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{{Short description|American multinational e-commerce corporation}}
{{Infobox_Company | <!-- infobox source: http://www.hoovers.com/ebay/--ID__56307--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml -->
{{Lowercase title}}
company_name = eBay Inc. |
{{For-multi|the song by "Weird Al" Yankovic|eBay (song)|the U.S. Supreme Court case|eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C.}}
company_logo = [[Image:eBay logo.png|eBay corporate logo]] |
{{Pp-move-indef}}
company_type = [[Public company|Public]] ([[NASDAQ]]: '''[http://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&lr=&prev=/search%3Fq%3DEBAY%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D&q=stocks:EBAY+ EBAY]''') |
{{Use American English|date=August 2015}}
company_slogan = ''The World's Online Marketplace'' |
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
foundation = [[San Jose, California]] [[USA]] ([[1995]]) |
{{Infobox company
___location = [[San Jose, California]] [[USA]], |
| name = eBay Inc.
key_people = [[Meg Whitman]], [[CEO]] & [[President]] <br /> [[Pierre Omidyar]], founder|
| logo = EBay logo.svg
num_employees = 8,100 (2004) |
| image = EBay Silicon Valley Headquarters in Willow Glen, San Jose, California 1938.jpg
industry = [[Auction]]s|
| image_upright = 1.2
revenue = [[image:green up.png]]$3.27 billion [[United States dollar|USD]] ([[2004]])|
| image_caption = Headquarters in the [[Willow Glen, San Jose|Willow Glen]] district of [[San Jose, California]]
products = [[online auction business model|Online auction hosting]] <br> [[PayPal]] |
| hq_location_city = [[San Jose, California]]
homepage = [http://www.ebay.com/ www.ebay.com]|}}
| hq_location_country = [[United States]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| founder = [[Pierre Omidyar]]
| key_people = {{Ubl|[[Paul Pressler (businessman)|Paul Pressler]] ([[chairman]])|[[Jamie Iannone]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]] and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}
| industry = [[E-commerce]]
| services = [[Online shopping]]
| homepage = {{url|ebay.com}}
| former_name = AuctionWeb (1995–1997)
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ|EBAY}}|[[S&P 500]] component}}
| founded = {{start date and age|1995|9|3}}
| subsid = [[Qoo10]], [[TCGPlayer]]
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|10.3&nbsp;billion|link=yes}}
| revenue_year = 2024
| operating_income = {{increase}} {{US$|2.32&nbsp;billion}}
| income_year = 2024
| net_income = {{decrease}} {{US$|1.98&nbsp;billion}}
| net_income_year = 2024
| assets = {{decrease}} {{US$|19.4&nbsp;billion}}
| assets_year = 2024
| equity = {{decrease}} {{US$|5.16&nbsp;billion}}
| equity_year = 2024
| num_employees = {{circa|11,500}}
| num_employees_year = 2024
| footnotes = <ref name=10K>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000106508825000037/ebay-20241231.htm |title=eBay, Inc. 2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=February 27, 2025 }}</ref>
}}
[[File:EBayTorontoOffice.JPG|thumb|eBay office in [[Toronto]], Canada]]
 
'''eBay Inc.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|iː|b|eɪ}} {{respell|EE|bay}}, stylized as '''ebay''') is an American [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[e-commerce]] company based in [[San Jose, California]], that allows users to buy or view items via [[retail]] sales through [[online marketplace]]s and websites in 190 markets worldwide. Sales occur either via [[online auction]]s or "buy it now" instant sales, and the company charges [[Commission (remuneration)|commissions]] to sellers upon sales. eBay was founded by [[Pierre Omidyar]] in September 1995. It has 132 million yearly active buyers worldwide and handled $73 billion in transactions in 2023, 48% of which were in the United States. In 2023, the company had a take rate (revenue as a percentage of volume) of 13.81%.<ref name=10K/> The company is listed on the [[Nasdaq Global Select Market]] and is a component of the [[S&P 500]] and formerly the [[Nasdaq-100]].
{{lowercase|title=eBay}}
 
eBay can be used by individuals, companies and governments to purchase and sell almost any legal, non-controversial item. Buyers and sellers may rate and review each other after each transaction, resulting in a [[reputation]] system. The eBay service is accessible via websites and [[mobile app]]s. Software developers can create applications that integrate with eBay through the eBay API. Merchants can also earn commissions from [[affiliate marketing]] programs by eBay.
'''eBay Inc.''' {{NASDAQ|EBAY}} is an [[internet|online]] [[auction]] [[website]], where people from all around the world buy and sell goods and services.
 
== History ==
[[File:Pomidyarji.jpg|thumb|right|[[Pierre Omidyar]], founder and chairman of eBay]]
 
===1990s===
eBay was founded in [[1995]] by [[Pierre Omidyar]] as "AuctionWeb", part of a larger personal site that included, among other things, Omidyar's own tongue-in-cheek tribute to the [[Ebola]] virus. Originally, the site belonged to Echo Bay Technology Group, Omidyar's consulting firm. (The frequently repeated story that eBay was founded to trade [[PEZ]] dispensers was fabricated by a public relations manager in 1997 to interest the media. This was revealed in Adam Cohen's 2002 book and confirmed by eBay.) Omidyar had tried to register the ___domain name "EchoBay.com" but found it already taken, so he shortened it to his second choice, "eBay.com". eBay is headquartered in [[San Jose, California]]. [[Meg Whitman]] has served as eBay's president and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] since March 1998. eBay boosters have claimed that in terms of [[revenue]] growth, eBay is among the fastest-growing companies of all time.
eBay was founded as AuctionWeb in [[California]] on September 3, 1995, by French-born [[Iranian-American]] computer programmer [[Pierre Omidyar]] as a hobby to make some extra money.<ref name=scale>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4013672/ebay-founded-story/ |title=The Small-Scale Story Behind eBay's Big Bucks |first=LILY |last=ROTHMAN |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=September 3, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221023945/https://time.com/4013672/ebay-founded-story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the first items sold on AuctionWeb was a broken [[laser pointer]] for $14.83. Astonished, Omidyar contacted the winning bidder to ask if he understood that the laser pointer was broken; the buyer explained: "I'm a collector of broken laser pointers."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidseideman/2014/05/20/part-2-how-to-hit-a-home-run-selling-on-ebay/ |title=Eight Tips From The Pros For Selling On eBay |first=David |last=Seideman |work=[[Forbes]] |date=May 20, 2014 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208072301/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidseideman/2014/05/20/part-2-how-to-hit-a-home-run-selling-on-ebay/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In February 1996, Omidyar's [[internet service provider]] informed him that he would need to upgrade to a business account due to the high [[web traffic]] of his website. The monthly price increase from $30 to $250 prompted Omidyar to obtain support from his mother's family (his grandfather, General [[Mahmud Mir-Djalali]] was the "father" of [[Iran]]'s Defense Industries).{{sfn|Alirezaijan|2025|p=186-188}} The website made $1,000 in its first month, which was more than it cost to run, and $2,500 in its second month.<ref name=scale/> Chris Agarpao was eBay's first employee; he processed mailed check payments.<ref name=streethistory>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestreet.com/markets/history-of-ebay |title=History of eBay: Facts and Timeline |first=Brian |last=O'Connell |work=[[TheStreet.com]] |date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114145228/https://www.thestreet.com/markets/history-of-ebay |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Items and services ==
 
[[Jeffrey Skoll]] was hired as the first president of the company in early 1996.<ref name=streethistory/> In November 1996, the company launched online auctions for airline seats, hotel rooms, cruise berths and other travel-related products in partnership with Electronic Travel Auctions. By that time, the company had hosted more than 200,000 auctions since its founding 14 months earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/airline-tickets-sold-in-net-auction/ |title=Airline tickets sold in Net auction |first=Jeff |last=Pelline |work=[[CNET]] |date=November 4, 1996 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208120530/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/airline-tickets-sold-in-net-auction/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Millions of [[collectible|collectibles]], [[Home appliance|appliances]], [[computers]], [[furniture]], equipment, [[vehicles]], and other miscellaneous items are listed, bought, and sold daily. Some items are rare and valuable, while many others are dusty gizmos that would have been discarded if not for the thousands of eager bidders worldwide, proving that if one has a big enough market, one will find someone willing to buy anything. It is fair to say that eBay has revolutionized the collectibles market by bringing together buyers and sellers internationally in a huge, never-ending [[yard sale]] and auction. Large international companies, such as [[IBM]], sell their newest products and offer services on eBay using competitive auctions and fixed-priced storefronts. Regional searches of the database make shipping slightly more rapid or cheaper. Software developers can create applications that integrate with eBay through the eBay API by joining the [http://developer.ebay.com eBay Developers Program]. As of June 2005, there were over 15,000 members in the eBay Developers Program, comprising a broad range companies creating software applications to support eBay buyers and sellers as well as eBay Affiliates.
 
The company changed the name of its service from AuctionWeb to eBay in September 1997, after Echo Bay Technology Group, Omidyar's consulting firm. The echobay.com [[___domain name]] was already registered by [[Echo Bay Mines]], a gold mining company, so Omidyar shortened it to eBay.com. In 1997, the company received $6.7 million in [[venture capital]] funding from [[Benchmark (venture capital firm)|Benchmark]].<ref name=history/>
In [[June]] [[2004]], eBay prohibited the sale and auction of both [[alcohol]] and [[tobacco]] products on the [[United Kingdom|British]] site ebay.co.uk. Some exceptions to this rule are made for rare aged liquors, where a bottle may sell for many times higher than its actual value in alcohol.
 
The frequently repeated story that eBay was founded to help Omidyar's fiancée trade [[Pez]] candy dispensers was fabricated in 1997 by [[public relations]] manager [[Mary Lou Song]] to give the media a [[human-interest story]] and to generate publicity with toy collectors.<ref name=streethistory/> The most purchased and sold items on the website were [[Beanie Babies]], the most difficult toys to find in retail stores, accounting for 10% of all listings in 1997. [[Ty (company)|Ty]], the manufacturer, had set up a website whereby people could trade used Beanie Babies. However, it was overwhelmed with unsortable listings. With a user-friendly interface, eBay became popular with collectors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lessons from the Great Beanie Babies Crash |url=https://fortune.com/2015/03/11/beanie-babies-failure-lessons/ |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |first=Anne |last=Vandermey |date=March 11, 2015 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213003204/http://fortune.com/2015/03/11/beanie-babies-failure-lessons/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
There has also been controversy regarding items put up for bid that violate ethical standards. In late [[1999]] a man offered one of his [[kidney]]s for auction on eBay, attempting to profit from the potentially lucrative (and, in the United States, illegal) market for [[organ transplant|transplantable human organs]]. On other occasions, people and even entire towns have been listed, often as a joke. In general, the company removes auctions that violate its terms of service agreement within a short time after hearing of the auction from an outsider; the company's policy is to not pre-approve transactions. eBay is also an easy place for unscrupulous sellers to market [[counterfeit]] merchandise, which can be difficult for novice buyers to distinguish without careful study of the auction description.
 
[[Meg Whitman]] was appointed president and [[CEO]] in March 1998. At the time, the company had 30 employees, 500,000 users, and revenues of $4.7 million in the United States.<ref name="history">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/8451898/The-history-of-eBay.html |title=The history of eBay: How the internet auctioneer rose to the top |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=April 15, 2011 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122162050/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/8451898/The-history-of-eBay.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1998, eBay acquired Jump, the developer and operator of [[Up4Sale]], an advertising-supported auction website which at the time had 27,000 separate auctions and 50,000 registered members.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-acquires-jump/ |title=eBay acquires Jump |work=[[CNET]] |date=July 16, 1998 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151905/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-acquires-jump/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
eBay's [[Latin America]]n partner is [[MercadoLibre.com|MercadoLibre]].
ebay also uses a form of payment called ''pay-pal'', wich is known for closeing acounts that thay dont approve of and taking the money.
 
[[File:EBay former logo.svg|right|thumb|Former eBay logo (1999–2012)]]
== Profit and transactions ==
In September 1998, during the [[dot-com bubble]], eBay became a [[public company]] via an [[initial public offering]] led by CFO [[Gary F. Bengier]], opening on [[NASDAQ]] under the stock ticker EBAY.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB905983883227629000 |title=On-Line Auctions Help Keep eBay's IPO Outlook Strong |first=George |last=Anders |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=September 17, 1998 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209001552/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB905983883227629000 |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon the initial public offering, which was priced at $18 per share and closed for trading on its first day at $53 per share, both Omidyar and Skoll became billionaires.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-roars-into-public-trading/ |title=eBay roars into public trading |first=Dawn |last=Kawamoto |work=[[CNET]] |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110091731/http://news.cnet.com/eBay-roars-into-public-trading/2100-1001_3-215908.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In the risk factors section of the [[annual report]] filed with the [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] in 1998, Omidyar noted eBay's dependence on the continued strength of the Beanie Babies market.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2004-12-05/pierre-m-dot-omidyar-the-web-for-the-people |title=Pierre M. Omidyar: The Web For The People |work=[[Bloomberg BusinessWeek]] |date=December 5, 2004 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827205957/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2004-12-05/pierre-m-dot-omidyar-the-web-for-the-people |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
===2000s===
[[Image:Ebayscreenshot.JPG|thumb|250px|A screenshot of eBay's Homepage.]]
In June 2000, eBay acquired [[Half.com]] for $312 million in stock.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/14/business/company-news-ebay-to-acquire-halfcom-a-trading-site-for-used-items.html |title=Company News; eBay to Acquire Half.com, a Trading Site for Used Items |agency=[[Bloomberg News]] |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 14, 2000 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103724/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/14/business/company-news-ebay-to-acquire-halfcom-a-trading-site-for-used-items.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-buys-halfcom |title=EBay acquires Half.com |first=Tim |last=Eaton |work=[[MarketWatch]] |date=June 13, 2000 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208113411/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-buys-halfcom |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, eBay partnered with [[Escrow.com]] to handle [[escrow]] for purchases and sales of motor vehicles, later expanded to other transaction types.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-brings-escrow-aboard/ |title=eBay brings escrow aboard |work=[[CNET]] |date=May 2, 2002 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208061554/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-brings-escrow-aboard/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By year-end, it had 22.5 million registered users and 79.4 million auctions per quarter.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/19/business/ebay-s-4th-quarter-earnings-exceed-analysts-predictions.html |title=EBay's 4th-Quarter Earnings Exceed Analysts' Predictions |first=John |last=Schwartz |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 19, 2001 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209034611/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/19/business/ebay-s-4th-quarter-earnings-exceed-analysts-predictions.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In January 2001, eBay acquired a majority stake in Internet Auction Co. Ltd, operator of the largest [[internet auction]] website in South Korea.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/ebay-gets-koreas-largest-auction-site/ |title=eBay gets Korea's largest auction site |work=[[ZDNet]] |date=January 7, 2001 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103724/https://www.zdnet.com/article/ebay-gets-koreas-largest-auction-site/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2002, eBay acquired iBazar, a French [[online auction]] site founded in 1998, for approximately $112 million in stock.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-says-oui-to-purchase-of-french-auction-site/ |title=eBay says "oui" to purchase of French auction site |work=[[CNET]] |date=January 12, 2002 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208092624/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-says-oui-to-purchase-of-french-auction-site/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="history" /> eBay entered the Chinese market in 2002 and shut down its Chinese site in 2007 due to competition from local rival [[Taobao]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/52670084-6c2c-11e1-b00f-00144feab49a |title=How Taobao bested Ebay in China |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=March 12, 2012 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/52670084-6c2c-11e1-b00f-00144feab49a.html |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-12-19/tom-online-ebays-last-china-cardbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |title=Tom Online: eBay's Last China Card |first=Frederik |last=Balfour |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=December 19, 2006 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810231406/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-12-19/tom-online-ebays-last-china-cardbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |url-status=live }}</ref>
eBay generates revenue from sellers, who pay a [http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/fees.html fee] based on the selling price of each item, a fee based on the starting price, and from [[advertising]]. In February 2005 it was announced that eBay would increase fees it charges to [http://stores.ebay.com eBay Stores] sellers, which caused considerable enough controversy among eBay users that the President of eBay's North America business recently emailed all eBay users with news that other fees would be decreased. eBay does not handle the goods, nor does it transact the buyer-seller payments, except through its subsidiary [[PayPal]]. Instead, much like [[newspaper]] want-ads, sellers rely on the buyers' good faith to make payment, and buyers rely on the sellers' good faith to actually deliver the goods intact. To encourage fidelity, eBay maintains, rates, and publicly displays the post-transaction feedback from all users, whether they buy or sell. This way, the buyer is encouraged to examine the sellers' feedback profile before bidding to rate their trustworthiness. Sellers with high ratings generally have more bids and garner higher bids. However, it is possible for sellers to make their feedback private and just leave the numbered rating (number of positive, negative and neutral feedback with a positive feedback percentage), which means that bidders and sellers cannot see the comments other users have left. eBay also has a significant affiliate program, and eBay affiliates can, for example, place live eBay product images and links on their web sites.
 
In February 2002, eBay exited Japan due to competition from [[Yahoo! Japan]] and began operations in Taiwan with the acquisition of NeoCom Technology for $9.5 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/27/business/technology-briefing-internet-ebay-exits-japan-for-taiwan.html |title=Internet: Ebay Exits Japan For Taiwan |first=Chris |last=Gaither |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 27, 2002 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208072259/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/27/business/technology-briefing-internet-ebay-exits-japan-for-taiwan.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2002/03/01/0228ebay.html |title=EBay Collects Taiwan Site |work=[[Forbes]] |date=March 1, 2002 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208070804/https://www.forbes.com/2002/03/01/0228ebay.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2006, eBay turned over its operations in Taiwan to a joint venture partner.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2656030/ebay-retreats-from-taiwan.html |title=EBay retreats from Taiwan |first=Dan |last=Nystedt |work=[[InfoWorld]] |date=June 26, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208092622/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2656030/ebay-retreats-from-taiwan.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Acquisitions ==
 
[[File:PayPal San Jose Headquarters.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|PayPal San Jose Headquarters]]
*In [[May]], [[1999]], eBay acquired the online payment service [[Billpoint]], which it shut down after acquiring [[Paypal]].
eBay acquired [[PayPal]] on October 3, 2002 for $1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/its-official-ebay-weds-paypal/ |title=It's Official: eBay Wed PayPal |work=[[CNET]] |date=October 3, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612164750/https://www.cnet.com/news/its-official-ebay-weds-paypal/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2579106/ebay-completes-paypal-acquisition.html |title=EBay completes PayPal acquisition |first=Joris |last=Evers |work=[[Computerworld]] |date=October 4, 2002 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207212520/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2579106/ebay-completes-paypal-acquisition.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1033689729137345113 |title=EBay Completes PayPal Deal, Gaining Web-Payments Heft |first=Nick |last=Wingfield |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=October 4, 2002 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211934/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1033689729137345113 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/blog/2012/10/paypal-lays-off-325-in-effort-to-speed.html |first=Diana |last=Samuels |date=October 29, 2012 |title=PayPal lays off 325 in effort to speed innovation |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |archive-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910230723/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/blog/2012/10/paypal-lays-off-325-in-effort-to-speed.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It phased out its [[Billpoint]] payment service in January 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-12-16 |title=eBay phasing out Billpoint |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/ebay-phasing-out-billpoint/article25698243/ |access-date=2024-07-20 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref>
 
On May 28, 2003, in the case of ''[[eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C.]]'', which had implications for the treatment of [[business method patent]]s, a [[United States district court]] jury found eBay guilty of willful patent infringement and ordered the company to pay $35 million in damages after [[MercExchange]] accused eBay of infringing on three patents, one of which is used in eBay's "Buy It Now" feature. The decision was appealed to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit]] (CAFC). The CAFC affirmed the judgment of willful infringement, and reversed the lower court and granted a permanent [[injunction]]. eBay appealed the permanent injunction to the [[Supreme Court of the United States]], which on May 15, 2006 found an injunction is not required nor automatic in this or any patent case where guilt has been established. The case was sent back to the Virginia district court for consideration of the injunction and a trial on another MercExchange patent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/05pdf/05-130.pdf |title=eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C. |publisher=[[Supreme Court of the United States]] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116192007/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/05pdf/05-130.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
*In [[1999]], eBay acquired the auction house [[Butterfield and Butterfield]], which it sold in [[2002]].
*In [[June]], [[2000]], eBay acquired [[Half.com]].
 
In 2003, eBay sought to develop its [[E-commerce in China|e-commerce business in China]], acquiring the country's leading online auction platform (EachNet) and reaching an 85% market share.<ref name=":Liu">{{Cite book |last=Liu |first=Lizhi |title=From Click to Boom: The Political Economy of E-Commerce in China |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |year=2024 |isbn=9780691254104}}</ref>{{Rp|page=51}} Within four years, the development of Alibaba's [[Taobao]] resulted in eBay's market share in China decreasing to 7.7%.<ref name=":Liu" />{{Rp|pages=51-52}}
*In [[August]], [[2001]], eBay acquired [[Mercado Libre]], [[Lokau]] and [[iBazar]], [[Latin America]]s auction sites.
 
In August 2004, eBay acquired 25% of the [[classified advertising]] website [[Craigslist]] for $32 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/14/business/ebay-buys-25-stake-in-craigslist-an-online-bulletin-board.html |title=EBay Buys 25% Stake in Craigslist, an Online Bulletin Board |first=Matt |last=Richtel |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 14, 2004 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207214100/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/14/business/ebay-buys-25-stake-in-craigslist-an-online-bulletin-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-buys-into-craigslist/ |title=eBay buys into Craigslist |work=[[CNET]] |date=August 16, 2004 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204544/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-buys-into-craigslist/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Former disgruntled Craigslist executive Phillip Knowlton was the seller.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/EBay-buys-25-stake-in-Craigslist-Ex-employee-2701651.php |title=EBay buys 25% stake in Craigslist / Ex-employee sells equity to online auctioneer, but founder says deal won't change site |first=Carolyn |last=Said |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=August 14, 2004 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205258/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/EBay-buys-25-stake-in-Craigslist-Ex-employee-2701651.php |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2004, eBay acquired Rent.com for $415 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2567341/brief--ebay-snaps-up-rent-com-for--415m.html |title=Brief: eBay snaps up Rent.com for $415M |first=James |last=Niccolai |work=[[Computerworld]] |date=December 17, 2004 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208113408/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2567341/brief--ebay-snaps-up-rent-com-for--415m.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*In [[July]], [[2002]], eBay acquired [[PayPal]], for $1.5 billion in stock.
 
In March 2005, eBay launched [[Kijiji]], a [[classified advertising]] website, in international markets.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds |title=EBay launches Kijiji classifieds |work=[[MarketWatch]] |date=March 9, 2005 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204047/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds |url-status=live }}</ref> It launched in the United States in July 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2007/07/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s/ |title=eBay launches Kijiji classifieds in US |first=TODD |last=HASELTON |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=July 5, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213049/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2007/07/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2663606/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s-.html |title=eBay launches Kijiji classifieds in U.S. |first=Steven |last=Schwankert |work=[[InfoWorld]] |date=July 5, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211530/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2663606/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s-.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/07/ebay-launches-k/ |title=EBay Launches Kijiji In The United States |first=ADARIO |last=STRANGE |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=July 5, 2007 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207220057/https://www.wired.com/2007/07/ebay-launches-k/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2005, eBay acquired [[Gumtree]], a [[classified advertising]] website in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/may/19/business.newmedia |title=eBay buys London ads website Gumtree |first=Stephen |last=Brook |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=May 19, 2005 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325113312/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/may/19/business.newmedia |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2005, eBay Inc. acquired [[Skype Technologies]] for $2.6 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/13/technology/ebay-to-buy-skype-internet-phone-service-for-26-billion.html |title=EBay to Buy Skype, Internet Phone Service, for $2.6 Billion |first=Ken |last=Belson |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 13, 2005 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114040721/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/13/technology/ebay-to-buy-skype-internet-phone-service-for-26-billion.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112651960619337861 |title=EBay to Buy Skype for $2.6 Billion |first1=Mylene |last1=Mangalindan |first2=Christopher |last2=Rhoads |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=September 13, 2005 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215659/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112651960619337861 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/ebay-buys-skype-in-us2-6-billion-deal/ |title=eBay buys Skype in US$2.6 billion deal |work=[[ZDNet]] |date=September 12, 2005 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210748/https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/ebay-buys-skype-in-us2-6-billion-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On [[July 11]], [[2003]] eBay Inc. acquired [[EachNet]], a leading ecommerce company in China, paying approximately $150 million in cash.
 
<span class="anchor" id="ProStores">ProStores</span> was an e-commerce website hosting company owned by eBay. Formerly known as [[Kurant]] StoreSense, ProStores was acquired by eBay Inc. by the end of 2005 changing the name to ProStores by eBay.<ref name="RussellPeragine2010">{{cite book| first1=Cheryl Lynn |last1=Russell |first2=John N. |last2=Peragine |title=EBay Income: How Anyone of Any Age, Location, And/or Background Can Build a Highly Profitable Online Business with EBay |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Zwl66YpFAIwC&pg=PA25| year= 2010| publisher = Atlantic Publishing Company| isbn= 978-1-60138-441-6| pages= 25–| quote= Looking for a new ... Another company eBay has acquired and put to work servicing its own users is Kurant, a leading-edge company that specializes in software for e-commerce on small business Web sites. eBay used its products to create a new service for sellers that debuted in summer of 2005: ProStores. This extra-fee service ...}}</ref> ProStores' feature set included simple wizard-driven website, e-commerce capabilities, site design tools and e-business management. Smaller merchants could also manage the entire process of posting and selling products on eBay using the ProStores interface. It also offered inventory management, supplier communication and integration with [[Quickbooks]] and [[Dreamweaver]]. eBay announced on July 1, 2014 that support for the platform would end February 1, 2015.<ref name="szpXh">{{cite web |url=http://info.magento.com/rs/magentocommerce/images/partner-guide-go-prostores.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-07-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712033935/http://info.magento.com/rs/magentocommerce/images/partner-guide-go-prostores.pdf |archivedate=2014-07-12 }}</ref> In February 2006, [[Intuit]] launched a web-based version of ItsDeductible, a donation tracking service, using data from eBay to help users assign a [[market value]] to the items they donate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nymag.com/shopping/bestbets/thursday/15867/ |title=Tax Break |first=S. |last=Dumenco |work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |date=February 8, 2006 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210749/https://nymag.com/shopping/bestbets/thursday/15867/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On [[June 22]], [[2004]], eBay acquired all outstanding shares of [[Baazee.com]], an [[India]]n auction site for approximately US $50 million in cash, plus acquisition costs.
 
[[File:Ebay express.png|thumb|eBay Express logo]]
*On [[August 13]], [[2004]], eBay took a 25% stake in [[craigslist]].org by buying out an existing shareholder who was once a craigslist employee.
In April 2006, eBay launched eBay Express, a site that was designed to work like a standard Internet shopping site, with fixed prices and no bidding involved. The website had 10 million items listed upon its launch.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/ebay-launches-online-store-20060424-gdnfb8.html |title=eBay launches online store |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=April 24, 2006 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207232742/https://www.smh.com.au/national/ebay-launches-online-store-20060424-gdnfb8.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10913773 |title=EBay plans instant-buying service |work=[[NBC News]] |date=January 18, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207223303/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10913773 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/04/25/whitman-ebay-express-cx_cn_0425autofacescan08.html |title=Whitman's eBay Launches 'Express' Service |work=[[Forbes]] |date=April 25, 2006 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210751/https://www.forbes.com/2006/04/25/whitman-ebay-express-cx_cn_0425autofacescan08.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/ebay-launches-online-store-for-new-no-bidding-1201848.php |title=EBay launches online store for new, no-bidding items |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |date=April 24, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207232742/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/ebay-launches-online-store-for-new-no-bidding-1201848.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The site was shut down in October 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/business/12giants.html |title=Amid the Gloom, an E-Commerce War |last=Stone |first=Brad |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 11, 2008 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014062432/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/business/12giants.html |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2007, eBay acquired [[StubHub]], an [[online marketplace]] for [[ticket resale]], for $310 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ebay-buys-stubhub-ticket-broker-for-310m/ |title=eBay Buys StubHub Ticket Broker For $310M |work=[[CBS News]] |date=January 11, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119203403/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ebay-buys-stubhub-ticket-broker-for-310m/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-01/11/content_781145.htm |title=EBay buying StubHub for $310M in cash |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[China Daily]] |date=January 11, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207213959/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-01/11/content_781145.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2007/01/11/Finance/Thats-The-Ticket-Ebay-To-Acquire-Stubhub-For-$310M.aspx |title=That's The Ticket: eBay To Acquire StubHub For $310M |work=[[Advance Publications]] |date=January 11, 2007 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204928/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2007/01/11/Finance/Thats-The-Ticket-Ebay-To-Acquire-Stubhub-For-$310M.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/01/08/daily34.html |title=EBay to buy StubHub for $310M |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |date=January 11, 2007 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226065017/https://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/01/08/daily34.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2008, [[Meg Whitman]] resigned as president and CEO of eBay to enter politics, and was replaced with [[John Donahoe]]. Whitman remained on the board of directors and continued to advise Donahoe through 2008.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldman |first=David |title=eBay's Whitman out; guidance hurts |url=https://money.cnn.com/2008/01/23/technology/ebay_earnings/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413070709/https://money.cnn.com/2008/01/23/technology/ebay_earnings/index.htm |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref>
 
In April 2008, eBay sued Craigslist, claiming that in January 2008, Craigslist took actions that "unfairly diluted eBay's economic interest by more than 10%", making eBay lose its seat on the [[board of directors]] of Craigslist.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7362221.stm |title=EBay sues Craigslist ad website |work=[[BBC News]] |date=April 23, 2008 |archive-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812172840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7362221.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Craigslist countersued in May 2008 alleging that eBay used its board seat to gain insider information about Craigslist that was used to compete against the company.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7399720.stm |title=Craigslist strikes back at eBay |work=[[BBC News]] |date=May 13, 2008 |archive-date=September 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916224915/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7399720.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2010, Delaware Judge [[William B. Chandler III]] ruled that the actions of Craigslist were unlawful and that the actions taken by Craigslist founders [[Jim Buckmaster]] and [[Craig Newmark]] had "breached their fiduciary duty of loyalty", and restored eBay's stake in the company to 28.4% from a diluted level of 24.85%.<ref name=ruling/> However, the judge dismissed eBay's objection to a staggered board provision, citing that Craigslist has the right to protect its own trade secrets.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/2010-09-10-ebay-craigslist-poison-pill-lawsuit.html |title=eBay Gets Partial Win in Craigslist Poison Pill Lawsuit |first=Dawn |last=Kawamoto |work=[[AOL]] |via=[[Yahoo! Finance]] |date=September 10, 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207212228/https://news.yahoo.com/2010-09-10-ebay-craigslist-poison-pill-lawsuit.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestreet.com/technology/ruling-restores-ebays-stake-in-craigslist-10857157 |title=Ruling Restores Ebay's Stake in Craigslist |first=Michael |last=Baron |work=[[TheStreet.com]] |date=September 9, 2010 |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912125040/http://www.thestreet.com/story/10857157/1/ruling-restores-ebays-stake-in-craigslist.html?cm_ven%3DGOOGLEFI |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ruling>{{cite news |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-wins-legal-ruling-against-craigslist-2010-09-09-184200 |title=EBay wins legal ruling against Craigslist |first=John |last=Letzing |work=[[MarketWatch]] |date=September 9, 2010 |url-access=limited |archive-date=September 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913041529/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-wins-legal-ruling-against-craigslist-2010-09-09-184200 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*In [[September]] [[2004]], eBay moved forward on its acquisition of [[Korea]]n rival [[Internet Auction Co.]] (IAC), buying nearly 3 million shares of the Korean online trading company for 125,000 Korean won (about US$109) per share.
 
In May 2008, eBay announced the opening of a building on the company's North Campus in [[San Jose, California]], the first ground-up structure in the city to be built to [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] Gold standards. The building, the first the company had built in its 13-year existence, uses an array of 3,248 solar panels, spanning {{convert|60000|sqft|m2}}, and providing 650 kilo[[watt]]s of power, 15–18% of the company's total energy requirements, reducing carbon dioxide usage by 37 million pounds over 30 years. The building also has energy-efficient lighting and water system and most waste is recycled.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/05/07/ebay-opens-building-with-largest-solar-roof-in-san-jose/ |title=EBay opens building with largest solar roof in San Jose |work=[[The Mercury News]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128165432/http://origin.mercurynews.com/healthandscience/ci_9191170?nclick_check=1 |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*On [[December 16]] [[2004]], eBay acquired rent.com for $30 million in cash and $385 million in ebay stock.
 
In April 2009, eBay agreed to acquire a controlling stake in [[G-Market]], a South Korean online retailer, for $413 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-gmarket/ebay-buys-korean-rivals-stake-for-413-mln-report-idINSEO37043120090413/ |title=EBay buys Korean rival's stake for $413 mln-report |first=Rhee |last=So-eui |work=[[Reuters]] |date=April 12, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103725/https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-gmarket/ebay-buys-korean-rivals-stake-for-413-mln-report-idINSEO37043120090413/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1bff4c3a-2a45-11de-8415-00144feabdc0 |title=Ebay to take over Korean auction website |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=April 16, 2009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208113410/https://www.ft.com/content/1bff4c3a-2a45-11de-8415-00144feabdc0 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2009, eBay launched the Selling Manager Applications program (SM Apps). The program allows approved developers to integrate their applications directly into the eBay.com interface.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ebay-launches-selling-man_n_181768 |title=Ebay Launches Selling Manager Applications Beta |work=[[HuffPost]] |date=May 2, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208072301/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ebay-launches-selling-man_n_181768 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*In [[May]] [[2005]], eBay acquired [[Gumtree]], a network of UK local city classifieds sites.
 
In November 2009, eBay sold a 70% stake in Skype to a consortium led by [[Silver Lake Partners]] and [[Marc Andreessen]] at a $2.75 billion valuation, while retaining a 30% minority ownership interest in Skype, after failing to integrate Skype into the company's online marketplace.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2009/09/andreessen-among-buyers-of-skype-new-york-times/ |title=Ebay Sells 65% of Skype For $1.9 Billion; Andreessen Among Investors |first=JOHN C. |last=ABELL |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=September 1, 2009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208014818/https://www.wired.com/2009/09/andreessen-among-buyers-of-skype-new-york-times/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/19/ebay-skype-sale/ |title=Breaking: eBay Completes Skype Sale At $2.75 Billion Valuation |last=Wauters |first=Robin |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=November 19, 2009 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026051603/https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/19/ebay-skype-sale/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2009/09/why-did-ebay-sell-skype/24337/ |title=Why Did eBay Sell Skype? |first=Derek |last=Thompson |work=[[The Atlantic]] |date=September 1, 2009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233344/https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2009/09/why-did-ebay-sell-skype/24337/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Microsoft]] acquired the entire company for $8.5 billion in May 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/05/microsoft-buys-skype-2/ |title=Microsoft Buy Skype for $8.5 Billion. Why, Exactly? |first=Peter |last=Bright |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=May 10, 2011 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118214757/https://www.wired.com/2011/05/microsoft-buys-skype-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*In [[June]] [[2005]], eBay acquired [[Shopping.com]], a online comparison site for $635 Million USD.
 
===2010s===
*In [[August]] [[2005]], eBay bought [[Skype]], a [[VoIP]] company, for $2.6 billion in stock and cash.
In June 2011, eBay acquired GSI Commerce for $2.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/06/20/ebay-closes-2-4-billion-acquisition-of-gsi-commerce/ |title=eBay Closes $2.4 Billion Acquisition of GSI Commerce |last=Rao |first=Leena |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818190731/https://techcrunch.com/2011/06/20/ebay-closes-2-4-billion-acquisition-of-gsi-commerce/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2013, it was renamed [[eBay Enterprise]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/two-years-after-the-acquisition-ebay-rebrands-gsi-commerce-as-ebay-enterprise |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |title=Two years after the acquisition, eBay rebrands GSI Commerce as eBay Enterprise |work=[[The Next Web]] |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208043343/https://thenextweb.com/news/two-years-after-the-acquisition-ebay-rebrands-gsi-commerce-as-ebay-enterprise |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2012, Primedia (now [[Rent Group]]), acquired [[Rent.com]] from eBay for approximately $415 million.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120322006615/en/PRIMEDIA-Acquire-Rent.com-eBay |title=PRIMEDIA to Acquire Rent.com from eBay Inc. |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107233707/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120322006615/en/PRIMEDIA-Acquire-Rent.com-eBay |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/22/ebay-sells-off-real-estate-listings-site-rent-com-to-primedia/ |title=eBay Sells Off Real Estate Listings Site Rent.com To Primedia |first=Leena |last=Rao |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206155835/https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/22/ebay-sells-off-real-estate-listings-site-rent-com-to-primedia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2012, eBay introduced a new logo using a thinner variation of the [[Univers]] typeface. It replaced the thicker Univers logo.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/13/3326716/ebay-logo-redesign |title=eBay redesigns its logo after a decade and a half of overlapping colors |first=Vlad |last=Savov |work=[[The Verge]] |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233344/https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/13/3326716/ebay-logo-redesign |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-sep-14-la-fi-tn-ebay-logo-20120914-story.html |title=Ebay reveals its first new logo since 1995 |first=SALVADOR |last=RODRIGUEZ |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=September 14, 2012 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224142/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-sep-14-la-fi-tn-ebay-logo-20120914-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/13/after-17-years-ebay-debuts-a-new-sleeker-logo/ |title=After 17 Years, eBay Debuts A New, Sleeker Logo |first=Leena |last=Rao |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207191215/https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/13/after-17-years-ebay-debuts-a-new-sleeker-logo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In October 2012, eBay launched an international shipping partnership with [[Pitney Bowes]] whereby a seller of an item to be shipped internationally can send the item to a Pitney Bowes facility in their home country, which then forwards it to the international buyer, taking care of all international shipping requirements.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005345/en/Pitney-Bowes-and-eBay-Renew-Partnership-to-Help-Millions-of-eBay-Sellers-Reach-Buyers-Internationally |title=Pitney Bowes and eBay Renew Partnership to Help Millions of eBay Sellers Reach Buyers Internationally |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |date=May 1, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005345/en/Pitney-Bowes-and-eBay-Renew-Partnership-to-Help-Millions-of-eBay-Sellers-Reach-Buyers-Internationally |url-status=live }}</ref> The company also launched a partnership with [[FedEx]] to offer discounted shipping options to sellers.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-10-23/ebay-joins-with-fedex-on-shipping-to-compete-with-amazon |title=EBay Teams Up With FedEx on Shipping to Compete With Amazon |first=Danielle |last=Kucera |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=October 23, 2012 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505172441/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-10-23/ebay-joins-with-fedex-on-shipping-to-compete-with-amazon |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Controversy==
 
In November 2012, eBay was charged in the [[High-Tech Employee Antitrust Litigation]], accused by the [[United States Department of Justice]] of entering into non-solicitation agreements with other technology companies involving highly skilled employees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/billsinger/2012/11/19/after-apple-google-adobe-pixar-google-and-intuit-antitrust-employment-charges-hit-ebay/ |title=After Apple, Google, Adobe, Intel, Pixar, and Intuit, Antitrust Employment Charges Hit eBay |first=Bill |last=Singer |work=[[Forbes]] |date=November 19, 2012 |url-access=limited |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730221427/https://www.forbes.com/sites/billsinger/2012/11/19/after-apple-google-adobe-pixar-google-and-intuit-antitrust-employment-charges-hit-ebay/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The litigation was settled in May 2014, with eBay required to end anti-competitive practices.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-ebay-end-anticompetitive-no-poach-hiring-agreements |title=Justice Department Requires eBay to End Anticompetitive "No Poach" Hiring Agreements |publisher=[[United States Department of Justice]] |date=May 1, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210753/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-ebay-end-anticompetitive-no-poach-hiring-agreements |url-status=live }}</ref>
eBay has its share of controversy, ranging from its [[Data privacy|privacy]] policy (eBay typically turns over user information to law enforcement without a [[subpoena]]) to well-publicized seller [[fraud]]. eBay claims that statistically fewer than 1 in 200 transactions fail.
 
On September 30, 2014, eBay announced it would spin off PayPal into a separate publicly traded company, a demand made nine months prior by activist hedge fund magnate [[Carl Icahn]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestreet.com/story/13222445/1/paypal-spinoff-day-is-here--what-does-it-mean-for-investors.html |title=PayPal Spinoff Day Has Arrived -- What Does It Mean for Investors? |last=Borison |first=Rebecca |date=July 20, 2015 |work=[[TheStreet.com]] |archive-date=October 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024194955/https://www.thestreet.com/story/13222445/1/paypal-spinoff-day-is-here--what-does-it-mean-for-investors.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/64212/20150629/ebay-and-paypal-formally-splits-on-july-20.htm |title=EBay And PayPal Formally Split On July 20 |website=techtimes.com |date=June 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702074414/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/64212/20150629/ebay-and-paypal-formally-splits-on-july-20.htm |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The spinoff was completed on July 18, 2015. eBay's then-chief executive, John Donahoe, stepped down as CEO following the .<ref>{{cite news |last1=De La Merced |first1=Michael |last2=Sorkin |first2=Andrew Ross |authorlink2=Andrew Ross Sorkin |title=EBay to Spin Off PayPal, Adopting Strategy Backed by Icahn |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/09/30/ebay-to-spin-off-paypal-adopting-strategy-backed-by-icahn/ |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 30, 2014 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114204227/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/09/30/ebay-to-spin-off-paypal-adopting-strategy-backed-by-icahn/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=EBay follows Icahn's advice, plans PayPal spinoff in 2015 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-divestiture-idUSKCN0HP13D20140930/ |first1=Deepa |last1=Seetharaman |first2=Supantha |last2=Mukherjee |work=[[Reuters]] |date=September 30, 2014 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102221610/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-divestiture-idUSKCN0HP13D20140930 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ebay-to-split-paypal-into-separate-company-in-2015/ |last=Cheng |first=Roger |title=eBay, PayPal to split into separate companies in 2015 |work=[[CNET]] |date=September 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612164755/https://www.cnet.com/news/ebay-to-split-paypal-into-separate-company-in-2015/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Seller Fraud===
 
In January 2015, eBay acquired Vivanuncios, a [[classified advertising]] website in Mexico.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-classifieds-expands-mexico-acquires-vivanuncios/ |title=eBay Classifieds Expands in Mexico, Acquires Vivanuncios |publisher=eBay |date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208150720/https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-classifieds-expands-mexico-acquires-vivanuncios/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2015, eBay sold its stake in Craigslist back to the company, ending the litigation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2015/06/19/ebay-ends-ties-with-craigslist-sells-minority-stake-back-to-craigslist/ |title=EBay Ends Ties With Craigslist, Sells Minority Stake Back To Craigslist |first=Ryan |last=Mac |work=[[Forbes]] |date=June 19, 2015 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207232131/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2015/06/19/ebay-ends-ties-with-craigslist-sells-minority-stake-back-to-craigslist/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.inc.com/associated-press/ebay-sells-stake-back-to-craigslist.html |title=EBay Sells Stake Back to Craigslist |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.]] |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205258/https://www.inc.com/associated-press/ebay-sells-stake-back-to-craigslist.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://fortune.com/2015/06/19/ebay-craigslist-stake-buy/ |title=eBay sells a coveted prize back to Craigslist, ending long legal tussle |first=LEENA |last=RAO |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180528/https://fortune.com/2015/06/19/ebay-craigslist-stake-buy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-sells-craigslist-stake-back-to-craigslist-1434730678 |title=EBay Divests Craigslist Stake, Ends Litigation |first=Greg |last=Bensinger |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=June 19, 2015 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620022758/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-sells-craigslist-stake-back-to-craigslist-1434730678 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2015, eBay sold a portion of its stake in [[Snapdeal]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vox.com/2015/8/18/11617770/ebay-sells-part-of-its-stake-in-snapdeal-the-alibaba-of-india |title=eBay Sells Part of Its Stake in Snapdeal, the Alibaba of India |first=Jason |last=Del Rey |work=[[Vox.com]] |date=August 18, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180640/https://www.vox.com/2015/8/18/11617770/ebay-sells-part-of-its-stake-in-snapdeal-the-alibaba-of-india |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-foxconn-snapdeal-idUKL3N10T3LK20150818/ |title=eBay cuts stake in India's Snapdeal; Foxconn unit invests $200 mln |first1=Nivedita |last1=Bhattacharjee |first2=J.R. |last2=Wu |work=[[Reuters]] |date=August 18, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210953/https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-foxconn-snapdeal-idUKL3N10T3LK20150818/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2015, Propay and [[Skrill]] were eliminated as payment methods on the eBay website, citing low usage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/update-ebay-bans-paypal-payment-rivals/404915/ |title=UPDATE: eBay bans PayPal payment rivals |first=Daphne |last=Howland |work=[[Industry Dive]] |date=September 1, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224142/https://www.retaildive.com/news/update-ebay-bans-paypal-payment-rivals/404915/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
While eBay has various measures in place to prevent seller fraud, it remains essentially an honor system: buyers send their money to sellers and trust that they will receive the promised goods. A relatively small amount of fraud occurs, but the sheer volume of business passing through eBay means many people are affected. Fraud has included:
 
[[Flipkart]] and eBay entered into a strategic partnership in July 2017 under which eBay acquired a 5.44% stake in Flipkart in exchange for the contribution of its India business unit valued at $211 million and a $514 million cash investment in Flipkart. Flipkart launched a program to allow its sellers to sell to customers globally in partnership with eBay. eBay reported a gain of $167 million on the sale of its India operations.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/RjjyJUShEtiZ2DjgzUBczM/Flipkart-to-buy-eBay-India-as-part-of-14-billion-fundrais.html |title=Flipkart to buy eBay India as part of $1.4 billion fund-raising deal |last1=Dalal |first1=Mihir |first2=Anirban |last2=Sen |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=April 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163616/https://www.livemint.com/Companies/RjjyJUShEtiZ2DjgzUBczM/Flipkart-to-buy-eBay-India-as-part-of-14-billion-fundrais.html |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/10/flipkart-1-4-billion/ |title=Flipkart raises $1.4 billion from eBay, Microsoft and Tencent at an $11.6 billion valuation |last=Russell |first=Jon |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=April 10, 2017 |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908185910/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/10/flipkart-1-4-billion/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first1=Mugdha |last1=Variyar|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/flipkarts-products-now-available-to-global-customers/articleshow/60156163.cms |title=Flipkart's products now available to global customers |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=August 21, 2017 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210753/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/flipkarts-products-now-available-to-global-customers/articleshow/60156163.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/ebay-secures-5-4-stake-in-flipkart/articleshow/61214571.cms |title=eBay secures 5.4% stake in Flipkart |first=Varsha |last=Bansal |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=October 25, 2017 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215700/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/ebay-secures-5-4-stake-in-flipkart/articleshow/61214571.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2018, eBay sold its stake in Flipkart to [[Walmart]] and relaunched its operations in India.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/eBay-to-relaunch-India-operations-after-earning-1.1-billion-from-Flipkart-stake |title=eBay to relaunch India operations after earning $1.1 billion from Flipkart stake |work=[[The Nikkei]] |date=May 10, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215702/https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/eBay-to-relaunch-India-operations-after-earning-1.1-billion-from-Flipkart-stake |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2017, eBay shut [[Half.com]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://wrrv.com/half-com-shutting-down-where-to-buy-used-cds-dvds-books/ |title=Half.com Shutting Down, Where to Buy Used CD's, DVD's & Books? |author=Brandi |work=[[WRRV]] |date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103726/https://wrrv.com/half-com-shutting-down-where-to-buy-used-cds-dvds-books/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2017, eBay released [[image retrieval]] capability allowing users to find listings on the site that match an item depicted in a photo, using [[artificial intelligence]] and [[machine learning]] technologies.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/26/ebay-launches-visual-search-tools-that-let-you-shop-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |title=eBay launches visual search tools that let you shop using photos from your phone or web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=October 26, 2017 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233351/https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/26/ebay-launches-visual-search-tools-that-let-you-shop-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/26/ebay-to-launch-visual-search-tools-for-finding-products-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |title=Ebay to launch visual search tools for finding products using photos from your phone or web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=July 26, 2017 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817195326/https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/26/ebay-to-launch-visual-search-tools-for-finding-products-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Paying and not receiving merchandise
* Paying and receiving items other than those described
* Paying and receiving faulty merchandise
* [[PayPal]] fraud
* [[Credit card]] fraud
* [[Counterfeit]] merchandise
* Sale of stolen goods
 
On January 31, 2018, eBay announced that it would replace PayPal as its primary payments provider with Netherlands-based start-up [[Adyen]], resulting in lower costs and more control of merchants.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/01/why-ebay-abandoned-paypal-for-a-smaller-european-competitor.html |title=Why eBay abandoned PayPal for a smaller European competitor |last=Browne |first=Ryan |work=[[CNBC]] |date=February 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109022838/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/01/why-ebay-abandoned-paypal-for-a-smaller-european-competitor.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, eBay acquired the Japanese e-commerce platform [[Qoo10]] for $573 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/20/ebay-qoo10/ |title=EBay paid $573M to buy Japanese e-commerce platform Qoo10, filing reveals |first1=Ingrid |last1=Lunden |first2=Jon |last2=Russell |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=July 20, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817200935/https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/20/ebay-qoo10/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-completes-acquisition-of-giosis-japan-business/ |title=eBay Completes Acquisition of Giosis' Japan Business |website=ebayinc.com |date=May 2, 2018 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927180932/https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-completes-acquisition-of-giosis-japan-business/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2018, eBay announced support for [[Apple Pay]] as well as a partnership with [[Square (financial services)|Square]] for seller financing loans of up to $100,000.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/24/ebay-to-add-support-for-apple-pay-partners-with-square-capital-on-seller-financing/ |title=Ebay to add support for Apple Pay, partners with Square Capital on seller financing |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215659/https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/24/ebay-to-add-support-for-apple-pay-partners-with-square-capital-on-seller-financing/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-24/ebay-to-accept-apple-pay-and-offer-merchant-loans-with-square |title=EBay to Accept Apple Pay and Offer Merchant Loans With Square |first=Spencer |last=Soper |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=July 24, 2018 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130151530/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-24/ebay-to-accept-apple-pay-and-offer-merchant-loans-with-square |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2018, in response to the [[YouTube headquarters shooting]], eBay announced plans to install a security fence around the perimeter of its San Jose headquarters to protect employees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/09/21/ebay-to-install-fencing-at-san-jose-hq-to-protect-employees/ |last1=Depuy |first1=Emily |title=eBay to install fencing at San Jose HQ to protect employees |work=[[The Mercury News]] |date=September 21, 2018 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414152924/https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/09/21/ebay-to-install-fencing-at-san-jose-hq-to-protect-employees/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Other Controversies===
 
In March 2019, the company paid its first [[dividend]] following investor pressure to improve shareholder return.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Patrick |date=January 29, 2019 |title=EBay to Pay Its First-Ever Dividend |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-to-pay-its-first-ever-dividend-11548800151 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124064924/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-to-pay-its-first-ever-dividend-11548800151 |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 31, 2019, the company acquired a 5.59% stake in Paytm Mall.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!-- No byline --> |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/internet/ettech-top-5-ebay-buys-stake-in-paytm-mall-e-comm-sales-boom-despite-lower-discounts-more/articleshow/70269780.cms |title=ETTech Top 5: EBay buys stake in Paytm Mall, E-comm sales boom despite lower discounts & more |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |date=July 18, 2019 |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811014419/https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/ettech-top-5-ebay-buys-stake-in-paytm-mall-e-comm-sales-boom-despite-lower-discounts-more/70269780 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/ebay-logs-into-paytm-mall-with-5-5-stake-eyes-pie-of-online-retail-1563420493902.html |title=eBay logs into Paytm Mall with 5.5% stake, eyes pie of online retail |first=Deepti |last=Chaudhary |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=July 18, 2019 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117173406/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/ebay-logs-into-paytm-mall-with-5-5-stake-eyes-pie-of-online-retail-1563420493902.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2019, facing pressure from [[activist shareholder]] [[Elliott Investment Management]], [[Devin Wenig]] resigned as CEO. [[Scott Schenkel]], senior vice president and chief financial officer since 2015, was appointed as the interim CEO.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-ceo-idINKBN1WA1S8/ |title=EBay CEO steps down, cites differences with board |first1=Amal |last1=S |first2=Vibhuti |last2=Sharma |work=[[Reuters]] |date=September 25, 2019 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211303/https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-ceo-idINKBN1WA1S8/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/25/ebay-ceo-devin-wenig-is-stepping-down-as-the-company-continues-review-of-potential-sale-of-assets.html |title=eBay CEO Devin Wenig is stepping down as the company continues review of potential sale of assets |last=Kim |first=Jasmine |work=[[CNBC]] |date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104120726/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/25/ebay-ceo-devin-wenig-is-stepping-down-as-the-company-continues-review-of-potential-sale-of-assets.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2019, eBay agreed to sell StubHub to [[Viagogo]] for $4.05 billion in cash; the sale was completed in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Ben Fox |title=eBay is selling StubHub tickets marketplace to Viagogo for $4 billion |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ebay-is-selling-stubhub-tickets-marketplace-to-viagogo-for-4-billion/ |work=[[CNET]] |date=November 25, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223131310/https://www.cnet.com/news/ebay-is-selling-stubhub-tickets-marketplace-to-viagogo-for-4-billion/ |archive-date=December 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-sale-of-stubhub-301004896.html |title=eBay Completes Sale of StubHub |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213618/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-sale-of-stubhub-301004896.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2020/05/27/worst-deal-ever/ |title=The Worst Deal Ever: The Inside Story Of The Epically Bad |first=Noah |last=Kirsch |work=[[Forbes]] |date=May 27, 2020 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213211719/https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2020/05/27/worst-deal-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Other notable controversies involving eBay include:
 
===2020s===
*On [[28 May]] [[2003]] a [[U.S. District Court]] federal [[jury]] found eBay guilty of [[patent]] infringement and ordered the company to pay US$35 million in [[damages]]. The jury found for [[plaintiff]] MercExchange, which had accused eBay in [[2001]] of infringing on three patents (two of which are used in eBay's "Buy It Now" feature for fixed-price sales) held by MercExchange founder Tom Woolston. [[As of November 2004]] this decision is under appeal.
In April 2020, [[Jamie Iannone]] became the CEO of the company.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/13/walmart-executive-jamie-iannone-picked-as-ebays-new-ceo.html |last=Repko |first=Melissa |title=Walmart executive picked as eBay's new CEO |work=[[CNBC]] |date=April 13, 2020 |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730220004/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/13/walmart-executive-jamie-iannone-picked-as-ebays-new-ceo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, [[Fred D. Anderson]] and [[Thomas J. Tierney]] resigned from the [[board of directors]] of the company; both had been directors since 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000120677420001664/ebay3755791-def14a.htm |title=Ebay Inc. Schedule 14A Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204845/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000120677420001664/ebay3755791-def14a.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, eBay sold its [[Classified advertising|classifieds]] business to Adevinta for $2.5 billion in cash and 540 million shares of Adevinta. To gain regulatory approval, [[Gumtree]] was further divested. eBay sold its shares in Adevinta in 2023, when that company was acquired by [[private equity firm]]s.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/21/ebay-to-gain-2-2b-from-sales-of-its-shares-in-classified-biz-adevinta/ |title=eBay to gain $2.2B from sales of its shares in classified biz Adevinta |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=November 21, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202113153/https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/21/ebay-to-gain-2-2b-from-sales-of-its-shares-in-classified-biz-adevinta/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-classifieds-m-a/adevinta-wins-auction-to-buy-ebays-classified-ads-unit-for-nearly-9-billion-idUKKCN24L0ID |title=Adevinta wins auction to buy eBay's classified ads unit for nearly $9 billion |last1=Barbaglia |first1=Pamela |first2=Greg |last2=Roumeliotis |date=July 20, 2020 |work=[[Reuters]] |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408063746/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-classifieds-m-a/adevinta-wins-auction-to-buy-ebays-classified-ads-unit-for-nearly-9-billion-idUKKCN24L0ID |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/adevinta-ebay-clear-final-hurdle-13-bln-advertising-tie-up-2021-06-18/ |title=Adevinta, eBay clear final hurdle in $13 bln advertising tie-up |last=Solsvik |first=Terje |work=[[Reuters]] |date=June 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618092406/https://www.reuters.com/business/adevinta-ebay-clear-final-hurdle-13-bln-advertising-tie-up-2021-06-18/ |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In September 2020, [[Pierre Omidyar]] resigned from the board of directors, after resigning as chairman in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-founder-pierre-omidyar-steps-down-from-board-11599781715 |title=EBay Founder Pierre Omidyar Steps Down From Board |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |last=Armental |first=Maria |date=September 10, 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219120221/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-founder-pierre-omidyar-steps-down-from-board-11599781715?mod=business_major_pos7 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, eBay sold its South Korean business to [[Emart]] for $3 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-transfer-of-its-businesses-in-korea-to-emart-301423649.html |title=eBay Completes Transfer of its Businesses in Korea to Emart |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=November 14, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103724/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-transfer-of-its-businesses-in-korea-to-emart-301423649.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.techinasia.com/report-emart-buy-ebays-south-korean-business-3b |title=Report: E-Mart to buy majority of Ebay's South Korean business for $3b |first=Deepti |last=Sri |work=[[Tech in Asia]] |date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205618/https://www.techinasia.com/report-emart-buy-ebays-south-korean-business-3b |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On [[28 July]] [[2003]] eBay and its subsidiary [[PayPal]] agreed to pay a $10 million [[fine]] to settle allegations that they aided illegal offshore and online [[gambling]]. According to the settlement, PayPal between mid-[[2000]] and November [[2002]] transmitted money in violation of various US federal and state online gambling laws. Paypal was also forced out of this market, which accounted for some 6% of its volume. These offenses occurred prior to eBay's purchase of PayPal.
 
In May 2022, eBay acquired a stake in [[Funko]] and became the preferred secondary marketplace for Funko.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-chernin-group-led-consortium-to-acquire-263-million-in-funko-a-leading-pop-culture-lifestyle-brand-301541298.html |title=The Chernin Group-Led Consortium to Acquire $263 Million in Funko, a Leading Pop Culture Lifestyle Brand |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203200058/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-chernin-group-led-consortium-to-acquire-263-million-in-funko-a-leading-pop-culture-lifestyle-brand-301541298.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2022, the company acquired KnownOrigin, a marketplace for [[non-fungible token]]s.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-leading-nft-marketplace-knownorigin-301573028.html |title=eBay Acquires Leading NFT Marketplace, KnownOrigin |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213618/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-leading-nft-marketplace-knownorigin-301573028.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/22/ebay-acquires-nft-marketplace-knownorigin/ |title=eBay acquires NFT marketplace KnownOrigin for an undisclosed sum |first=Aisha |last=Malik |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213914/https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/22/ebay-acquires-nft-marketplace-knownorigin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2022, the company acquired the myFitment group of companies, specializing in online sales of automotive and powersports parts and accessories.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-the-myfitment-group-of-companies-to-enhance-part-and-accessories-listing-experience-301611024.html |title=eBay Acquires the myFitment Group of Companies to Enhance Part and Accessories Listing Experience |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116133257/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-the-myfitment-group-of-companies-to-enhance-part-and-accessories-listing-experience-301611024.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2022, the company acquired [[TCGPlayer]], a marketplace for collectible card games, for up to $295 million.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-tcgplayer-301663370.html |title=eBay Acquires TCGplayer |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205658/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-tcgplayer-301663370.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/22/ebay-acquiring-trading-card-marketplace-tcgplayer-295m/ |title=eBay is acquiring trading card marketplace TCGplayer for up to $295M |first=Aisha |last=Malik |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207220822/https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/22/ebay-acquiring-trading-card-marketplace-tcgplayer-295m/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On [[17th December]] [[2004]] [[Avnish Bajaj]], [[CEO]] of eBay's [[India|Indian]] [[subsidiary]] [[Baazee.com]], was arrested after a video clip showing [[oral sex]] between two Indian students was sold online. The company denied knowing the content of what they were selling and removed the [[offensive]] material as soon as they became aware of it. The Indian government attempted to make the case that Bajaj broke a law under India's IT Act, that forbids "publishing, transmitting or causing to publish" [[obscene]] material, even though the actual material was never published on Baazee's servers. eBay is strongly supporting Baazee.
 
<!-- Is this a sufficiently notable milestone? There is no article about Certiligo, and no indication this was an especially large acquisition. -->In July 2023, the company acquired [[Certiligo]], a provider of [[artificial intelligence]]–powered digital IDs and authentication for apparel and fashion goods.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-certilogo-301874120.html |title=eBay Acquires Certilogo |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118131026/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-certilogo-301874120.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/11/ebay-acquires-product-authentication-company-certilogo/ |title=eBay acquires AI-powered product authentication company Certilogo |first=Aisha |last=Malik |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202113157/https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/11/ebay-acquires-product-authentication-company-certilogo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On [[14th June]] [[2005]] eBay backed down and removed auctions listing the sale of free tickets for the [[Live 8]] charity auction. Hundreds of people complained about such auctions, and following a statement from [[Bob Geldof]], many of these auctions were bombarded with fake bids. Under normal circumstances, selling of charity tickets is not illegal under [[United Kingdom|UK]] law.
 
In January 2024, the company announced plans to lay off 9% of its workforce after hiring outpaced growth projections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanian |first=Jonathan |date=2024-01-24 |title=EBay to eliminate about 1,000 jobs, or 9% of full-time workforce |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/23/ebay-to-slash-about-1000-roles-or-approximately-9percent-of-full-time-employees.html |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224064100/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/23/ebay-to-slash-about-1000-roles-or-approximately-9percent-of-full-time-employees.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Paypal, eBay's subsidiary were forced by law to finally openly show their phone number after customers could not contact the company via telephone. The only reason their number can now be found is because they were forced to by law (EFTA Electronic Funds Transaction Act) due to complaints from users of this website now executing.
 
===Financial history===
==Trivia==
{| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;"
!Year
!Revenue<br />in mil. USD$
!Net income<br />in mil. USD$
!Total assets<br />in mil. USD$
!Price per share<br />in USD$
!Employees
|-
|2005<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2005.pdf |title=2005 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804111509/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2005.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|4,552
|1,082
|11,789
|15.65
|11,600
|-
|2006<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2006.pdf |title=2006 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011055917/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2006.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|5,970
|1,126
|13,494
|13.00
|13,200
|-
|2007<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2007.pdf |title=2007 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024553/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2007.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|7,672
|348
|15,366
|13.25
|15,500
|-
|2008<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2008.pdf |title=2008 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804085943/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2008.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|8,541
|1,779
|15,592
|9.58
|16,200
|-
|2009<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2009.pdf |title=2009 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021212559/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2009.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|8,727
| 2,389
|18,408
|7.29
|16,400
|-
|2010<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2010.pdf |title=2010 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805081243/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2010.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|9,156
| 1,801
|22,004
|9.68
|17,700
|-
|2011<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2011.pdf |title=2011 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804120716/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2011.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|11,652
|3,229
|27,320
|12.28
|27,770
|-
|2012<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2012.pdf |title=2012 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805080416/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2012.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|14,072
|2,609
|37,074
|16.61
|31,500
|-
|2013<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2013.pdf |title=2013 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804125552/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2013.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|16,047
|2,856
|41,488
|21.03
|33,500
|-
|2014<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2014.pdf |title=2014 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805020814/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2014.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|8,790
|46
|45,132
|21.01
|34,600
|-
|2015<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2015.pdf |title=2015 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026042555/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2015.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|8,592
| 1,725
|17,755
|25.00
|11,600
|-
|2016<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2016.pdf |title=2016 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026043650/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2016.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|8,979
|7,266
|23,847
|27.08
|12,600
|-
|2017<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://investors.ebayinc.com/financial-information/annual-reports/default.aspx |title=eBay Inc. - Financial Information - Annual Reports |publisher=eBay |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020200301/https://investors.ebayinc.com/financial-information/annual-reports/default.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>
|9,567
|(1,016)
|25,981
|35.06
|14,100
|-
|2018<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000106508819000006/ebay201810-k.htm |title=eBay Inc. 2018 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820112046/https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000106508819000006/ebay201810-k.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
|10,746
|2,530
|22,819
|34.31
|14,000
|-
|2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ebay.q4cdn.com/610426115/files/doc_financials/2019/ar/2019-Annual-Report-(3).pdf |title=eBay, Inc. 2019 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=January 2020 |publisher=eBay |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926064713/https://ebay.q4cdn.com/610426115/files/doc_financials/2019/ar/2019-Annual-Report-(3).pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|10,800
|1,792
|18,174
|35.50
|13,300
|-
|2020<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001065088/000106508821000006/ebay-20201231.htm |title=eBay Inc. 2020 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |website=sec.gov |language=en-US |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428063751/https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001065088/000106508821000006/ebay-20201231.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
|8,894
|5,667
|19,310
|36.45
|12,700
|-
|2021<ref name=10K/>
|10,420
|13,608
|26,626
|34.43
|10,800
|-
|2022<ref name=10K/>
|9,790
|(1,270)
|20,850
|34.34
|11,600
|}
 
==Philanthropy and charity auctions==
===The five most expensive items sold on eBay (as of 2002)===
Using [[MissionFish]] as an arbiter, eBay allows sellers to donate a portion of their auction proceeds to a charity of the seller's choice and charges discounted fees for charity auctions.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2015/06/09/ebay-update-adds-a-sell-for-charity-option-for-us-and-uk-markets/ |title=eBay update adds a Sell for Charity option for US and UK markets |work=[[The Next Web]] |first=Jackie |last=Dove |date=June 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924051045/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2015/06/09/ebay-update-adds-a-sell-for-charity-option-for-us-and-uk-markets/ |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
# [[Grumman]] [[Gulfstream II]] jet ($4.9 million)
# 1909 [[Honus Wagner]] baseball card ($1.65 million)
# Diamond Lake Resort, western [[Kentucky]] ($1.2 million)
# [[Shoeless Joe Jackson]]'s "Black Betsy" baseball bat ($577,610)
# Round of [[golf]] with [[Tiger Woods]] ($425,000)
 
High-profile charity auctions facilitated via eBay include the "Power Lunch" with investor [[Warren Buffett]] for 8 people at the [[Smith & Wollensky]] restaurant in New York City, with all of the proceeds going to the [[Glide Foundation]]. Auctions were held annually in 21 years between 2000 and 2022, with no auctions in 2020 and 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. In total, auctions on eBay for lunch with Buffett raised $53.2 million for the Glide Foundation, with winning bids ranging from $2 million to as high as $19 million for the final auction in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/buffett-lunch-auction-idUSN1115876120100612/ |title=UPDATE 1-Warren Buffett lunch sells for $2.63 mln on eBay |first1=Elinor |last1=Comlay |first2=Jonathan |last2=Stempel |work=[[Reuters]] |date=June 11, 2010 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102221610/http://www.reuters.com/article/buffett-lunch-auction-idUSN1115876120100612 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47771586 |title=Cost to lunch with Warren Buffett: $3.5 million |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[NBC News]] |date=June 9, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208090946/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47771586 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/bidding-tops-123-mln-warren-buffett-charity-lunch-2022-06-17/ |title=Warren Buffett charity lunch fetches winning bid of $19 million |first=Jonathan |last=Stempel |work=[[Reuters]] |date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103120834/https://www.reuters.com/business/bidding-tops-123-mln-warren-buffett-charity-lunch-2022-06-17/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/06/20/warren-buffett-ebay-auction-lunch/7681611001/ |title=How much does lunch with Warren Buffett cost? Just $19 million. |first=Natalie Neysa |last=Alund |work=[[USA Today]] |date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208061552/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/06/20/warren-buffett-ebay-auction-lunch/7681611001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2024, a charity auction for lunch with [[Marc Benioff]], CEO of [[Salesforce]], raised $200,000 plus an additional donation of $1.5 million for the Glide Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/beyond-buffett-marc-benioff-lunch-auction-sf-glide-foundation/ | title=Beyond Buffett: Marc Benioff lunch auction raises $1.5M for S.F. Glide Foundation | work=[[CBS News]] | date=May 11, 2024}}</ref>
===Largest item===
One of the largest items ever sold was a [[World War II]] [[submarine]] sold by a small town in [[New England]] that decided it did not need the historical relic anymore.
 
Also benefitting charity, a letter sent to Mark P. Mays, CEO of [[Clear Channel Communications]] by Senator [[Harry Reid]] and forty other [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] senators, complaining about comments made by conservative talk show host [[Rush Limbaugh]], sold for $2,100,100, with all of the proceeds going to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, benefiting the education of children of men and women who have died serving in the armed forces. The winning bid was matched by Limbaugh.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/washington/20letter.html |title=Critical Letter to Limbaugh Fetches $2 Million |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=Stephanie |last=Strom |date=October 20, 2007 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124174941/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/washington/20letter.html?em&ex=1193025600&en=044964c8f9169d02&ei=5087 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Largest failed auction===
One of the largest items ever to be put up to auction and not sold was a decommissioned [[aircraft carrier]]. The auction was placed by an anonymous seller from [[Brazil]] on [http://www.motors.ebay.com eBay Motors].
 
In 2022, more than $163 million was raised for charities via the platform.<ref name=10K/>
===Unusual sale items===
* In [[June]] [[2005]], [[Karolyne Smith]] sold the right to permanently tattoo an ad on her forehead to [[GoldenPalace.com]] for $10,000.
* In [[May]] [[2005]], a [[Volkswagen Golf]] that had previously been registered to Josef Cardinal Ratzinger (who became [[Pope Benedict XVI]] in 2005) was sold on eBay's German site for €188,938.88. The winning bid was made by the [[GoldenPalace.com]] online [[casino]], known for their outrageous eBay purchases. [http://www.goldenpalaceevents.com/ebay_archives/popemobile02.html]
* In January 2004, a man put up a [http://theinquirer.net/?article=13802 Windows file folder] for sale, which was at £10,000,000 when it was ended by eBay officials.
* 18-year-old lesbian Rosie Reid caused controversy when she [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/3473817.stm sold her virginity] for £8,400 to a 44-year old London man. A 19-year-old also offered to sell [http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200406/s1133165.htm his virginity] on the website.
* In 2004, a [[Seattle]] man posted pictures of himself wearing his ex-wife's wedding dress. While he initially admitted he was selling the dress to earn some money for [[Seattle Mariners|Mariners]] tickets, the bidding got into the thousands of dollars.
* There was at one point an auction for the first ride on [[Kingda Ka]], the tallest [[roller coaster]] on Earth. The winning bid was $1691.66, and the winner rode in the front seat. [http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6523923733&category=16071&sspagename=rvi:1:1v_home]
* A [[Sydney]] man pocketed AUS$1,035 after auctioning a piece of [[Nutri-Grain]] resembling ET, in Dec 2004.
* A 50,000-year-old [[mammoth]]. Weighing in at 250,000 kilos, Max was put up for sale in 2004 by his Dutch owner due to lack of space and sold for £61,000. A bargain considering he was one of the five best and most complete mammoth [[skeletons]] in the world, consisting of 90% of his original bone material.
* The owner of [http://www.cockeyed.com Cockeyed.com] sold advertising space comprising a single pixel on the homepage for 21 days for $100 [http://www.cockeyed.com/ebay/pixel/real_pixel.html]. The advertisement is still on the home page as of [[August 31|31 August]], [[2005]], far longer than the original auction specified.
 
===ProhibitedStalking items=scandal==
{{main|eBay stalking scandal}}
eBay in its earliest days was essentially unregulated. But as eBay grew, it found it necessary to restrict or forbid auctions for various items. Among the hundred or so banned categories (note that these relate to ebay.com (the US site), other regions may vary in their rules) :
In June 2020, five employees were terminated and were subject to charges of [[cyberstalking]] after they were accused of targeting Ina and David Steiner, the editors and publishers of EcommerceBytes, a [[newsletter]] that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company. In addition to sending harassing messages and [[doxing]], the defendants "ordered anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims' home, including a preserved fetal pig, a bloody pig Halloween mask, a funeral wreath, a book on surviving the loss of a spouse, and pornography". The defendants also vandalized the couple's home in [[Natick, Massachusetts]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=eBay Inc. Issues Statement Regarding Indictments of Previously Terminated Employees |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-inc-issues-statement-regarding-indictments-of-previously-terminated-employees-301076948.html |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206155643/https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-inc-issues-statement-regarding-indictments-of-previously-terminated-employees/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/15/21291666/ebay-employees-arrested-journalist-harassment |title=Former eBay security director arrested for harassing journalist with live cockroaches |last=Robertson |first=Adi |work=[[The Verge]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106092350/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/15/21291666/ebay-employees-arrested-journalist-harassment |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-federal-cyberstalking-case-targeting-natick-couple/ |title='We are going to crush this lady': Six former eBay employees charged in federal cyberstalking case targeting Natick couple |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027154507/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-federal-cyberstalking-case-targeting-natick-couple/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=6 eBay Employees Charged With Sending Bloody Pig Mask To Natick Couple |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/06/15/ebay-employees-arrested-u-s-attorney-andrew-lelling-cyberstalking/ |work=[[WBZ-TV]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215233616/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/06/15/ebay-employees-arrested-u-s-attorney-andrew-lelling-cyberstalking/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Six Former eBay Employees Charged with Aggressive Cyberstalking Campaign Targeting Natick Couple |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign-targeting-natick |publisher=[[United States Department of Justice]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213022326/https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign-targeting-natick |url-status=live}}</ref> The conspirators pleaded guilty and most were sentenced to prison terms.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-ebay-employee-sentenced-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign |title=Former eBay Employee Sentenced for Aggressive Cyberstalking Campaign |publisher=[[United States Department of Justice]] |date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130050032/https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-ebay-employee-sentenced-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign |url-status=live }}</ref> Wenig, the company's CEO at the time of the harassment campaign, who was frequently targeted by the newsletter, was found by investigators to not have any knowledge about the harassment activities and was not charged. He left the company in September 2019 with a $57 million [[severance package]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Feds: eBay staff sent spiders, roaches to harass couple |url=https://apnews.com/786117108cdfefb40e691b1b3420c689 |last=Durkin Richer |first=Alanna |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215233614/https://apnews.com/786117108cdfefb40e691b1b3420c689 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=US attorney details eBay employees' harassment campaign, including live roaches and a pig fetus |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/15/us-attorney-details-ebay-employees-harassment-campaign-including-live-roaches-and-a-pig-fetus/ |last=Heater |first=Brian |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218180231/https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/15/us-attorney-details-ebay-employees-harassment-campaign-including-live-roaches-and-a-pig-fetus/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Inside eBay's Cockroach Cult: The Ghastly Story of a Stalking Scandal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/26/technology/ebay-cockroaches-stalking-scandal.html |last=Streitfeld |first=David |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 26, 2020 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926093048/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/26/technology/ebay-cockroaches-stalking-scandal.html |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/four-former-ebay-employees-set-to-plead-guilty-to-cyberstalking-charges-in-us/ |title=Four former eBay employees set to plead guilty to cyberstalking charges in US |last=Kwan |first=Campbell |work=[[ZDNet]] |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020130146/https://www.zdnet.com/article/four-former-ebay-employees-set-to-plead-guilty-to-cyberstalking-charges-in-us/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Steve Wymer, chief communication officer, who had ties with local politicians, was fired "for cause" for alleged involvement but was not charged and was hired by the local chapter of the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/investigation-ebay-employees-stalk-harass-couple-60-minutes-transcript-2023-03-26/ |title=Investigation continues after couple became the target of harassment, stalking by eBay employees |work=[[CBS News]] |date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416143248/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/investigation-ebay-employees-stalk-harass-couple-60-minutes-transcript-2023-03-26/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://sanjosespotlight.com/disgraced-ebay-exec-wielded-power-at-san-jose-city-hall/ |title=Disgraced eBay exec wielded power at San Jose City Hall |first1=Brian |last1=Howeyand |first2=Tran |last2=Nguyen |work=San Jose Spotlight |date=January 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411201206/https://sanjosespotlight.com/disgraced-ebay-exec-wielded-power-at-san-jose-city-hall/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/technology/ebay-cyberstalking-crimes.html |title=At eBay, Lurid Crimes and the Search for Punishment |last=Streitfeld |first=David |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010250/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/technology/ebay-cyberstalking-crimes.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.bgclub.org/news/boys-girls-clubs-of-silicon-valley-names-steve-wymer-president-and-chief-executive-officer/ |title=Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley Names Steve Wymer President and Chief Executive Officer |date=September 10, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010645/https://www.bgclub.org/news/boys-girls-clubs-of-silicon-valley-names-steve-wymer-president-and-chief-executive-officer/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Tobacco]] (tobacco-related items and collectibles are allowed) [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/tobacco.html]
*[[Nazi]] paraphernalia [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/offensive.html]
*[[Bootleg]] recordings [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/bootlegs.html]
*"Reflectoporn" -- the practice of listing items on eBay with reflections of the nude seller <!-- why does this one not have a source link like the others? [[User:Plugwash|Plugwash]] 22:51, 19 September 2005 (UTC)-->
*[[Firearms]] and [[ammunition]] [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/firearms-weapons-knives.html]
*Dirty used clothing [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/used-clothing.html]
*Human parts and remains [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/remains.html]
 
==Criticisms and controversies==
==Controversial practices of users==
===Fraud===
* '''Bid sniping''' is the practice on certain on-line auctions sites such as eBay of placing a high bid during the last few seconds of bidding, preventing other users from countering with a higher bid. Bid sniping is allowed on eBay, but many other auction sites, such as Yahoo! Auctions, automatically extend the auction by five minutes when a last-minute bid is placed to prevent this. [http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/outbid-ov.html]
Fraud committed by sellers includes selling [[counterfeit]] merchandise / [[bootleg recording]]s, [[shill]] bidding (undisclosed vendor bidding that is used to artificially inflate the price of a certain item by either the seller under an alternate account or another person in collusion with the seller), receiving payment and not shipping merchandise, shipping items other than those described, giving a deliberately misleading description or photo, knowingly and deliberately shipping faulty merchandise, denying warranty exchange after pre-agreeing to [[return merchandise authorization]] of [[wikt:Defective on arrival|defective on arrival]] merchandise, knowingly [[Fence (criminal)|fencing]] (selling stolen goods), misrepresenting the cost of shipping, using bulk shipping prices to knowingly mask much higher costing, individual return shipping, and using pseudo-accounts to make high nonpaying bids on similar items that competitors are selling. eBay has been criticized for not doing enough to combat shill bidding. There are techniques such as [[auction sniping]], which let buyers avoid shill bidders.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/10/ebay_and_shill_bidding/ |title=Net sleuth calls eBay on carpet over shill bidding |first=Cade |last=Metz |work=[[The Register]] |date=10 July 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214204235/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/10/ebay_and_shill_bidding/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rd.com/list/most-common-ebay-scams-to-look-out-for/ |title=10 Most Common eBay Scams to Look Out For |first=Johanna |last=Neeson |work=[[Reader's Digest]] |date=September 1, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209001834/https://www.rd.com/list/most-common-ebay-scams-to-look-out-for/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Shill bidding''' is the deliberate use of secondary registrations, aliases, family members, friends, or associates to artificially drive up the bid price of an item. (This is also known as "bid padding".) Shill bidding is not allowed on eBay. [http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/seller-shill-bidding.html] Furthermore, shill bidding is a crime in many jurisdictions, and can be prosecuted under [[United States]] wire fraud laws. [http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/Fetterman_indict.htm]
 
Fraud committed by buyers includes filing a false shipping damage claim with the shipping company, [[friendly fraud]] (receiving merchandise and claiming otherwise), returning items other than received, removing parts from an item and returning it for a refund, sending a forged payment-service e-mail that states that he or she has made a payment to the seller's account as proof of payment, making a low bid then using pseudo-accounts to make high nonpaying bids in an attempt at gaining a low second chance offer price, damaging a non-refundable item to get a refund by claiming that the seller sent the item already damaged (in cases of [[buyer's remorse]]), and a [[package redirection scam]], in which the return package is filled with garbage and sent to the wrong address.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://nordvpn.com/blog/ebay-scams/ |title=Exposing the top 10 eBay scams and how to detect them |first=Saulius |last=Griškėnas |work=[[NordVPN]] |date=August 16, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226065038/https://nordvpn.com/blog/ebay-scams/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams |title=17 common eBay scams and how to spot them |first=Clare |last=Stouffer |work=[[Norton AntiVirus]] |date=July 20, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209015312/https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Electronic commerce]]
* [[Online auction business model]]
 
In 2004, [[Tiffany & Co.]] filed a lawsuit against eBay claiming that over 70% of the Tiffany silver jewelry offered for sale on eBay was fake and that eBay profited from the sales of [[counterfeit]] Tiffany items that infringed on its trademark.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/27/technology/27ebay.html |title=Tiffany and eBay in Fight Over Fakes |last=Hafner |first=Katie |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 27, 2007 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125163445/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/27/technology/27ebay.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 14, 2008, a [[Federal District Court]] judge ruled that eBay does not have a legal responsibility to monitor users selling counterfeit items.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/technology/15ebay.html?hp |title=Court Clears eBay in Sale of Counterfeit Items |last=Stone |first=Brad |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 14, 2008 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421153742/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/technology/15ebay.html?hp |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, the Second Circuit affirmed this decision in ''[[Tiffany (NJ) Inc. v. eBay Inc.]]''<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.finnegan.com/en/insights/articles/the-second-circuit-s-decision-in-tiffany-v-ebay.html |title=The Second Circuit's Decision in Tiffany v. eBay |first1=Mark |last1=Sommers |first2=Naresh |last2=Kilaru |work=[[Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner]] |date=May 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215242/https://www.finnegan.com/en/insights/articles/the-second-circuit-s-decision-in-tiffany-v-ebay.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Further reading==
* {{Book reference|Author=Cohen, Adam|Year=2002|Title=The Perfect Store: Inside eBay|Publisher=Little, Brown & Company|ID=ISBN 0-316-15048-7}} (Hardcover, 336 pages)
* {{Book reference|Author=Belbin, David|Year=2004|Title=The eBay Book: Essential tips for buying and selling on eBay.co.uk|Publisher=Harriman House Publishing|ID=ISBN 1-897-59743-6}}
 
In June 2008, a court in Paris awarded damages of €40 million to [[LVMH]] over eBay auctions of counterfeit bags, perfumes, and other items sold by non-authorized retailers and entered a permanent injunction against eBay auctions of LVMH perfumes, whether counterfeit or not. eBay banned such items from its site.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!-- No byline --> |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7481241.stm |title=Court fines eBay over fake goods |work=[[BBC News]] |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425151832/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7481241.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://fortune.com/2008/07/11/ebay-denied-stay-in-lvmh-case/ |title=eBay denied stay in LVMH case |first=Roger |last=Parloff |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=July 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215021429/http://legalpad.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/07/11/ebay-denied-stay-in-lvmh-case/ |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> Also that month, a court in Troyes, France, awarded eBay to pay luxury goods maker [[Hermès]] €20,000 due to the sale of two counterfeit bags on eBay in 2006. The court also ordered eBay to post the ruling on the home page of eBay's French website for three months.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.com/2008/06/05/ebay_counterfeit_ruling/ |first=Dan |last=Goodin |title=French court fines eBay for sale of counterfeit handbags |work=[[The Register]] |date=June 5, 2008 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=June 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618050839/https://www.theregister.com/2008/06/05/ebay_counterfeit_ruling/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==External links==
 
====Items stolen from the British Museum====
* [http://www.ebay.com eBay website]
Items stolen from the [[British Museum]] in 2013 were auctioned on eBay in 2016. The museum reported that several items of jewelry made of gold, semi-precious stones, and glass, dating from between 1,500 BC and the 19th century{{nbsp}}AD, were among those missing. One piece of ancient Roman jewelry made from onyx – valued between £25,000 and £50,000, or US$32,000 and US$63,000 – was listed on eBay with a minimum price of £40 (US$50) in 2016. There were no bids made for the treasure. The police are investigating this case.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3231651/stolen-british-museum-jewellery-worth-us63000-sold-ebay-little-us50 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=August 19, 2023 |title=Stolen British Museum jewelry worth US$63,000 sold on eBay for US$50 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821070636/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3231651/stolen-british-museum-jewellery-worth-us63000-sold-ebay-little-us50 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company said that it is supports local police in investigations and removes listings containing stolen property.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/08/18/media-reports-identify-objects-stolen-from-the-british-museum-posted-on-ebay |title=Media reports identify objects allegedly stolen from British Museum and posted on eBay |first=Gareth |last=Harris |work=[[The Art Newspaper]] |date=August 18, 2023 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821070638/https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/08/18/media-reports-identify-objects-stolen-from-the-british-museum-posted-on-ebay |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/fees.html eBay Fees (in English)]
 
====Dr. Seuss books====
[[Category:Online auction websites]]
In 2021, the estate of [[Dr. Seuss]] requested from eBay, and the company complied, to ban the sale of six [[Dr. Seuss]] books due to concerns that some images contained therein were racially insensitive. This led to backlash from followers of [[right-wing politics]] and ignited a surge of interest in the discontinued books.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/dr-seuss-books-deemed-offensive-will-be-delisted-from-ebay-11614884201 |title=Dr. Seuss books deemed offensive will be delisted from eBay |first=Jeffrey |last=Trachtenberg |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=March 4, 2021 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224082425/https://www.wsj.com/articles/dr-seuss-books-deemed-offensive-will-be-delisted-from-ebay-11614884201 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ebay-removes-discontinued-dr-seuss-books-1573824 |title=eBay is removing listings for discontinued Dr. Seuss books citing 'offensive materials policy' |first=James |last=Crowley |work=[[Newsweek]] |date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220213800/https://www.newsweek.com/ebay-removes-discontinued-dr-seuss-books-1573824 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/discontinued-dr-seuss-books-with-racist-imagery-removed-by-ebay-2021-3 |title=eBay is removing listings for the Dr. Seuss books that the author's estate pulled due to their racist imagery |first=Steven |last=Tweedie |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=March 5, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425151824/https://www.businessinsider.com/discontinued-dr-seuss-books-with-racist-imagery-removed-by-ebay-2021-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Category:Online retail companies of the United States]]
 
[[Category:Internet companies of the United States]]
===Sale of illegal items===
[[Category:Companies traded on NASDAQ]]
In September 2023, the [[United States Department of Justice]] sued eBay, accusing it of violating the [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]] and other environmental laws by allowing the sale of several illegal products, including devices that defeat automobile pollution controls, restricted-use pesticides, and paint and coating removal products containing [[methylene chloride]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-sues-ebay-over-sale-aftermarket-motor-vehicle-products-2023-09-27/ |title=U.S. sues eBay over sale of harmful products |first=Jonathan |last=Stempel |work=[[Reuters]] |date=September 27, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209015438/https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-sues-ebay-over-sale-aftermarket-motor-vehicle-products-2023-09-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Category:Companies based in California]]
 
[[Category:EBay]]
===Port scanning===
In 2020, developer Dan Nemec discovered that eBay was [[port scanning]] its users using [[LexisNexis]]' ThreatMetrix product to detect remote access. The port scanning was performed using [[Code obfuscation|obfuscated]] client-side JavaScript which attempts to open WebSocket connections to [[localhost]] on ports commonly used by remote access tools like [[VNC]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Tim |title=eBay users spot the online auction house port-scanning their PCs. Um... is that OK? |url=https://www.theregister.com/2020/05/26/ebay_port_scans_your_pc/ |access-date=10 July 2025 |work=The Register |date=May 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Spadafora |first1=Anthony |title=eBay is port scanning users' PCs |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/ebay-is-port-scanning-users-pcs |access-date=10 July 2025 |work=TechRadar |date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* ''[[eBay v. Bidder's Edge]]''
* [[List of acquisitions by eBay]]
* [[Shopping neutral]]
* [[Unusual eBay listings]]
 
{{Portal bar|San Francisco Bay Area |Companies|Internet|Business and Economics}}
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
=== Books ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Alirezaijan | first = Reza |title='Škodovy závody Teherán:Českoslovenští architekti v říši perského šáha, 1932–1948' |publisher=Books & Pipes Brno |year=2025 |isbn=978-80-7485-302-9 | url=https://www.bookspipes.cz/skodovy-zavody-teheran}}
{{Refend}}
 
==External links==
{{Commons category|lcfirst=yes}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/ebay ebay] – [[YouTube]]
{{Finance links
| name = eBay Inc
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| yahoo = EBAY
| google = EBAY:NASDAQ
}}
{{Ebaysites}}
{{Open Handset Alliance Members}}
{{Major Internet companies}}
{{Dot-com Bubble}}
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