FAQ - Selling on eBay as a Private Individual or Business
Do I have to switch to a business account to sell on eBay?
No, it is not mandatory.
You can sell on eBay either as a private individual or as a business, and in both cases you are not automatically required to have a VAT number.
1. Private seller
- You register the account using your tax code.
- You can sell personal items, both used and new, as long as the activity remains occasional and not organized.
- You do not have specific tax obligations or legal warranty obligations, since transactions take place between private individuals.
- However, if sales become frequent or continuous, eBay may require you to switch to a business account.
2. Business seller
- You can open a business account even without a VAT number, using only your tax code.
- If you have a VAT number, you can register it and manage the account as a proper business activity.
- Having a business account gives you more tools on eBay, including:
- Access to detailed statistics
- Advanced management settings
- Ability to open an eBay Store
- Clearer return and shipping conditions for buyers
- Switching to a business account does not automatically mean having a VAT number: it is up to you to decide whether to enter it or not, depending on your type of activity.
3. Summary
| Seller type | Required data | VAT number required | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Tax code | No | Occasional, sporadic, and unorganized sales |
| Business | Tax code or VAT number | Only if activity is habitual and continuous | Regular, organized sales or with business purpose |
Conclusion
- Occasional sales → you can remain a private seller.
- Continuous or organized sales → eBay may require you to switch to a business account (even without a VAT number).
- VAT number requirement → applies only when your activity becomes a true habitual business, according to Italian regulations.
In short: you are not required to switch to a business account to sell on eBay and, even if you choose to do so, you are not automatically required to have a VAT number. It all depends on the level of continuity and organization of your sales.