Policies
Drop shipping on eBay: what's allowed and what isn't
eBay doesn't ban drop shipping, but it does ban buying an item from another retailer and having it shipped straight to your buyer. What the rule says, why it exists, and what to do to protect your account.
Drop shipping means selling without holding stock: the item goes straight from your supplier to the buyer. eBay allows this model. What it doesn't allow is listing an item and, when it sells, buying it from another retailer or marketplace and having it shipped straight to your buyer.
What eBay's rule says
- Shipping straight to the buyer from a wholesale supplier: allowed.
- Buying from another retailer or marketplace (for example Amazon) and shipping straight to the buyer: not allowed.
- Whichever model you choose, you're responsible for the item reaching the buyer in the time and condition you promised.
Accounts that break the rule can face selling limits, listings taken down or suspension. A short-term gain isn't worth putting your account at risk.
Why the rule exists
eBay cares about the buyer's experience. When an item ships straight from another store, the buyer often sees that store's box, invoice or even price tag, and realizes they could have bought it cheaper elsewhere. The delivery time is in that store's hands, not yours; if stock runs out overnight, the order is cancelled. Each of these breaks the delivery and communication promise eBay expects from a seller.
Models that are allowed
- Shipping from your own stock: you buy the item ahead, pack and ship it yourself.
- A drop shipping agreement with a wholesaler or manufacturer: the supplier ships on your behalf, with you as the seller.
- Buying from a retailer, bringing it to your own address first and then shipping it yourself: that's selling from stock, not drop shipping; the item passes through your hands before it ships.
Keeping your account healthy
eBay rates sellers on performance: the transaction defect rate, the late shipment rate and cases closed without seller resolution are part of it. The result shows as Top Rated, Above Standard or Below Standard; below standard means extra fees and less visibility. Your sourcing model directly affects every one of these measures.
- Set the handling time to your supplier's real time.
- Upload tracking within the handling time.
- Keep the listing up to date when stock and price change; selling from a sold-out source means cancellations and negative feedback.
- Watch out for protected brands (VeRO) and categories eBay restricts.
Why the Amazon price still matters
A product's price on Amazon shows what the market thinks it's worth and whether your cost is reasonable. That's why SellerLibrary uses Amazon: as a reference for price and cost. Amazon matching finds a product's Amazon counterpart and works out the profit; where you ship from is your own stock or an agreed supplier. The post on the Amazon to eBay price gap covers how to read the difference.
SellerLibrary asks you to confirm your sourcing model before publishing, and never publishes a listing without your approval.
Related posts
- PolicieseBay seller levels: Top Rated, Above Standard, Below StandardOn the 20th of every month eBay puts a seller in one of three levels. Which measures count, what the thresholds are and what Top Rated Plus saves in fees, from eBay's own policy.
- PolicieseBay VeRO: what to know before a listing is removedWhat eBay's VeRO program is, why a listing is removed and what to do when it is. Four checks to make before publishing, from the rules eBay publishes itself.
- Product researchAmazon to eBay: the price gap is a reference, not a supply chainThe price gap between Amazon and eBay shows what a product could earn on eBay. How to read it with the right product, the right price, and without breaking eBay's rules.