eBay has forecast stronger-than-expected sales after its push into luxury fashion, collectibles and refurbished goods helped second-quarter revenue jump 15 per cent. The online marketplace expects third-quarter revenue of between £2.28bn and £2.32bn, ahead of analysts’ forecast of £2.21bn.
Second-quarter revenue climbed to £2.33bn, while gross merchandise volume rose to £16.64bn. The performance was driven by eBay’s focus categories, which include collectibles, motors, fashion and refurbished products.
Sales across those categories grew 26 per cent on a currency-neutral basis and accounted for more than 40 per cent of total marketplace sales for the first time. Chief executive Jamie Lannone said eBay’s focus categories, consumer-to-consumer business and recommerce operations each grew by around 20 per cent and collectively represented more than 70 per cent of gross merchandise volume.
eBay said the number of active UK consumer sellers had reached its highest level since 2023, while consumer-to-consumer sales recorded their strongest growth in many years outside the pandemic. The marketplace is also expanding its UK delivery offer, including a new international shipping service that launches this month, allowing eligible sellers to send parcels to a domestic hub before eBay manages customs, returns and overseas delivery.
This service will give participating UK sellers access to shoppers across more than 190 countries. Most domestic consumer-to-consumer transactions now go through eBay’s managed shipping programme, supported by nearly 50,000 Royal Mail and InPost collection points.
Depop is expected to contribute around 2.5 percentage points to third-quarter marketplace sales growth and 1.5 percentage points to revenue growth. The results are eBay’s first since completing its £1.04bn acquisition of fashion resale platform Depop, which strengthens its position among younger shoppers and in the growing second-hand market, such as fashion resale.
Including the acquisition, eBay now expects full-year revenue to increase between 11 per cent and 12 per cent on a currency-neutral basis, up from its previous forecast. The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and invest in new technologies will be important in determining its long-term success.
eBay’s managed shipping programme has been well-received by sellers, with many appreciating the convenience and reliability it offers.
The programme’s success can be attributed to the company’s efforts to streamline its logistics and improve its overall customer experience. With the international shipping service launching soon, eBay is poised to further expand its reach and increase its sales, and the company may also consider expanding into new areas, such as bidding for other retailers, like the owner of Poundland did with Harvey Nichols.
