Why fees matter more than they look
Every online marketplace takes a cut when you sell, but each one calculates it differently. Some charge a percentage of the item price only, some include the shipping you charge, some also include sales tax, and some add a fixed amount per order. On a low-priced item, fixed fees can take a large share; on an item with high shipping, a fee charged on shipping adds up. Knowing your real payout lets you price items so they make money after fees, postage and the cost of the item itself.
Payout = item price + shipping charged − marketplace fees
Net profit = payout − item cost − postage you pay − packaging and other costs
Margin = net profit ÷ (item price + shipping charged)
How each marketplace charges (US sellers)
- Etsy: a $0.20 listing fee, a 6.5% transaction fee on the item price plus shipping and gift wrap, and payment processing of 3% + $0.25 on the order total including sales tax. Offsite Ads fees apply only to sales that came from an Etsy ad.
- eBay: a final value fee of 13.6% for most categories (13.25% for trading cards, collectible card games and comics) on the total sale amount including shipping and sales tax, up to $7,500 per item, plus a per-order fee of $0.30 on orders of $10 or less and $0.40 above $10.
- Poshmark: a flat $2.95 on sales under $15 and 20% on sales of $15 or more. The buyer pays for a prepaid shipping label, so you do not charge or pay for shipping yourself.
- Mercari: a 10% selling fee on the item price plus buyer-paid shipping, with no separate payment processing fee for sellers.
Worked example: a $30 item on four marketplaces
You sell an item for $30 and charge $5 shipping. The item cost you $12, postage costs $4.50 and packaging $0.50.
| Marketplace | Fees | Payout | Net profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | $3.78 | $31.23 | $14.23 |
| eBay | $5.16 | $29.84 | $12.84 |
| Poshmark | $6.00 | $24.00 | $11.50 |
| Mercari | $3.50 | $31.50 | $14.50 |
On Etsy, the $3.78 is the $0.20 listing fee, $2.28 transaction fee (6.5% of $35) and $1.30 payment processing (3% of $35 + $0.25). The break-even item price, where profit is exactly zero, is $14.29. On Poshmark the buyer pays shipping to Poshmark, so the profit is lower here but you also do not buy postage.
Custom marketplaces
For any other platform, such as your own website with a payment processor, a local marketplace or a platform not listed, choose Other / custom fees and enter its selling-fee percentage, payment-processing percentage and fixed fees. The calculator applies the selling fee to the item price plus shipping and the processing fee to the total including tax, which is how most platforms work; adjust the rates to match the platform's fee page.
Things that change your real profit
- Advertising. Promoted listings and ads charge an extra percentage on the sales they bring. Use the ad fee field to see the effect.
- Free shipping. If you offer free shipping, enter 0 for shipping charged and include the postage in your costs; fees then apply to a smaller total, but you pay the postage yourself.
- Returns and refunds. Some fees are not refunded when an order is returned, so a high return rate lowers average profit.
- Taxes. Marketplaces collect and pass on sales tax in most US states, so it is not part of your payout, but some fees are calculated on it. Your own income tax is separate.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting fees on shipping. Etsy, eBay and Mercari charge on the shipping you collect, not just the item price.
- Ignoring fixed fees on cheap items. A $0.25 or $0.40 fixed fee is small on $50 but large on $5.
- Leaving out your own costs. Packaging, labels and your time are real costs.
Fee rates were checked against each marketplace's official help pages in October 2026 and are shown in editable fields. Marketplaces change fees from time to time, so check the current rates before pricing. This site is not affiliated with Etsy, eBay, Poshmark or Mercari.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Etsy take from a $30 sale?
With $5 shipping, about $3.78: a $0.20 listing fee, $2.28 transaction fee (6.5%) and $1.30 payment processing (3% + $0.25).
Which marketplace has the lowest fees?
It depends on price and shipping. In the $30 example, Mercari ($3.50) and Etsy ($3.78) cost less than eBay ($5.16) and Poshmark ($6.00).
Do marketplace fees include shipping?
Etsy, eBay and Mercari charge their percentage on the shipping you collect as well as the item price. Poshmark's commission is on the item price.
What is a break-even price?
The lowest item price at which fees and costs are covered and profit is zero.
Sources
- Etsy Help Center. Etsy Fee Basics; What are Payment Processing Fees for Selling on Etsy? (help.etsy.com).
- eBay Help. Selling fees: final value fees and per-order fees (ebay.com/help).
- Poshmark Support. What are the fees for selling on Poshmark? (support.poshmark.com).
- Mercari Help Center. Fees on Mercari; Changes to our fee structure (mercari.com/us/help_center).
Last reviewed 27 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.