! Sounds simple enough doesn't it?

6. Repeat and Scale

Once you’ve made a few successful sales and have your system running smoothly, it’s time to scale up.

Go back and analyze what sold well — the price point, category, and supplier. Then look for similar products or variations that fit that same winning formula.

If you’re using a tool like Zik Analytics or AutoDS, you can easily identify top-performing listings and start adding more of those to your store.

Another tip is to double down on your reliable suppliers. If one consistently ships fast and provides great products, build a stronger relationship with them — maybe even negotiate better prices once you’re ordering regularly.

Best Tools & Software for eBay Dropshipping (2025)

If you want to make your life a lot easier (and save yourself from hours of repetitive work), you’ll want to use tools that help you manage your eBay dropshipping business.

When you first start out, it’s fine to do everything manually — listing products, checking inventory, and adjusting prices. But once you have a few listings that start selling, it can get overwhelming fast. That’s where automation tools come in handy.

Here are some of the best ones to check out in 2025 👇

1. AutoDS
AutoDS is one of the most popular eBay dropshipping tools out there right now. It lets you automate almost everything — listing products, updating prices, tracking stock, and even placing orders automatically with your supplier.
You can also import products straight from sources like AliExpress, CJ Dropshipping, and Walmart.

💡 Pro tip: Use their profit calculator to make sure your listings are priced right after eBay fees.

2. Zik Analytics
This is a research tool every eBay seller should use. Zik helps you find winning products by analyzing what’s already selling well on eBay — including average selling prices, competition levels, and profit margins.
If you want to find trending products with real data instead of guessing, Zik is a must-have.

3. DSM Tool
DSM Tool is great if you’re sourcing from multiple suppliers. It keeps your listings synced, tracks inventory automatically, and even helps optimize titles and descriptions with keywords for better search visibility on eBay.

4. SkuGrid
SkuGrid is perfect for sellers who have lots of listings and need reliable repricing. It keeps track of supplier stock levels and adjusts your eBay prices automatically so you don’t end up selling something that’s out of stock.

5. Inventory Source
This one’s ideal if you’re working with wholesale suppliers. It lets you connect directly to pre-vetted supplier catalogs and syncs inventory and pricing straight to your eBay store.
You can even push listings to multiple platforms — eBay, Shopify, and Amazon — all from one dashboard.

👉 Bottom line:
You don’t need fancy tools to start eBay dropshipping, but if you plan to scale it into a real business, these will save you time, prevent mistakes, and help you stay competitive in 2025.

eBay's Dropshipping Policies and Requirements

eBay has had some issues with dropshippers in the past. Some bad players in the market have ruined it for the ones that were legitimate. In this case, eBay has put in place some policies and procedures to keep drop shippers on eBay in check.

Let’s break down the key points from eBay's policies and procedures related to dropshipping.

eBay Dropshipping Policy: Dropshippers Who Buy From Wholesalers

First off, you are only allowed to dropship from wholesalers and suppliers on the eBay Network. This rule was put in place thanks to scams that were occurring on eBay.

People were putting listings on eBay for the purposes of dropshipping but were using other retailers or marketplaces. If you don’t want to get kicked off eBay make sure you only deal with wholesalers and retailers on the eBay platform.

You can read more about Ebay's Drop Shipping Policy here.

eBay Dropshipping Policy: Guaranteed Delivery TIme

As an eBay seller, it is important to abide by eBay's policy on guaranteed delivery time. This policy protects buyers from unfulfilled promises and ensures that they receive their items in a timely manner. 

By adhering to this policy, eBay sellers can build trust with buyers and establish themselves as reliable sellers. Furthermore, failure to meet the guaranteed delivery time may result in negative feedback, which can damage a seller's reputation.

Following eBay's policy on guaranteed delivery time is beneficial for both buyers and sellers. It creates a positive buying experience and helps to build trust between buyer and seller.

When you are dealing with a wholesale supplier, it's important to make sure that they are aware of this policy and that they can meet the delivery time. Be sure to communicate with your supplier and confirm that they can ship the item within the required time frame.

eBay Dropshipping Policy: Guaranteeing Safe Delivery

If things go wrong with the delivery of your products to your customer, you are responsible for this.

Online sellers on eBay are responsible for these two components:

You must ensure the safe delivery of the item within the given timeframe. This means that your item must not only be delivered within the timeframe specified but it must also arrive in one piece and is not broken. 

Since you are dropshipping and not touching the item yourself, this can be a challenge because you are putting all your trust in the supplier.

The other component is the overall satisfaction of your customer. Customers will evaluate the products with eBay’s feedback and rating system see want to make sure they get a good score. 

To do this you must ensure that the product matches exactly what was shown in the photographs that you have provided in the ad. Your product must also meet your customers’ expectations.

One lead to ensure this is to pour the product yourself. You could then take all your photos, test the product and evaluate yourself. Obviously, this is going to cost you more money, but as the item is a low-cost item this could benefit you greatly. You’d also be able to test out how responsive the shipper is, if the packaging is adequate and if it arrived on time and in one piece.

eBay Dropshipping Policy: When things go Wrong

If you deviate from these requirements which likely will be no fault of their own but the shippers, the following can happen.

A Low seller rating.  This is going to make it harder to get new customers.

Buying restrictions. You may not be able to buy certain products anymore

Loss of buyer protections. You will lose support from eBay if a customer dispute is generated against you.

Account suspension. This one is pretty black and white. If you’re suspended, you simply can’t do anything.

It’s important that you go through the eBay drop shipping policy so a fully understand what the DOS and don’ts are. As you can see your business really depends on the efficiency, accountability, and dependability of your wholesaler or retailer shipping out your product.

How Much Does it Cost to Dropship on eBay?

Having a dropshipping business on eBay is actually pretty cheap. It’s less expensive than selling on Amazon in regards to fees.

You can actually start dropshipping on eBay for practically nothing because your first 200 listings are free.

To understand eBay's fees in detail check out their eBay fee calculator.

If you want to get more information and details about fees on eBay see eBay’s selling fees policy.

Typically, there are two basic fees that you’ll pay to eBay.

Insertion fee. This is the fee for getting your listing up on eBay.

Final value fee. This fee is based on the percentage of the total sale and shipping costs of your item.

Example: How to Calculate Profit Margins for eBay Dropshipping

Before you list an item, it’s important to know if it will actually make you money after all the fees. A lot of beginners skip this part — and that’s why they end up selling at a loss without realizing it.

Here’s a simple example of how to calculate your profit margin:

Let’s say you find a product from your supplier that costs $20 and you plan to sell it on eBay for $35.

Now, let’s break down your costs:

  • Supplier cost: $20
  • eBay final value fee (roughly 13%): $4.55
  • PayPal or processing fee (around 3%): $1.05
  • Shipping or handling cost (if not covered by supplier): $3

Total costs: $20 + $4.55 + $1.05 + $3 = $28.60
Your profit: $35 – $28.60 = $6.40 profit per sale

That might not sound like a lot, but if you sell 100 of those items per month, that’s $640 in profit — from just one product.

Once you understand how to calculate profit margins, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what’s actually worth selling. Some products might look great at first glance, but after fees, shipping, and returns — they barely break even. Focus on items that consistently leave room for healthy margins, and you’ll build a business that lasts.

Now, let’s take a look at the main pros of dropshipping on eBay and why so many sellers still choose this model today.

Pros of Dropshipping on eBay

Now that you have a good understanding of what an eBay dropshipping business is, let’s go over the pros and advantages.

Low Startup costs

You will need to buy a lot of stock in advance like with other methods

Easy to Get started

Because you don’t need inventory, it’s easy to get started. You only need to set up your seller account and find a supplier

Huge Visibility

eBay is a massive marketplace so getting eyeballs on your product should be relatively easy.

Low Cost of Marketing

Marketing costs for eBay dropshipping can be lower than with a traditional dropshipping store. 

Low Risk

Since you are not spending a lot of money in advance, it’s very easy to switch from one product that is not selling to a different one without losing too much of your money.

Flexibility

You can do this anywhere. A lot of people that have full-time jobs do this on the side. All you really need is a laptop and a few hours of your time.

Scalable

You are not limited to one product and can start to scale with other products. Just be careful if you’re switching suppliers as you need to maintain your high level of customer satisfaction

Cons of Dropshipping on eBay

Now let's look at the cons or disadvantages of eBay dropshipping

Competition

Competition on Ebay is incredibly fierce. There are lots of Sellers especially ones from China that have very low prices and cheap shipping. This is why doing research is essential as you’ll need to get in early if you want to be successful with this business model

Not Easy to Find a Dropship Supplier

Not many suppliers are willing to do dropshipping with you. It’s also going to be difficult to establish relationships with them as many are not aware of the drop-shipping model. Some might only want to sell in bulk, and you might not be able to buy individual products to sell online.

eBay Restrictions

If you break eBay's rules, you could get banned from the platform.

You are Responsible if Things go Wrong

Since you are placing 100% confidence in your supplier/shipper, if something were to go wrong it’s all on you. eBay won’t go after the supplier but will hold you responsible. This is why it’s essential to have a good relationship with your supplier so they can make any corrections if something were to go wrong and are willing to do so

You Don't Own eBay Customers

When you dropship on eBay you don’t own your customers. Every time you make a sale all you’re doing is building eBay's brand.

Customers will not be aware of your brand aside from some tiny eight invoices for a leaflet that your supplier may leave on your behalf which gets discarded pretty quick and forgotten.

Low-Profit Margins

Because there’s so much competition on eBay, you’re going to constantly have to adjust your prices. On top of that, you’ll have to pay fees to eBay which takes away even more of their profit.

To make good money on eBay means you need to sell a lot of products. So the focus here will be on volume more than margin.

Daily Tasks

You can’t take a vacation without checking up on your eBay business daily. You’ll have to constantly monitor your products, prices, and inventory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with eBay Dropshipping

Even though eBay dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to start an online business, a lot of beginners trip over the same mistakes — and most of them are totally avoidable.

Here are the big ones to watch out for 👇

1. Using Retail Stores as Suppliers
This one’s a rookie mistake that can get your account banned fast. eBay doesn’t allow you to dropship from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Home Depot. Always use verified wholesalers or legitimate dropshipping platforms that supply tracking and invoices.

2. Ignoring eBay’s Seller Metrics
Your seller performance metrics matter more than ever. If your late shipment rate or “item not as described” cases rise too high, eBay can lower your visibility — or worse, suspend your account. Keep delivery promises and maintain high feedback scores.

3. Choosing Products Without Checking Demand
A lot of sellers skip research and just list random items. Don’t do that. Always check sales volume using tools like Zik Analytics or TeraPeak to see if there’s consistent demand before listing.

4. Pricing Too Low (or Too High)
If your prices are too low, you’ll eat up your margins after fees. If they’re too high, you’ll lose sales to competitors. Find that sweet spot using AutoDS or a profit calculator so you stay competitive and profitable.

5. Poor Product Photos and Descriptions
You’d be surprised how many sellers still upload dark, blurry photos or copy-paste supplier text. Take the time to polish your listings — better visuals and unique descriptions will instantly make you stand out.

6. Not Testing the Product Yourself
If you’ve never seen or handled the product, you’re putting your reputation at risk. Order a sample so you can test the quality, take your own photos, and verify that shipping is reliable.

7. Ignoring Customer Service
Even though your supplier ships the items, you’re the one responsible for customer satisfaction. Reply quickly, resolve disputes professionally, and you’ll build a reputation that helps you rank higher in search results.

8. Relying on One Supplier Only
If your supplier runs out of stock, your whole business can stop overnight. Always have a backup supplier — or at least a few reliable alternatives — for your best-selling products.

Avoid These, and You’ll Be Ahead of 90% of Sellers

If you can steer clear of these common pitfalls, you’ll already be doing better than most beginners on eBay. The key is to treat it like a real business — track your numbers, use legit suppliers, and always put the customer first.

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s take a closer look at whether dropshipping on eBay is actually worth it in 2025.

Is Dropshipping on eBay Worth it?

Dropshipping on eBay can be worth it if you’re able to sell a lot of products on your online store.

You won’t make much money if your sales volumes are low. This is because of high competition and fees.

The other key aspect to success on eBay is to ensure that you have reputable suppliers. A bad supplier can damage your reputation and Alt and we get your seller account banned.

Dropshipping on eBay has a relatively low start-up cost which makes it very attractive for new entrepreneurs that don’t have much capital. The rest is quite low so in that sense, it can be worth it to give it a try. Just be aware that you’ll need to do a lot of product research first to ensure that whenever products you focus on have a chance to do well.

Tips for Success with eBay Dropshipping (2025 Update)

Now that you know the pros and cons, let’s talk about how to actually win with eBay dropshipping this year. The competition is tougher, but with the right approach, you can still carve out your own profitable corner.

Here are some of my top tips 👇

1. Test First, Then Scale
Don’t list 100 random products right out of the gate. Start small with 5–10 products in different niches, track which ones get clicks and sales, then scale the winners. This will save you time, money, and headaches.

2. Use Tools to Automate the Boring Stuff
You don’t need to do everything manually. Use tools like AutoDS, Zik Analytics, or DSM Tool to handle repetitive tasks such as repricing, inventory syncing, and order fulfillment. This way you can focus on finding more products that actually sell.

3. Pay Attention to Metrics That Matter
Keep an eye on your sell-through rate, feedback score, and defect rate. These directly affect your visibility on eBay. Even one or two late shipments or negative reviews can hurt your rankings, so monitor your account health weekly.

4. Offer Fast and Reliable Shipping
People buy on eBay because they want convenience and speed. Make sure your supplier uses recognized carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx with tracking. The faster your delivery times, the more repeat buyers you’ll get.

5. Optimize Listings Like a Pro
Strong product titles, detailed descriptions, and great photos still win the game. Use your main keyword at the start of your title, include secondary keywords naturally, and always use high-quality images. Bonus: Add one photo showing the product in real-life use — it builds trust instantly.

6. Build Long-Term Supplier Relationships
Don’t treat suppliers as disposable. The better your relationship, the more likely they’ll give you priority stock access, discounts, or custom packaging options with your branding. Communication is key here.

7. Leverage AI and Data Tools
AI tools like ChatGPT or Jasper can help you write optimized product titles and descriptions fast. Meanwhile, data tools like TeraPeak and SellerAmp SAS let you spot profitable trends before your competitors do.

8. Always Think Beyond eBay
While eBay is a great starting point, the ultimate goal should be to build your own brand and audience. Once you know what sells, consider transitioning to Shopify or Amazon FBA — where you own the customer relationship.

eBay Dropshipping Strategy Recap

At the end of the day, success on eBay comes down to two things — data and consistency. The sellers who win aren’t guessing; they’re tracking what works, using automation tools, and constantly tweaking their strategy.

Keep testing, keep learning, and remember — every top eBay seller started with that first listing. The more you refine your process, the more profitable it becomes over time.

If you’re thinking about what’s next after eBay dropshipping, let’s look at one of the best long-term alternatives that gives you full control over your brand.

You can try out software like Inventory Source. This includes integrated supplier networks where you can do dropshipping from a range of platforms including eBay.

Is There an Alternative to Drop Shipping via eBay?

Yes. The most common type of dropshipping is done on a platform like Shopify. This is likely the one that you know about already if I won’t go into too many details of how this is done. 

What’s good about Shopify, is that you can build a brand and you will own your customer. This means you can do email marketing, retargeting campaigns, and build a good social media following. With eBay, you can’t do any of this. In the end, building a brand with your own store is much more sustainable and long-term.

To get trained on dropshipping with Shopify, there are many dropshipping courses to choose from.

Updated FAQs for 2025

Can I use AI tools to help with eBay dropshipping?

Yes, and honestly, you probably should. Tools like AutoDS, Zik Analytics, and even AI copy generators can help you research products, write listings, and automate pricing. Just make sure everything stays accurate and compliant with eBay’s policies.

What are the best eBay dropshipping suppliers in 2025?
Some of the best supplier platforms this year include CJ Dropshipping, Inventory Source, Syncee, and Wholesale2B. They all integrate directly with eBay and provide real-time inventory sync and tracking numbers recognized by eBay.

Can I dropship from AliExpress to eBay?
Technically, yes — but it’s risky. Long shipping times and unreliable tracking can hurt your seller metrics fast. If you do it, make sure you only use AliExpress suppliers with warehouses in the U.S. or Europe and verified delivery tracking.

What are the best categories for eBay dropshipping right now?
In 2025, the top-performing categories are:

  • Home & Kitchen
  • Automotive Accessories
  • Health & Beauty
  • Tools & DIY
  • Pet Supplies

These niches have steady demand and relatively low return rates — perfect for long-term sellers.

How much can I realistically make dropshipping on eBay?
Most beginners make anywhere from $200–$1,000/month after a few months of consistent effort. Experienced sellers who use automation tools and scale their listings can easily reach $3,000–$10,000/month or more. It all depends on how much time you put in and how smart you are with product research.

eBay vs. Shopify vs. Amazon FBA Dropshipping (2025 Comparison)

FeatureeBay DropshippingShopify DropshippingAmazon FBA
Startup CostVery low — first 200 listings are free. Only pay eBay & PayPal fees.Moderate — pay for Shopify plan + apps + domain.Higher — pay for inventory upfront, storage, and FBA fees.
Inventory ControlNone — supplier handles everything.Full control through your suppliers and integrations.Amazon stores and ships your inventory for you.
Brand BuildingLimited — customers remember eBay, not your brand.Excellent — full branding control and customer ownership.Minimal — Amazon owns the customer relationship.
Customer BaseMassive built-in audience but heavy competition.You drive your own traffic (ads, SEO, social).Huge marketplace, but extremely competitive.
Profit MarginsLow — lots of fee stacking and price wars.Higher potential — no marketplace fees.Lower — high FBA fees but strong sales velocity.
Ease of SetupEasiest to start — minimal setup needed.Simple setup but requires marketing effort.Complex — needs inventory management and logistics.
ScalabilityModerate — limited by supplier speed and policies.High — full automation and branding potential.High — Amazon handles fulfillment and logistics.
Long-Term PotentialDecent for learning and cash flow.Best for building a long-term brand and business.Great for scaling established products.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

So there you have it. You now know how to set up a dropshipping business on eBay and are aware of the policies and pros and cons. 

The “easy money” days of eBay dropshipping are over, but that’s actually a good thing. It weeds out the lazy sellers who cut corners and leaves more room for people who treat it like a real business.

If you stick to legit suppliers, follow eBay’s rules, and use the right tools, you can still build a profitable side hustle (or even a full-time income) on eBay. Just focus on data, not guesswork, and stay consistent.

Once you start getting sales, you can always take things to the next level — build your own branded store on Shopify, automate your processes, and grow beyond eBay.

If you want a head start, check out my guide to the Best Dropshipping Courses — they’ll save you months of trial and error and show you how to build a business that lasts.

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Drew Mann is a 6-figure digital marketer and founder of Drew's Review. An expert in affiliate marketing, eCommerce, AI, YouTube and SEO, he leverages his expertise to review online courses and software on his blog. Drew provides actionable advice and insights, helping others navigate the complexities of making money online. Follow his journey for practical tips and expert guidance in digital entrepreneurship. He's been featured in Yahoo, Empire Flippers and other publications. Read more...
Drew Mann

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