Connecting American Small Business to the World

The costs and logistical challenges of reaching consumers in other markets usually means that American small businesses typically export their products abroad at a fraction of the rate of big corporations.

eBay has changed that dynamic by making selling internationally easier for small businesses across the country. It’s part of our mission to provide the benefits of ecommerce to all businesses — not only big retailers.

In the United States, 51% of small businesses on eBay sell to 10 or more markets compared to just 8% of traditional businesses, according to our 2023 Small Business Inclusive Global Trade Report. In 2022, 95% of eBay-enabled small businesses sold internationally, in contrast to the 0.8% of traditional businesses.

Modernizing Policies

Most international trade policies were developed before the current era of platform-enabled exporting, meaning they weren’t written with small businesses using online platforms in mind. 

Modernizing global regulations would help small businesses while sparking broader economic growth.

If policymakers could help us by taking that burden off our shoulders, I'm sure all of our sellers will be selling a lot more.

Angie Cardona-Nelson, owner of eWaste Direct

Roughly 20% of her company’s sales of used electronics come from international sources.

Providing International Shipping

In addition to advocating for policies that would make it easier for small businesses to export their products, eBay has put its own international shipping program in place as well.

With eBay International Shipping, after an international customer buys a product, the seller sends it to eBay. From there, eBay manages any customs paperwork and then ships it to the buyer; it also oversees returns.

eBay International Shipping has provided small businesses with new opportunities — and new customers in over 200 countries around the world.

Shipping internationally has opened up my buyer pool and given me the opportunity to make even more money.

Gerron Moore, Big Dreams