Exporting to the World

Whether helping a high street storefront break into ecommerce or serving as the primary platform for a digital startup, we empower independent merchants to build sustainable ventures that drive real economic prosperity across both urban and rural communities.

Our global marketplace opens doors to customers in more than 190 international markets. Whether helping a high street storefront break into ecommerce or serving as the primary platform for a digital startup, we empower independent merchants to build sustainable ventures that drive real economic prosperity across both urban and rural communities. 

eBay supports businesses to ship internationally by:

  • Providing free software that automatically syncs and updates stock levels across major international markets, offering discounted postage labels, and delivering dedicated cross-border handbooks to simplify complex regulatory compliance.
  • Using our eBay International Shipping programmes to simplify the process of international shipping by handling customs, international returns, and duties on behalf of the seller, seamlessly opening up access to buyers in more than 190 countries.

Key Figures 


  • 95% of eBay small businesses in the UK export, compared to 6.6% of traditional businesses. 
  • 61% of eBay small businesses in the UK export to 10+ markets. 
  • eBay’s small businesses in the UK reach an average of 18 foreign markets, compared to 6 when looking at traditional businesses. 
  • The top cross-border destination markets for UK-based eBay small businesses are
    • In the EU: Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, Spain. 
    • Outside the EU: US, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, China. 


Policy Recommendations 

eBay champions modern, frictionless trade that reduces costs and complex regulatory red tape, ensuring small businesses can access global demand and restoring the UK’s international competitiveness. The policies we advocate for include:  

  • Simplified processes for "micro-businesses" (i.e. employees with 10 or fewer employees) to ensure early-stage startups are protected from rules built for major multinationals
  • The creation of a simplified, fast-track export route designed specifically for low-value goods moving between the UK and EU in order to reduce cross-border customs paperwork and make UK exports more competitive.

Gareth Perry

Gareth Perry runs Track 9, a vinyl-focused eBay store based out of his home. After spending his entire career in the music industry, he came to a crossroads and realized he didn’t feel motivated to follow where the industry leaders were heading. That moment pushed him to start something new—on his own terms. 
 

His business is made up 90% of vinyl and operates mainly through eBay, which accounts for about 75% of his sales. He sells nationally and internationally from Germany to the US.