How Reseller Fees Work
Understanding how each platform calculates fees is essential for maximizing your profits as a reseller. Here's a comprehensive breakdown.
Types of Fees
Most selling platforms charge a combination of these fees:
1. Transaction/Selling Fee
A percentage of the sale price (and often shipping) that the platform takes as their commission. This is the main way platforms make money.
2. Payment Processing Fee
A fee charged to process the payment, typically around 2.9-3.3% plus a flat fee ($0.25-$0.50). This covers credit card processing and fraud protection.
3. Listing Fee
Some platforms (like Etsy) charge a small fee to list an item, regardless of whether it sells.
4. Per-Order Fee
A flat fee charged on each order (eBay charges $0.40 per order, for example).
Platform Comparison
| Platform | Main Fee | Payment Fee | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 13.35%* | Included | $0.40/order |
| Etsy | 6.5% | 3% + $0.25 | $0.20 listing |
| Poshmark | 20%** | Included | — |
| Mercari | 10% | 2.9% + $0.50 | — |
| Depop | 10% | 3.3% + $0.45 | — |
| FB Marketplace | 5% | Included | Min $0.40 |
* eBay rates vary by category (3.35% - 15.15%)
** Poshmark charges $2.95 flat for sales under $15
What's Included in the Sale Total?
Different platforms calculate fees on different totals:
- eBay, Etsy, Mercari, Depop: Fees calculated on item price + shipping
- Poshmark: Fees calculated on item price only (shipping is prepaid by buyer)
- Facebook Marketplace: Fees on total checkout amount
Tips for Minimizing Fees
- Choose the right platform for your items. Fashion items might do well on Poshmark despite higher fees due to the audience.
- Factor fees into your pricing. Use our calculator to determine your minimum price for profitability.
- Consider local sales. Facebook Marketplace local pickup has zero fees.
- Watch for category differences. eBay charges different rates for different categories.
Ready to calculate?
Use our comparison calculator to see exactly how much you'll earn on each platform.