Does Walmart Sell eBay Gift Cards in 2023?
The short answer is no, Walmart does not currently sell eBay gift cards in their stores or on Walmart.com. But why doesn‘t one of the largest retailers in the world sell eBay gift cards? And where can you go to purchase an eBay gift card instead?
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I‘ll provide some insider perspective into the retail landscape and gift card dynamics between major players like Walmart and eBay. I‘ll also share the best alternatives for buying eBay and other gift cards this holiday season.
Why Doesn‘t Walmart Sell eBay Gift Cards?
Walmart choosing not to sell eBay gift cards primarily comes down to competition between the two ecommerce giants. While they occupy slightly different spaces in online retail, Walmart and eBay have significant overlap when it comes to their third-party seller networks.
Both companies want to drive sales through their own channels, not redirect business to their rivals. By not offering eBay gift cards, Walmart reduces the likelihood of customers spending those gift card funds on eBay.com instead of Walmart.com.
According to 2022 quarterly sales data, Walmart tops the ranks for US online retail market share at 6.6%, with eBay coming in fourth at 4.7%. While eBay maintains a healthy customer base, Walmart is actively growing their ecommerce business, especially Walmart Marketplace for third-party sellers.
Top 10 US Ecommerce Companies by Market Share 2022
| Company | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 41.4% |
| eBay | 4.7% |
| Walmart | 6.6% |
| Etsy | 4.4% |
| Best Buy | 1.8% |
| Chewy | 1.3% |
| Target | 2.8% |
| The Home Depot | 1.9% |
| Apple | 4.2% |
| Wayfair | 1.5% |
Data source: eMarketer
This competitive pressure means Walmart is less inclined to actively promote rival eBay‘s business through gift card sales. However, Walmart does sell gift cards for complementary retailers that attract different types of customers and purchases compared to Walmart. Examples are Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Nike, and gaming networks.
As a seller myself on both Walmart and eBay‘s marketplaces, I‘ve noticed Walmart investing heavily in bringing on more sellers while adding new product categories. Combine this with their brick-and-mortar footprint, and Walmart is well positioned to gain online retail market share. That makes not selling eBay gift cards a strategic move to keep customer spending in-house.
Where To Buy eBay Gift Cards
As an eBay seller and shopper myself, I appreciate the value and convenience of eBay gift cards. Here are some of the top retailers where you can reliably purchase eBay gift cards, both in-store and online:
Target
With over 1,900 locations across the US, Target is likely the easiest place to pick up eBay gift cards with a good selection of denominations from $25 to $500. Their website also lets you buy and customize eBay eGift cards to be delivered electronically.
Walgreens
After Target, Walgreens is my next go-to choice with over 9,000 pharmacy locations nationwide carrying a stock of eBay gift card options. You can also order eBay cards for in-store pickup or delivery through the Walgreens website and mobile app.
Dollar General
For discounted eBay gift cards, head to your local Dollar General. They offer a small inventory of eBay cards for convenience and at lower fixed dollar amounts like $25 or $50.
GameStop
Catering to gamers and tech enthusiasts, GameStop stores offer both physical and digital eBay gift cards in amounts up to $100. You can also buy eBay cards on their website.
CVS
Major pharmacy chains like CVS will carry a limited selection of eBay gift cards, usually at the registers. Also look for them on the gift card racks. CVS also sells eBay cards online for easy lookup of local availability.
Kroger
Many grocery store chains sell a stock of various gift cards near the checkout lanes. So keep an eye out for eBay cards when shopping at stores like Kroger, Ralph‘s, Fred Meyer, and others.
Rite Aid, 7-Eleven, Best Buy
Some other stores to check for eBay gift cards in limited supply include Rite Aid drug stores, 7-Eleven convenience stores, and Best Buy locations. Selection will vary by local inventory.
I suggest calling ahead to your specific pharmacy or grocery location to ask about eBay gift card availability if you need one right away. But popular chains like Target and Walgreens are sure to have eBay gift cards on hand with a wide range of amounts to choose from.
Best Gift Card Alternatives at Walmart
Instead of eBay, what are some solid gift card options to consider buying at Walmart? Here are a few great alternatives for shoppers:
Walmart Gift Cards
Purchasing a standard Walmart gift card provides maximum flexibility for the recipient to spend at any Walmart store or on Walmart.com. Cards range from $10 up to $500. It may not be as "fun" to receive, but they‘ll surely find lots to buy with a Walmart gift card.
Visa & Mastercard Gift Cards
Walmart sells prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards that work anywhere those payment networks are accepted. This includes most online retailers like eBay. These make great generalized gift cards loaded from $20 up to $500.
Entertainment Gift Cards
Walmart stocks a variety of entertainment gift cards for streaming services (Netflix, Hulu), gaming networks (Xbox, PlayStation), and movie theater chains. Great for gift recipients who love gaming, movies, or TV shows.
Specialty Retail Gift Cards
Consider more unique gift cards to Walmart specialty retail partners like Ulta Beauty, Bed Bath & Beyond, Barnes & Noble, and more. These give enthusiasts flexibility to shop at their favorite retailer.
Buy Gift Cards Strategically
As a seller, I‘m always analyzing consumer and purchasing trends to maximize sales. Here are some tips for buying gift cards strategically:
For general flexibility, Visa/Mastercard or Walmart gift cards give recipients total control.
Purchase retailer-specific cards for enthusiasts of that brand, like Ulta Beauty or gaming networks.
Check gift card racks for deals and discounts to save money on brands you know they love.
Opt for emailed eGift cards for last minute or remote gifting when you can‘t make it to the store.
Re-gift any unwanted cards you receive to someone who will appreciate that merchant.
Treat yourself with gift cards to your own favorite shops and earmark funds for future purchases.
The Final Take on eBay Gift Cards at Walmart
While Walmart does not offer first-party eBay gift cards in their stores due to ecommerce competition, you have plenty of reliable options at major chains like Target, Walgreens, Dollar General, and more.
Visa/Mastercard and retailer-specific gift cards provide great alternatives at Walmart locations for any gifting occasion. And be sure to take advantage of digital eGift cards for added convenience.
As an experienced seller on multiple marketplaces, I‘m always analyzing consumer trends and trying to maximize my reach across platforms, whether eBay, Walmart, Amazon, or niche sites. Understanding the relationships between these major brands helps inform my own business and marketing decisions.
I hope this insider perspective on gift cards and the retail landscape provides clarity on where to find eBay gift cards this season. Let me know if you have any other ecommerce or seller-related questions!
