Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar as "AuctionWeb," eBay pioneered online consumer-to-consumer (C2C) sales. Headquartered in San Jose, California, it operates in 190 markets with 1.5 billion active listings (2025 data). The platform’s mission—"to create economic opportunity for all"—reflects its unique peer-to-peer marketplace model.

eBay official Website‌: https://www.ebay.com

2. Core Business Model

eBay’s hybrid model combines:
Auction-style listings: Original 7-day bidding system
Fixed-price "Buy It Now": 80% of modern transactions
Managed Payments: Integrated since 2020
Global Shipping Program: Cross-border trade facilitation

Key revenue streams include:
10-15% final value fees
Listing insertion fees ($0.30 per item)
Promoted listing advertising

3. Technological Innovations

AI-powered recommendations: Machine learning for personalized search
Image recognition: 2024 "Snap List" feature for instant product matching
Blockchain authentication: Digital certificates for luxury goods
AR preview: 3D product visualization (launched 2023)

4. Community Ecosystem

Seller tiers: Top Rated, PowerSeller programs
Feedback system: 1-5 star ratings with detailed reviews
eBay Money Back Guarantee: Buyer protection policy
Discussion boards: 12M+ monthly community interactions

5. Market Position & Competitors

As Q2 2025 reports show:
Active buyers: 167 million globally
Gross Merchandise Volume: $87 billion/year
Primary competition: Amazon Marketplace, Etsy, Mercari

6. Sustainability Initiatives

eBay Refurbished: Certified pre-owned electronics program
Zero Waste Packaging: Partnered with 5,000+ eco-conscious sellers
Carbon Neutral Shipping: Achieved in 2022

From collectibles to industrial equipment, eBay’s 30-year evolution demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Its commitment to "economic inclusion" continues to empower 17M+ small businesses worldwide, maintaining relevance amid e-commerce giants through niche specialization and technological agility.