As the pandemic swept across the globe and lockdowns shut down workplaces, a teenager in the UK decided to take matters into her own hands.
She started an eBay dropshipping business – the results? Nothing short of amazing.
After flipping burgers at McDonald’s, she now earns up to £28,000 per month – all by selling products online without ever handling a single item.
This story was originally reported by The Sun, and it caught my attention because of how relatable and inspiring it is, especially for anyone just starting out.
Let’s break down what eBay dropshipping is, why it works, and how you can start your own eBay business from home.
What Is eBay Dropshipping?
eBay dropshipping is a business model where you list items for sale on eBay without keeping any inventory.
Here’s how it works:
A customer places an order on your eBay store.
You purchase that item from a wholesale supplier (like AliExpress or Doba).
The supplier ships the product directly to the customer.
You keep the difference between your selling price and the supplier cost — your profit.
No upfront inventory. No trips to the post office. No stock sitting in your garage.
Want a deep dive into dropshipping? Check out this detailed Oberlo guide to eBay dropshipping for more beginner-friendly strategies.
Why So Many People Are Getting into eBay Dropshipping
This business model is especially attractive for beginners because:
Low startup costs – You only pay for items once you’ve made a sale.
No inventory handling – Your supplier takes care of shipping and storage.
Automation potential – Tools like AutoDS or DSM Tool can automate listings and order fulfillment.
Huge product variety – Millions of products are available in countless niches.
What You Can’t Do Anymore
It’s important to know: eBay has cracked down on risky dropshipping practices. You cannot just buy items from Amazon and have them shipped to eBay customers.
Why? Because customers receive Amazon-branded packages — and many aren’t happy to find out you marked up an Amazon item. It can hurt your seller rating (or worse, get your account suspended).
To stay compliant with eBay’s rules, only source from reputable wholesale suppliers who handle white-label or unbranded shipping.
How to Start Your Own eBay Dropshipping Business
Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to get started:
1. Create an eBay Account
If you don’t have one, sign up at ebay.co.uk and complete seller verification.
2. Choose Profitable Niches
Some of the best-performing categories include:
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Consumer Electronics
Home & Garden
Pet Supplies
Toys & Hobbies
Use eBay’s Best Sellers page to see what’s trending, then research those products on platforms like:
AliExpress
Doba
CJdropshipping
Tip: Look for high-demand, low-competition products with at least a 30% profit margin.
3. Vet Your Suppliers
Before listing anything:
Read supplier reviews
Check shipping times
Understand return policies
Ensure they offer neutral packaging
4. Create Optimized eBay Listings
Strong listings = more sales. Make sure to:
Craft a clear, keyword-rich product title
Use high-quality images (supplier photos or your own edits)
Write a detailed, benefit-focused description
Clarify shipping and return policies
Look at top competitors for inspiration, then aim to do it better.
5. Price for Profit
Calculate:
Product cost
Shipping fees
eBay + PayPal/Stripe fees (approx. 12–15%)
Then add your target profit to set your final price.
Bonus Tips to Boost Sales
Offer Multi-Buy Discounts: Example – 1 item for £10 or 2 for £15.
Respond Quickly: Answer customer questions within 24 hours to build trust.
Stay on Top of Inventory: Make sure suppliers don’t run out of stock unexpectedly.
Avoid Branded Packaging: Use suppliers who ship in neutral packaging to avoid complaints.
Recommended Tools to Help You
AutoDS – Automates product research, listing, and order fulfillment
Zik Analytics – Helps you find hot products to dropship
Canva – Create polished product images or banners
GetResponse – Build an email list of repeat buyers
Further Reading & Resources
🔗 eBay Dropshipping for Beginners – Oberlo Guide
📰 Teen McDonald’s Worker Turns Dropshipper – The Sun Article
📦 CJdropshipping – Fast EU & UK Shipping
🛍 Zik Analytics – Product Research Tool for eBay
Final Thoughts
eBay dropshipping is a real, proven way to start earning online — even as a complete beginner. Just ask the teenage entrepreneur who turned a fast food job into a £28K/month business!
It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme… but with smart research, good suppliers, and consistent effort, it can absolutely become your next income stream.
Want to kickstart your own online business the smart way? Grab my FREE Affiliate Fast Start Toolkit — packed with tools, tips, and templates to help you launch fast and profitably!
