Online marketplace eBay brings together consumers and sellers from all over the world. Pierre Omidyar established the business in 1995, and it has since developed into one of the biggest e-commerce platforms in the world. At any given time, eBay has more than 1.3 billion listings and over 185 million active buyers. The company sells a wide variety of goods, including toys, apparel, electronics, and collectibles.
Many people enquire as to whether eBay sales qualify as self-employment. Yes, it is the answer. You are regarded as self-employed if you sell goods on eBay in order to profit. This implies that you are in charge of keeping track of your expenses and paying taxes on your income. Is eBay considered a small business?
For sellers who run their own online storefronts on the platform, eBay might be viewed as a small company. These vendors can control their own inventory and alter the appearance of their shops. However, being a corporation, eBay is not regarded as a small business. The business employs over 14,000 people and brings in billions of dollars annually.
Who is eBay’s owner?
Since eBay is a publicly traded company, its stockholders own it. Jamie Iannone, who assumed leadership of eBay in 2020, is the position’s current CEO. The creator of eBay, Pierre Omidyar, is no longer actively involved in running the business.
You must register for an eBay account if you intend to sell products there. Either a personal or commercial account can be made by you. People who want to sell a few things on the platform should get a personal account. However, it is advised to open a business account if you intend to sell goods frequently. You’ll have access to more features and tools that can help you manage your sales and inventory as a result.
In conclusion, eBay is a sizable online marketplace that provides a forum for international trade between buyers and sellers. eBay as a company is not regarded as a small business, even though selling on the site is deemed self-employment. The corporation is owned by its shareholders and is traded openly. Depending on how frequently and how much you sell, you may require a personal or commercial account on eBay.
When it comes to connecting consumers and sellers, eBay is largely regarded as an online marketplace or e-commerce platform. eBay does include a retail area, but it normally does not own or sell the items that are listed there. As a result, referring to eBay as a service provider rather than a retailer is more correct.