eBay Partner Network Affiliate Program

About eBay Partner Network

The eBay Partner Network (EPN) is the official in-house affiliate program for eBay, one of the world’s largest and most established online marketplaces. Unlike traditional retailers that sell their own inventory, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers globally, offering an incredibly diverse range of products—from brand-new electronics and fashion to rare collectibles, vintage items, and refurbished goods.

For affiliates, this means the ability to promote virtually any niche imaginable. EPN is known for its global reach, operating in 190+ markets, and provides a proprietary platform that gives partners access to granular data, seasonal promotions, and tools to monetize their traffic effectively.

eBay Partner Network Affiliate Program Overview

The program is designed for publishers, social media influencers, and blog owners who want to monetize their traffic by driving sales to eBay. It operates on a performance-based model where you earn a percentage of the revenue eBay makes from a sale, or a percentage of the sale price itself, depending on the category.

eBay Partner Network Affiliate Program Offers

EPN provides a robust set of tools for affiliates, but it is also known for having strict traffic and content policies to protect the integrity of the marketplace. One of the most critical aspects to note is the 24-hour cookie window, which is significantly shorter than many other programs but standard for major marketplaces like Amazon.

eBay Partner Network Affiliate Commissions & Payments

The commission structure of EPN is unique. Historically, it paid a percentage of eBay’s revenue, but it has shifted largely to a percentage of the Sale Price. Rates vary significantly by category (e.g., Fashion and Parts & Accessories pay higher than Electronics).

Suitable Affiliates for eBay Partner Network

Because eBay sells used, rare, and refurbished items alongside new ones, it appeals to a specific set of content creators.

• Bloggers: deeply suited for niche bloggers (e.g., “Vintage Camera Collectors,” “Sneakerheads,” or “Car Restoration”) who can link to specific, hard-to-find items that aren’t available on Amazon.
• TikTokers: Excellent for “Thrift Flips,” “Vintage Hauls,” or “Cheap Tech” trends where creators show off unique finds.
• KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Great for everyday users reviewing refurbished tech or budget-friendly home goods, building trust through authentic, non-sponsored style reviews.
• KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Industry experts in fields like Auto Parts or Luxury Watches can drive high-ticket sales by validating the authenticity of eBay’s authentication services.
• Influencers: Fashion influencers focusing on sustainable fashion, pre-owned luxury bags, or “Y2K” vintage styles perform exceptionally well here.
• YouTubers: Tech reviewers covering “Refurbished iPhone vs. New” or hobbyists doing “Unboxing Rare Collectibles” videos.
• Video Editors: Can monetize by creating compilation videos of “Best Weird eBay Finds” or “Restoration” content and linking to the tools or items used.
• Livestreamers: Creators doing “Live Shopping” or “Auction Watch” streams can engage audiences by bidding on items in real-time and sharing affiliate links.

eBay Partner Network Affiliate Software

eBay Partner Network utilizes its own proprietary in-house affiliate management platform. While they have partnered with networks like CJ or Impact in the distant past, they currently run a standalone portal (partnernetwork.ebay.com) where affiliates log in, generate links, and view analytics directly. This allows them to provide granular data on “Winning Bids” vs. “Buy It Now” purchases that third-party software might miss.

3 Alternatives for eBay Partner Network Affiliate Program

If EPN doesn’t fit your needs, the three biggest competitors are Amazon Associates, AliExpress Portals, and Walmart Affiliate Program.

• Amazon Associates: The closest direct competitor. It has higher conversion rates due to Prime, but similar low commission rates and short cookies. Better for new items, worse for collectibles/used goods.
• AliExpress Portals: Best for low-cost, drop-shipping style goods. Offers longer cookies and sometimes higher commissions, but shipping times are slower, affecting conversion for Western audiences.
• Walmart Affiliate Program: A strong US-based alternative for general retail. It offers a slightly longer cookie (3 days) than eBay/Amazon but lacks the global reach and the “auction/used” inventory of eBay.

Comparison Table: