If I could teach everyone one thing about buying and selling used items, it would be this: stop looking at asking prices and start looking at sold prices.
The difference is everything.
Asking prices are what people hope to get. Sold prices are what people actually pay. One is fantasy, the other is reality.
And eBay makes it incredibly easy to see reality. Let me show you how to use this to your advantage whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to figure out what something is worth.
How to Find eBay Sold Listings
This is so simple but most people don’t know it exists:
- Go to eBay.com
- Search for your item
- Click “Filters” on the left sidebar
- Scroll down to “Show only”
- Check “Sold Items”
- Click “Apply”
Now you’re seeing items that actually sold, with the final sale price and date.
That’s it. Takes 10 seconds.
Why This Matters for Buyers
Let’s say you’re looking at a PS5 on Facebook Marketplace for $400.
Is that a good price? How would you know?
You could search “PS5 price” and find the retail price ($449-$499 new). But that doesn’t tell you what used ones actually go for.
eBay sold listings do.
If you search “PS5 console” on eBay and filter to sold items, you might see:
- $350 (disc version, with controller)
- $320 (digital, some scratches)
- $380 (disc, extra controller, box included)
- $290 (digital, no controller)
Now you know. That $400 Marketplace listing is overpriced. You could offer $350 and be completely fair, or just wait for a better deal.
This research takes one minute and can save you $50-100 on bigger purchases.
Why This Matters for Sellers
If you’re selling something, eBay solds tell you exactly what price the market will bear.
Pricing too high means your item sits forever. Pricing too low means you leave money on the table.
eBay solds give you the sweet spot.
When I list something for sale, I always:
- Search the exact item on eBay
- Filter to sold listings
- Filter to last 30 days (recent is better)
- Note the range and average
- Price mine at or slightly above average if condition is good
This takes the guesswork out completely. You’re not hoping your price is right. You know it is because you have data.
Pro Tips for Better Research
Be Specific
“Vintage jacket” will give you useless results. “Patagonia fleece jacket size L blue” gives you exactly what you need.
Include:
- Brand
- Model number/name
- Size (for clothing)
- Color
- Condition words
Filter by Condition
eBay lets you filter by condition. If you’re researching a “used - good” item, filter out the “new” and “like new” results. They’ll skew your numbers.
Check the Date
eBay shows when items sold. Recent sales matter more than old ones. Markets change.
If you’re seeing $80 sales from 6 months ago but $50 sales from last week, the market has shifted. Use recent data.
Look at the Full Listing
Don’t just look at the price. Click through and check:
- What was included (accessories, box, etc.)
- Actual condition based on photos
- Whether shipping was included
A $100 sale with free shipping is really an $85 sale after shipping costs. A $90 sale with buyer-paid shipping might net the seller more.
Account for Best Offer
Some listings show “Best Offer Accepted” instead of a final price. This means the item sold for less than the listed price.
You can click these to see the original asking price, but you won’t see what the actual accepted offer was. Usually assume 10-20% below asking.
Real World Example
I found a vintage Carhartt jacket at a thrift store for $15. Looked cool, felt heavy and quality. But I had no idea what it was worth.
eBay research time.
Search: “vintage Carhartt Detroit jacket” Filter: Sold items, last 30 days
Results showed:
- $85 (good condition, brown)
- $120 (excellent condition, black)
- $65 (some wear, tan)
- $95 (good condition, green)
Average: roughly $90 for good condition.
My jacket was brown, good condition, size large. Based on the comps, I listed it at $89 with free shipping.
Sold in 4 days for asking price. Profit after all fees and shipping: about $55.
Without eBay solds, I might have listed it for $40 thinking that was fair, or $150 and had it sit forever. The data told me exactly where to price.
The Limitations
eBay solds aren’t perfect. A few things to keep in mind:
Regional Differences
eBay is mostly shipped items. Local marketplace prices can differ because:
- No shipping costs for buyer
- Can inspect before buying
- Different local demand
Sometimes local prices are higher (immediate pickup value). Sometimes lower (smaller buyer pool).
Auction vs. Buy It Now
Auction final prices can be all over the place. One person got a steal, another overpaid. Filter to “Buy It Now” for more consistent comps.
eBay Fees
Remember sellers pay 13%+ in eBay fees. A $100 eBay sale nets about $85 after fees.
If you’re selling locally, you can often price slightly below eBay solds and still make more money (no fees, no shipping hassle).
Using This for Negotiations
Here’s a power move: when negotiating on Marketplace or Craigslist, reference your eBay research.
“Hey, I’m interested but I’ve been seeing these sell for $60-70 on eBay. Would you take $65?”
This shows you’ve done your homework. You’re not just lowballing randomly. You’re making a data-backed offer.
Many sellers will respect this and either accept or counter reasonably. The ones who get defensive about data-backed offers are telling you something (walk away).
The Future: Automated Comps
Doing this research manually works, but it takes time. Every time you see something interesting, you’re pulling out your phone, typing searches, filtering results.
We’re working on something at Underpriced to make this instant. Take a screenshot of any marketplace listing and get eBay comps automatically pulled into your analysis.
No searching, no filtering, no manual research. Just the data you need to know if it’s a good deal.
Coming soon. In the meantime, the manual method works great.
Start Using This Today
Seriously, the next time you’re looking at buying something used, take 60 seconds to check eBay solds first.
The next time you’re selling something, do the same.
This one habit will save you money as a buyer and make you money as a seller. It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s based on real market data instead of guesswork.
Stop wondering what things are worth. Start knowing.