eBay Vs. Amazon - A Complete Comparison Guide

Virginia Miller

September 19, 2023

Amazon and eBay are two marketplaces that have existed for several decades. You can think about Amazon vs. eBay selling because they are the oldest and largest online sales venues.

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What's better eBay or Amazon? How can you know which will be more beneficial to you? There are convincing justifications for both, so we'll review the distinctions between the two behemoths to help you decide whether to sell through amazon or eBay.

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What Is Amazon?

Amazon is a multinational eCommerce company focusing on online retail, computer services, consumer electronics, digital items, and other local services. Because of its global breadth and reach, Amazon Lifestyle has become one of its most valuable brands.

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Amazon is the biggest eCommerce company in the United States, with total revenue from online retailers exceeding 49.9 billion USD in the third quarter of 2021. Most of the company's income comes from e-commerce sales of electronics and other products, followed by 3rd Party seller revenues, services, subscriptions, and AWS activities.

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Amazon Pros

Lower Fees

As an online seller, you're always looking for ways to reduce costs and increase profits. And when it comes to selling platforms, there's no doubt that Amazon and eBay are two of the most popular options. But which one is the better choice for your business amazon com vs eBay com?

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In general, Amazon's costs are lower than eBay's, especially if you're selling in volume. One of the biggest reasons for this is that Amazon offers discounts on shipping for sellers who use its fulfillment services. And depending on the type of products you sell, you may also be eligible for special programs like Amazon Prime, which can further reduce your shipping costs.

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Another cost advantage that Amazon has over eBay is in listing fees. While eBay charges per-listing fees, Amazon only charges a referral fee when your item actually sells. So if you have a lot of products that don't sell very often, listing them on Amazon can save you quite a bit of money.

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Of course, there are also some disadvantages to selling on Amazon. The biggest one is that it's a lot more competitive than eBay, so it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. And because Amazon is so huge, it can also be easy to get lost in the shuffle if you're not careful.

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Buyer trust

Amazon has long been a trusted name in online shopping, and for good reason. The website is easy to navigate, and buyers can be confident that they will receive the item they ordered in a timely manner. In addition, Amazon offers a wide variety of products at competitive prices. buyers also have the peace of mind knowing that they can return an item if it is not what they were expecting. As a result, Amazon is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable online shopping experience.

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More Branding Opportunities

On Amazon, you have more opportunities to create a professional brand image for your business. You can use Amazon's powerful tools to reach out to customers, build relationships, and create a lasting impression. With Amazon, you can control the look and feel of your brand, making it easy to stand out from the competition. And because Amazon is such a trusted platform, customers are more likely to make a purchase from a brand they know and trust. So if you're looking for more branding opportunities, Amazon is the place to be.

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fulfillment services

fulfillment services are a great way to save time and money. Amazon offers fulfillment services (known as FBA) which can save you time and money by handling storage, shipping, and customer service for your products. With Fulfillment by Amazon, you can focus on your business while Amazon handles the rest. By using Amazon's fulfillment network, you can also take advantage of their world-class customer service and order management system.

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In addition, you'll get access to Amazon's huge delivery network, which means your products can reach your customers quickly and efficiently. With all of these benefits, it's no wonder that fulfillment services are becoming increasingly popular with businesses of all sizes. If you're looking for a way to save time and money, fulfillment services are definitely worth considering.

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Amazon Cons

More Restricted Categories

Looking to unload some items that you no longer need? You might want to think twice before listing them on Amazon. The e-commerce giant has a number of restrictions in place when it comes to the types of items that can be sold on its platform. For starters, Amazon strictly prohibits the sale of any type of illegal drugs or controlled substances. This includes items like marijuana, prescription drugs, and steroids. Additionally, Amazon does not allow the sale of weapons or ammunition, nor does it allow the sale of items that promote hate speech or violence. So if you're looking to offload some unwanted items, you might need to find another outlet besides Amazon.

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Extra FBA Fees

If you're selling on ebay versus amazon, you'll need to pay additional fees for each item you sell that uses Amazon's fulfillment services. These fees can add up, so it's important to be aware of them when you're pricing your products. Extra FBA fees include:

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-Storage fees: If you store your products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, you'll need to pay storage fees. These fees depend on the time of year and the size and weight of your products.

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-Pick and pack fees: If Amazon fulfills your orders, they'll charge you a pick and pack fee for each items. This fee covers the cost of picking, packing, and shipping your products.

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-Weight handling fees: Amazon charges weight handling fees for orders that require special handling, such as orders that are large or heavy.

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-Outbound shipping fees: In addition to the cost of shipping your products to Amazon's fulfillment centers, you'll also need to pay outbound shipping fees when Amazon ships your products to your customers. These fees depend on the shipping method you choose and the weight and size of your products.

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More Difficulties in Listing Products

Amazon's listing process is more complex than eBay's, and it can take some time to get the hang of it. In addition, you'll need to take care to provide accurate and complete information about your products, as buyers will be relying on this information to make their purchasing decisions. If you're not careful, you may find yourself with a lot of unhappy customers.

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More Competition

Because Amazon is so large, you'll be up against many other sellers, all vying for the attention of buyers. To succeed, you'll need to differentiate your products and offer something unique that buyers can't find elsewhere. You'll also need to make sure your prices are competitive. With so many choices available, buyers will be looking for the best deals. So if you're not offering competitive prices, you may lose out to other sellers. Keep these things in mind as you launch your Amazon selling career - competition is fierce, but it's possible to succeed if you have a well-defined strategy.

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What Is eBay?

eBay, founded in 1995, is a global eCommerce corporation that offers C2C online sales services. eBay is mainly known for its auction platform and retail website. It enables individuals and businesses worldwide to purchase and sell various goods and services. eBay's business includes "Buy it now" shopping services, online classified ads, and online event ticket trading.

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In Q3 2021, the eBay marketplace produced around 2.5 billion USD in net revenue, most of which came from transaction fees.

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eBay Pros

No Listing Fees

On eBay, there's no such thing as a "listing fee." That means you can list your items for sale without having to worry about an upfront cost. And, because eBay doesn't charge any fees to list your items, you can start selling right away! With no listing fees and no Selling Manager Fees, you can keep more of the money you make on eBay.

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A Wide Range of Categories

When it comes to online marketplaces, eBay is hard to beat. With over 180 million active buyers, it's one of the most popular platforms for sellers. And unlike Amazon, there are very few restrictions on what can be sold on eBay. So whether you're looking to sell clothes, electronics, or even cars, you'll be able to reach a wide audience of potential buyers.

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An Established Platform

eBay has been around for nearly two decades, and in that time, it has established itself as a reliable and trusted platform for buying and selling online. With millions of users worldwide, eBay offers buyers a wide selection of items to choose from, and sellers a safe and easy way to reach a global market. Because of its long history and strong reputation, eBay is often the first choice for consumers looking to buy or sell online. And with good reason – eBay has a proven track record of success, and its user-friendly interface makes it simple to use for even the most tech-savvy buyers and sellers.

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Easy to Use

eBay is the world's largest online marketplace, and it's easy to see why. The listing process is straightforward, and there are millions of buyers searching for items every day. Whether you're looking to sell a new item or something you no longer need, eBay makes it easy to get started. Simply create a listing, add pictures and a description, and set your price. You can also choose to ship the item or offer local pickup. With eBay, it's easy to reach a global audience and sell just about anything.

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eBay Cons

Higher Selling Fees

If you're selling products online, you need to factor in the selling fees charged by the platform you're using. For example, eBay's selling fees are higher than Amazon's. This means that you'll need to take this into account when setting your prices and the eBay calculator can help you calculate your profit margins. Of course, there are other factors to consider as well, such as the cost of goods sold and shipping fees. However, if you're selling on multiple platforms, it's important to compare the fees and charges so that you can price your products accordingly. Otherwise, you may find that you're not making as much profit as you could be.

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Less Buyer Trust

Though eBay has been a trusted website for years, recent changes have led to less buyer trust. Because anyone can now sell on eBay, buyers may be less trusting of sellers than they would be on Amazon. In addition, eBay's new policy of buyers being responsible for return shipping costs has led to less satisfaction with purchases. As a result, many buyers are now turning to Amazon for their online shopping needs. Though it may take some time for eBay to regain its reputation as a trusted website, it is clear that the changes have had an impact on buyer trust.

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More Challenging to Stand Out

When selling on eBay, one of the key things to remember is that you're not just competing against other sellers in your niche - you're competing against everyone. With millions of active users, eBay is a veritable marketplace, and standing out from the crowd can be difficult. So how can you make sure your products stand out? By offering unique items, competitive prices, and impeccable customer service. Unique items will help you to attract buyers who are looking for something specific, and competitive prices will entice buyers who are looking for a good deal.

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Who Should Start Selling On Amazon?

Amazon's business model is super-efficient, and a seller may begin selling items in minutes. The FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) option simplifies logistics and transportation expenses. The products are shown to a broader audience in a short period, which is tough to comprehend.

Sellers need to obey the rules to prevent the Amazon account from suspending notification, gain more trust, and expand with the platform's assistance.

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Who Should Start Selling On eBay?

One of eBay's most valuable advantages is the increased flexibility it provides sellers. The design of product listings, shipping charges, and return policies are entirely under the hands of the seller. Furthermore, you can sell things at more competitive prices because the fee is lower.

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Have you ever considered selling on both Amazon and eBay simultaneously? If you answered yes, you are working on developing a multi-channel selling strategy. Amazon Integration and eBay Integration are the most excellent options for selling on several sales channels to help your business grow.

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Customer Trust: Amazon Vs. eBay

One might have a question about which is better, amazon or eBay in Customer Trust:

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Amazon: Customer Trust

Compared to selling on Amazon vs. eBay, both platforms are well-known, having been in operation since the mid-1990s. However, Amazon consistently outperforms its competition when it comes to customer trust. This is because Amazon places high importance on gaining and maintaining consumer trust, which is one of its vision, mission, and values.

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eBay: Customer Trust

Meanwhile, eBay's process for returning items and receiving full refunds is even more complicated. Furthermore, sellers on eBay can mark the "No returns" box, giving buyers no recourse if they are dissatisfied with the product. Again, you may assume this is good as a seller, but it can destroy your business.

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Market Size: Amazon Vs. eBay

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Amazon: Market Size

The number of individuals that shop on Amazon is astonishing, according to Statista. It alone accounted for 13.7 percent of the global eCommerce retail market in 2021. This equates to a staggering 41 percent market share in the United States. Furthermore, regarding raw traffic, Amazon received 2,7 billion worldwide visits in June 2021 from desktop and mobile devices.

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eBay: Market Size

eBay's market share in the US eCommerce market is around 4.3 percent, while Walmart has knocked them down to third place, with roughly 7.1 percent of the market share.

Many people may wonder, "Is eBay still nice and popular?" However, the truth is that over 1.7 billion individuals use eBay monthly. These customers are particularly demanding, preferring to buy exclusively from suppliers with the highest feedback ratings. As a result, safeguarding your eBay reputation is vital to your company's success.

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Products: Amazon Vs. eBay

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Amazon: Products

Amazon has about 119 million products on its website, with over 4000 sold per minute. As a result, you can now find practically anything on Amazon. In addition, without requiring clearance, third-party vendors can provide products in almost every category, from fashion and accessories to toys and games.

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Some Amazon items, on the other hand, belong inside the gated categories, which are frequently expensive, sensitive in nature, safety-related, scarce, or collectible. These products include fine art, industrial and scientific equipment, food and supplies, etc.

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eBay: Products

eBay, like Amazon, offers a vast selection of things for sale. On the other hand, this eCommerce site is notable for its emphasis on selling rare and collectible items.

eBay does not require sellers to seek specific permission to sell within certain categories, such as coins and diamonds, due to its focus on these specialist products. eBay does not require sellers to seek specific permission to sell within certain categories, such as coins and diamonds, due to its focus on these specialist products. It does, however, maintain a comprehensive list of prohibited items, which includes food, alcohol, and event tickets.

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Amazon Selling Fees Vs. eBay

You'll have to pay selling fees to post things on eBay or Amazon, and the price differences on each site can soon add up. Because of its high costs, some users have dubbed eBay "feeBay." Conversely, Amazon has its seller fees that vary based on your selling. So selling on Amazon rather than eBay may result in you keeping more money in your pocket.

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Shipping And Fulfillment: Amazon Vs. eBay

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Amazon: Shipping And fulfillment

Fortunately, one of the most compelling advantages for third-party sellers is the possibility to engage in FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). FBA is a service that allows the seller to store their items at a nearby Amazon warehouse. Then, when you make a purchase, Amazon will pick, pack, and ship it on your behalf.

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Overall, Amazon companies have witnessed a 30% to 50% rise in sales due to the benefits of FBA. However, there is no requirement to take part in FBA. When something sells, third-party sellers can pack and ship orders to purchasers.

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eBay: Shipping And fulfillment

eBay doesn't have a program similar to FBA. Managed Delivery will be available in 2020. This plan enables sellers with a large inventory to fulfill orders more conveniently and quickly.

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Furthermore, eBay offers a Worldwide Shipping Program via which sellers can ship purchased items to eBay's global shipping hub in Kentucky. The company will then be in charge of handling customs formalities and shipping the merchandise to buyers worldwide. As a result, this marketplace will be held liable for any delivery delays.

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If you sell on eBay to customers in your nation, you will be responsible for selecting, packing, and shipping your orders. Don't be concerned; many service providers are eager to do it for you if you're willing to suffer a hit to your profit margins.

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Related: Various Order fulfillment Solutions For eBay

Advertisement Fee: Amazon Vs. eBay

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Amazon: Advertising Fee

Amazon Sponsored Products is a service that allows you to place your products at the top of search results for particular keywords. You may either indicate the target keywords you want to rank for yourself or let Amazon do it for you.

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This is a pay-per-click (PPC) campaign in which you pay each time your consumers click on an advertisement link. As a result, tracking how much money you've spent on advertising initiatives is vital. Nonetheless, Amazon Sponsored Products is a sophisticated service with many apps and extra features to assist you in better overseeing your marketing efforts.

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Remember that other programs promote businesses and affiliates, and Amazon Sponsored Product is just one of them.

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eBay: Advertising Fee

Promoted Listings on eBay increase the visibility of your products in search results. You 'bid' a sum paid in addition to your final value charge, typically 5-10%, and your product is boosted alongside the effects of other sellers, each with their bid.

eBay Promoted Listings are easy to use; you only pay when an item sells. It's not tremendously complex software, but it grabs attention and drives sales.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it better to buy from Amazon or eBay?

This is a question that many shoppers find themselves asking when they are trying to decide where to make their next purchase. Both Amazon and eBay are popular online shopping destinations, but which one is the better option?

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To help you answer this question, we've put together a complete guide to Amazon and eBay, comparing the two sites in several different categories. Keep reading to learn more about what each site has to offer, and which one is the better choice for your needs.

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Price

When it comes to price, both Amazon and eBay can be great options. One of the benefits of shopping online is that you can often find lower prices than you would find in brick-and-mortar stores. This is especially true when shopping on Amazon, which is known for its low prices.

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However, it's important to remember that not all items on Amazon are cheaper than their counterparts on eBay. You may find that some items are cheaper on eBay. It's always a good idea to check the prices on both sites before making a purchase.

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Selection

Both Amazon and eBay have a large selection of items available for purchase. However, Amazon has the edge when it comes to selection. This is because Amazon is a larger company with more resources. Additionally, Amazon sells items directly from manufacturers, while eBay mostly relies on third-party sellers.

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If you're looking for a specific item, you're more likely to find it on Amazon than eBay. However, if you're open to different brands and styles, you may be able to find a better deal on eBay.

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Shipping

When it comes to shipping, Amazon has the advantage. This is because Amazon offers free shipping on many items, and even provides Prime members with free two-day shipping on eligible items. eBay, on the other hand, generally charges for shipping, although some sellers offer free shipping.

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If you're looking for the best deal on shipping, Amazon is the way to go. However, if you don't mind paying for shipping or waiting a few extra days for your item to arrive, eBay can be a good option.

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Customer Service

Both Amazon and eBay offer good customer service. However, Amazon's customer service is generally considered to be better. This is because Amazon is a larger company with more resources. Additionally, Amazon has a dedicated customer service team that can help you with any issues you may have.

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If you need help with an issue, you're more likely to get better customer service from Amazon than eBay. However, both companies offer good options for contacting customer service if you need assistance.

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Returns

When it comes to returns, both Amazon and eBay have similar policies. Both sites allow you to return most items within 30 days of purchase. However, there are some differences between the two sites. For example, Amazon requires that you contact customer service before returning an item, while eBay allows you to initiate a return directly from your account.

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Additionally, Amazon charges a restocking fee on some items, while eBay does not. Overall, both sites have similar return policies, but there are a few small differences that you should be aware of.

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Related: How To Return Amazon Items

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Why do people use eBay instead of Amazon?

There are a few reasons why people might choose to use eBay instead of Amazon. One reason is that eBay generally has lower prices than Amazon. Additionally, eBay offers a greater selection of items, which can be helpful if you're looking for a specific item. Finally, some people prefer the customer service on eBay over that of Amazon.

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Is eBay cheaper than Amazon?

Not always. While eBay typically has lower prices than Amazon, there are some instances where Amazon might be cheaper. It's always a good idea to compare the prices on both sites before making a purchase.

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Is eBay more trustworthy than Amazon?

Both eBay and Amazon are very trustworthy sites. However, Amazon is generally considered to be more trustworthy than eBay. This is because Amazon is a larger company with more resources. Additionally, Amazon has a dedicated customer service team that can help you with any issues you may have.

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Is Amazon cheaper than eBay?

Not always. While Amazon typically has lower prices than eBay, there are some instances where eBay might be cheaper. It's always a good idea to compare the prices on both sites before making a purchase.

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What is the difference between Amazon and eBay?

There are a few key differences between Amazon and eBay. One difference is that Amazon offers free shipping on many items, while eBay generally charges for shipping. Another difference is that Amazon has a dedicated customer service team, while eBay does not. Finally, Amazon requires that you contact customer service before returning an item, while eBay allows you to initiate a return directly from your account.

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Is eBay or Amazon cheaper to sell on?

Both eBay and amazon charge fees to sell items on their site. However, the fees are different for each site. Additionally, the amount you pay in fees will depend on several factors, such as the price of your item and the shipping costs. Overall, it's generally cheaper to sell on Amazon than eBay.

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Is Amazon more profitable than eBay?

This is difficult to say, as both Amazon and eBay can be quite profitable. It depends on several factors, such as the items you're selling and the fees you're paying. Overall, though, Amazon is generally considered to be more profitable than eBay.

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Is selling on eBay profitable?

Yes, selling on eBay can be quite profitable. However, the amount of profit you make will depend on several factors, such as the items you're selling and the fees you're paying. Overall, though, eBay is generally considered to be a very profitable platform for sellers.

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Are eBay fees higher than Amazon's?

eBay's fees are generally lower than Amazon's, but this can vary depending on the item you're selling and the shipping costs. Overall, though, eBay is typically cheaper to sell on than Amazon.

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What is the best way to compare Amazon prices to eBay?

The best way to compare Amazon prices to eBay is to use a site like PriceGrabber or CamelCamelCamel. These sites allow you to see the prices of items on both Amazon and eBay, so you can easily compare and find the best deal.

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Who is bigger eBay or Amazon?

Amazon is much bigger than eBay. Amazon is a global company with over 600,000 employees, while eBay only has around 14,000 employees. Additionally, Amazon had over $280 billion in revenue in 2017, while eBay only had $9.6 billion in revenue during the same period.

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Is amazon safer than eBay?

Amazon is safer than eBay because it has a better feedback system.

eBay does have a feedback system, but it's not as good as Amazon's. With eBay, buyers can only leave positive or negative feedback for sellers, and there's no way to leave neutral feedback. This means that buyers are more likely to leave negative feedback than positive feedback, which can hurt sellers' ratings.

Amazon has a more detailed rating system that includes not just positive and negative ratings, but also ratings for speed of shipping, accuracy of orders, and other factors. This means that buyers are more likely to leave detailed and accurate ratings, which helps sellers maintain high ratings.

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Final Words: Amazon Or eBay?

So, which platform is better for your business? eBay or Amazon? As you can see, there are pros and cons to each platform. It ultimately depends on what you're looking for as a seller. If you're looking for lower seller fees and more shipping options, eBay may be the better option for you. If you're looking for a larger audience and easier order fulfillment, Amazon may be the better option. No matter which platform you choose, Simpl fulfillment can help take the hassle out of fulfilling orders so that you can focus on growing your business. Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today!

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