I've been using eBay for years, not just to hunt for good deals, but also to sell items I no longer need. Even though I'm based in the Philippines, eBay has always felt like a truly global marketplace. I've bought products from sellers in different countries, and it's easy to see why so many small businesses rely on the platform to reach customers well beyond their local market.

That's exactly why eBay's latest update caught my attention.

The marketplace has launched an upgraded eBay International Shipping (eIS) programme for private sellers in the UK, making it possible to reach more than 136 million buyers across over 195 countries and territories. Better still, eBay is removing many of the barriers that have traditionally stopped smaller sellers from expanding beyond the UK.

Instead of managing customs documentation, international tracking and overseas returns yourself, eBay now takes care of those responsibilities. Sellers simply send their item to one of eBay's UK shipping hubs, and the platform handles the rest. International selling fees for private sellers have also been removed, leaving sellers responsible only for domestic postage to the shipping centre.

For anyone running a side hustle, that's a meaningful change.

At Startup Networks, we often talk about scaling a business, but growth doesn't always require launching a new product or hiring more staff. Sometimes it's about finding new customers for something you're already selling. As someone who's bought from overseas sellers myself, I know buyers aren't always looking for the cheapest option. Sometimes we're searching for something unique that simply isn't available locally. Giving UK sellers easier access to customers around the world, including markets like the Philippines, could unlock opportunities many may have overlooked.

If you're thinking of giving it a try, it also helps to understand where demand already exists. eBay says buyers in Australia, Germany, and Switzerland have shown particularly strong interest over the past year. Collectables, vintage technology and unique items also tend to perform well internationally, while certain toys, games and products with import restrictions may not qualify for the programme.

It's not completely hands-off. Sellers still need to cover domestic shipping costs, and anyone regularly selling online should remain aware of HMRC's reporting rules.

Still, speaking as someone who's experienced eBay from the other side of the world, this feels like one of those updates that benefits everyone. UK sellers gain access to millions of potential customers, while international buyers get access to an even wider range of products. If eBay has removed much of the complexity behind international selling, there are fewer reasons for small businesses and side hustlers not to think beyond their own borders.

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Have you ever considered selling internationally on eBay, or has shipping and paperwork always been the biggest obstacle?

9 minutes ago, Duane said:

Have you ever considered selling internationally on eBay, or has shipping and paperwork always been the biggest obstacle?

Great article Duane, Harry and I have tried ebay selling and it does work but paperwork has always been a nightmare along with shipping!