eBay Statistics: Key Facts & Trends You Need to Know

eBay has been a powerhouse in the online marketplace industry for nearly three decades, connecting millions of buyers and sellers worldwide. With 182 million eBay users, 1.6 billion active listings, and billions in gross merchandise volume, the platform remains a dominant force in e-commerce. While competition from Amazon and Walmart is fierce, eBay continues to thrive, offering unique selling opportunities, especially for second-hand goods and collectibles. 

Understanding key eBay statistics is crucial, whether you’re a seller looking to boost eBay sales or a buyer exploring diverse product categories. This article dives into eBay’s revenue, market share, user demographics, mobile trends, and innovations, giving you a comprehensive view of where eBay stands today and what the future holds for this online shopping giant.

General eBay Statistics

eBay remains one of the most popular online marketplaces, competing with giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy. Here are some of the most important key eBay statistics:

• Around 18.3 million seller accounts are actively listing products.
• About 132 million active buyers engage in transactions globally.
• eBay’s 1.7 billion active listings ensure a diverse selection of products.
• eBay receives 722.7 million visits per month, with users spending an average of 6.8 minutes per visit.
• eBay holds a 3.5% share of the U.S. retail e-commerce market as of June 2022.

eBay’s mobile shopping experience attracts a predominantly younger audience, with nearly 75% of mobile shoppers aged 18 to 34. This trend highlights the platform’s strong appeal to millennials and Gen Z consumers, who prioritize convenience and digital-first shopping experiences.

• About 39% of mobile shoppers are between 18 to 24 years old, making this the largest age group.
• Around 35.9% of mobile users fall into the 25 to 34 age range, reinforcing eBay’s popularity among young adults.
• Nearly 7.5% of shoppers are aged 35 to 44, showing a notable decline in engagement among middle-aged consumers.
• About 3.3% of shoppers belong to the 45 to 54 category, indicating that mobile shopping is less prevalent in this demographic.
• Around 14.3% of eBay’s mobile shoppers are 55 or older, showcasing a growing but smaller presence of older users.

eBay’s Marketplace Performance

eBay’s marketplace performance is driven by the sheer volume of transactions and active users. The following insights showcase its sales and engagement:

• The most popular product category is Electronics & Accessories (16.4%).
• Clothing & Accessories is the second most popular category, accounting for 13.8% of eBay sales.

• 56.3% of new items listed on eBay are sold in the U.S., compared to 39.8% of used items.
• eBay recorded 514 million app downloads, reflecting the growing importance of mobile shopping.
• eBay’s mobile app is the third most popular shopping app in the U.S., after Amazon and Walmart.

eBay Seller Statistics

The eBay Seller Statistics reveal how e-commerce has reshaped the retail industry, especially in the U.S. Over the last decade, online shopping has become a dominant force in retail, and projections indicate continued growth.

Growth of eCommerce in Retail Sales

• 2013: e-commerce accounted for just 5.8% of total U.S. retail sales.
• 2016: The figure rose to 8%, showing steady growth.

• 2019: Online sales reached 11.1%, reflecting increased consumer reliance on digital shopping.
• 2020: A significant jump to 14.2%, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2022: e-commerce made up 16.1% of retail sales.
• 2025 (Projected): Nearly 21.9% of U.S. retail sales will come from online shopping.

The pandemic accelerated e-commerce adoption, but online sales continue to climb even post-pandemic, proving that digital marketplaces like eBay are here to stay.

eBay’s Role in the eCommerce Boom

• 18.3 million sellers use eBay to reach customers worldwide.
• 31% of top eBay sellers are based in the United States.
• 94% of sellers credit eBay with their business success.
• 68% say eBay helped them start their business.
• 76% say eBay helped them expand and sell in new markets.
• 77% of sellers found new customers through eBay.
• 90% believe eBay thrives when its sellers succeed.

Why This Matters for Sellers

The rise of e-commerce is not just a trend. It’s a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. For eBay sellers, this means:

• A growing customer base looking for online deals.
• More opportunities to scale businesses globally.
• A need for optimization- competitive pricing, strong product listings, and exceptional customer service.

eBay remains one of the best platforms for businesses and individual sellers looking to capitalize on the e-commerce boom.

eBay Buyer Statistics

eBay continues to attract millions of buyers globally, but its user trends have shifted over the past few years. With 133 million active buyers in Q3 2024, the platform remains a key player in the online marketplace despite fluctuations in its buyer base.

Who Shops on eBay?

• Around 46% of U.S. consumers aged 18-24 have bought a used item online, showing a growing acceptance of second-hand goods.
• Nearly 61% of eBay users are between the ages of 35 and 64, making middle-aged shoppers the dominant demographic.
• About 16.4% of products sold belong to the Electronics & Accessories category, the most popular segment on eBay.

Buyer Trends Over Time

eBay’s active buyer base has fluctuated significantly:

• 2022: eBay had 142 million buyers in Q1, but the number dropped to 134 million by Q4.
• 2023: Buyer count stabilized at 132-133 million, reflecting a slight decline but steadier figures.
• 2024: The Q3 buyer count was 133 million, showing minor growth.

eBay Financial Performance

eBay’s financial performance has seen both growth and decline over the years, reflecting shifts in consumer behavior and the evolving online marketplace. As of Q3 2024, eBay has generated $7.7 billion in revenue, setting the stage for a full-year total that may slightly underperform 2023’s $10.1 billion.

eBay Revenue Trends

• 2024 (Up to Q3): $7.7 billion
• 2023: $10.1 billion
• 2022: $9.7 billion
• 2021: $10.8 billion (pandemic-driven peak)
• 2014: $12.8 billion (highest on record)

Revenue has fluctuated over the past decade, with 2021’s $10.8 billion largely fueled by the pandemic’s online shopping boom. However, 2022 saw a decline, and while 2023 showed recovery, 2024 may fall short.

eBay Profit Performance

• Q1-Q3 2024 net income: $2.16 billion
• 2023 profit: $2.7 billion
• 2022 loss: –$1.2 billion (post-pandemic downturn)
• 2021 profit: $13.6 billion (highest recorded profit, likely due to asset sales and strong e-commerce demand)

eBay suffered a major financial setback in 2022 with a $1.2 billion loss, following 2021’s record-breaking profit. However, the company rebounded in 2023 and remains profitable in 2024.

eBay Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV)

eBay’s gross merchandise volume (GMV)—a key measure of total transactions—has been in a long-term decline.

• Q1-Q3 2024 GMV: $55.35 billion
• 2023 GMV: $73.2 billion
• 2020 GMV: $100 billion (pandemic peak)
• 2013 GMV: $76.4 billion

After peaking at $100 billion in 2020, eBay’s GMV has steadily declined to $73.2 billion in 2023, even falling below 2013 levels. The post-pandemic shift suggests fiercer competition and changing shopping habits.

eBay Market Share

eBay remains a significant player in the U.S. retail e-commerce market, holding a 3% market share. While it ranks fourth overall, trailing behind Amazon (37.6%), Walmart (6.4%), and Apple (3.6%), eBay still maintains an edge over several other major retailers.

Factors Influencing eBay’s Market Position

• Diverse product categories, from electronics to collectibles.
• Strong resale market, attracting buyers seeking deals on used items
• Auction-style listings, setting it apart from fixed-price competitors.

However, eBay’s stagnant growth means it must innovate to stay relevant. Amazon and Walmart continue expanding their logistics and product offerings, prompting eBay to improve customer experience, seller support, and mobile shopping features.

eBay Mobile Usage

eBay’s mobile shopping experience has gained widespread popularity, particularly among younger consumers. The majority of eBay’s mobile shoppers belong to the 18 to 34 age group, indicating a strong preference for on-the-go online shopping among millennials and Gen Z.

Age Distribution of eBay Mobile Shoppers

• 18 to 24 years: 39% (largest age group, highly engaged)
• 25 to 34 years: 35.9% (second-largest segment)
• 35 to 44 years: 7.5% (declining engagement)
• 45 to 54 years: 3.3% (minimal mobile presence)
• Over 55 years: 14.3% (growing but still a minority)

Key Insights

• Nearly 75% of eBay’s mobile shoppers are aged 18-34, showcasing strong engagement among younger generations.
• Only 3.3% of shoppers aged 45-54 use eBay mobile, suggesting lower adoption among middle-aged users.
• Seniors (55+) represent 14.3% of mobile shoppers, proving that older demographics are increasingly embracing mobile shopping.
• Around 53% of eBay’s gross merchandise value (GMV) involves mobile devices.
• 514 million downloads of the eBay app show its mobile shopping dominance.
• About 62.15 million people use the eBay mobile shopping app each month.

eBay Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is a crucial factor in eBay’s long-term success, influencing both buyer retention and seller trust on the platform. While eBay continues to face competition from Amazon and Walmart, it maintains a strong customer base with relatively high satisfaction ratings.

Key eBay Customer Satisfaction Metrics

• Customer Satisfaction Score: 76/100
• Customer Retention Rate: 83.33%

Factors That Influence Customer Satisfaction

• Product Availability and Competitive Pricing: eBay offers a vast selection of products, both new and used.
• Seller Performance and Trust: Buyers rely on seller ratings and reviews for confidence in purchases.
• Shipping and Return Policies: Quick delivery and hassle-free returns improve the shopping experience.

eBay Trends and Innovations

eBay continues to evolve, adapting to the changing e-commerce market by introducing new features, technologies, and innovations to enhance the shopping and selling experience. As consumer behavior shifts and competition intensifies, eBay is investing in mobile commerce, AI-driven search, sustainability efforts, and seller support to maintain its relevance in the online marketplace.

Conclusion

eBay remains one of the most significant online marketplaces, despite increased competition. Whether you’re a seller looking to increase your eBay sales or a buyer searching for unique deals, understanding eBay statistics is essential.

With billions in eBay revenue, millions of eBay users, and a rapidly growing mobile shopping segment, the platform continues to evolve. The trends indicate a shift towards more mobile interactions, improved customer satisfaction, and stronger seller engagement.