By dropshipping on Amazon and eBay, you’re taking the worry out of having to stock a full inventory and pay storage and fulfillment fees. All you need to do is accept the order and make sure the supplier fulfills it. If you’re wondering about Amazon to eBay dropshipping, eDesk has you covered. Here’s what you need to know about the current landscape in 2025.
The Legalities of Dropshipping from Amazon to eBay (2025 Policy Updates)
Before you get started in eCommerce, whether it’s dropshipping on Amazon or anything else, it’s important to understand the legalities of it. Important Update for 2025: The landscape for dropshipping Amazon and eBay has changed significantly, and what was once considered a gray area is now explicitly prohibited by both platforms.
Current Status: Amazon to eBay dropshipping using retail arbitrage is NOT allowed under 2025 policies. Here’s what you need to consider:
Amazon’s 2025 Dropshipping Policy
Amazon’s dropshipping policy has been clarified and strengthened in 2025. Can you dropship on Amazon? Yes, but only under strict conditions:
- You must be identified as the seller of record on all packaging, invoices, and communications
- You cannot purchase products from another retailer (including Amazon) and have them shipped directly to customers
- All packaging must be free of third-party branding or supplier information
- You must have a formal agreement with your supplier where you are the only seller of record
Critical Update: Amazon has ramped up enforcement in 2024-2025, with automated systems flagging retail arbitrage operations that violate these policies. Account suspensions for policy violations have increased significantly.
eBay’s 2025 Dropshipping Policy
Is dropshipping allowed on eBay? Yes, but eBay’s policy is very specific about acceptable practices:
- Dropshipping is allowed ONLY from wholesale suppliers or manufacturers
- Dropshipping on Amazon through eBay is explicitly prohibited – you cannot list items on eBay and fulfill them via Amazon
- You must have direct agreements with wholesale suppliers, not retail arbitrage from other marketplaces
- All products must be shipped with your business information as the seller of record
Key Policy Changes for 2025:
- eBay has enhanced its detection systems to identify retail arbitrage operations
- Sellers caught violating dropshipping policies face immediate Top Rated Status removal
- Repeat violations can result in account suspension
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Beyond platform policies, consider these issues:
The legality of items you want to dropship: Make sure you read the lists of prohibited items and ensure what you want to dropship is allowed on both platforms.
The ethical issues: You may risk negative reviews if the price difference between products is too disparate. For example, if you’re able to make sales with a 50% markup on eBay, buyers may react poorly by leaving negative reviews on your page.
How Amazon sellers respond: Buyers feeling deceived by disparate prices is one thing, but be careful of sellers who may react similarly if they see you making a big profit off their back. It shouldn’t happen, as sellers should sell on whichever marketplaces they feel they can make sales and profits on, but it’s something to keep an eye out for.
Platform restrictions: Both Amazon and eBay have strengthened their policies against retail arbitrage dropshipping. Israeli eBay sellers and many others have found their accounts restricted when platforms detected they were dropshipping between Amazon and eBay, citing too much risk associated with the practice.
Compliant Alternatives to Amazon-to-eBay Dropshipping
Since Amazon to eBay dropshipping via retail arbitrage violates both platforms’ 2025 policies, here are legitimate alternatives:
1. Wholesale Supplier Dropshipping
Instead of sourcing from Amazon to sell on eBay, work directly with wholesale suppliers who offer dropshipping services:
- Partner with manufacturers who ship directly to customers
- Use wholesale platforms like Alibaba, Salehoo, or Worldwide Brands
- Establish relationships with authorized distributors
- Ensure suppliers provide neutral packaging with your business information
2. Private Label Products
Create your own branded products through manufacturers:
- Source products from manufacturers who can apply your private labeling
- Maintain quality control through sample orders
- Build brand recognition and customer loyalty
- Avoid policy violations since you’re the actual brand owner
3. Print-on-Demand Services
Use print-on-demand suppliers for custom products:
- Services like Printful, Gooten, or Printify
- Create custom designs for apparel, accessories, and home goods
- Products are manufactured only after orders are placed
- Fully compliant with both Amazon and eBay policies
How to Build a Compliant Dropshipping Business in 2025
If you want to build a successful dropshipping business that complies with 2025 policies, follow these guidelines:
Identify Legitimate Wholesale Suppliers
- Research suppliers through trade shows, wholesale directories, and industry publications
- Verify supplier credentials and business licenses
- Ensure suppliers offer dropshipping services with neutral packaging
- Establish formal agreements that identify you as the seller of record
Focus on Niche Markets with High Demand
- Look for specialized products with limited competition
- Target items that benefit from expert knowledge or specialized service
- Consider seasonal or trending products where timing gives you an advantage
- Research market demand using tools like Google Trends or marketplace analytics
Optimize Your Listings for Success
Unlike the outdated advice of finding poorly optimized listings to compete against, focus on creating superior listings:
High-Quality Images: Invest in professional product photography or source high-resolution images from suppliers (with permission).
Compelling Product Descriptions: Write detailed, keyword-optimized descriptions that highlight benefits and features.
Competitive Pricing: Research market prices and position your products competitively while maintaining healthy margins.
Excellent Customer Service: Provide fast response times and comprehensive support to build positive reviews and ratings.
Dropshipping Amazon eBay Tools for 2025 Compliance
Modern dropshipping Amazon/eBay software focuses on compliance and legitimate supplier relationships:
Inventory Management Tools
- Inventory Source: Connects with verified wholesale suppliers
- Modalyst: Focuses on legitimate dropshipping suppliers with fast shipping
- SaleFreaks: Offers eBay-compliant dropshipping automation (verify current compliance status)
Analytics and Research Tools
- ZIK Analytics: eBay market research and competitor analysis
- Terapeak: eBay’s own market research tool for identifying profitable niches
- Jungle Scout: Amazon product research (for understanding market demand, not for arbitrage)
Important Note: Many tools that previously facilitated Amazon to eBay dropshipping have been discontinued or modified to comply with 2025 policies. Always verify that any tool you use operates within current platform guidelines.
Building Sustainable Customer Relationships
Managing Customer Expectations
- Clearly communicate shipping times and policies
- Provide tracking information promptly
- Handle returns and refunds professionally
- Build trust through consistent, reliable service
Handling Returns and Customer Issues
Since you’re responsible for customer satisfaction even when using dropshipping suppliers:
- Establish clear return policies that comply with platform requirements
- Coordinate with suppliers to handle returns efficiently
- Take responsibility for any issues, even if they originate with your supplier
- Use customer feedback to improve supplier relationships and product selection
The Future of Compliant Dropshipping
The dropshipping landscape continues to evolve, with platforms prioritizing:
- Transparency: Clear identification of actual sellers and business entities
- Quality Control: Consistent product quality and shipping standards
- Customer Experience: Fast shipping, easy returns, and reliable service
- Compliance: Adherence to business regulations and platform policies
Success in 2025 dropshipping requires building legitimate business relationships rather than exploiting arbitrage opportunities between platforms.
Final Thoughts
While the traditional model of dropshipping from Amazon to eBay through retail arbitrage is no longer viable due to 2025 policy changes, legitimate dropshipping opportunities still exist. The key is building compliant business relationships with wholesale suppliers and focusing on providing genuine value to customers.
If you do your research, follow the guidelines of each marketplace, and work hard at marketing your listings while building legitimate supplier relationships, you can build a successful dropshipping business. The focus has shifted from finding quick arbitrage opportunities to building sustainable, compliant business operations.
For managing customer relationships across multiple platforms, eDesk Feedback can help you maintain excellent customer service and reviews on both Amazon and eBay. We have a proven track record in helping you get more (and more positive) reviews through compliant, professional customer communication. Sign up now and start your 14-day free trial to build lasting customer relationships that drive sustainable business growth.
Remember: Can you dropship between eBay and Amazon successfully? Yes, but only through legitimate wholesale relationships and full compliance with platform policies. The era of quick retail arbitrage has ended, but sustainable dropshipping businesses built on proper supplier relationships continue to thrive.
Book a free demo today to learn more about how eDesk can help you operate safely between Amazon and eBay.
