Goldin Searches For New eBay Live Host With "Lights, Camera, Bid" Contest
eBay-owned Goldin Auctions is looking for a new eBay Live livestream shopping host, giving hobby enthusiasts a shot at landing their dream job with Lights, Camera, Bid campaign.
According to a company spokesperson, the search is open to anyone, with or without prior creator experience, and Goldin is seeking a "diamond in the rough" for this "life changing opportunity."
Founder Ken Goldin also announced the competition on Instagram, urging followers to submit their reels to earn a shot in front of their judges.
Applications are open from April 2 - May 22, 2026 and anyone interested can fill out this form to be considered and be prepared to provide links to your social media profiles and a video clip for your audition.
Per the official rules, this is a "skills-based competition" designed to test on-camera hosting, selling, professionalism, adaptability, and brand fit.
Judging and final selection will be done in stages:
Stage 1: Initial Submission Review - Selection of Interviewees
Entries are reviewed by an initial panel and/or stakeholders using criteria in Section 7. Eligible entrants above a threshold may be invited to a recorded interview.Stage 2: Recorded Interview Review - Selection of formal “Contestants”
Selected entrants will participate in a recorded video interview. Administrator will select approximately twelve (12) contestants (“Contestants”) based on criteria in Section 7.Stage 3: Sell-Off Battle
Contestants may compete in head-to-head selling challenges, potentially conducted remotely, with assigned items and real-time judging. Administrator will select approximately six (6) contestants (“Semi Finalists”).Stage 4: On-Site Challenges (Semi Finalists to Finalists)
Semi Finalists may be required to pass a background check, as well as travel to Goldin HQ for challenges that may include:
- “Chat Attack” (rapid-fire audience-style questions),
- “Cold Read” (script performance),
- “Blind Sell” (mystery item pitch),
- and/or an eBay Live studio hosting challenge.
Administrator will select approximately two (2) finalists (“Final 2”).Stage 5: Final Event (Finalists to Winner)
Finalists may compete in a final on-camera and/or live eBay Live event at/around a major event (e.g., National) and the winner will be selected based on the criteria in Section 7.
Each stage will be evaluated using some or all of the following criteria (weights may vary by stage):
- On-camera presence & charisma
- Selling effectiveness & persuasion
- Collectibles / auction knowledge & credibility
- Improvisation & composure under pressure
- Clarity of communication
- Professionalism, reliability & brand fit
The winner will receive a conditional offer to serve as an on-air host for Goldin
eBay Live programming, either as an employee or independent contractor, subject to eligibility verification, background checks, etc.
Interested parties will want to read all the fine print carefully - especially the parts that state you may be on the hook for your own travel expenses, the non-disclosure and non-disparagement requirements, and all of the publicity rights, licensing, and editing provisions that will dictate both the competition and subsequent offer of employment or contract.
Download the full rules and terms:
The move comes as part of eBay's broader Live push as the 30 year old legacy marketplace races to catch up with competitors like Whatnot and TikTok.
Liz Morton
But not everyone is loving Live - as a recent homepage takeover for the 48 Hours of Drops Live event sparked intense backlash from some of eBay's core buying-base.
Liz Morton
Are you planning to enter the Goldin Lights, Camera, Bid competition? Let us know in the comments below!
