Online retailer eBay has scrapped fees for private sellers across almost all of its categories. The move means UK sellers no longer have to pay final value or regulatory operating fees on items except for cars , motorcycles and other vehicles. The site removed selling fees on all fashion items in April this year to compete with competitors such as Depop or Vinted, ideal for any eco-conscious fashionistas looking to clear out their closets.
Previously, the online marketplace had charged 13.22% fees for individual sellers, plus 30p on all items. Meanwhile, Depop dropped its seller fees in March, and Vinted never had any listing fees.
Ditching these extra charges has already led to a double-digit increase in listings for popular items such as jeans, shirts, and dresses while keeping items out of landfills, according to the site. eBay said the further dropping of fees was an effort to provide users with a ‘more streamlined and safe’ platform. A survey for eBay suggested an estimated 294 million unused items across the UK could generate £9 billion in resale income, with half of households (50%) valuing their unused items at between £50 and £300.
Nearly a quarter of UK households (24%) are sitting on items worth over £500, with the most commonly unused items including adult clothing (44%), DVDs and CDs (33%) and technology items (27%), the poll found. The majority of people (56%) sell items they no longer use to make money, with almost half (47%) finding it more sustainable.