How eBay fees work
eBay's main cost is the final value fee, charged when an item sells. In most categories it is around 13.25% of the total the buyer pays — item price plus shipping. Additional fees can apply: insertion fees (free or $0.35 per listing after free listings run out), store subscription fees, and promoted listing percentages if you advertise.
The fee is calculated on the gross sale, not on your profit. That is why a $45 sale with a 13.25% fee nets you about $39, and a $10 shipping charge you pass to the buyer is also charged the fee. When pricing, enter your real item and shipping costs in the cost field to see the true profit.
Keeping more of each sale
- Price fees into the item — a 13.25% fee needs about 15.3% markup just to break even.
- Use free listings and start prices strategic to avoid insertion fees.
- Check category-specific fee rates — some categories (electronics, collectibles) differ.