eBay API
APIIntegrate eBay's buying and selling capabilities into your applications
Overview
The eBay API provides RESTful endpoints to access eBay's marketplace features, including item search, listing creation/management, order processing, user account retrieval, and payment integration. Responses are primarily JSON (with XML support for legacy endpoints). Key use cases include building price comparison tools, automated inventory sync systems for sellers, custom storefronts, and order management dashboards. It uses OAuth 2.0 authentication and offers a sandbox environment for testing without live data, supporting both buyer and seller workflows.
Example Integration (JavaScript)
fetch('https://developer.ebay.com/')
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data))
.catch(err => console.error(err)); Key Features
- RESTful architecture
- JSON/XML response formats
- OAuth 2.0 authentication
- Sandbox testing environment
- Endpoints for search, listings, orders, and payments
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is the eBay API free to use?
Yes, it offers free tiers for basic usage, but paid plans are available for higher volume and access to premium features like advanced analytics.
? Does it require an API Key?
Yes, you need to register an application on eBay's developer portal to get an App ID (API key) and use OAuth 2.0 for authenticated requests.
? What is the response format?
Most modern endpoints return JSON, while some legacy APIs support XML responses. You can specify the format in request headers for compatible endpoints.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Comprehensive marketplace functionalities
- ⊕ Well-documented with tutorials
- ⊕ Sandbox for safe testing
- ⊕ Supports both buyer and seller workflows
Cons
- ⊖ Steep learning curve for advanced features
- ⊖ Rate limits on free tiers
- ⊖ Some endpoints require paid subscriptions for high usage