When selling on eBay, your final payout isn’t the same as your selling price — eBay deducts a final value fee (also known as the commission rate). This fee covers platform operations, payment processing, buyer protection, and other services.
For many sellers, understanding this fee structure is critical to setting the right listing prices and protecting profit margins.
Quick Answer:
The eBay Final Value Fee is typically 12.9%–15% of the total sale amount (item price + shipping + tax) plus a $0.30 transaction fee. Business accounts with eBay Store subscriptions may pay lower rates depending on category.
❓ What Is an eBay Final Value Fee?
The Final Value Fee (FVF) is the primary commission eBay charges when your item sells.
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Charged as a percentage of the total sale price (including shipping and tax)
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Includes a $0.30 fixed transaction fee per order
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Varies by category and seller type
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Automatically deducted from your payout after the sale
✅ Example:
If you sell an item for $100 + $10 shipping:
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13.25% × $110 = $14.58
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$14.58 + $0.30 = $14.88 fee
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Your net payout = $95.12
👉 Automate fee calculations with Closo →
💰 Why Does eBay Charge Final Value Fees?
eBay’s commission covers:
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🧭 Access to millions of buyers globally
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💳 Payment processing infrastructure
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🛡️ Buyer protection and dispute resolution
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📈 Selling tools, analytics, and support
This model is similar to other marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, and Whatnot, but eBay’s rate is often lower than Poshmark’s 20%.
🧮 How Is the eBay Final Value Fee Calculated?
Formula:
Where:
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Total Sale Amount = Item price + Shipping + Tax
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Category Fee % = Depends on product category
✅ Example for a $250 sale at 13.25%:
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$250 × 13.25% = $33.13
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$0.30 = $33.43 total fee
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$250 - $33.43 = $216.57 net payout
📊 Final Value Fee by Category (2025)
| 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 |
💡 Tip: If you have a business account with an eBay Store, these rates are often 0.5%–1.5% lower.
Automate pricing strategy with Closo →
🧾 What’s the Difference Between Final Value Fees and Insertion Fees?
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Final Value Fee:
Charged only when an item sells. Percentage-based. -
Insertion Fee:
Charged only if you exceed 250 free listings per month. $0.35 per extra listing.
Most casual sellers don’t pay insertion fees, but high-volume sellers should factor them in.
🏢 Do Business Accounts Pay Lower Fees?
Yes. Business accounts with store subscriptions get:
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📉 Lower final value fee percentages
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🆓 Higher free listing allowances
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🚀 Access to bulk tools and performance insights
| Store Plan | Typical Final Value Fee | Listing Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| No Store | 12.9%–15% | 250 free listings/month |
| Basic Store | 11.9%–13.5% | More free listings |
| Premium Store | 10.9%–12.5% | Priority tools + savings |
For sellers making over ~$1,000/month, upgrading can save significant money over time.
🆚 eBay Final Value Fee vs. Whatnot Commission
| Platform | Commission Rate | Transaction Fee | Total Typical | $100 Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 12.9%–15% + $0.30 | Included | ~13%–15% | $85–$87 |
| Whatnot | 8% + 2.9% + $0.30 | Separate | ~11% | $89 |
| Poshmark | 20% flat | Included | 20% | $80 |
| Mercari | 10% + 2.9% + $0.30 | Separate | ~13% | $86.80 |
While Whatnot’s commission is lower, eBay has the broadest reach, which often means faster sales and higher volume.
🛒 Additional eBay Fees Beyond Final Value
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📢 Promoted Listings Fee: Optional ads to boost exposure.
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🧾 Insertion Fees: Only after exceeding monthly free limit.
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🌍 International Selling Fees: For cross-border transactions.
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✨ Listing Upgrades: Bold titles, subtitles, gallery features.
👉 Closo helps sellers calculate and factor in these costs automatically.
🧠 How to Reduce eBay Final Value Fees
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📈 Upgrade to an eBay Store to unlock lower rates
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🪙 Build fees into your pricing strategy
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🧮 Avoid over-promoting low-margin items
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🚀 Crosslist to lower-fee marketplaces (like Grailed or Mercari)
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🛠️ Automate fee tracking to protect margins
Automate pricing strategy with Closo →
📚 Related Reads
📌 FAQ — What Is an eBay Final Value Fee?
1. What is an eBay final value fee?
The final value fee is eBay’s commission on each sale, typically 12.9%–15% of the total sale amount plus a $0.30 transaction fee.
2. Does eBay charge listing fees?
No, unless you exceed 250 free listings per month. After that, insertion fees apply.
3. How can I reduce eBay final value fees?
Upgrade to a business account, subscribe to a store, crosslist to other marketplaces, and price strategically.
4. Do business accounts pay lower fees?
Yes, store subscriptions can lower final value fees by 0.5–1.5%.
5. How does eBay compare to Whatnot and Poshmark?
eBay has slightly higher fees than Whatnot but much lower than Poshmark’s flat 20%.
Final Thoughts
eBay’s final value fee is one of the most important numbers every seller should understand.
- Standard fee: 12.9%–15% + $0.30 per order
- Lower fees for business accounts with store subscriptions
- Transparent structure, with optional add-ons like ads
- Crosslisting and automation can help offset costs
Automate pricing strategy with Closo → to keep your pricing, margin, and multi-marketplace strategy tight and profitable.
