Not sure where to sell your thrifted gold or collectible finds? You’re not alone.
With so many options out there, choosing the right platform can be overwhelming — especially if you're just starting your resale journey. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on the three most popular platforms for everyday resellers: eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace.
Each has its own vibe, its own audience, and its own fine print. So let’s break it down.
🧭 Quick Start Checklist: Where Do I Even Begin?
If this is your first time reselling anything online, here’s how to get started:
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Pick a test item. It could be a pair of sneakers, a retro video game, or a used kitchen gadget.
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Choose a platform (based on the breakdown below).
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Snap 4–5 good photos. Use natural light, show all angles, and disclose flaws.
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List it, price it fairly, and be ready to ship.
Now… let’s figure out where to list it.
🛍️ Platform 1: eBay – The Marketplace Titan
Best For:
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Collectibles, trading cards, vintage items
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Electronics, books, media, rare goods
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International shipping and global exposure
Why Resellers Love It:
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Massive global buyer base
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Auction, fixed price, or best offer listing options
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High ceiling for rare or niche items
What to Watch Out For:
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~13–15% seller fees, plus PayPal or payment processing
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Return policies often favor the buyer
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Shipping can get complex (know your dimensions + carrier rates)
🔎 Pro Tip: If you’re dealing in Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, graded sports cards, or obscure finds — eBay is where the collectors are hunting.
🛍️ Platform 2: Mercari – Mobile-Friendly & Beginner Ready
Best For:
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Mid-tier items: video games, small appliances, toys, casual fashion
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New resellers who want easy shipping options
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Listings under $200
Why Resellers Love It:
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Flat 10% seller fee + processing (less than eBay)
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Prepaid shipping labels
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Streamlined app with smart pricing suggestions
What to Watch Out For:
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Buyer base is mostly U.S.-based
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Payment is delayed until buyer confirms receipt
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Lowball offers are common — be ready to counter or bundle
🔎 Pro Tip: Mercari is great for casual flips and quick-turn items you don’t mind parting with for slightly lower margins.
🛍️ Platform 3: Facebook Marketplace – The Local Hustler’s Playground
Best For:
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Bulky items like furniture, tools, bikes, baby gear
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Local-only sales (no shipping fees)
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Cash-in-hand, fast flips
Why Resellers Love It:
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No platform fees for local pickup
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No shipping needed (unless you opt in)
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Great reach for everyday household items
What to Watch Out For:
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Buyer no-shows and last-minute flakers
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No built-in buyer or seller protections for local deals
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Some listings flagged or removed without clear reason
🔎 Pro Tip: Want to offload a bookshelf, a stroller, or a heavy mixer? Meet buyers at a public spot (like a police station lot) and use cash or Venmo.
💸 Fee Breakdown: Who Takes What?
Here’s a quick look at what you actually keep when you sell a $100 item:
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eBay: ~$85 after ~15% platform + processing fees
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Mercari: ~$87 after 10% seller fee + 2.9% processing
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Facebook Marketplace (local): $100 (no fees if no shipping used)
👥 Buyer Behavior: What You’re Dealing With
Understanding your audience helps you sell smarter:
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eBay buyers: More serious, global, research-driven. They’ll pay more but expect accuracy and fast shipping.
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Mercari buyers: Mobile-first. Often make low offers but buy quickly if the price is right.
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Facebook buyers: Inconsistent. Some will haggle, some ghost you. Be flexible, but cautious.
📈 Seller Tools & Long-Term Features
If you plan to turn this into more than a weekend hustle:
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eBay offers advanced traffic analytics, promoted listings, and global shipping
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Mercari has smart pricing tools, batch shipping labels, and strong seller ratings
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Facebook Marketplace has no analytics — but it’s great for fast local cash sales
🌍 What If I'm Not in the U.S.?
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eBay supports global sellers and international shipping — perfect for sellers worldwide
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Mercari and Facebook Marketplace are U.S.-centric, with limited international functionality
🧠 Final Thought
There’s no “best” platform — only the right one for the item you're selling and the experience you're aiming for. You’ll figure it out faster by doing than reading, so take a chance, snap a pic, and post your first listing.
The hustle doesn’t start with perfection — it starts with action.
🔗 Want more tips on what to resell and where to find hidden gems?
Visit our blog for more resale strategies, collectible guides, and flipping tools.
