Quick Answer:
eBay charges sellers a final value fee of 13.25% to 15% of the total sale amount (including shipping). This fee already includes payment processing. Additional costs may apply, including insertion fees, promoted listing fees, and international transaction fees. Discounts are available for store subscribers and Top Rated Sellers.
Introduction: Why Understanding eBay Fees Is Essential for Sellers
eBay remains one of the most powerful online marketplaces in the world, with millions of active buyers across virtually every product category. But whether you’re selling sneakers, vintage apparel, collectibles, or electronics — your net profit depends on understanding what eBay charges per sale.
Many sellers underestimate how quickly fees can add up. If you don’t price with these costs in mind, you can lose a significant chunk of your margin.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about what fees eBay charges sellers, how they’re calculated, how to minimize them, and how they compare to other platforms like Whatnot and Mercari.
What Fees Do eBay Sellers Pay?
eBay charges different types of fees depending on your activity as a seller. The main fee is the final value fee, which applies to every successful sale. However, depending on how you list and promote your items, there can be additional costs.
| Fee Type | Description | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Final Value Fee | % of total buyer payment (item price + shipping) | 13.25%–15% |
| Insertion Fee | Charged after free listings are used | $0.30 per listing |
| Promoted Listing Fee | Optional advertising cost | 2–10% of sale |
| International Fee | For sales to buyers outside the U.S. | 1.65% |
| Store Discounts | Fee reductions for subscribers | Varies |
Automate this with Closo → Closo calculates these costs in real time, so you can price accurately from the start.
eBay Final Value Fee Explained
The final value fee is the primary charge most sellers will encounter. It’s a percentage of the total amount paid by the buyer, including shipping and handling (excluding sales tax).
| Category | Final Value Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing, Shoes & Accessories | 13.25% | Most common for resellers |
| Electronics | 12.9% | Slightly lower |
| Collectibles & Trading Cards | 14.35% | Higher niche categories |
| Jewelry & Watches | 15% | Tiered for luxury |
| Home & Garden | 13.25% | Standard rate |
| Motors Parts & Accessories | 12.9% | Separate structure for vehicle sales |
💡 This fee includes payment processing, so there are no extra PayPal charges.
Insertion (Listing) Fees
Every seller gets 250 free listings per month. After that, a small insertion fee is charged per listing.
| Seller Type | Free Listings | Insertion Fee After Free |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Store Seller | 250 | $0.30 per listing |
| Starter Store | 250 | $0.30 per listing |
| Basic Store | 1,000 | $0.30 per listing |
| Premium Store | 10,000 | $0.30 per listing |
| Anchor Store | 25,000+ | $0.30 per listing |
Automate this with Closo → Closo helps you track how many listings are free vs. billable, avoiding surprise costs.
Promoted Listing Fees
Promoted Listings are optional, but many sellers use them to increase visibility and boost sales velocity.
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You set an ad rate between 2% and 10%.
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The fee is charged only if the item sells through the promotion.
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It’s calculated as a percentage of the total sale amount.
📝 Example: If your item sells for $100 and you set a 3% ad rate, you’ll pay an additional $3 in fees.
International Fees
If your buyer is outside the U.S., eBay applies a 1.65% international fee on top of your final value fee.
| Sale Type | Final Value Fee | International Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Sale | 13.25% | 0% | 13.25% |
| International Sale | 13.25% | 1.65% | 14.90% |
🌍 Tip: Factor this in when pricing your international listings, especially for heavy or expensive items.
eBay Motors and Special Categories
eBay Motors has its own fee structure, especially for vehicles.
| Type of Listing | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Listings (Private Sellers) | Flat fee ($19–$79) |
| Parts & Accessories | Standard final value fee (usually 12.9%) |
| Classified Listings | Fixed price based on listing duration |
This is particularly useful for car dealers, flippers, and sellers of auto parts.
Store Subscriptions and Discounts
eBay Store subscriptions can help sellers reduce their fees, gain more listings, and access advanced tools.
| Store Level | Monthly Fee | Listings | Potential Fee Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $4.95 | 250 | Minimal |
| Basic | $27.95 | 1,000 | Lower |
| Premium | $74.95 | 10,000 | Lower |
| Anchor | $349.95 | 25,000+ | Lowest |
Top Rated Sellers can also get up to 10% off final value fees.
eBay vs Other Platforms
| Platform | Final Value Fee | Other Fees | Total Typical Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 13.25%–15% | Listing, promo, international | 13.25%–18% | High visibility, global reach |
| Whatnot | 8% | 2.9% + $0.30 processing | ~11–12% | Live auctions, collectibles |
| Mercari | 10% | 2.9% + $0.30 processing | ~12–13% | Simplicity |
| Poshmark | 20% | Included | 20% | Apparel and accessories |
Key Takeaway: eBay isn’t the cheapest, but its traffic and reach make it one of the most profitable long-term.
Real Example: Fee Breakdown on a $100 Sale
| Component | eBay | Whatnot |
|---|---|---|
| Item + Shipping | $110 | $110 |
| Final Value Fee | $14.58 | $8.80 |
| Additional Fees | $0 | $3.49 processing |
| Total Fees | $14.58 | $12.29 |
| Net Payout | $95.42 | $97.71 |
Even a $2–3 difference per sale can add up to thousands annually for high-volume sellers.
How to Reduce eBay Fees
🧠 1. Subscribe to a Store
Lower your insertion and final value fees.
🏆 2. Become a Top Rated Seller
Get up to 10% off your final value fees.
📢 3. Use Promotions Strategically
Keep ad rates lean and targeted.
✈️ 4. Optimize Shipping Costs
Since fees are based on the total payment, cheaper shipping means less fees.
🤖 5. Automate Pricing with Closo
Closo automatically builds in fees, ensuring your profit margins remain healthy.
👉 Try Closo for free — never lose profit to hidden fees again.
FAQ
❓ What is the fee for eBay sellers?
eBay charges 13.25% to 15% of the total sale amount, plus optional fees depending on your listing strategy.
❓ Does eBay charge fees on shipping?
Yes. Fees apply to the total buyer payment including shipping.
❓ How can I lower my eBay fees?
Get a store subscription, become a Top Rated Seller, and optimize shipping and promotions.
❓ Are international sales more expensive?
Yes, eBay adds a 1.65% international fee on top of the standard final value fee.
❓ Is eBay cheaper than Whatnot or Mercari?
Not usually — but eBay provides significantly more visibility and flexibility.
Cross-Links
🏁 Final Thoughts
Understanding eBay’s fee structure isn’t just a detail — it’s a crucial part of running a profitable resale business.
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🧾 Final value fees account for the majority of seller costs.
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🏪 Store subscriptions and Top Rated Seller status can significantly lower your expenses.
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🌍 eBay may not be the cheapest, but it’s one of the most powerful platforms for reach and trust.
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🤖 Automation tools like Closo can remove guesswork and guarantee healthy profit margins across platforms.
If you sell on eBay, understanding your fees is the first step toward smarter pricing — and bigger profits.
