How to Make Your First $500 on eBay

Gig Economy Jobs

Are you looking for a simple, proven way to make extra money from home? Selling on eBay is one of the oldest and most trusted online side hustles. Whether youre a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking to boost your income, eBay can help you turn unused items into real cash. In this guide, Ill walk you through how to make your first $500 on eBay, step by step, with honest advice and practical tips for beginners.

Table of Contents

How Selling on eBay Works

eBay is an online marketplace where anyone can buy or sell almost anything. You create a free account, list your items with photos and descriptions, and set a price (either auction-style or fixed). When someone buys your item, you ship it to them and get paid, usually through PayPal or direct deposit.

You dont need to be a business or have a lot of tech knowledge. Many people start by selling things they already own—clothes, electronics, collectibles, or household items. Once you get comfortable, you can source items to resell for profit.

How Much Can You Really Earn?

Making your first $500 on eBay is realistic, but it takes effort and time. Most beginners earn their first $100“$500 by selling things from around the house. Some items sell quickly, while others may take weeks. Your earnings depend on what you sell, how you price it, and how well you present your listings.

For example, selling 10 items at $50 each (after fees and shipping) gets you to $500. Or, you might sell 20 items at $25 each. Some sellers reach $500 in a week; others may take a month or more. The key is to start with what you have and learn as you go.

What You Need to Get Started

  • eBay account: Free and easy to set up. Youll also need a PayPal account or bank account for payments.
  • Items to sell: Start with things you already own—clothes, shoes, books, electronics, toys, collectibles, etc.
  • Smartphone or camera: For taking clear photos of your items.
  • Shipping supplies: Boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and a printer for shipping labels. You can reuse boxes from deliveries to save money.
  • Basic internet access: To create listings and communicate with buyers.

Startup Costs and Fees

You can start selling on eBay with almost no upfront costs if you use items you already have and recycled shipping supplies. However, eBay charges fees:

  • Listing fees: Most sellers get up to 250 free listings per month. After that, its $0.35 per listing.
  • Final value fee: eBay takes about 13% of the sale price (including shipping).
  • PayPal or payment processing fee: Usually around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

Youll also pay for shipping, but buyers usually cover this cost. Many sellers start with less than $20 for tape, boxes, and postage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your First $500

1. Gather Items to Sell

Walk through your home and look for things you no longer use. Good categories for beginners include:

  • Gently used clothing (especially brand names)
  • Electronics (phones, tablets, headphones)
  • Books and textbooks
  • Collectibles, toys, or games
  • Kitchen gadgets or home decor

2. Research Prices

On eBay, search for your item and filter by Sold Listings to see what similar items actually sold for. This helps you set a realistic price.

3. Create Your Listings

  • Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles.
  • Write an honest, detailed description. Note any flaws.
  • Choose auction or Buy It Now (fixed price). For beginners, Buy It Now is usually easier.
  • Set a competitive price based on your research.
  • Select who pays for shipping (usually the buyer).

4. Ship Items Promptly

When your item sells, package it securely and ship it quickly. Print shipping labels through eBay for discounted rates and tracking.

5. Get Paid

Once the buyer receives the item, your payment will be released (usually within a few days). Transfer it to your bank account.

6. Repeat and Improve

List more items, learn from your sales, and look for things to resell from thrift stores or garage sales if you want to keep earning.

Pros and Cons of Selling on eBay

  • Pros:
    • Start with zero or very little money
    • Flexible—work on your own schedule
    • Trusted platform with a huge audience
    • Great way to declutter and earn cash
  • Cons:
    • Requires time for listing, packing, and shipping
    • Fees reduce your profits
    • Some items may take a while to sell
    • Need to handle customer service and returns

Real-World Examples

Sarah, a stay-at-home mom, made her first $500 in two months by selling her familys outgrown clothes and unused kitchen gadgets. She started with zero experience and learned by watching YouTube tutorials and reading eBays help articles.

Mike, a college student, sold old textbooks, video games, and a pair of sneakers he no longer wore. He reached $500 in less than a month, then reinvested some profits into buying items at thrift stores to resell.

Tips for Beginners

  • Start with items you already own to minimize risk.
  • Use clear, honest photos—good pictures help items sell faster.
  • Respond quickly to buyer questions for better feedback.
  • Be patient—some items take longer to sell.
  • Keep track of your earnings and expenses for taxes.
  • Check eBays seller policies to avoid mistakes.

Safety, Scam Warnings, and Legitimacy

  • eBay is a legitimate, well-established platform.
  • Watch out for scam buyers—never ship an item before receiving payment through eBays system.
  • Communicate only through eBay messages, not outside email or text.
  • Always use tracking numbers for shipments to protect yourself.
  • If a deal seems suspicious, contact eBay support for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a business license to sell on eBay?
    No, you can sell as an individual. If you sell a lot, you may need to report income for taxes.
  • How does eBay pay me?
    eBay pays through direct deposit to your bank account or PayPal, depending on your setup.
  • What sells best for beginners?
    Brand-name clothing, electronics, books, and collectibles are good starting points.
  • How long does it take to sell items?
    Some items sell in days; others may take weeks. Pricing and demand are key factors.
  • Is it safe to sell on eBay?
    Yes, but follow eBays guidelines and use tracking for all shipments to avoid scams.

Summary & Next Steps

Making your first $500 on eBay is a realistic goal for anyone willing to put in a bit of time and effort. Start with what you have, learn as you go, and dont be afraid to ask questions or seek help from the eBay community.

If youre ready to explore more ways to earn extra money online, check out other guides and opportunities here on Survey Soda. Your next side hustle could be just a click away!