Difference between ebay and ebay classifieds: Tips, advantages and disadvantages

Although both platforms have a similar name, there is still a difference between Ebay and Ebay Classifieds. Instead of auctions, Ebay Classifieds is mainly for regional sales

The biggest difference between Ebay and Ebay Classifieds

And contrary to what you might think, Ebay and Ebay Classifieds are not the same company.

• While Ebay was originally intended to be a direct online auction house, Ebay Classifieds is designed to move newspaper ads to the Internet.
• Therefore, unlike Ebay, Ebay Classifieds does not offer general buyer protection. However, since 2021, this can be selected as an additional payment option.
• Since the platform is primarily intended for regional sales, there is also no direct purchase option, as on Ebay itself.
• To complete a purchase on Ebay Classifieds, therefore, buyers and sellers must always make personal contact to clarify payment and delivery options.
• On Ebay, the purchase procedure can be completed via the “Buy Now” button or via the diversions to the shopping cart. There, shipping options can also be viewed directly.

Other differences at a glance

Besides the fact that the two platforms are meant to map different purposes, there are other differences you should consider when deciding on a provider.

• While Ebay requires you to provide personal details including bank account information, Ebay Classifieds only requires the place of residence or collection.
• The display period on Ebay Classifieds is only 60 days and must be extended if necessary.
• On Ebay, on the other hand, advertisements can also be set permanently. Otherwise, auctions with a maximum duration of one week are also possible. If no buyer is found, these are automatically extended up to four times.
• While Ebay offers a very complex and therefore also trustworthy rating system, ratings on Ebay Classifieds are less reliable. These can be made even after a long chat without an actual purchase.
• Although Ebay does not offer returns on auctions, secure payment methods such as PayPal are available.
• Ebay can basically be used free of charge, but 11% sales commission is due on successful purchases. Various extras cost extra.
• Up to 50 ads per 30 days are completely free on Ebay Classifieds. Only the categories “Cars” and “Real Estate” are subject to a fee from three ads per 30 days.
• Both selling services are accessible either via the Ebay or Ebay Classifieds website, or also available as an app for Ebay and Ebay Classifieds.

Advantages and disadvantages of advertising as well as tips & tricks

As different as the two providers are, so are the advantages and disadvantages of advertising on the two sales platforms.

• Compared to Ebay Classifieds, Ebay requires a lot more information. This can be time-consuming at first, but it will save you a lot of time during the sale itself.
• The sales commission can quickly make trading on Ebay expensive.
• Creating ads is much faster through Ebay Classifieds and usually completely free.
• Unfortunately, the netiquette of users often leaves much to be desired, and the same applies to reliability. Fake offers are also unfortunately not uncommon on Ebay Classifieds.
• If you want to sell special things quickly and without a lot of communication occasionally, Ebay is very suitable.
• If you are not stressed by lengthy communications and sometimes unreliable users, you can also sell your items cheaply on Ebay Classifieds.