eBay Live is available on desktop, mobile web and the eBay app for items in the Collectables and Fashion categories.
How it works
Anyone can view eBay Live events using mobile and desktop devices at eBay.com.au/ebaylive - opens in new window or tab or in the eBay app, but you'll need to have an eBay account to bid or buy. For a full schedule of upcoming events, see the eBay Live homepage.
If you'd like to receive a reminder before an event, simply select Remind me on the event page and make sure to have push notifications turned on for your device. For instructions on enabling push notifications, see our Notifications article.
When you join an eBay Live experience, your username will be visible to the seller and the other buyers in attendance. Items available to purchase during the live stream will be shown in a carousel at the bottom of the screen. If you have any questions about an item, you can chat with the seller during the event.
Bidding in eBay Live auctions
eBay Live auctions are usually under 2 minutes long, but the seller can choose to extend the auction slightly to allow buyers more time to bid.
Before you bid, you'll need to confirm your payment method. If you don't have a default payment method on file, you'll need to provide your payment details and you can do so without leaving the live stream. To place a bid, select Bid on the item you'd like to buy.
You'll see an on-screen notification if you're outbid. If you're the winning bidder, you'll see a confirmation screen letting you know you've won the item, and your payment is being processed.
Tip
It's important to remember that bids in eBay Live auctions can't be retracted. When you place a bid, you're committing to buying the item if you win the auction.
Using max bid
To set up max bidding on an auction, select Max bid on the item, enter the maximum amount you'd like to pay for the item, then select Confirm bid. We'll then bid in increments on your behalf – enough to keep you in the lead, but only up to your max bid. Learn more about how automatic bidding works.
Keep in mind when you're deciding on the maximum amount you'd like to pay that you'll need to pay the cost of postage too.
Tip
Bidding on items can be exciting, but it is a contractual obligation. When you're deciding on your maximum bid, be sure you're happy to pay that amount if you win the auction.
Paying for eBay Live items
If you're the winning bidder in an eBay Live auction, we'll automatically charge your payment method as soon as the auction ends. If the payment isn't successful, you'll be prompted to check out immediately to complete your order. Please be aware that sellers may cancel unpaid orders during the live stream.
If you're having trouble adding your payment method or paying for your item, follow our tips for troubleshooting payment errors.
Viewing video receipts
A video receipt is a replay link for each item you bought during an eBay Live event. It lets you revisit the exact moments your item was displayed on screen during the live stream.
Your video receipts are ready as soon as the live stream ends. They appear automatically in your Purchases - opens in new window or tab, and each opens in a new tab at the moment your item was shown on screen.
Tip
Video receipts are available for up to 180 days after the event. If you can't find your receipt, check your order details again later or get in touch. In some cases, the replay may have been removed, but our team can review it if needed.
Here's how to find your video receipt:
- Go to Purchases - opens in new window or tab in My eBay.
- Look for the eBay Live icon on your item image – this means a video receipt is available.
- Select your purchased item to open the Order details page.
- Tap the image to open your video receipt.
You can also open your video receipt from the Actions menu on the Order details page.
At the bottom of your video receipt, you'll see an item chip for each item purchased and displayed during the event.
If your video receipt starts at the beginning of the Live event, that means the seller did not pin your item on screen during the show. This could also be the case for items purchased ahead of the event or from the item line-up.
Cancelling or returning an eBay Live purchase
You can request to cancel an eBay Live order if the seller has not yet sent the item. The seller can either accept or decline your cancellation request. Learn more in our Order cancellation policy.
It's not possible to request a return if you've changed your mind about an item you bought on eBay Live. This does not, and is not intended to, alter or affect your other statutory rights as a buyer.
Once you have received your item, you can request a return if there's something wrong with it. Additionally, you may be covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in new window or tab if you receive an item that is different from what was described in the listing.
Troubleshooting livestream issues
If you run into any difficulties during an eBay Live event, the following tips may help:
- Check your internet speed. A strong internet connection is needed for the live stream, so we recommend using your strongest available connection
- If you're using the app, ensure you've downloaded the latest version of the eBay app before the event using an up-to-date Apple or Android device
If you see an error message at checkout, have a look at our Checkout help page.
For more information about eBay Live, you can also read our eBay Live FAQs - opens in new window or tab.