Tag: goods

eBay to Acquire Depop from Etsy

eBay Inc. a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, and Etsy, Inc. the global marketplace for unique and creative goods, today jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which eBay will acquire Depop, a leading C2C fashion marketplace with deep recommerce roots and a highly-engaged Gen Z and Millennial customer base, for approximately $1.2 billion in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments.

Depop is a mobile-first, community-powered fashion marketplace experiencing strong momentum with annual gross merchandise sales (GMS) of approximately $1 billion in 2025, including nearly 60% year-over-year growth in the U.S. As of December 31, 2025 the marketplace had 7 million active buyers, nearly 90% of which are under the age of 34, and more than 3 million active sellers — Depop has built a platform where anyone can buy, sell, explore and discover incredible secondhand fashion.

“Depop has built a trusted, social-forward marketplace with strong momentum in the pre-loved fashion category, and we are confident that as part of eBay, Depop will be even more well-positioned for long-term growth, benefiting from our scale, complementary offerings, and operational capabilities,” said Jamie Ianonne, Chief Executive Officer of eBay. “A key C2C driver, fashion represents more than $10 billion in annual gross merchandise volume (GMV) for eBay and delivered 10% year-over-year GMV growth in the U.S. in 2025. This acquisition presents an opportunity to advance one of our newest and fastest-growing Focus Categories with a marketplace that complements our existing presence, and enables us to reach a younger demographic across the expanding recommerce landscape. We’re excited to welcome the Depop team to eBay, and look forward to building on what makes them unique – their brand, culture and community – to deliver compelling benefits to buyers and sellers.”

“We are excited that this transaction allows us to focus exclusively on the compelling opportunity we see in front of us: to grow the Etsy marketplace in ways that matter most to our buyers and sellers,” said Kruti Patel Goyal, Chief Executive Officer of Etsy. “We believe this transaction is a great outcome for Etsy’s shareholders, and a positive next step for all involved. We are proud of what the Depop team has built – a truly differentiated brand and product, grounded in clear purpose and strong community – becoming one of the fastest-growing fashion resale marketplaces in the U.S. I am confident that Depop is well-positioned for its next phase of growth as part of eBay.”

The addition of Depop will accelerate eBay’s C2C strategy by deepening its reach with younger, fashion-forward consumers and expanding its presence in one of the most dynamic areas of resale. As part of eBay, Depop will benefit from eBay’s global scale and suite of capabilities, including its financial services, shipping solutions, and trusted experiences like Authenticity Guarantee to further accelerate growth and enhance the buyer and seller experience. eBay will also expand the visibility of Depop’s inventory, including through cross-listing opportunities, which will amplify global demand and unlock additional market opportunity.

Peter Semple, Chief Executive officer of Depop, added, “We’re thrilled to begin this next chapter with eBay, whose experience in the C2C fashion space and shared belief in people, opportunity, and a more sustainable future positions us to meaningfully accelerate our marketplace in the U.S. and beyond. This transaction is a testament to the significant growth we have delivered as we have evolved our product experience and strengthened our brand’s place in the world. We’re very grateful to Kruti and the Etsy team for their partnership in advancing Depop’s business and mission to make fashion circular.”

Transaction Details and Closing

eBay intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand. Etsy plans to utilize the proceeds for general corporate purposes, continued share repurchases and investment in its core marketplace.

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by eBay’s and Etsy’s Board of Directors, is currently expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Following the closing of the transaction, Depop is expected to retain its name, brand, platform, and complementary culture.

Earnings Results and Investor Calls

In a separate press release issued today, eBay reported its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and provided its outlook for first quarter 2026. eBay will host a conference call to discuss its results and the acquisition of Depop at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET today.

Tomorrow, Etsy will report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and provide its outlook for first quarter 2026. Etsy will host a conference call to discuss its results and provide additional commentary on its sale of Depop at 5:30 AM PT / 8:30 AM ET tomorrow.

A live webcast of each company’s investor conference calls can be accessed through eBay’s and Etsy’s investor relations websites, respectively.

Inside The Rise Of Gaming Marketplaces Built Around Digital Goods

Remember when the most valuable thing you could own in a video game was a high score? Those days are long gone. Today, a vibrant, multi-billion-dollar economy thrives within our favorite games, powered by digital goods, everything from a fancy sword for your elf warrior to a limited-edition character skin in a shooter game. But this isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about a massive shift in how we view and value our digital possessions.

From pixelated swords to valuable assets

It started with a simple idea: customization. Games like Team Fortress 2 introduced hats and other cosmetic items that let players express their individuality. But when these items became rare, something interesting happened: they became desirable. And where there’s desire, an economy is born.

Developers quickly realized that players were willing to spend real money not just on the game itself but on items within the game. This led to the creation of official in-game stores. But the real revolution began when players wanted to trade these items with each other.

What are some marketplace models?

Not all marketplaces are created equal. They generally fall into two main categories, each with its own pros and cons. The most powerful driver for third-party sites is their ability to turn your CSGO skins into real money whenever you need it and for the best price. This concept of “cashing out” blurred the line between the digital and physical economies, making virtual goods feel like genuine, tangible assets.

 

Feature Official marketplaces Third-party marketplaces
Security Very high. Integrated directly with the game. Variable. Reputable sites are secure, but scams exist.
Fees High. The game publisher takes a significant cut. Lower. Typically lower fees than official platforms.
Flexibility Low. Often locked to in-game credit (e.g., Steam Wallet). High. Often allows cashing out to real-world money.
Item availability  Limited to what the publisher sells or allows. Vast. A huge range of items from countless players.

 

Why do these marketplaces work?

So, why have these digital flea markets exploded in popularity?

Player Expression: In a world of millions of players, a rare skin or emote is a badge of honor. It’s a way to stand out and show your dedication.

Perceived Value and Scarcity: Just like a rare trading card or a limited-edition sneaker, digital items gain value when they are hard to get. Limited-time offers and rarity tiers create a powerful sense of scarcity.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Opening a “loot box” or crafting a new item triggers a dopamine rush similar to gambling. Marketplaces tap into this excitement by letting players buy, sell, and trade that thrill.

Community and Status: Owning a coveted item isn’t just about the item itself; it’s about the social status it grants you within your gaming community.

What is the future of digital goods?

This economy is only getting bigger and more complex. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

 

  • The Blockchain and NFTs: Some games are already experimenting with putting true ownership of digital items on the blockchain via NFTs. This could make items truly unique, verifiable, and interoperable across different games.
  • The Metaverse: As concepts of a persistent, interconnected virtual world develop, the digital goods you buy in one game or experience could be used in another.
  • Stronger Regulation: With real money involved, governments are taking notice. We can expect more regulations around loot boxes, taxation of digital asset sales, and consumer protection.

 

The rise of gaming marketplaces is more than a trend; it’s a fundamental change in the relationship between players and the games they love. Our digital closets are now showcases of identity, history, and sometimes, significant investment. These marketplaces have given pixels a price tag and created a thrilling, complex, and entirely new layer to the world of gaming.

 

Tech Review – STM Goods ChargeTree Mag 3 in 1 MagSafe Charger. Compact, collapsible

The STM Goods ChargeTree Mag 3 in 1 MagSafe Charger is an ideal product to have at your disposal and their latest product for charging solutions after their CHARGETREE GO.

If you have multiple device that are compatible this is an ideal kit to safe not only space but having to carry cables with you, this not only works with Apple devices but others as you will see tested in the video review below.

Neat and portable this has a small footprint and ideal for your bedside locker or hotel room locker and your office set up where you have it sat beside your laptop and have easy access to your smartphone where it is kept charging with your watch and earbuds.

The product is robust and clean and looks well with all the tech goodies stacked on it, there is an LED light for each to let you know that it is sat correctly on the product.

This folds away nicely too and will fit in any travel or tech back there is sadly no pouch with it but again this is ideal if you have the tech to use it and very portable saving you space and annoying cables at home or on the go it is a win win for MagSafe devices.

 

Features 

  • Compactly folds to a slim, flat form for easy storage and travel
  • 3 – 1 charging station, charge 3 devices at once
  • Phone platform works with MagSafe, AirPods charge on the back platform, watch arm swings out to charge the Apple Watch
  • Plugs into power with USB-C to USB-C (1m cable included)
  • Must be used with a minimum 20W wall plug (not included)
  • Works with iPhone 12 and later

Available for £89.99 from Amazon

See our other STM Goods Reviews 

Video Review

6 Real Ways You Can Make Money Online Beyond Selling Goods

In the digital age, the Internet has revolutionized the ways we communicate, learn, and most pertinently, make money. The online world is overflowing with opportunities for savvy individuals to boost their income beyond traditional methods. This isn’t limited to selling goods alone, as is often presumed. This article shines a spotlight on various legitimate and innovative ways to earn money online, with potential avenues that may not have crossed your mind. Whether you’re seeking a full-time remote position or a side hustle to grow your savings, these 6 real ways to make money online could be your stepping stone to financial flexibility.

1. Take Online Surveys & Participate in Focus Groups

Market research companies are always looking to hear what consumers have to say about their products and services, so they reward individuals for providing candid feedback and opinions. This could mean taking an online survey or participating in a virtual focus group. Even though the payouts aren’t usually significant, it’s a great option if you’re short on time and don’t mind giving your two cents.

In addition, many survey sites offer rewards programs and sweepstakes that you can join for free. All this means is that even if you don’t qualify for a particular survey, you still have the opportunity to make money through other activities like clicking on ads or watching videos.

2. Become a Freelance Writer or Editor

If writing is in your blood, then this could be the perfect opportunity to make some extra money. There are numerous freelance websites through which you can connect with clients looking for help in creating high-quality content. Whether it’s SEO web content, magazine articles, social media copywriting, or blog posts, the demand for experienced writers is always on the rise. You could also join an editing platform to work on manuscripts and other projects as they come in. 

When starting out, you’ll likely be offered lower rates in order to build up your profile. But as you gain more experience and establish yourself as a professional freelancer, you can begin charging competitive prices for your work. You might even land some long-term contracts with larger organizations, enabling you to make a living wage from the comfort of your home.

3. Investing With a Broker

Investing money is an excellent strategy for growing your wealth over time. However, if you’re not well-versed in the stock market and financial jargon, it can appear overwhelming. This is where the expertise of a broker becomes invaluable. Namely, the professionals at Forex Broker Listing suggest that by partnering with a trusted broker, you can receive guidance on how to prudently and securely invest your funds. With the right brokerage platform, you can conveniently access market data and research from anywhere with an Internet connection. 

Most brokers also offer attractive bonuses for new customers that make it easier to start investing without a large initial outlay. Knowing when and where to put your money can help you earn a profit in the long run, without putting too much strain on your finances.

4. Become an Online Tutor

 

If you have a passion for teaching, why not leverage those skills to earn some extra income? Platforms like WizIQ and Udemy offer opportunities to create and teach your own online courses or join existing ones. This allows you to set your own rates and schedule, granting you full control over your workload. According to ReviewsXP, teaching experiences can vary from hosting live lectures or webinars to developing engaging content such as video tutorials and quizzes. The best part is, that most online tutoring positions don’t require a formal degree as you can virtually transfer your knowledge to eager learners.

5. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing involves promoting different products and services as part of a larger network or platform. When customers click on your affiliate links and purchase the advertised product or service, you’ll receive a commission from the merchant. The amount varies depending on the platform and the products in question, so it’s worth doing some research to find out which companies offer attractive rates for their affiliates.

What makes affiliate marketing so great is that you don’t need to own a website or blog to get started. You can join an affiliate program and simply publish your links on social media or other channels to earn commissions. You can even bundle several products together as part of a package deal, and then promote it to a wider audience for greater success.

6. Become a Virtual Assistant

The term “virtual assistant” (VA) refers to an individual who provides administrative services remotely from home. Basically, you’ll be completing tasks that help busy executives and entrepreneurs who can’t do everything themselves. As a result, there is a growing demand for talented VAs to take on day-to-day tasks like scheduling meetings or conducting research. You could even offer copywriting services if you have the necessary expertise, as this skill is in high demand among businesses. Depending on the company, you might also have to manage social media accounts or answer customer service queries. 

The internet isn’t simply a vast pool of information—it’s a bustling marketplace of opportunities, too. Whether it’s taking online surveys, freelance writing, investing with a broker, tutoring, affiliate marketing, or becoming a virtual assistant, there are numerous legitimate ways to make money online. Remember, no venture is without its challenges and each one requires dedication, perseverance, and discipline. However, with a clear strategy and consistent effort, you can tap into these platforms and generate a substantial income from the comfort of your home. The digital world is yours to explore and profit from, so take the first step towards financial autonomy today.