If you have ever asked yourself "what sells on eBay?"---and then spent three hours scrolling through completed listings instead of actually listing anything---you are not alone. The truth is that eBay remains one of the best platforms for resellers in 2026, but only if you know where to focus your time and money. The wrong category eats your margins. The right one turns a weekend thrift run into serious income.

This guide breaks down 25+ of the most profitable eBay item categories right now, with honest margin estimates, sourcing tips, and real-world advice on what buyers are actually searching for. Whether you are brand new or looking to diversify an existing resale business, there is something here for you.

Already questioning whether eBay is the right platform? Read our breakdown of whether selling on eBay is worth your time before diving in.

How We Chose These Categories

Not every popular product is a good product for resellers. We evaluated categories based on four criteria:

Consistent buyer demand --- Items that sell year-round, not just during one holiday season
Realistic sourcing --- Products you can actually find at thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and clearance racks
Healthy margins --- At least 50% profit after eBay fees, shipping, and supplies
Manageable competition --- Categories where knowledge and effort still beat out the dropshipping crowd

"The best things to sell on eBay aren't always the flashiest items. They're the ones other sellers walk right past because they don't know what they're looking at."

Electronics: Still the King of eBay Best Sellers

Electronics have dominated eBay for over two decades, and 2026 is no different. The category accounts for roughly 16% of all items sold on the platform. But the smart play is not competing with big-box retailers on new inventory. The money is in used, refurbished, and discontinued tech.

1. Retro and Vintage Tech

Y2K-era cameras, iPods, early portable DVD players, and original Game Boys are having a major moment. Nostalgia drives prices up, and most people give this stuff away at garage sales. A working Sony Walkman or a Canon PowerShot from 2005 can fetch $40 to $150 depending on condition.

Estimated margin: 200-500% Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, electronics recycling bins

2. Computer Parts and Accessories

Graphics cards, RAM sticks, power supplies, and enterprise networking gear (Cisco, Ubiquiti) sell fast and ship easy. Even outdated server hardware has buyers---home lab enthusiasts are always looking for affordable enterprise equipment.

Estimated margin: 100-300% Where to source: Estate sales, university surplus, e-waste events

3. Replacement Parts for Appliances

This one surprises new sellers every time. Blender pitchers, vacuum attachments, microwave turntable plates, and refrigerator shelves sell quickly because people would rather spend $30 fixing a $500 appliance than replacing it. A Vitamix pitcher alone can sell for $50 or more.

Estimated margin: 300-800% Where to source: Thrift stores, curb alerts, appliance repair shops

4. Portable Bluetooth Speakers

JBL, Bose, and Ultimate Ears speakers are common finds at thrift stores and garage sales. Always test before buying. A $3 to $5 purchase often turns into a $30 to $60 sale.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Thrift stores, garage sales, pawn shops

Vintage Clothing and Fashion: What Sells on eBay in 2026

Fashion is one of eBay's fastest-growing categories, with thrifted clothing sales surging over 400% in recent years. The key is knowing which brands and eras actually move.

5. Workwear and Heritage Brands

Carhartt, Dickies, Red Wing, and vintage Levi's sell consistently and command good prices. Even stained or worn Carhartt jackets have a market---buyers want that broken-in look. Vintage Levi's 501s from the 80s and 90s are especially strong sellers.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, farm auctions

6. Vintage Band and Graphic Tees

Single-stitch t-shirts from the 1980s and 1990s---band tees, Harley Davidson, sports teams, movie promos---are goldmines. A $2 thrift store find can sell for $40 to $200+ depending on the design and condition. Look for soft, thin fabric and single stitching on the sleeves.

Estimated margin: 300-1000%+ Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, vintage lots on Facebook Marketplace

7. Outdoor and Gorpcore Brands

Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, and Columbia fleeces and jackets hold value remarkably well. The outdoor-wear-as-streetwear trend (dubbed "gorpcore") keeps demand high across all seasons.

Estimated margin: 100-300% Where to source: Thrift stores, REI garage sales, consignment shops

8. Sneakers

Limited-edition Nike Dunks, Jordan 1s, and New Balance collaborations remain some of the most profitable eBay items. Just make sure you can authenticate what you are selling---buyers in this category are savvy and returns on fakes are costly.

Estimated margin: 50-200% Where to source: Retail drops, clearance racks, consignment stores

For more detail on pricing vintage fashion, check out our guide on how to price vintage items for resale.

Collectibles and Memorabilia: Profitable eBay Items That Surprise People

Collectibles are the biggest driver of gross merchandise value growth on eBay right now. Trading cards, vintage toys, and memorabilia attract passionate buyers who pay premium prices.

9. Trading Cards (Sports and Pokemon)

Pokemon cards and sports trading cards (especially graded cards) are consistently among eBay's top sellers. You do not need to find a $10,000 holographic Charizard. Lots of 50-100 common cards sell briskly, and individual mid-tier cards regularly go for $10 to $50.

Estimated margin: 100-500% Where to source: Garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, bulk lots

10. Vintage Toys and Action Figures

Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, and vintage LEGO sets have devoted collector bases. Complete sets command premiums, but even loose figures with accessories sell well. Pay attention to what is boxed versus loose---original packaging can multiply value by 3x to 10x.

Estimated margin: 100-500% Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, storage auctions

11. Coins and Currency

Older silver coins, error coins, and foreign currency are easy to ship and have a massive collector market. A basic knowledge of coin grading goes a long way. Even bulk lots of unsorted foreign coins sell quickly to treasure hunters.

Estimated margin: 50-300% Where to source: Estate sales, coin shows, bank rolls, garage sales

12. Vinyl Records

First pressings, colored vinyl, and niche genres (jazz, punk, obscure 70s rock) outperform the obvious classic rock titles that everyone already owns. Always check the condition of the vinyl itself, not just the sleeve.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, record fairs

13. Vintage Jewelry and Watches

Designer costume jewelry (Trifari, Monet, Napier), vintage watches (Seiko, Citizen, Timex), and sterling silver pieces sell well on eBay. You can also profit from "junk jewelry lots"---crafters buy tangled necklaces for beads and scrap metal.

Estimated margin: 100-500% Where to source: Estate sales, thrift stores, jewelry lots at auction

Home Goods and Kitchen Items: The "Boring" Stuff That Sells Fast

Some of the best things to sell on eBay look completely unremarkable on a shelf. Home goods are the definition of "boring but profitable."

14. Cast Iron Cookware

Vintage Lodge, Griswold, and Wagner cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens are worth serious money. Even modern Lodge sells well used. Cleaned-up and re-seasoned vintage pieces can bring $50 to $300+.

Estimated margin: 200-600% Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets

15. Small Kitchen Appliances

KitchenAid mixers, Vitamix blenders, Instant Pots, and espresso machines sell consistently. Even incomplete units (missing lids, bowls) have buyers who need replacement parts for their own appliances.

Estimated margin: 100-300% Where to source: Thrift stores, moving sales, Facebook Marketplace

16. Pyrex and Vintage Glassware

Vintage Pyrex patterns (especially rare ones like Lucky in Love or Turquoise Butterprint) command premium prices. CorningWare, Fire-King, and Anchor Hocking pieces also sell well to a passionate collector community.

Estimated margin: 200-1000%+ Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales

17. Home Decor and Art

Mid-century modern decor, vintage brass items, original artwork, and high-quality picture frames all perform well. The key is brand recognition and era---Danish modern, Art Deco, and anything "MCM" get strong search traffic on eBay.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Thrift stores, estate sales, consignment shops

Sporting Goods: Things to Flip on eBay From Every Garage Sale

Sporting goods are everywhere at garage sales and thrift stores, but most resellers skip right past them. That is a mistake.

18. Golf Clubs and Accessories

Name-brand golf clubs (Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, Ping) sell year-round, with a spike every spring. Wedges and putters are especially good because they are small, easy to ship, and hold value. Even practice golf balls in bulk have buyers.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Thrift stores, garage sales, golf course pro shop clearance

19. Vintage Baseball Gloves

Vintage leather baseball gloves from Wilson, Rawlings, and Nokona have a collector market that goes beyond just sports. People buy them for display, decoration, and nostalgia. A $5 garage sale glove can sell for $30 to $80.

Estimated margin: 200-500% Where to source: Garage sales, estate sales, flea markets

20. Fitness Equipment and Accessories

Resistance bands, yoga mats, foam rollers, and brand-name dumbbells sell consistently. Larger items like Bowflex weights or rowing machines can bring big returns if you have room to store and ship them.

Estimated margin: 50-200% Where to source: Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, moving sales

Auto Parts and Accessories: High-Demand, Low-Competition

The auto parts category on eBay is enormous and growing fast. Many of these items are model-specific, which reduces competition and increases margins.

21. Replacement Parts (Mirrors, Lights, Trim)

Headlights, side mirrors, center console pieces, and interior trim for specific car models sell reliably. Buyers often need exact OEM parts that dealers overcharge for. If you can part out a junkyard car, the individual pieces frequently sell for far more than the whole vehicle.

Estimated margin: 200-500% Where to source: Salvage yards, curb alerts, auto swap meets

22. Car Electronics and Modules

ECU units, stereo head units, and backup camera modules are lightweight, easy to ship, and valuable. Always test and note the part number---auto parts buyers search by exact part numbers.

Estimated margin: 100-300% Where to source: Salvage yards, mechanic shop partnerships

Books, Media, and Games: Consistent Sellers With Low Risk

23. Textbooks and Niche Non-Fiction

College textbooks are seasonal but profitable. Technical manuals, vintage cookbooks, and niche reference books sell year-round. Medical, engineering, and law textbooks especially hold value.

Estimated margin: 100-500% Where to source: Thrift stores, library sales, campus bookstore buybacks

24. Video Games and Consoles

Retro video games remain among the best things to flip on eBay. Complete-in-box N64, GameCube, and PS2 games sell for multiples of what you pay at garage sales. Even loose discs for popular titles move quickly. Selling in lots (bundles of 5-10 games) can be more time-efficient than individual listings.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Thrift stores, garage sales, pawn shops, Facebook Marketplace

25. DVD and Blu-ray Box Sets

Individual DVDs are mostly worthless, but complete box sets---especially for cult TV shows, anime, and limited-edition Blu-ray collections---still sell well. Horror, sci-fi, and anime box sets tend to bring the best returns.

Estimated margin: 50-200% Where to source: Thrift stores, library sales, estate sales

Health, Beauty, and Personal Care

26. Discontinued Fragrances

Perfumes and colognes that have been discontinued become extremely sought-after. Sealed bottles of discontinued scents from brands like Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and designer labels can sell for 3x to 10x original retail.

Estimated margin: 200-500% Where to source: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, estate sales, clearance racks

27. Sealed Consumables and Supplies

Expired-but-sealed printer ink cartridges, discontinued shampoos, and hard-to-find supplements sell immediately. If someone uses a product regularly and it gets discontinued, they will pay a premium to stock up. Polaroid film is another classic example.

Estimated margin: 100-400% Where to source: Clearance racks, dollar stores, estate sales, pharmacy closeouts

Pet Supplies: A Growing eBay Category

28. Premium Pet Accessories

The pet supply market is booming and expected to reach $236 billion by 2030. Name-brand dog beds, carriers, feeding stations, and training equipment sell well. Personalized and breed-specific items tend to get higher prices.

Estimated margin: 50-200% Where to source: Clearance racks, pet store closeouts, thrift stores

How to Decide What to Sell: A Quick Framework

With all these options, the question becomes: which categories are right for you? Consider these factors:

Your local sourcing --- What shows up consistently at your local thrift stores and sales? Lean into what is available to you.
Your knowledge --- The categories where you have personal expertise will always be more profitable because you spot value others miss.
Your storage and shipping setup --- If you work from a small apartment, heavy cast iron and large electronics may not be practical. Sneakers and trading cards take up far less space.
Your risk tolerance --- Electronics can bring big margins but also carry higher return rates. Clothing is lower risk but can sit longer.

Tools like Underpriced AI can speed up pricing research by letting you snap a photo and get instant comparable sales data, which is especially useful when you are learning a new category and not yet confident in your pricing instincts.

For a deeper dive into sourcing strategy, our thrift store flipping guide covers how to build efficient sourcing routines, and our guide to finding underpriced items explains how to spot value that other shoppers overlook.

Tips for Maximizing Your eBay Profits in 2026

Once you know what sells on eBay, the next step is selling it well. A few principles that separate casual sellers from consistent earners:

Photograph everything thoroughly. More photos mean fewer returns. Shoot every angle, every flaw, every label. Natural lighting beats flash every time.
Write complete, keyword-rich titles. Include the brand, model number, color, size, and condition. Buyers search by specifics, not generalities.
Price based on sold data, not active listings. What something is listed for and what it actually sells for are often very different numbers. Always check completed sales.
Offer free shipping when the math works. Items priced above $30 generally perform better with free shipping built into the price. Below $30, calculated shipping often makes more sense.
List consistently. eBay rewards active sellers. Aim for a set number of new listings per day or week and stick to it. Consistency beats bursts of activity.

For a complete breakdown of listing strategies, check out our eBay listing optimization guide.

What to Avoid Selling on eBay

Not every category is worth your time. A few things that seem profitable but usually are not:

Fast fashion (H&M, Shein, Forever 21) --- Almost no resale value. You will spend more time listing than you earn.
Heavily commoditized electronics (new iPhones, current-gen consoles) --- Margins are razor-thin and competition is fierce.
Oversized furniture --- Shipping costs destroy your margins unless you sell locally only.
Anything without verifiable authenticity --- Designer goods you cannot authenticate will lead to returns and potential account suspensions.
Trendy items past their peak --- What was a hot resale item two years ago may be donation-bin material today. Always check recent sold comps before investing.

Final Thoughts

The best things to sell on eBay in 2026 come down to a simple formula: find items with strong demand, source them cheaply, and list them well. You do not need to master every category on this list. Pick two or three that match your local sourcing, your interests, and your shipping setup. Get good at those first. Expand later.

The resellers who earn consistently are not the ones chasing every trend. They are the ones who know their categories cold, list every day, and make smart sourcing decisions based on real data rather than guesswork. Start with what you know, learn what you do not, and keep listing.