Now’s the time to start your eBay side hustle

If you’ve ever looked around your house and thought, I should really sell this stuff, now might be the perfect time to do it. As eBay drops its fees for private sellers in the UK, opening the door for anyone with a few unused items to make some extra cash.

With platforms like Vinted and Depop snapping at eBay’s heels, the online giant has been forced to make this move. And that’s great news for would-be sellers looking to kick off a profitable side hustle. Whether you’re looking to clear out the cupboards, or considering flipping things to make a few quid, there’s never been a better time to get on with it.

Enter Joseph Holman, known as ‘The eBay King’. Holman, now a successful entrepreneur, first made a name for himself in the early 2000s by flipping everything from games to furniture on eBay. His knack for buying and selling led him to six-figure profits before his 20s. Today, he’s the founder and CEO of Green Doors, a £2 million upcycling business, but he still believes eBay is one of the easiest ways to earn a little extra cash.

“It’s never been easier to get started,” says Holman. “eBay offers buyer protection, it has a huge audience, and now, with no seller fees, you can make even more profit.”

Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or just looking for a way to fund your next holiday, eBay could be the key to turning unwanted items into a tidy sum.

Why eBay’s fee drop is a big deal

Until recently, eBay’s seller fees could be as high as 15.25% of the item’s value, which discouraged many from using the platform. “A lot of people turned to alternatives like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace,” says Holman, “but those platforms are hit-or-miss and often leave items unsold. Worse still, some things just end up in landfill.”

Now that eBay has eliminated fees for private sellers, it’s an even better option for those looking to make some side income. Holman thinks the move will attract a new wave of sellers. “It’ll be easier to sell newer items, but I think the real opportunity is with second-hand goods.”

The appeal of a side hustle

Side hustles aren’t just for the younger crowd—more and more people are finding ways to boost their income through casual selling. Whether you’re still working, freelancing, travelling, or even gearing up for retirement, selling on eBay could help give your finances a little lift.

Holman insists it’s worth trying, even if you’ve never sold anything online before. “Whether it’s old furniture or last season’s clothes, it’s one of the quickest ways to make money. And the hourly return can easily outpace a lot of jobs.” Plus, the platform makes it simple to track what similar items have sold for, so you’re never in the dark about how to price your goods.

The eBay King’s top tips for success

Although anyone can start selling on eBay, a bit of strategy goes a long way. Here are some of Holman’s tips for making the most of your listings:

• Do your research: Look up similar items to see what they’ve sold for, and use the Completed Listings feature to get a realistic idea of value.
• Use ‘Buy it Now’ pricing: Auctions can result in lower prices, so listing items with a ‘Buy it Now’ or ‘Best Offer’ option can give you more control over profits.
• Show your items at their best: Clean everything thoroughly, take multiple photos from different angles, and mention any defects in the description to build trust with buyers.
• Craft effective titles: eBay’s algorithm prioritises the first few words in a listing title, so use relevant keywords right at the start.
• Offer flexible postage: Give buyers options for shipping and offer collection in person—it reassures them you’re a genuine seller.
• Be patient with unique items: If you’re listing something rare, start with a higher price to see what interest it attracts. If it sells right away, you probably listed it too low!

A way to get out of the rat race?

Holman’s own story is proof that small sales can snowball into bigger opportunities. His ‘side hustle’ is now a £2m turnover business. “I pulled a set of French doors out of a skip, cleaned them up and resold them,” he says, explaining how he started his business. Today, his company Green Doors employs over 20 people, helping thousands of items find new homes instead of ending up in landfill.

“It’s amazing how quickly it can become a habit,” he says. “Once you realise how easy it is to make money off things you no longer need, it becomes addictive.” He also points out that it’s not just about profit. Selling second-hand items promotes sustainability and keeps perfectly usable things in circulation.

With eBay dropping fees, it’s a great time to explore what’s lying around the house that could be turned into cash. Get listing; your eBay side hustle awaits.