When it comes to online shopping from the United States, eBay US and Amazon US are two of the biggest names Singaporeans turn to for deals, variety, and hard-to-find items.
But while both offer access to millions of products, they work differently — and depending on what you’re buying, one platform might offer better value, speed, or security than the other.
This guide breaks down the key differences between eBay and Amazon, what each platform is best for, and how Singapore shoppers can get their purchases shipped easily using Buy&Ship.
📦 1. Buying Experience: Marketplace vs Retailer
eBay US is primarily a marketplace where individuals and businesses list items for sale. It’s known for auctions, used items, rare collectibles, and discounted brand-new goods. Prices can vary widely, and negotiating or bidding is part of the fun.
Amazon US, on the other hand, is both a retailer and a marketplace. It sells its own inventory alongside listings from third-party sellers, but it’s generally geared towards brand-new products with fixed prices. The buying process is straightforward, with features like “Buy Now” and fast delivery for Prime members (US only).
Summary:
- eBay US → Great for rare finds, bargains, second-hand goods, and auctions
- Amazon US → Best for brand-new items, convenience, and predictable delivery
💰 2. Price & Value for Money
On eBay US, prices can be significantly lower than retail — especially if you win an auction. Sellers often offer discounts on last-season models or clearance stock. However, prices can be inconsistent, and you’ll need to compare across listings.
On Amazon US, pricing is more stable, but you may find fewer deep discounts compared to eBay. That said, during big sales events like Black Friday, Prime Day, or Cyber Monday, Amazon often slashes prices on electronics, fashion, and home appliances.
Tip: For high-demand products like Apple devices or designer handbags, eBay’s auction model can work in your favor — if you know how to spot authentic items.
📋 3. Product Variety
eBay US offers a massive range, from vintage sneakers to discontinued electronics, rare trading cards, and luxury collectibles. It’s one of the best places to source items that are no longer in production.
Amazon US focuses more on currently available, mass-market products — electronics, books, home goods, beauty products, and more. It also carries Amazon-exclusive brands and bundles you won’t find elsewhere.
Summary:
- eBay → Best for unique, niche, or rare items
- Amazon → Best for everyday goods, trending products, and essentials
🛡️ 4. Buyer Protection & Authenticity
eBay US offers its Money Back Guarantee for most transactions, ensuring you get what you ordered or your money back. For certain categories (luxury watches, sneakers, handbags), eBay also provides an Authenticity Guarantee, where a certified expert inspects the item before it’s shipped.
Amazon US has strong customer service, easy returns, and reliable warranty support for products it sells directly. For third-party sellers, Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee protects buyers if the item doesn’t arrive as described.
Verdict: Both platforms provide solid protection, but Amazon’s return process is often more streamlined, while eBay’s advantage lies in authenticity verification for luxury goods.
🚚 5. Shipping to Singapore
This is where both platforms can get tricky.
- Amazon US does ship directly to Singapore for many items, but not all. Some products are “US-only” or have high international shipping fees.
- eBay US sellers decide whether to ship internationally. Many don’t — or they use eBay’s Global Shipping Program, which can be expensive.
The Solution? Use Buy&Ship’s US warehouse address to shop freely on both platforms:
- Sign up at Buy&Ship Singapore (free account)
- Get your personal US warehouse address
- Enter it at checkout when buying on eBay or Amazon
- Once your items arrive at the US warehouse, consolidate if needed and ship to Singapore from just S$9/lb
- Receive them in as little as 7–12 days
📅 6. Best Times to Shop for Deals
| Event | eBay US Highlights | Amazon US Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Black Friday & Cyber Monday | Luxury goods, vintage collectibles, refurbished electronics | Brand-new electronics, home appliances, fashion |
| Prime Day (July) | Not applicable | Huge discounts for Prime members |
| Holiday Season (Nov–Dec) | Rare collectibles, limited-edition items | Toys, gadgets, gift bundles |
| Clearance Periods | Off-season fashion, end-of-line products | Home goods, Amazon Basics |
🔍 7. Pros & Cons Summary Table
| Feature | eBay US | Amazon US |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Rare, vintage, used items | Brand-new, mass-market goods |
| Pricing | Potentially lower, auctions available | Stable pricing, big sales events |
| Buyer Protection | Money Back Guarantee, Authenticity Program | A-to-Z Guarantee, easy returns |
| Shipping to SG | Seller-dependent, often needs forwarding | Many items ship direct, but not all |
| Variety | Huge range, including discontinued products | Wide range of current products |
🛍️ Final Recommendation for Singapore Shoppers
- Choose eBay US if you’re hunting for rare collectibles, discontinued gadgets, or unique fashion items.
- Choose Amazon US if you want a smoother checkout, brand-new items, and reliable delivery.
For the best of both worlds, don’t limit yourself to one platform. Use Buy&Ship to forward your purchases from the US to Singapore, save on international shipping, and consolidate multiple orders into one shipment.
✨ Conclusion
Whether you’re an eBay bargain hunter or an Amazon deal chaser, Singapore shoppers can access the full potential of US online shopping by combining both platforms with Buy&Ship’s forwarding service.
With warehouse addresses in the US, you’ll never miss out on exclusive items or limited-time discounts — and you’ll pay far less than standard international shipping rates.