The 10 Vintage eBay Categories Seeing Huge Demand from Buyers in 2023
Vintage and retro products have surged in popularity over the last decade, with more consumers seeking out secondhand and vintage items over newly produced goods. According to ThredUp’s 2021 Resale Report, the total secondhand market is projected to reach $82 billion by 2026.
Research also shows that 80% of consumers factor sustainability into their purchasing decisions now, with younger millennials in particular hungry for vintage items, making up a large proportion of sales on platforms like 1stDibs.
With this rising demand, eBay has become a premier destination for buying and selling all things vintage across virtually every category. But what specific vintage items currently sell the best on eBay this year?
Some of the best-selling vintage items on eBay include Vintage mid-century modern furniture, Vintage luxury clothing and accessories, Classic vinyl records, Vintage toys and Vintage luxury watches and jewelry
This article will explore these 5 top-selling vintage categories on eBay currently, along with 5 more popular vintage items, tips for buying and selling them successfully, and the factors driving demand.
Factors Driving Demand for Vintage Items
Before diving into the top-selling vintage items on eBay, it helps to understand what factors are driving the increased demand for vintage and retro products:
- Nostalgia – Vintage items tap into fond memories and nostalgia for many, reminiscing about cherished items from their childhood or the past. This emotional connection commands higher prices.
- Quality – Many vintage items were made to a higher standard and with solid materials like real wood and metal, giving them appeal vs modern disposable items.
- Rarity – Unique vintage items can be harder to find at regular retailers, making collectors seek them out on eBay. Limited edition and rare finds get bid up.
- Affordability – Some vintage items can be had for less than the modern equivalent, like vintage designer bags or jewelry.
- Sustainability – Buying used vintage aligns with eco-friendly values of reusing vs consuming newly made items.
10 Best Selling Vintage Items on eBay
1. Vintage Furniture
Mid-century modern, retro, antique, and vintage furniture from the 1950s–1970s are perennial top sellers on eBay. Iconic designs by brands like Herman Miller, Heywood Wakefield, Knoll, and IKEA vintage furniture hold value. Danish modern, teak, and prolific designers like Charles & Ray Eames, Paul McCobb, and Adrian Pearsall also see demand.
Common sought-after items include tables, chairs, sofas, sideboards, dressers, desks, and bedroom sets. Prices vary greatly based on brand, condition, and style – ranging from a few hundred to over $10,000 for rare items.
2. Vintage Clothing and Accessories
Vintage clothing capturing unique fashion eras or styles are hugely popular across both women’s and men’s apparel and accessories. From evening gowns to leather jackets to cowboy boots, vintage clothing lets you own a true piece of sartorial history.
Designer vintage from coveted luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Gucci routinely fetch eye-popping auction prices. More everyday vintage garments from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s are also sought after by both collectors and people looking for vintage threads to wear. Condition is key for textiles, but even well-worn “junker” tees turn profits for resellers.
3. Classic Vinyl Records
Vinyl records disappearing for decades have made an enormous comeback and made up a total of 70% of all physical music sales in 2022, bringing in a total of $1.2 billion in revenue in the United States. EBay has become a top destination for finding rare, limited edition, and imported pressings that are hard to come by elsewhere.
The most popular vinyl records on eBay include original pressings of classics by The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, and other iconic musicians. Sealed and unopened records fetch astronomically high prices. Obscure underground records also get bid up by discerning crate diggers. Turntables, vintage speakers, and hi-fi systems are also top sellers in the vintage audio category.
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4. Vintage Toys & Collectibles
For many adults today, the vintage toys of their childhood now carry major nostalgic appeal. Hot vintage toy collectibles on eBay include action figures like original Star Wars, GI Joes, and Transformers which can mint for hundreds to thousands based on rarity.
Lego sets, Barbie dolls, vintage model trains, and vintage board games also see brisk sales. Rare or sealed packages and popular themes like Star Wars hold the most value. Sports cards and comics from the 60s-90s are also sought after. Global toy brands that have been popular for generations like Lego, Hot Wheels, and Nintendo remain in high demand among vintage collectors.
5. Vintage Jewelry, Watches & Luxury Accessories
eBay has become a premiere marketplace for buying and selling pre-owned luxury goods and vintage jewelry. Vintage watches like Rolex, Omega, and Cartier models from the mid-20th century can fetch small fortunes.
Studded diamond rings, elaborate gold statement necklaces, and designer vintage jewels hold appeal for their uniqueness and often lower cost over modern fine jewelry. Vintage designer accessories like Louis Vuitton luggage, Chanel handbags, Hermes scarves, and other desirables tap into the desire to own classic pieces from fashion houses. Precious metals and gemstones hold their intrinsic value, while signed costume jewelry has vintage appeal.
6. Retro Video Games & Systems
For Millennials and Gen X’ers, vintage video games and gaming systems give a huge dose of nostalgia. Original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega, GameBoy, and arcade cabinets are all hot tickets. Rare or sealed games like Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, and cult classics attract collectors willing to pay top dollar.
Nostalgic consoles and controllers also sell well on their own. More recent but now retro systems like PlayStation 1 and 2, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and Gamecube tap into gamer nostalgia and are surging in popularity on eBay.
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7. Vintage Cameras and photography equipment
Vintage cameras appeal to photography enthusiasts interested in shooting with classic analog models vs modern digital options. Sought-after brands include Leica, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Pentax cameras from the mid-20th century.
Instant cameras like the Polaroid OneStep also continue strong popularity. Retro dark room equipment like enlargers, lenses, and filters also attract bidders. Most equipment still functions, allowing collectors to actually capture photos while oozzing vintage style. Rare special editions and cult classic models like the Leica MP fetch huge auction prices, while more common SLR models can sell affordably.
8. Vintage Sports Memorabilia & Cards
eBay remains king for buying and selling vintage sports memorabilia. Signed jerseys, balls, equipment used in games, and other collectibles related to star athletes consistently attract bidding wars between fans. Rookie cards from basketball, football, baseball, and hockey especially are highly coveted.
Other popular items include pennants, sports publications, photos, posters, programs, tickets stubs, and equipment. Rarity, signing, era, and a sports star’s continuing iconic status all impact value. Signed memorabilia and cards for legends like Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Muhammad Ali sell for staggering amounts on eBay regularly.
9. Antique Dishware, Glassware & China
Beautifully designed antique dishware, glassware, and china remain coveted home items for their lasting craftsmanship and designs. Pieces like Blue Willow china, Fire King mixing bowls, Pyrex casserole dishes, and elegant glassware all see consistent demand on eBay.
Complete dinnerware sets by makers like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Rosenthal sell well. Rare items like uranium glass and Jadeite kitchenware attract avid collectors. Individual pieces also sell briskly to people looking to add an antique touch to their kitchens or dining rooms. Condition varies, but even chipped or cracked items can sell for ornamental use.
10. Vintage Posters & Advertising Signs
eBay offers a stellar selection of rare vintage posters that capture cultural icons, music, movies, travel, and major historical events. Original vintage concert posters, propaganda posters, vintage travel posters, and more function as unique decorative art pieces.
Elaborate neon signs from vintage brands also command high prices from bars, restaurants, and collectors wanting to recreate retro vibes. Condition greatly impacts price, with damaged or fully restored options available. Subject matter also matters, with iconic celebrity, brand, location, and event posters attracting the most attention from bidders.
Tips for Selling Popular Vintage Items Successfully on eBay
Interested in buying underpriced vintage items to resell at a profit on eBay? Or clearing out your own cellars, attics, and closets of coveted antiques and retro items? Here are some tips for maximizing your eBay vintage sales:
- Research Prices Thoroughly – Correctly identify, authenticate, and research fair market values for your vintage items. Check completed eBay listings to price competitively.
- Write Detailed Descriptions – Note important details like age, maker marks, model numbers, dimensions, materials, damage, patina, repairs, and provenance info that affects price.
- Take Great Photos – Shoot high-quality images from multiple angles in good lighting. Photos are key for showing condition accurately.
- Disclose Any Flaws Upfront – Mention any damage, missing pieces, stains etc. to avoid returns. Honesty earns buyer trust.
- Offer Fast Shipping – Provide prompt handling and fast shipping with tracking and insurance on fragile items. Good logistics brings higher sales.
- Provide Excellent Service – Reply to questions, resolve issues promptly, and follow up quickly. Good communication earns positive feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, vintage furniture, clothing, vinyl records, toys, and luxury accessories currently rank among the top sellers on eBay in 2023 based on active bidding and sales prices. Mid-century furniture designs, rare vintage fashion, classic music pressings, nostalgic toys, and pre-owned designer jewelry and watches command the highest prices.
Understanding what’s popular, correctly identifying and pricing items, writing detailed descriptions, taking quality photos, fast shipping, and providing excellent service are key to stand out as a vintage seller on eBay.
The site’s vast selection makes it a top destination for both buying coveted vintage items across categories or reselling vintage pieces for profit. As demand for vintage continues rising, eBay will further solidify its status as the premier marketplace to buy and sell all things retro and antique online.
