Selling on eBay vs. Owning a Website: A Comprehensive Guide for Online Sellers

If you’re an eBay seller dreaming of independence and considering building your own website, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of selling on eBay, the advantages of owning a website, the steps to create one, and how to drive traffic effectively. We’ll also address common concerns and show you how to turn your website into a sustainable and profitable venture.

The Pros and Cons of Selling on eBay

The Pros:

1. Ease of Use:
   • eBay provides an easy-to-use platform with built-in tools for listing, selling, and payment processing. You can start selling almost instantly.
2. Massive Customer Base:
   • eBay boasts millions of active users worldwide, providing sellers with access to an established audience.
3. Trust and Security:
   • Buyers are often more comfortable purchasing on eBay due to its buyer protection policies.

The Cons:

1. High Fees:
   • eBay takes a significant portion of your revenue through listing fees, final value fees (typically 13% or more), and even fees on shipping costs.
   • Example: Selling a $100 item with $10 shipping can result in $14-$15 in eBay fees.
2. Lack of Control:
   • eBay has complete control over your business, from visibility in search rankings to account suspensions. Sellers often report frustration with eBay’s star rating system and arbitrary penalties.
3. Scams and Returns:
   • eBay tends to side with buyers in disputes, making sellers vulnerable to fraudulent returns and scams (e.g., receiving bricks instead of products).
4. Limited Growth Potential:
   • eBay restricts the types of items you can sell and limits your ability to build a unique brand.

The Benefits of Owning a Website

1. Complete Control:
   • Owning a website means you control everything: pricing, branding, inventory management, and customer interactions. No arbitrary account suspensions.
2. Lower Fees:
   • With a website, you avoid eBay’s steep fees. Most expenses are limited to hosting, domain registration, and payment processing fees (e.g., 2-3% for PayPal).
3. Scalability:
   • A website grows with you. Over time, it can become a self-sustaining business that generates revenue through sales, advertising, and sponsorships.
4. Wider Monetization Opportunities:
   • Websites allow you to earn through ads (e.g., Google AdSense or Ezoic), affiliate marketing, or partnerships. For instance, my brother’s gardening website earns over $1,800 monthly through ads alone.
5. Brand Building:
   • A website establishes your brand, builds trust, and creates a long-term asset. Buyers remember your site and can return directly, unlike on eBay, where you’re just one seller among millions.

Below is an image to demonstrate how many monthly views my website currently gets, 31 Thousand Views 88 Thousand Pages/events.

Building Your Own Website: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Website Platform:

• Budget-Friendly Options:
  • Platforms like Wix, GoDaddy, or Vistaprint offer templates to create a basic website for as little as $20/month.
• Custom Builds:
  • For greater control, hire a developer on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Set a budget and specify your needs (e.g., e-commerce functionality, SEO optimization, and blog integration).

I have a comprehensive video on building a site using Upwork below.

2. Register a Domain Name:

• Purchase a domain that reflects your brand (e.g., “MyAntiquesShop.com”). Domains typically cost $10-$30 per year.

3. Select Hosting:

• Reliable hosting services like WPX or Bluehost offer plans starting at $5-$50/month. Ensure your plan supports your expected traffic and storage needs.

4. Design Your Website:

• Use tools like Elementor or hire a designer to create a clean, professional, and user-friendly layout. Focus on simplicity and ease of navigation.

5. Add Products:

• Upload high-quality images and detailed descriptions of your items. Use SEO-friendly keywords to improve visibility.

6. Optimize for SEO:

• Research keywords related to your products and include them in titles, descriptions, and blog posts.
• Example: “18th Century Georgian Rum Glass for Sale – Authentic and Rare.”

7. Secure Payment Methods:

• Integrate trusted payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or direct bank transfers. This builds customer confidence.

Driving Traffic to Your Website

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO):

• Regularly update your site with new content, including blog posts and products. Google favors active websites.
• Example: Write a blog titled “How to Identify Georgian Glass” and link it to your products.

2. Blogging:

• Blogs are a powerful way to attract organic traffic. Write about topics related to your niche, like restoration tips or antique histories.
  • Example: “How to Restore Silver-Plated Items” or “The History of Victorian Cameos.”

3. Social Media Marketing:

• Promote your website on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Share product listings, blog posts, and behind-the-scenes content.

4. Leverage YouTube:

• Create videos showcasing your inventory, sourcing trips, or how-to guides. Include links to your website in video descriptions.

5. Email Marketing:

• Build an email list and send newsletters featuring new products, sales, and blog updates.

Costs of Running a Website

1. Domain and Hosting:
   • $100-$300 annually, depending on your hosting plan.
2. Plugins and Tools:
   • SEO tools, shipping calculators, and backup services may cost $50-$100 annually.
3. Payment Processing Fees:
   • PayPal or Stripe typically charge 2-3% per transaction.
4. Optional Add-Ons:
   • Image optimization services or premium themes can cost $30-$50 per year.
5. Maintenance:
   • Hire developers for occasional updates or fixes (around $50-$200 per task).

FAQs

1. Can I run both an eBay shop and a website?

• Yes. Many sellers transition gradually, using eBay to drive traffic to their website by including business cards or notes with orders.

2. How long does it take for a website to become profitable?

• Expect slow growth in the first 6-12 months as you build trust and SEO rankings. With consistent effort, you’ll see steady increases in traffic and sales.

3. What if I’m not tech-savvy?

• Platforms like GoDaddy and Vistaprint make website creation simple. Alternatively, hire a developer for a one-time setup.

Below is a link to a video I did on YouTube that is very detailed on what is involved in setting up your website but more importantly what it takes to run and draw in the viewers and build your brand and trust. I hope you find it helpful.

Conclusion: Building Your Dream Business

Transitioning from eBay to your own website can seem daunting, but the rewards are worth it. You’ll enjoy greater control, lower fees, and the opportunity to build a sustainable brand. Whether you start small with a basic site or invest in a custom build, the key is consistency. Regular updates, engaging content, and patience will ensure long-term success.

Start today. Write down your vision, take the first step, and build the future you’ve always dreamed of. Remember: every great business starts with a single action.