Although Amazon and eBay are two of the most popular online marketplaces globally, which is better for buying products?
This article will compare Amazon and eBay on a few different factors: products, shipping, service, returns, and customer service.
Amazon Vs. eBay For Buying Products In 2024
Amazon is known for its vast selection of products in many categories, while eBay is known for its auctions and unique variety. Typically prices are less expensive on Amazon, and however, many shoppers are drawn to the rare and hard-to-find products available on eBay despite the cost. Both platforms have low customer satisfaction ratings related to customer service.
To further investigate the difference shoppers will experience shopping on Amazon vs. on eBay, keep reading!
How Is eBay Different From Amazon?
There are a few ways eBay is different from Amazon.
One big difference is that Amazon is primarily a marketplace for new products, while eBay allows for selling both new and used items.
This can be good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for. Another difference is that Amazon has more of a focus on electronics and general merchandise.
In contrast, eBay has a broader range of products, including cars, real estate, and even tickets to events.
What Product Categories Are Found on Amazon and eBay?
When it comes to the actual products available on Amazon and eBay, there is a lot of overlap.
However, Amazon does have a few categories that eBay doesn’t have, such as Amazon Fresh & Grocery (fresh and shelf-stable food products), AmazonBasics (generic products), and Amazon Warehouse (items that are damaged, open box, or pre-owned).
Overall both eBay and Amazon have a little bit of everything available on their websites.
However, eBay has some advantages, such as buying used items, much like a flea market or garage sale. So, it depends on what you’re looking for.
Which Site Has Better Prices: Amazon or eBay?
It depends. Generally, Amazon has better prices on items, but eBay can be cheaper if you’re looking for something specific or rare.
In addition, Amazon also offers coupons, digital deals, Amazon Warehouse, Woot, and Treasure Trunk, which provide more savings for shoppers.
Is Amazon Shipping More Reliable Than eBay?
In general, Amazon’s shipping is more reliable than eBay’s.
Since Amazon has its own delivery drivers, most products can easily be tracked through each shipment stage on the Amazon website or app.
Likewise, Amazon has better shipping rates, and shoppers only pay one delivery fee, unlike eBay, which charges a delivery fee per item.
Do Amazon Products Take Longer to Arrive Than eBay?
Amazon products do not necessarily take longer to arrive than eBay products. Overall, Amazon and eBay both have pretty good shipping times.
Amazon generally has better shipping times, but eBay can be faster if you’re looking for something specific or rare.
In addition, Amazon also offers Amazon Prime, which gives free same-day, next-day, and two-day shipping on millions of items.
Does Amazon or eBay Provide Better Customer Service for Shoppers?
When it comes to customer service, Amazon is generally better. First, Amazon has a broader range of customer service options, such as phone support, email, and live chat.
In contrast, shoppers who require an eBay refund must first email the seller.
Then after three days, they can speak with the automated chat assistant unless the issue must be escalated to a live agent.
However, eBay does have some good customer service options, such as the eBay Money Back Guarantee, but it’s not as comprehensive as Amazon’s A to Z Guarantee policy.
So, if customer service is a priority for you, Amazon is the better choice.
What Is Amazon’s TrustPilot Rating?
According to the 1.8 out of five stars rating that Amazon has on TrustPilot, customer satisfaction is low.
A large share of this poor ranking is related to issues shoppers have with Amazon’s customer service department.
What Is eBay’s TrustPilot Rating?
Likewise, eBay also has a poor TrustPilot rating of only 1.2 out of five stars.
Many of the testimonials complain about how individual sellers handled refund claims and the lack of support from eBay.
Are Returns Easier on Amazon or eBay?
Overall, Amazon and eBay both have pretty good return policies. In general, returns are more accessible on Amazon than on eBay.
For example, Amazon’s A to Z Guarantee allows shoppers to return most items within 30 days for a full refund.
Likewise, eBay has a similar policy, but some restrictions and caveats exist.
For example, returns are initiated through the seller before eBay intervenes, which delays the speed at which shoppers receive a refund.
Furthermore, all sellers do not accept returns. Where sellers do not accept returns, shoppers may be protected under the eBay Money Back Guarantee.
With this policy, even if an item is not refundable according to a seller, shoppers can return items for a refund under the following circumstances:
- Product is damaged
- Is different from the product listing
- The wrong item was delivered
However, if ease of returns is essential to you, Amazon is the better choice.
Which Is the Safer Website to Order From- Amazon or eBay?
In general, Amazon is less likely to have scams than eBay, as it has multiple programs to ensure sellers only sell authentic products.
In addition, there are many steps to help shoppers maintain security while using the website.
In contrast, validating authentic products is more challenging on eBay due to the secondhand products sold on the site. So, if safety is your top priority, Amazon is the better choice.
To find out more, you can also read our posts on Amazon vs Best Buy, Amazon vs Costco, and Amazon vs Barnes & Noble.
Conclusion
Overall, Amazon is a safer choice for making purchases than eBay. Amazon has better customer service options and a better return policy.
Although eBay does have some good customer protection options, such as the eBay Money Back Guarantee, it’s not as comprehensive as Amazon’s. Overall, Amazon is a better choice for most people, but eBay can be a good option if you’re looking for something specific or rare.
