eBay AI tools are changing the way sellers list items and connect with buyers. Speaking on Yahoo Finance’s Opening Bid podcast, eBay CEO Jamie Iannone explained how artificial intelligence is helping unlock inventory hidden in households.
“The whole idea is to unlock what’s in people’s closets, garages, and houses,” Iannone said. He estimated that the average household has between $3,000 and $4,000 worth of items that could be sold on eBay. Yet, less than 20% of that inventory is listed online. By making it easier to create listings, eBay believes AI can help release this untapped supply.
AI and the Secondhand Market
Secondhand and refurbished items already account for about 40% of sales on eBay. Iannone noted that younger buyers, who value sustainability, drive much of this demand. Therefore, eBay AI tools not only make listing faster but also appeal to a growing audience focused on circular shopping.
This aligns with broader retail trends where resale and sustainability are gaining traction. By lowering barriers for sellers, AI helps expand supply while meeting consumer expectations.
eBay’s Financial Performance
In July, eBay reported $2.7 billion in revenue, up 6% from the previous year. The platform’s gross merchandise value reached $19.5 billion in the same quarter, also up 6%. Meanwhile, its stock climbed 56% over the last year, reflecting investor confidence in its growth strategy.
Iannone, who first joined eBay in 2001 and returned as CEO in 2020 after serving as Walmart’s chief operating officer, has positioned AI as central to eBay’s next phase of expansion.
Collectibles: A $10 Billion Market
One of the fastest-growing areas on eBay is collectibles, which Iannone described as a $10 billion business. Popular items include Pokémon and trading cards, categories that have exploded in value as pop culture trends drive demand.
To strengthen this sector, eBay has partnered with Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), a leading grading company. This partnership allows sellers to more easily grade and authenticate trading cards, boosting buyer trust.
Beyond cards, items like Labubu plush dolls are fueling fresh waves of collector enthusiasm. “There’s always some kind of interesting trend in pop culture happening on the platform,” Iannone said, pointing to how quickly collectors adopt new fads.
The Future of eBay AI Tools
The rise of eBay AI tools represents more than operational efficiency. They give sellers the ability to list items faster, while also ensuring descriptions and categories are more accurate. As AI integrates deeper into the platform, eBay expects to see more household items come online, supporting its vision of a global secondhand economy.
With strong financial performance, a booming collectibles market, and AI-driven innovation, eBay is positioning itself not just as a marketplace but as a leader in sustainable, technology-powered retail.