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The Daily Insight

What was the first thing ever sold on eBay?

Author

John Thompson

Published Feb 11, 2026

Pierre’s First Sale. Canadian Mark Fraser purchased the first item that eBay founder Pierre Omidyar listed on the site in 1995 — a broken laser pointer.

How much did the first item sold on eBay cost?

The very first item sold on eBay was a broken laser pointer for $14.83. Astonished, Omidyar contacted the winning bidder and asked if he understood that the laser pointer was broken.

Is it hard to sell your first item on eBay?

Establishing yourself as an eBay seller isn’t as difficult as you might think; you just need to do a bit of homework and get to know the ropes. The key to making your first eBay sale is to start small and grow from there. Some of the least expensive items you can buy on eBay are recipes.

What are the most profitable items to sell on eBay?

Best Selling Categories on Ebay

  • Consumer electronics.
  • Health and Beauty.
  • Home and Garden.
  • Computers and Tablets.
  • Crafts.
  • Clothing, Shoes & Accessories.
  • Automotive.
  • Sporting goods.

What clothing items sell best on eBay?

Advice From a Top-Rated Seller

BrandTop Items and Price on eBayMaximum Price at Thrift Store
1. Diane Von FurstenbergDress: $45$20
Tops: $20$8
2. J CrewSweaters: $40$18
Jeans: $25$10

How do you sell on eBay for Beginners 2020?

The following tips will help you make more sales as a beginner on eBay:

  1. The customer (buyer) is nearly always right.
  2. Sell your less expensive items first, and get positive feedback.
  3. Research your items before selling them.
  4. Consider attachments and add-ons for existing major products.
  5. Look to speed up your listing process.

How long have I been selling clothes on eBay?

I’ve been selling clothes on eBay for a few years now and have had a fair amount of success with it. So I thought I would share some tips on how to get the most out of selling on eBay for any newbies or anyone who is considering it.

How do you list clothes on eBay for sale?

If your item is a popular brand, include its name in your listing title. If your item is a special or limited edition version, include that information in your description, too. You can choose between auction-style listings with an optional “Buy It Now” price, or fixed price listings.

Can you sell thrift store clothes on eBay?

Stop worrying! If you are willing to put in some effort you absolutely can make money (even a living) selling clothes on eBay! Used clothes, your clothes, as well as thrift store, garage sale, and big box retailer clothes – ALL can be sold on eBay and you can reap the profits!

How does a lady make money selling clothes on eBay?

One lady I know goes through eBay listings to find the gems that can be bought for very little money but sold for a big profit. Meaning, she finds listings with poor quality photos, weak descriptions, etc. She buys from these sellers, does a better job at listing the items and brings in the money!