If you’ve ever found yourself guessing what to sell on eBay, you’re not alone. Choosing the right product can feel like shooting in the dark—especially with millions of listings already out there. That’s where data-driven tools like Terapeak come into play, helping sellers move from guesswork to strategy.

Terapeak, eBay’s built-in product research tool, is designed to give you insights into what’s selling, when it sells, how much it sells for, and who your competition is. It’s like having a behind-the-scenes look at eBay’s marketplace—so you can make smarter decisions about what to source and list.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to use Terapeak on eBay for product research, from getting started with the tool to interpreting key data and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a new seller or scaling up your eBay business, Terapeak is a powerful ally that can help you boost your listings, profits, and confidence.

Let’s dive in and unlock the data you need to become a more strategic seller on eBay.

What is Terapeak and Why It Matters on eBay

If you’ve ever wondered what sells best on eBay—or how successful sellers seem to stay ahead of trends—Terapeak is likely their secret weapon.

Terapeak is a research tool built directly into the eBay Seller Hub, designed to give sellers deep insights into marketplace trends. It pulls historical sales data from eBay, analyzing millions of transactions to help you understand what’s in demand, how products are priced, and how competitive your niche really is.

In short: it shows you what works—backed by real numbers.

Here’s why it matters:

• Clarity in Product Decisions: Instead of guessing what to sell, you can identify products with high sell-through rates, steady demand, and reasonable competition.
• Smart Pricing Strategies: Terapeak gives you a realistic range of sale prices, helping you avoid underpricing or overpricing.
• Competitive Edge: You can see how other sellers are listing similar items, what works in their descriptions, and what doesn’t.
• Time-Saving Efficiency: Rather than browsing endless listings manually, Terapeak filters and organizes data so you can make informed decisions quickly.

Best of all? If you’re a seller with a Basic or higher eBay Store subscription, Terapeak is completely free to use.

Whether you’re launching your first listing or planning your next bulk product order, Terapeak can guide your strategy with real insights—not just instincts. It’s an essential tool for anyone who’s serious about growing their eBay business in a competitive marketplace.

Accessing Terapeak: Getting Started

Getting started with Terapeak is easier than you might think—it’s already built into your eBay dashboard if you have a Store subscription. No need to download anything or connect third-party software. If you’re subscribed to at least a Basic eBay Store, Terapeak is available to you at no extra cost.

Here’s how to access it:

1. Log in to your eBay Seller Hub.
   If you’re not already using the Seller Hub, you can enable it by visiting Ebay 
2. Navigate to the “Research” tab.
   Once you’re in the Seller Hub, you’ll see several main tabs across the top. Click on “Research”—this is where Terapeak lives.
3. Select “Terapeak Product Research.”
   Under the Research section, you’ll find “Terapeak Product Research.” Click it, and you’ll be taken to a search interface where the real magic begins.

At first glance, the dashboard might look like a simple search bar—but behind that minimalist design is a powerful engine for analyzing real sales trends.

What You’ll See Inside

Once you enter a keyword or product name, Terapeak returns a detailed results page that includes:

• Sell-through rate: How well the item is selling.
• Average sold price: A realistic view of what buyers are paying.
• Total sold and number of sellers: Helps you gauge both demand and competition.
• Sales trends over time: Understand how interest rises or falls by week or month.

It’s fast, intuitive, and far more actionable than scrolling through sold listings manually. Whether you’re researching a niche category or testing a new product idea, the data you need is right at your fingertips.

How to Use Terapeak for Effective Product Research

Now that you’re inside the tool, let’s walk through how to actually use Terapeak to uncover profitable products and make smart selling decisions. Whether you’re researching a specific item or exploring a product category, this step-by-step approach will help you make sense of the data.

Step 1: Start with a Keyword or Product Idea

In the search bar, type in a product or keyword you’re curious about—this could be something broad like “wireless earbuds” or more specific like “vintage leather camera bag.” You can also search by category if you’re still exploring what to sell.

You’ll have the option to set filters before you search. These include:

• Time frame (up to the past 365 days)
• Product condition (new, used)
• Listing format (auction vs. fixed price)
• Price range and shipping options

Start broad, and then narrow down your results as you begin to see patterns.

Step 2: Analyze the Key Metrics

Once your results load, you’ll see a dashboard full of valuable data. Here’s how to interpret what you’re looking at:

• Sell-Through Rate: This shows how many listed items actually sold. A high percentage means strong demand.
• Total Sold: Gives you a clear view of how many units have been purchased over your selected time period.
• Average Sold Price: Helps you understand the price buyers are actually willing to pay—not just listing prices.
• Number of Active Listings and Sellers: This gives you an idea of the competition in that space.
• Sales Trends Graph: See how product interest has changed over time, including peak periods.

Let’s say you searched for “wireless earbuds” and saw a high sell-through rate, decent average selling price, but a massive number of sellers. That tells you it’s a hot product—but you’ll need to think strategically to stand out, perhaps by offering bundles, branding, or niche targeting.

Step 3: Use Filters to Refine Your Results

The filters are your secret weapon. You can get more specific by adjusting:

• Listing format: See if fixed-price or auction performs better.
• Product condition: Are people buying used, refurbished, or only new?
• Shipping location: Domestic-only shipping vs. international availability.

This allows you to hone in on market segments that may be underserved or more profitable.

Step 4: Explore Listings for Inspiration

Terapeak also allows you to view actual listings that sold well. You can click into these to study:

• Product titles and descriptions
• Photo quality and angles
• Shipping terms
• Seller ratings and return policies

This can help you optimize your own listings by borrowing successful strategies from top sellers—without blindly copying.

By the end of this process, you’ll have a solid grasp of how viable your product idea is on eBay. More importantly, you’ll know whether it’s worth pursuing now, later, or not at all.

Smart Ways to Use Terapeak Insights

Now that you know how to dig into Terapeak’s data, the real value comes from how you use those insights. It’s not just about identifying what’s selling—it’s about understanding why, when, and how you can position yourself for success.

Here are smart, actionable ways to turn your Terapeak research into better business decisions:

1. Spot Trending and Seasonal Products

One of Terapeak’s strengths is its sales trends graph. You can easily identify seasonal spikes—think Halloween costumes in October or fitness gear in January. Use this data to plan your inventory ahead of the curve instead of reacting when the trend is already peaking.

For example: If you notice a sharp uptick in insulated water bottle sales every May, start sourcing and listing them in April to stay ahead of competitors.

2. Discover Underserved Niches

Terapeak isn’t just useful for finding what everyone else is selling—it’s perfect for uncovering profitable micro-niches. Look for products with:

• A high sell-through rate
• A reasonable number of active listings
• A decent average sale price

These are usually sweet spots where demand is steady but competition isn’t overwhelming. Think of products like “minimalist leather wallets” or “eco-friendly lunch boxes”—specific enough to target, broad enough to sell.

3. Evaluate Before You Invest

Before you buy inventory or bulk order from a supplier, run the product through Terapeak. If the sell-through rate is low and the price competition is fierce, it may not be worth the risk. A few minutes of research can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

4. Optimize Your Current Listings

Already selling on eBay? Use Terapeak to benchmark your listings against top performers in your category:

• Are your prices competitive?
• Are your titles optimized with the right keywords?
• Are your photos and descriptions up to par?

Small tweaks based on real-world data can make a noticeable difference in visibility and conversions.

5. Plan Long-Term, Not Just Quick Wins

Finally, use Terapeak to develop a long-term sourcing and listing strategy. By reviewing data across 90 days, 180 days, or even a full year, you can spot consistent performers—products that sell steadily over time, not just during hype moments.

Those are the kinds of items that can become the backbone of your eBay business.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Terapeak’s Potential

Once you’ve got the basics of Terapeak down, it’s time to think like a strategist—not just a seller. The most successful eBay businesses don’t just follow the data—they interpret it. These pro tips will help you go beyond surface-level insights and use Terapeak as a true growth tool.

Don’t Just Follow Trends—Understand Why They Trend

Seeing a spike in sales is useful, but the why behind it is where your edge lies. Ask yourself: is this product trending because of a seasonal event, a viral moment, or a genuine long-term shift in consumer behavior? Understanding the reason helps you time your listings more effectively and avoid chasing short-lived fads.

Combine Terapeak With Competitor Analysis

Terapeak gives you product-level data, but pairing it with a look at individual seller strategies gives you a fuller picture. Take note of top-performing listings: how are competitors structuring titles, pricing, photos, and shipping? Blend that qualitative insight with Terapeak’s numbers to refine your own approach.

Use It to Plan a Long-Term Strategy

Don’t treat Terapeak as a one-off research tool. Revisit it regularly to spot new trends, track product performance over time, and adjust your sourcing roadmap. The best sellers use it to make informed decisions about what to stock next quarter, not just next week.

Leverage Historical Data for Seasonal Prep

Planning for Q4, back-to-school, or summer sales? Terapeak’s historical sales graphs help you see exactly when products peak—and how far in advance you need to prepare. Use this to optimize inventory and time your listings to catch the demand wave, not miss it.

Conclusion: Your Data-Driven Path to eBay Success

Success on eBay doesn’t come from luck—it comes from smart, informed decisions. And with Terapeak, you have a powerful tool right at your fingertips to help you make those decisions with confidence.

From discovering trending products to analyzing the competition and pricing your items just right, Terapeak takes the guesswork out of selling. It empowers you to be proactive, strategic, and competitive in one of the world’s most dynamic marketplaces.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, the key is to use the data, not just collect it. Make research part of your selling routine, and let the insights guide your next move.

So, if you haven’t already, log into your eBay Seller Hub, open Terapeak, and start exploring. The next best-selling product in your store might just be one search away.