eBay survey highlights role in supporting small business growth in Australia

Australians use the marketplace to enhance financial resilience, achieve flexibility, and establish globally connected businesses, data from eBay Australia’s 2025 Seller Survey shows.

The survey notes examples ranging from single parents earning additional income to small businesses adopting digital tools and AI to expand operations, reflecting eBay’s ongoing role as a cornerstone of Australia’s digital and entrepreneurial economy.

According to the survey conducted by SECNewgate, 97 per cent of private sellers and 68 per cent of business sellers utilise eBay to supplement their income, with 36 per cent engaging in online selling to help manage living expenses.

The rates are higher among women (43 per cent), single parents (46 per cent), and people with a disability (47 per cent), highlighting eBay’s widespread use among Australians looking for flexible and accessible income sources.

The findings also indicate that female sellers are notably inclined to attribute their economic independence to eBay, with 69 per cent reporting that the platform allows them to earn income while handling other responsibilities, and 50 per cent appreciate the ability to work outside permanent employment.

Australia’s diverse and regional communities also benefit from eBay, using it to boost household income and promote sustainable shopping practices, with three in four regional sellers saying it makes reselling and reusing products easier. Across all sellers, 72 per cent state that eBay enables them to resell, reuse, and recycle items that might otherwise contribute to landfill waste.

The research also found that nearly one-quarter of sellers who migrated to Australia identify as business sellers, compared to 15 per cent of those born locally. eBay noted that migrant business sellers tend to sell new items and record higher sales volumes and values.

Moreover, eBay continues to power small businesses in Australia, with the majority of them operating as sole traders or micro businesses on ebay.com.au.

Survey insights reveal that 89 per cent of sellers believe eBay connects them with a larger customer base, 60 per cent say it supports small and independent businesses, and 59 per cent credit it with driving their entrepreneurial ambitions.

International trade also plays a strong role, with 47 per cent of sellers reaching buyers overseas, increasing to 59 per cent for business sellers, and 17 per cent of total sales occurring internationally.

The online marketplace emphasised how AI tools are transforming the way sellers manage their businesses. About 43 per cent of sellers find that AI-powered tools improve efficiency, while 52 per cent of new sellers believe automated listings, pricing recommendations, and image enhancements will accelerate business growth.

Overall, 61 per cent of respondents use digital solutions such as eBay’s AI features, ChatGPT, third-party shipping integrations, and accounting software, demonstrating the rise of a more tech-savvy seller community.

Among surveyed sellers, 75 per cent rated eBay’s reputation as good or excellent, and 63 per cent expressed trust in the company to act in the best interests of the sellers.

Convenience, secure payments, and a long-standing reputation are the main reasons sellers choose eBay.