Which fees will I pay with a business account?
We charge two main types of fees when you sell on eBay – fees when you create your listing and transaction fees when your item sells. For a detailed overview, you can head over to our fees for business sellers page.
I’m currently a private seller. Do I need a business account?
If you only sell casually, such as items you no longer want or need, a private account is the best option for you. However, if you’re trading, such as selling items you've made yourself or bought specifically to resell, or are selling large volumes each month, this is considered business activity and you’ll need to upgrade to a business account. It’s easy to do and only takes a few steps.
Can I change my existing private account to a business account?
Yes, you can easily upgrade your existing eBay private account to a business account through your account settings. To upgrade, you’ll need to provide company or sole trader details such as your business name, address and contact details. If you’re VAT registered, you’ll have to provide a VAT number, and if you’re registered as a company, you’ll need your company registration number (CRN). If you’d like free support on your transition to a business account, you can sign up for Start Up Scale Up. This programme offers 1:1 support for new business sellers for 6 weeks and can help get you up and running.
Once I move to a business account, can I change back to a private seller account?
Once you upgrade your account, it’s not possible to change back to a private account.
Do I need to be a registered business to sell as a business on eBay?
You don’t necessarily need to be a registered company to be an eBay business seller. You can also have an eBay business account as someone who is self-employed, or filing self-assessment tax returns as a sole trader. If you’re selling goods you make or buy and then sell which are not for personal use, eBay considers this trading as a business. Learn more on the business structures page.
Do business sellers get paid before the item is successfully delivered?
Yes, business sellers can receive their funds before delivery confirmation. Once the buyer's order is confirmed and the item has been posted, you’ll see your sale proceeds as ‘Processing funds’ in the Payments tab in Seller Hub. It generally takes one day from confirming the buyer's payment for the sales proceeds to appear as ‘Available for payout,’ unless the transaction is on hold. Additionally, business sellers have the flexibility of requesting on-demand payouts or scheduling payouts directly to a linked bank account.
Do business sellers use Simple Delivery for eligible listings?
Business sellers will continue to have access to custom delivery options, and Simple Delivery is currently only available to private sellers. Starting 15 April, Simple Delivery will be the only delivery method available for UK-based private sellers when listing eligible items.
Will I need to pay VAT on my sales?
You have to register to pay VAT if your total taxable turnover is more than £90,000 a year. Find out more about whether you should register. If you’re already VAT registered, you’ll need to account for VAT on your sales. You might also be eligible to claim back VAT on certain expenses. Learn more.
How do I manage taxes and accounting as a business seller?
It’s recommended to consult with an accountant to ensure you’re managing your taxes correctly. We provide sales reports to help with accounting.
What are the legal obligations of selling as a business on eBay?
Business sellers must comply with consumer protection laws, including providing clear return policies and adhering to distance selling regulations. Find out more about business policies. Depending on the types of products you sell and whether you sell internationally, you may have additional regulatory obligations. Learn more about this. For further guidance on determining if your selling qualifies as business activity, visit this page.
Can I still sell personal items as a business seller?
Yes, but it’s important to clearly differentiate between personal and business sales for accounting and tax purposes. You may prefer to set up a separate private selling account to sell personal items.