eBay’s fee structure is simpler than it used to be – most sellers now pay one main percentage fee when an item sells, plus a small fixed fee per order. But the details matter. The percentage depends on the category, it is charged on more than just the item price, and optional extras like promoted listings can quietly double your costs.
This guide explains every fee eBay charges, how each one is calculated, and what you actually keep. For a quick answer on your own item, use the calculator:
The quick answer
For most categories on eBay.com, sellers pay a final value fee of around 13.6% of the total sale, plus a per-order fee of $0.40 ($0.30 for orders of $10 or less). On a $50 order including shipping, that is about $7.20.
| Fee | When you pay it | Typical amount (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Insertion fee | When you list, after your free allowance | $0.35 per listing |
| Final value fee | When the item sells | ~13.6% of the total sale for most categories |
| Per-order fee | When the item sells | $0.30–$0.40 |
| Promoted listings | Only if you use ads and the ad leads to a sale | The ad rate you choose |
| International fee | When the buyer is abroad | An extra percentage |
Rates vary by category and change over time. Always check eBay’s current seller fees page for your category before you set prices.
Insertion fees: listing is usually free
Most private and casual sellers never pay to list. eBay gives each account a monthly allowance of free listings (typically a few hundred per month in the US), and more if you have an eBay Store. After that, each extra listing has a small insertion fee. If you list in two categories or add paid listing upgrades, extra fees apply.
The final value fee
This is the fee that matters. When your item sells, eBay charges a percentage of the total amount of the sale, which includes:
- the item price,
- the shipping and handling the buyer pays, and
- in the US, any sales tax eBay collects on the order.
That last point surprises many sellers. Because sales tax is included in the total, your real fee is a little higher than a simple percentage of your price. On a $50 order with 8% sales tax, eBay calculates its fee on $54, not $50.
Category rates
Most categories share a standard rate, but some are different. Categories such as certain clothing, trading cards, collectibles, musical instruments and heavy equipment have their own rates, and many categories charge a lower percentage on the part of an item’s price above a set threshold. Check eBay’s fee table for your category.
eBay Store subscribers
Sellers with an eBay Store subscription usually pay slightly lower final value fees in many categories and get more free listings. A store makes sense once you sell regularly – do the maths with your monthly sales before signing up.
The per-order fee
On top of the percentage, eBay charges a fixed fee per order: $0.40 in the US for orders over $10, and $0.30 for orders of $10 or less. On cheap items this fixed fee hurts. On a $6 item, $0.30 is 5% of the price on its own.
Promoted Listings (eBay ads)
Promoted Listings put your items higher in search results. With the most common option, you choose an ad rate – for example 5% – and pay it only when a buyer clicks your promoted listing and buys the item within 30 days.
Promoted listings can increase sales, but the ad rate is charged on top of the final value fee. A 13.6% final value fee plus a 7% ad rate means eBay takes over 20% of the sale. Use the Promoted listing fee field in our calculator to see the effect before choosing a rate.
International fees and currency conversion
If a buyer outside your country buys your item, eBay adds an international fee, a percentage of the sale. If the sale is in another currency, a currency conversion charge may also apply when the money reaches your account.
Selling on eBay UK
eBay UK works differently for private and business sellers:
- Private sellers. Since late 2024, most private sellers in the UK pay no final value fee in most categories – buyers pay a Buyer Protection fee instead. Vehicles and some other categories are exceptions.
- Business sellers pay a final value fee (a percentage that varies by category) plus a fixed per-order fee.
Selling regularly to make a profit counts as trading, and you should register as a business seller. Our calculator includes presets for both types – check the rates for your category on eBay UK.
Worked example: a $45 pair of trainers with $5 shipping
A US seller sells used trainers for $45, charging $5 shipping. They paid $15 for the trainers and $4.50 for postage.
- Order total: $45 + $5 = $50.00
- Final value fee: 13.6% × $50 = $6.80
- Per-order fee: $0.40
- Total eBay fees: $7.20 (14.4%)
Payout: $42.80. After the $15 cost and $4.50 postage, profit is $23.30 – a 46.6% margin on the order. If sales tax of 8% was included in eBay’s calculation, the final value fee would rise by about $0.54.
Now add a 6% promoted listing: that is another $3.00, and profit falls to $20.30.
Six ways to lower your eBay fees
- Charge realistic shipping. You pay the final value fee on shipping too, so padded shipping costs you fees without adding profit.
- Avoid very cheap single items. The per-order fee eats into low prices – bundle cheap items into lots instead.
- Test lower promoted listing rates. Start low and increase only if you see results.
- Stay above standard. Sellers with high defect rates can pay higher final value fees. Ship on time and describe items accurately.
- Consider a Store once your monthly sales make the lower rates worth the subscription.
- Know your break-even price before you accept offers. Our calculator shows it instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Does eBay charge fees on shipping?
Yes. The final value fee is calculated on the total amount the buyer pays, including shipping.
Do I pay eBay fees if the buyer doesn’t pay?
If a buyer does not pay and the order is cancelled correctly, eBay credits the final value fee.
Are eBay fees higher than Etsy’s?
For most everyday items, yes – eBay’s headline rate is roughly 13–14% against about 10–11% on Etsy. But the two platforms suit different products. See our full comparison: Etsy vs Shopify vs eBay.
The bottom line
On eBay.com, plan for around 14–15% of each order in fees for most categories, and more if you promote your listings or sell internationally. Put your real prices and costs into the eBay fee calculator and check your profit before you list – especially on low-priced items.
Fees and rates in this guide were correct at the time of writing and can vary by category. Always confirm current fees on eBay’s seller fees page.