Selling surplus goods is more than buying them and setting up a store. It requires research, a lot of time, and finding the right platform to even have good options in connecting with customers. Two of the most popular options for surplus sellers in 2025 are eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Each platform offers unique advantages and challenges, but which one is best for your business?
At Coastal Surplus Solutions, we consider that decisions must be made based on each seller and business. Whether you are a small business or individual trying to sell second-hand products, you need to establish your priorities and select a platform after.
To assist you, we have created a small guide with what people consider when choosing their platform. This is a comprehensive, unbiased comparison to help you make a well-informed decision.
What’s So Different Between Each Platform?
Each aspect, from audience reach to fees and seller tools will vary:
- Audience reach and visibility
eBay is a global marketplace that connects sellers with buyers in over 180 countries.
It is ideal for surplus resellers since you can move niches, work collectively in finding different targets, and getting your surplus goods to a broad audience.
Niche and collectible items are quite popular, even when they are high in price. When you have a specific product that will be hard to sell because of its price and high quality, you can go to eBay and have it gone in no time.
According to Lit Commerce’s research, if a surplus seller’s inventory has rare electronics, branded apparel, or specialty goods, eBay’s reach can maximize exposure and sales potential.
But what about Facebook Marketplace?
It is more for local sales. You won’t reach wider audiences or target buyers in all countries, but only in your geographic area.
This is better for bulky and heavy sellers who move lots of inventory and everyday items.
Furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and surplus goods for home décor and functionality are always in demand. If you have a niche that targets homeowners or small businesses, Facebook has more potential for you.
- Fees and selling costs
Both work with very specific systems.
eBay centers its fees around several types, including insertion fees (after your first 250 listings per month) and final value fees.
The final values of fees will range from 3% to 15%, depending on the item category.
Fees are mandatory since they cover platform maintenance, payment processing, and seller protections, but they can add up.
For bulk sellers, it may not be the most efficient and affordable system since fees keep adding the more products they sell. However, you can opt for discounts available for top-rated sellers and account upgrades.
Meanwhile, Facebook Marketplace focuses more on casual sellers. As a result, it is free to use as there is no official or formal listing. What does this mean?
- You have no selling fees for local transitions, but only if you use Facebook’s shipping option.
- There is, however, a standard 5% fee per shipment, or a flat $0.40 for orders under $8.
Facebook has a low-fee structure that makes it attractive and affordable to maximize profits on lower-priced and high-turnover surplus goods.
- Seller tools and protections
This is a bit deeper in terms of how each platform will protect your best interests.
On the side of eBay, you need to think about:
- How they offer robust seller tools. You can find inventory management, access analytics, and integrate shipping tools.
- You have access to the seller protection programs, which prevent buyers from returning goods or asking for refunds whenever they are in the wrong.
The best part is that eBay supports auctions, fixed-price listings, and international shipping. This brings flexibility and control over your surplus goods and how you streamline logistics.
Lit Commerce also reports that eBay’s feedback and rating system are unique. They help build trust with buyers and follow up with actual information loyal to the seller’s reputation.
On the Facebook Marketplace side, it is more streamlined and easier to use with direct messaging.
Buyer-seller communication is easy and transparent, which helps you sell faster.
While it lacks some of eBay’s integrations with seller tools, it can provide great rating and review features. However, it falls under seller protection since disputes are often resolved directly between the two parties involved.
- Finally, speed and convenience
eBay:
- Sales can take longer because of the niche or high-value items that are listed. However, the potential to bring a wide reach is what makes this worth waiting for.
- Shipping solutions are ideal for sellers comfortable with packing and shipping goods nation and worldwide.
Facebook Marketplace:
- Excels at fast, local sales. Buyers usually pick up their goods directly, reducing logistics costs.
- Achieves time reduction as makes selling more convenient for resellers who want quick turnover.
Pros and Cons at a Glance: Make a Well-Informed Decision
Looking at both platforms from comparative angles helps make a decision.
eBay Features:
- Global audience.
- Fees range from 3-15% + possible listing fees.
- A repertoire of advanced seller tools from inventory to protection.
- Slower sales, but higher-value potential.
- Ideal for niche, collectible, and high-value surplus goods.
Facebook Marketplace Features:
- More local audience (with regional and national each).
- Free for local, but 5% for shipped items.
- Seller tools are basic: messaging, reviews, and paid ads.
- Faster sales for local places.
- Ideal for everyday, bulk, or fast-moving surplus goods.
How Does This Tell Me What to Choose?
It is a matter of your surplus goods and what business or project you have. Our recommendation based on the previous details aims for:
- Choose eBay if:
You want to reach a global audience, your surplus goods are very niche or high-value, and you need all the seller tools included for protection.
- Choose Facebook Marketplace if:
You’re a local seller that does not require the global reach. You want to minimize fees and sell inventory fast with convenient transactions, especially bulky surplus goods.
How Coastal Surplus Solutions Frees You from the Hassle
Our company connects you with surplus goods that can be sold using any of the platforms.
Instead of choosing inventory and then the platform, or maybe the platform and then inventory, we pull everything together.
We provide high-quality, vetted surplus goods thanks to our expert and tailored support to each platform’s unique demands and your requirements.
Contact our experts today and get access to a hassle-free, streamlined process.
