Anyone know does if listing an item on eBay before I buy it from somewhere else works?

[lordjinjin]

Hi guys, just would like to know if could I list an item on eBay before I purchase it. I would like to sell some toys on eBay but don't want to take the risk of hoarding too many items before I know they could be sold or not. If I got permission for pictures of the item, the rightful shipping method and a guarantee of in-time delivery. Will it work for eBay policy? For example, after the item is sold on eBay, then I will buy it from my channel? Thank you guys please help.

[sml192]

Unless you have a formal agreement with the supplier then it is not allowed on eBay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/drop-shipping?id=4176&st=3...

Drop shipping, where you fulfil orders directly from a wholesale supplier, is allowed on eBay. Remember though, if you use drop shipping, you're still responsible for the safe delivery of the item within the time frame you stated in your listing, and the buyer's overall satisfaction with their purchase.

However, listing an item on eBay and then purchasing the item from another retailer or marketplace that ships directly to your customer is not allowed on eBay.

[lordjinjin]

I have an agreement with the supplier and they are helping me to do that. I buy items from the second-hand market and get permission from their posted pictures, then it will be arranged by Aliexpress, not sure if is this the agreement or not. I have read the policy terms but not sure why I can't do this even though I have bought it through my transactions.

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

Why do many of your items show as coming from China yet you appear to be registered in UK ?.

[sml192]

Good point.  The item location is actually showing as 'London, China' so definately something wrong there and if they are being shipped from China then currently buyers aren't being shown the correct VAT/customs charges. 

[pillarboxred]

There is no reason apart from supply chain timing that it wouldn't work but if it doesn't you could be in trouble. EBay has ruled against it because of the high risk of disappointment when traders sell without the stock on hand. It might even be fraud as you would be selling things you do not own, taking money on false pretences.

[tobiasd4]

Apart from all the issues mentioned. 

You must upgrade account to business if you are buying to sell on.