Amazon and eBay both shape online shopping today. Amazon earned almost $638 billion in net sales in 2024. It serves over 310 million active users in 2025. It holds 37.6% of the U.S. online retail market. Meanwhile eBay earned $10.112 billion in 2023. It attracts 132 million active buyers in early 2024. Moreover, it lists over 1.7 billion items. Both sites reach millions of customers every day. Here, you will find the Difference Between Amazon and eBay.
Main Difference Between Amazon and eBay
Amazon works like a global store. It buys items and sells them at fixed prices. It also lets many sellers list their goods. Conversely eBay acts like an auction house. Buyers bid on items and pay the highest offer. Additionally, eBay shows a “Buy It Now” price for fast purchases. Amazon focuses on speed and reliability. eBay focuses on seller control and variety.
Amazon Vs. eBay
What is Amazon
Amazon ranks as the largest e-commerce site in the world. Jeff Bezos launched it in 1994 as an online book shop. Today the site sells clothes, electronics, toys, and much more. It ships goods to over 100 countries. The company employs more than 1.3 million people worldwide. Members join Amazon Prime for fast free shipping. Prime already serves 200 million subscribers.
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Amazon lists over 600 million items in its store. It brought in $638 billion net sales in 2024. It also posted $59.2 billion net profit that year. Shoppers visit more than 310 million accounts each year. Amazon runs AWS, the world’s top cloud service platform.
What is eBay
eBay began in 1995 when Pierre Omidyar launched Auction Web. It changed its name to eBay in 1997. The site lets sellers run auctions or set fixed prices. Sellers connect with buyers in over 190 markets. It uses a feedback system to build trust among users. As a result, listing items happens fast and securely.
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eBay hosts more than 1.7 billion active listings. It made $10.112 billion in revenue in 2023. The platform saw $18.6 billion in GMV in early 2024. It counts 132 million active buyers in Q1 2024. Sellers total 18 million worldwide. Many use eBay Stores and promoted listings to boost sales.
Comparison Table “Amazon Vs. eBay”
| Founded | 1994 | 1995 |
| Business Model | Retail & marketplace | Auction & marketplace |
| Net Sales (2024) | $638 billion | – |
| Revenue (2023) | – | $10.112 billion |
| Active Buyers (2025/Q1 2024) | 310 million | 132 million |
| Products/Listings | 600 million+ products | 1.7 billion+ listings |
| Subscription Base | 200 million Prime members | eBay Stores subscribers (varied tiers) |
Difference Between Amazon and eBay in Detail
Get to know the Difference Between Amazon Vs. eBay in Detail.
1. Business Model
Amazon runs a retail model. It buys stock and stores it in its own sites. It also lets third-party sellers list goods on its platform. Third-party sales made over 50% of all Amazon sales in 2015. The company manages pricing and stock levels tightly. It aims to deliver uniform quality and fast shipping.
In contrast eBay uses a pure marketplace role. It does not hold any stock. It links buyers and sellers directly through auctions. eBay reached a GMV of $73.2 billion in 2023. Buyers bid on items during set time frames.
2. Pricing and Fees
Amazon charges sellers a monthly plan fee plus fees on each sale. The professional plan costs $39.99 per month. Sellers on the individual plan pay $0.99 per item. Additional charges apply for FBA storage and shipping. Sellers must factor each cost into their prices.
Meanwhile eBay gives sellers 250 free listings per month. It charges $0.35 per extra listing. eBay also takes about 13.25% of the final sale price. This setup keeps listing costs low for small sellers. However, final value fees can still add up.
3. Seller Support
Amazon offers Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Sellers ship stock to Amazon warehouses. Amazon picks, packs, and ships orders to buyers. It also handles returns and customer questions. This service simplifies shipping and sales for sellers.
eBay provides eBay Stores subscriptions for sellers. Stores give a custom storefront and bulk listing tools. eBay also offers promoted listings to boost visibility. Sellers handle their own shipping and returns. They choose carriers and set their own rates.
4. Buyer Experience
Amazon Prime gives 200 million members free two-day shipping and more perks. Members also access video, music, and reading services. Users rate Amazon’s delivery and returns highly. The site scores an 83 out of 100 in customer satisfaction.
Meanwhile eBay buyers check seller ratings and item condition. Auction listings add excitement to the shopping journey. Some items ship in days. Others may take weeks. Delivery time varies by seller location and chosen service.
5. Product Range
Amazon lists over 600 million items. It sells new goods and some refurbished products. The site also offers private-label brands. Shoppers browse categories from books to furniture.
eBay hosts more than 1.7 billion listings. Sellers list everything from new items to vintage finds. Buyers often discover rare or collectible goods. The platform suits those hunting unique items. Sellers can list almost any legal item.
6. Logistics and Shipping
Amazon ships from more than 175 fulfillment centers worldwide. It uses its own trucks and planes to move goods. This network lets Amazon offer two-day or faster delivery in many places.
eBay relies on sellers to handle shipping. Sellers pick local or global carriers and set shipping fees. Delivery time and cost depend on each seller’s choice. Buyers may compare rates and choose faster services at extra cost.
7. Market Performance
Amazon reported $638 billion in net sales for 2024. The company holds a market cap of $2.36 trillion by mid-2025. Investors see Amazon as a tech and retail leader.
eBay posted a GMV of $19.5 billion in Q2 2025. It earned $2.7 billion in revenue that quarter. eBay’s market value stood at $26.5 billion in early 2025. The platform keeps a strong niche among sellers and buyers.
Key Difference Between Amazon and eBay
Here are the key points showing the Difference Between Amazon Vs. eBay.
- Business Model Amazon buys and sells items itself and hosts third-party sellers. eBay only links buyers and sellers.
- Pricing Amazon sets fixed prices that shoppers pay. eBay uses auctions and fixed-price listings.
- Seller Fees Amazon charges monthly plans and referral fees. eBay offers up to 250 free listings and takes final value fees.
- Shipping Amazon ships via its FBA network. eBay sellers ship using carriers they choose.
- Product Selection Amazon focuses on new products and some refurbished goods. eBay features new, used, and rare items.
- Auction Option Amazon skips auctions entirely. eBay runs time-based auctions for many items.
- Customer Service Amazon provides its own support and easy returns. eBay relies on seller cooperation and policies.
- Subscription Services Amazon’s Prime offers shipping and media benefits. eBay Stores give sellers lower fees and store branding.
- Market Share Amazon holds over 6% of U.S. online retail. eBay’s share stays smaller yet global.
- Amazon grew net sales by 11% in 2024. eBay saw modest GMV growth in early 2025.
- Global Reach Amazon reaches buyers in over 100 eBay operates in 190 markets.
- Return Policies Amazon gives a standard 30-day return window. eBay returns vary by seller rules.
- Listing Management Amazon enforces strict listing rules and quality checks. eBay lets sellers list more freely.
- Seller Onboarding Amazon vets sellers with strict checks. eBay signs up sellers quickly.
FAQs: Amazon Vs. eBay
Conclusion
The Difference Between Amazon and eBay shows two powerful platforms with distinct paths. Amazon reached $638 billion in 2024 and serves 310 million active users. eBay earned $10.112 billion in 2023 and welcomed 132 million active buyers. Each platform drives e-commerce in its own way.
References & External Links
- Amazon News and latest company updates
- eBay News and latest company updates
