As a nation, Aussies could be sitting on up to a total of $32 billion in potential resale value. With the increasing cost of living, new research from eBay reveals that Aussies could make almost $1,500 by selling their pre-loved items.
Best news of all? It’s now free to sell on eBay.com.au, which means Aussies won’t pay transaction fees (on up to $25,000 in annual sales). The removal of transaction fees for casual sellers and making it easier than ever for Aussies to turn items that they love but no longer need into cash.
The move comes as new research commissioned by eBay Australia reveals the vast potential of pre-loved goods, with 80% of Australians having items at home they could sell and the average household sitting on around 15 sellable items.
The data found that Aussies estimate they could make almost $1,500 by selling their unused household items, representing an enormous $32 billion in estimated potential resale value nationwide.
However, a major barrier to unlocking this potential has been selling fees. The research found one in three surveyed Aussies (34%) admit fees have deterred them from listing items online, and more than half (55%) stated they would be more likely to start selling if there were no seller fees.
This potential is particularly strong among younger generations. Over half of Millennial (59%) and Gen Z respondents (53%) reported experiencing retail regret over purchases, with 61% and 68% respectively viewing selling items online as a viable side-hustle.
Sisters and singing duo Jess and Lisa Origliasso, famously known as The Veronicas, are revealed to be among the first to embrace the change, listing each other’s iconic items, from tour memorabilia to fashion favourites, on ebay.com.au.
Akin to many sisterly relationships, The Veronicas have been sifting through each other’s wardrobes, drawers, and cupboards, uncovering pre-loved treasures from their tours, performances, and personal collections, and giving them a second life on eBay.
Aussies will be able to secure items from The Veronicas’ personal collections starting on Tuesday 19 May 2026, exclusively on eBay.com.au – from just $50. Auctions end at 7pm AEST, Friday 22 May.
Highlights from Lisa Origliasso‘s collection on @LisaMarieVeronica include:
- Witches Scrying Mirror – Collected while on tour in London, this unusual piece is said to carry a mysterious energy and dates back to the 1840s. A rare collector’s item with a story behind it.
- REISHI BABY Custom Jacket – An iconic piece worn during fan engagements with The Veronicas. A one-of-a-kind item tied to the early years of the band.
- Hoop Earrings – An iconic purchase made by Lisa after signing their first record deal for the Veronicas.
Highlights from Jess Origliasso‘s collection on @JessieVeronica include:
- Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf – The signature skull scarf that defined the 2000s. Instantly recognisable and deeply tied to the era’s rock aesthetic.
- Fender Guitar – A staple instrument used throughout many tours and performances. A significant piece of the band’s live performance history.
- Big Muff Pedal – A staple in many of The Veronicas live shows, known for its thick, sustaining, violin-like tone.
Jess Origliasso from The Veronicas says: “Being able to give these pieces a new life and knowing it is now free to sell on eBay is a game-changer. We’re so excited for our fans to get their hands on a piece of our history, and to see more people across Australia start listing their pre-loved treasures online!”
Lisa Origliasso adds: “We’ve loved unearthing some really special items, a lot of which we have collected on the road over the years, like my old Scrying Mirror, and passing them on to a new home. The fact that it’s now free to sell on eBay means anyone can easily list their pre-loved items and earn a little extra cash, which is incredible.”
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) selling continues to rise across Australia, with millions of buyers turning to eBay in search of sought-after items. Over the past year, Fashion and Collectables have emerged as two of the most popular categories for listing items on eBay Australia, alongside home and garden, media – including items such as vinyl, books and movies, lifestyle – including sporting goods and musical instruments, and tech, highlighting evolving consumer interests and the growing appeal of pre-loved and speciality goods.
Key trends and highlights include:
- Fashion remains a dominant category, with Carhartt, Louis Vuitton and Zimmermann ranking as the top search terms among Australian shoppers.
- Among pre-loved fashion, sold items for the Coach Tabby are up over 200% YOY. In the last three years, the most expensive Coach Tabby sold in 2024 for $719 AUD.5
- Alemais printed dresses are also gaining traction in the pre-loved fashion market, with sold items increasing over 100% YOY5. The Alemais Evergreen Midi Dress was the top sale in 2025, sold for A$688.
- Collectables continue to capture strong demand, led by Labubu, LEGO and Pokémon.
- Among collectables, LEGO Stranger Things is up nearly 250% YOY following renewed interest in the franchise. LEGO Stranger Things: The Upside Down was the highest sale in 2025, sold for A$963.
Anne-Marie Cheney, Head of Recommerce at eBay Australia, says: “Today marks a significant milestone for eBay and for millions of Australians. At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, free selling on eBay offers a powerful opportunity for people to make more out of what they already have at home, transforming pre-loved items into financial flexibility and new income potential.”
“Our research shows that selling fees were a major deterrent, and by removing them, we’re not just making selling easier, we’re unlocking billions in untapped value.”
“We’re thrilled to have The Veronicas onboard, celebrating the power of consumer-to-consumer selling, and inspiring Australians to experience just how easy and rewarding selling on eBay can be.”
Eligible Australian-based sellers will no longer incur transaction fees when their items sell on eBay (up to $25,000 in sales annually). This is set to significantly reduce a primary barrier for many Australians selling online, making it easier and more affordable for sellers to list and sell items on the platform, and ultimately bringing a wider variety of items to buyers.
As part of the changes, eBay is rolling out a suite of new features designed to simplify and support the selling experience – from AI-powered tools that help sellers create listings in minutes, to integrated shipping using labels purchased on eBay, with discounted rates, built-in tracking and printerless options. These updates are complemented by secure payments, enhanced buyer protection, and greater transparency around payouts, giving both buyers and sellers more confidence when transacting on the platform. Sellers exceeding $25,000 in annual sales will be automatically moved to a Pro Starter plan, with the option to upgrade to higher-tier Pro plans that offer additional tools and capabilities.
From treasured keepsakes to everyday items, giving your belongings a second life has never been easier. Join eBay today, start listing, and discover where your items could go next.
