If you sell or buy on eBay, understanding eBay’s fees is essential. These costs affect how much profit sellers actually take home — and how much buyers ultimately pay. Between final value fees, insertion fees, and optional upgrades, the structure can seem confusing at first. But once broken down, it’s actually quite predictable and manageable.
Quick Answer:
eBay charges sellers a final value fee of 12.9%–15% of the total sale amount, plus a $0.30 transaction fee per order. The first 250 listings each month are free. Optional listing upgrades and promoted listings can add extra costs. Buyers generally don’t pay eBay fees directly — but may pay shipping or tax.
💰 Understanding eBay’s Fee Structure
eBay’s fee system is designed to:
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Monetize the platform through seller commissions
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Encourage listing volume with free monthly allocations
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Support features like buyer protection, payment processing, and advertising
There are three main components to eBay’s fees:
| Fee Type | Description | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Insertion Fee | Listing cost after 250 free listings | Seller |
| Final Value Fee | Percentage of total sale amount + $0.30 | Seller |
| Optional Upgrades | Bold title, subtitles, promoted listings, international visibility | Seller |
Buyers typically don’t pay eBay directly, but shipping and tax can make total checkout costs higher.
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Insertion Fees on eBay
Insertion fees are the listing fees charged when you exceed your free listing allowance:
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✅ First 250 fixed-price or auction listings per month are free.
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💰 After that, $0.35 per listing applies.
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🏪 Store subscribers get thousands of free listings depending on plan.
| Seller Type | Free Listings | Insertion Fee After Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Seller (No Store) | 250 | $0.35 per listing |
| Basic Store | 1,000 | Lower per listing |
| Premium Store | 10,000 | Lower per listing |
Pro Tip: If you regularly exceed 250 listings per month, an eBay Store can pay for itself through savings on fees.
Final Value Fees on eBay
The final value fee (FVF) is eBay’s main commission. It’s charged after a successful sale:
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💳 12.9%–15% of the total sale (item price + shipping + tax)
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➕ $0.30 per order (transaction fee)
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📈 Rates vary by category and seller status
| Category | Final Value Fee | Transaction Fee | Total Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Accessories | 13.25% | $0.30 | ~13.5% |
| Electronics | 12.9% | $0.30 | ~13.2% |
| Jewelry & Watches (Luxury) | 15% | $0.30 | ~15.3% |
| Books, DVDs & Music | 14.55% | $0.30 | ~14.8% |
| Collectibles & Memorabilia | 13.25% | $0.30 | ~13.5% |
| Motors | Varies | $0.30 | Depends |
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eBay Store Subscription Reduces Fees
| Store Plan | Insertion Fee Allowance | Final Value Fee Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| No Store | 250 listings | — |
| Basic Store | 1,000+ listings | 0.5–1% lower |
| Premium Store | 10,000+ listings | 1–1.5% lower |
Sellers with higher volumes often upgrade to a Basic or Premium Store, saving thousands annually.
Optional Listing Upgrades
eBay offers optional features to make listings stand out — these are extra costs:
| Upgrade Feature | Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bold Title | $2.00 per listing | Highlights the title in search results |
| Subtitle | $1.50 per listing | Extra descriptive line |
| Gallery Plus | $1.00 | Larger photo in search |
| International Visibility | Varies | Shows listings to international buyers |
| Promoted Listings | Seller sets ad rate (2%–15%) | Increases visibility and sell-through rate |
Use these upgrades strategically, especially for high-value or competitive products.
🧾 eBay’s Fee vs Other Marketplaces
Understanding competitor fees can help sellers price strategically.
| Platform | Selling Fee | Extra Fees | Total % Fee | Buyer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 12.9%–15% + $0.30 | Optional upgrades | 13–15% | Shipping/Tax |
| Mercari | 10% selling + 2.9% + $0.30 | Transfer fee $2 if < $10 | ~13% | Buyer protection fee |
| Poshmark | 20% flat (or $2.95 < $15) | — | 20% | No buyer fee |
| Whatnot | 8% + 2.9% + $0.30 | — | ~11% | No buyer fee |
👉 Related: eBay vs Poshmark Fees Comparison
Mercari Fees for Buyers
Mercari is increasingly popular, and buyers should understand its fee model:
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Buyers don’t pay Mercari directly for transactions
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But may pay shipping and taxes
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Optional buyer protection fee (5% or $2.99 minimum) can apply at checkout
This can make final checkout prices slightly higher than eBay, where buyer fees are baked into item and shipping costs.
Mercari Fees for Sellers
| Fee Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selling Fee | 10% | Flat per transaction |
| Payment Processing Fee | 2.9% + $0.30 | Added to seller’s cost |
| Transfer Fee | $2 for transfers under $10 | Waived over $10 |
This structure is simpler than eBay’s but offers fewer listing customization options.
Mercari Transfer Fee
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$2 fee applies for bank transfers under $10
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Transfers over $10 are free
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Instant transfers may have an extra $2 fee depending on the method
This is relevant for high-frequency sellers who withdraw daily.
Poshmark Fees
Poshmark keeps it simple:
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20% flat commission for sales over $15
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$2.95 flat fee for sales under $15
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No buyer fees
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Shipping is paid by the buyer or adjusted in the offer
While more expensive than eBay, Poshmark is strong in apparel, with high sell-through rates for trendy clothing.
How to Lower eBay Fees as a Seller
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📈 Upgrade to an eBay Store if you list in volume
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🧮 Price your products strategically with fees included
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💰 Avoid overusing optional upgrades
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🚀 Promote only high-margin listings
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🔄 Crosslist to lower-fee marketplaces like Whatnot or Grailed
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⚡ Automate repricing and fee calculations with Closo
Automate pricing and fee calculation with Closo →
Related Reads
FAQ — eBay’s Fee
1. How much does eBay charge sellers?
eBay charges 12.9%–15% of the total sale amount plus a $0.30 transaction fee.
2. Does eBay charge buyers?
No, eBay doesn’t charge buyers directly. Buyers may pay shipping and tax.
3. Are there ways to lower eBay fees?
Yes. Upgrade to an eBay Store, price strategically, and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
4. How does eBay compare to Mercari or Poshmark?
eBay’s fees are lower than Poshmark’s but slightly higher than Mercari’s.
5. Are listing fees always charged?
No. The first 250 listings per month are free. After that, insertion fees apply.
Final Thoughts
eBay’s fee structure may seem complex at first, but once broken down, it’s easy to plan for:
- 12.9%–15% final value fee + $0.30
- 250 free listings per month
- Store subscriptions lower costs
- Optional upgrades give visibility — but at a price
Smart sellers factor these fees into their pricing and use automation to keep profit margins predictable.
Automate pricing and fee calculation with Closo → to stay ahead of marketplace fees, optimize pricing, and boost profitability across platforms.
