Selling household items on eBay sounds simple until you hit the competition. It’s one of the most crowded categories, from kitchen tools to bathroom organizers. Most products are low- to mid-priced, and buyers want two things: a good deal and fast delivery.
To stand out, you need more than a decent item. A trusted seller profile, strong visuals, and a clear, convincing description matter. Even focusing on just one subcategory can boost your chances of success. When you do one thing well, it shows.
Wondering how to sell household items on eBay and get noticed? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Household Goods Are Big Sellers
Selling household items on eBay is attractive because they’re always in demand, and everyone needs them. But that’s also what makes the category challenging.
Most household goods like drawer organizers, sink racks, or plastic storage boxes fall into the low to mid-price range. That means buyers compare a lot before purchasing. They’re scanning for the lowest price, the best reviews, and the fastest delivery.
Now, let’s go deeper to learn more about how to become competitive on eBay while selling items from the household category. But before diving in, it is important to compare marketplaces’ fees.
eBay vs Other Marketplaces: General Fees Overview
Selling household items isn’t just limited to eBay. Platforms like Temu, Amazon, and TikTok Shop also attract buyers. But fees, visibility, and listing freedom differ.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Platform | Commission fees | Listing fees |
| eBay | The final value fees: 13.6% on the total amount of the sale up to $7,500, calculated per item, 2.35% on the portion of the sale over $7,500 | The first 250 listings are free, after $0.35 per listing (Individual plan) |
| Amazon | The referral fee is 15% for most categories | $0.99/item or $39.99/month |
| TikTok Shop | The Commission fee starts from 5% for household applications | No listing fees |
| Temu | Subscription: Individual sellers list for free; business sellers pay $39/month.Payment: PayPal charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. | No listing fees for products |
Meanwhile, eBay remains one of the most flexible and well-known options for household goods, especially for sellers who want to start small.
Please note that the commission rates mentioned are accurate as of June 6, 2025. We recommend regularly checking the official seller information pages of each marketplace for the latest updates.
Photo Quality and Description Matter
When selling household items on eBay, your listing has to do all the heavy lifting. Shoppers can’t touch the product, so your visuals and text must deliver the whole experience.
This is especially important for everyday items where dozens of similar listings compete.
Here’s how to make yours stand out:
- Use bright, high-resolution photos. Take clear shots from multiple angles. Natural lighting works best, and avoids cluttered backgrounds. Let the product be the focus.
- Show the item in action. A storage bin is fine, but a bin filled with towels or neatly organized toys? That helps buyers instantly picture it in their own space.
- Write detailed, benefit-driven descriptions. Go beyond “plastic storage box.” Include materials, exact dimensions, color options, and key features like stackability, waterproof lining, or a non-slip base. And don’t forget to mention what makes it better than others.
It’s a good idea to use the right eBay integration tool to fit eBay’s description policy. Thus, if you’re using M2E Cloud, you can go further. It supports custom eBay descriptions, allowing you to tailor your content per listing. That means clearer information, more conversions, and fewer returns.
Learn more about how to fit eBay’s description policy with M2E Cloud in our documentation. In addition, check out how to list new items on eBay.
Shipping Tips for Household Items
Shipping can make or break your success when selling household items on eBay, especially since many products are either bulky, fragile, or both.
Buyers expect quick, safe, and affordable delivery; anything less can lead to bad reviews or costly returns.
Here’s how to ship smarter and rank higher:
- Offer free domestic shipping. It’s a known boost to search visibility and buyer trust. If you can factor the shipping cost into your price, do it; many buyers filter by “free shipping” only. Read more about the shipping options on eBay’s webpage.
- Pack securely. Use bubble wrap, reinforced boxes, and protective fillers. Even a simple kitchen rack can get dented without proper padding. Fragile or glass items? Double-boxing is worth it.
- Set realistic handling and delivery times. Don’t promise next-day dispatch if it’s not doable. Accuracy builds trust and keeps your seller rating high.
- Use eBay labels or eBay international shipping. eBay’s tools often offer discounted rates, built-in tracking, and seamless global delivery. It’s a smart way to streamline fulfillment and reduce errors.
With M2E Multichannel Connect, sellers can easily manage shipping settings for their eBay listings. You can set up domestic and international shipping options, adjust delivery timeframes, define shipping rates, and modify costs within your Shipping Policy. This gives you complete control over how and where your products are delivered, helping you stay competitive and meet buyer expectations.
These practices help protect your reputation, increase your chances of landing in top search results, and reduce the likelihood of disputes or negative feedback, which is crucial when dealing with high-turnover categories like household goods.
Sell Bundles and Multi-Packs
One of the most innovative ways to grow your profits when selling household items on eBay is by offering product bundles or multi-packs. Buyers love the convenience, and eBay’s algorithm rewards it.
Examples that work well include:
- “3-piece storage bin set” for closets or kids’ rooms;
- “Kitchen towel bundle” with assorted colors or patterns;
- “Bathroom accessories 4-in-1 pack” with soap dish, tumbler, brush, and holder;
Why it works:
- A great way to sell more units of low-margin products in a single transaction;
- Lowers your per-item shipping cost;
- Boosts engagement – more clicks and purchases mean better ranking in search;
If you use M2E Cloud, setting up and managing bundled listings is simple. You can sync quantities, track variations, and customize descriptions to highlight the value of the set, all from one place.
With M2E Multichannel Connect, setting up and managing these multipack listings on eBay is simple and efficient. Discover how to sell items in multi-packs on eBay with M2E Cloud in our documentation.
Learn more about how to list multi quantity on eBay in our guide.
Bundling isn’t just good for sales. It’s good for visibility, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth.
New or Pre-Owned? Both Can Sell
Pre-owned goods, including household items, account for approximately 40% of eBay’s gross merchandise volume (GMV). This trend is driven by consumers seeking value and sustainability.
Selling household items on eBay offers great flexibility, with both new and pre-owned goods performing well. Whether clearing out your home or selling surplus stock, there’s always a buyer.
If you’re listing used or second-hand household items, honesty is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use the “Condition Description” field accurately. Don’t leave it blank. Write a brief, clear summary of the item’s condition so buyers know exactly what to expect.
- Include detailed close-up photos of any wear or flaws. A small scratch or faded corner won’t ruin a sale, but hiding it might.
- Be specific in your wording. Phrases like “Good Used Condition – slight scratch on side panel” or “Light wear from normal use” go a long way in setting proper expectations.
Transparency builds buyer trust, reduces returns, and helps you maintain a high seller rating. Whether your household items are brand new or gently used, there’s room for both if you’re upfront and clear.
When listing new products, M2E Multichannel Connect lets you select from eBay’s predefined condition options to mark the item as brand new clearly.
Best Practices for Selling Household Items on eBay
Small details make a big difference in succeeding in the highly competitive category of selling household items on eBay. From listing accuracy to ongoing optimization, every step helps boost your visibility and conversion rate.
Here’s what top-performing sellers consistently do:
- Assign the correct eBay category. Always list your item where buyers expect to find it. For example, a spice rack belongs under Kitchen Tools, not Home Decor. Misplaced items get fewer views.
- Fill in all relevant item specifics. These fields, like brand, material, color, and size, aren’t optional. They directly impact your search ranking on eBay and Google, specifically = more visibility.
- Use variations for color, size, or style. If you’re offering a storage box in four colors or a towel set in two sizes, list them as variations under one parent listing. It boosts clicks and keeps your shop tidy.
- Keep your inventory up to date. Out-of-stock or stale listings hurt your performance. Regularly review and remove stagnant products, especially those without activity for 90+ days. Read more about why you need to revive stagnant listings in our documentation.
- Track your sales performance. M2E users enjoy a free eBay Sales Analytics tool to track and analyze their performance. Make the most of it, and watch your success grow!
How to optimize your listing? Read more in our blog SEO Tips for eBay Sellers.
To compete effectively, you need more than just a good product. You need a sharp strategy:
- Stand out with uniqueness or branding: Generic, unbranded items are easy to scroll past. If you offer a product with a distinct design, function, or a known brand, your listing gains trust instantly. Think bamboo drawer organizers or silicone kitchen tools with a modern twist; those sell better than generic plastic versions.
- Keep your seller rating high: Your reputation directly affects conversion. Buyers are far more likely to trust sellers with 98–100% positive feedback. Quick response times, accurate descriptions, and secure packaging contribute to better reviews and rankings.
- Match price with speed: A competitive price means little if your shipping estimate says “5–10 business days.” Modern eBay shoppers expect Prime-like speed.
- Free domestic shipping whenever possible, and stick to reliable carriers with tracking. Even better if you’re using eBay Labels or offering local pickup.
Following these best practices ensures that your listings stay optimized, searchable, and ready to convert, whether selling brand-new home goods or gently used finds.
FAQ: What Homemade Household Items Can You Sell on eBay?
eBay supports a wide variety of handmade items in the household category, including:
- Candles, soap, and bath bombs;
- Wooden trays, cutting boards, or furniture;
- Mosaic decorations, wall hangings, or pottery;
- Leather key holders, baskets, and hand-woven items.
Old-world crafts and handmade décor continue to attract loyal buyers.
Test, Sell, Succeed: Boost Your eBay Profits!
Selling household items on eBay is all about testing what works. If it sells, keep going! The key is using the right category, creating a solid description, and having great photos.
Analyze your actions and let M2E Cloud optimize your listings for even better results. Keep testing, analyze, and watch your success grow!
Learn more about eCommerce insights and industry trends in our blog.
