💬 Selling on eBay vs. Selling Direct: What Works Best for Collectibles in 2025?

So you’ve got a collectible — an Action Comic first print, a rare Pokémon card, or maybe a vintage Ninja Turtles action figure — and you’re ready to sell.

Now comes the question:
“Should I list it on eBay, or sell it directly to a buyer?”

In 2025, both options can work — but they each come with pros, cons, and fine print. Whether you want speed, top value, or just less stress, this guide will help you decide what’s best for you.

🧾 Selling on eBay: The Pros

1. Massive Buyer Pool
Millions of users = lots of visibility.

2. Easy to Start
Take a photo, create a listing, and you’re live.

3. Flexible Selling Format
You can auction it off or list it at a fixed price.

🧨 Selling on eBay: The Cons

1. Fees Stack Up
Expect to lose around 13% to eBay fees — and more with shipping and payment processing.

2. Sales Can Be Slow
Just because it’s listed doesn’t mean it’ll sell quickly — especially in saturated categories.

3. You're on the Hook
Buyers expect fast shipping, refunds, and perfect communication. Mistakes = bad feedback.

4. You’re Competing With Everyone
Lots of similar items — some fake, overpriced, or in worse condition.

🧠 Selling Direct: What It Means

Selling direct means you skip platforms like eBay and sell straight to a trusted buyer, collector, or business — like us here at The Retro Renegade. It’s faster, simpler, and often less stressful.

✅ Selling Direct: The Pros

1. Faster Turnaround
Get an offer in 24–48 hours — no waiting for an auction to end or a buyer to show up.

2. Fewer Fees (Sometimes None)
You won’t lose 13% to platform cuts — and some buyers cover shipping.

3. Trusted Relationships
You’re talking to a real human — not an algorithm. Ask questions, get feedback, feel secure.

4. Great for High-Quality Items
First prints, rare cards, clean tech? Direct buyers know what they’re worth and are ready to buy.

😬 Selling Direct: The Cons

1. Not All Buyers Are Equal
If you're selling direct, make sure it’s to someone reputable — with experience, real reviews, and communication.

2. You May Not Get the "Highest Possible Price"
But you’re also not waiting weeks, paying fees, or dealing with tire-kickers.

🆚 Real-World Comparison Example

Lets take a look at one of our real-world comparisons: Sold Listing

Item: Goosebumps #9 TRUE 1st Print, Good condition

eBay $14.99 Sold - (2–3 weeks to sell) ($2.20 + ship in fees)

($10–11 Profit)

Direct Sale $12–13 Sold (24–48 hrs to sell) ($0 in fees - if buyer covers shipping)

($12–13 Profit)

💡 eBay might win on price — but not speed or ease.

*Keep Noted: Either Sale, you potential will have to travel to make the deal, unless they come to you.  But I would never suggest an At Home Sale. Always meet in a safe spot, or Police stations usually have a safe meeting spot for purchases.

📊 What’s Best for You?

Choose eBay if:

• You’re okay waiting longer

• You want full control of price and timing

• You’re comfortable handling everything yourself

Choose Direct if:

• You want a faster, simpler sale

• You’re selling rare, clean, or in-demand items

• You don’t want to deal with platform headaches

🤝 What Happens When You Sell to Us?

1. Submit your item here → Sell with The Retro Renegade

2. We review and respond (usually within 24–48 hours)

3. We make an offer

4. You ship — or we cover it (depends on item)

5. You get paid — fast and secure

🛍️ Fast vs. Flex

Selling on eBay means reaching more buyers but dealing with more hassle.
Selling direct is faster, cleaner, and more personal — perfect if you’re ready to move your collectibles without the wait.

Have questions?
Reach out. We’re real people, and we love talking collectibles!