Rarewaves wins eBay’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Last Thursday was a night we won’t forget. Rarewaves joined eBay UK’s top sellers in London for the tenth eBay for Business Awards: an evening of emotion, great stories and some of the sharpest minds in British ecommerce. At the end of the night, the final award of the evening went to us: the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026. This is only the second year the award has been presented.
In 2005, Brad Aspess sold a single seven-inch Genesis record on eBay. He had just turned 50.
That one sale became Rarewaves: a global retailer of vinyl, CDs, film, books and collectables that has generated more than £500 million in eBay sales and serves customers in more than 190 countries and territories.
“When we sold our first vinyl record on eBay more than 20 years ago, we never imagined it would grow into a global business. We’re proof that a passion or side hustle can become something extraordinary, and winning this award is fantastic recognition of our hard work and dedication.” – Brad Aspess, Founder, Rarewaves.
Hundreds of businesses applied this year. 48 were shortlisted, and nine took home awards.
Most categories celebrate a strong year; the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises something different: more than two decades of selling, growing and delivering for customers around the world. It is also proof of something we believe in: it’s never too late to start. Brad began Rarewaves at 50 and built a multi-million-pound business from a single listing.
eBay has been part of Rarewaves’ story from the first sale. Its global reach has helped Rarewaves become one of the UK’s leading physical media exporters, and we’re proud that eBay UK highlighted our international success as an example of what British retailers can achieve.
To our team, past and present: this award is yours. To our customers in every corner of the world: thank you for every order. And to eBay: thank you for the platform, the support and a night to remember.
About the eBay for Business Awards
Now in their tenth year, the awards recognise UK entrepreneurs and charities shaping British retail. The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a business that has built a lasting retail legacy through the eBay marketplace.