eBay Fee & Profit Calculator
Calculate exact Final Value Fees and net profit for your eBay listings.
How eBay Fees Are Calculated in 2024
eBay transitioned away from PayPal years ago, moving to Managed Payments. This simplified the fee structure but changed how commissions are calculated. The primary fee is the Final Value Fee (FVF), which is a percentage of the total amount the buyer pays, including shipping and handling, and even sales tax in many jurisdictions.
For most sellers, the standard fee is 13.25% of the total sale plus a fixed $0.30 per order. However, these rates vary based on the item category and whether you have a basic or premium eBay Store subscription.
The Profit Formula
To find your true take-home pay, use the following logic:
- Total Revenue: Sold Price + Shipping Charged to Buyer.
- Variable Fee: (Total Revenue * Category %)
- Total eBay Fees: Variable Fee + $0.30 (Fixed Fee).
- Net Profit: Total Revenue – Total eBay Fees – Shipping Paid by Seller – Original Item Cost.
Example Calculation
Imagine you sell a vintage camera for $100 and charge $10 for shipping. Your total revenue is $110.
- eBay Fee (13.25% of $110): $14.58
- Fixed Fee: $0.30
- Total eBay Cost: $14.88
- If the item cost you $40 and shipping labels cost $9, your final profit is: $110 – $14.88 – $9 – $40 = $46.12.
Tips for Maximizing eBay Margins
1. Watch Your Shipping: If you charge the buyer $10 for shipping but it costs you $12 at the post office, you are losing $2 plus the eBay fee on that shipping charge. Always weigh items before listing.
2. Become Top Rated: Top Rated Sellers who offer 30-day returns and 1-day handling receive a 10% discount on their Final Value Fees, which adds up significantly over time.
3. Sourcing Low: High-volume sellers typically aim for a 3x rule (Buy for $10, sell for $30) to ensure that after fees and overhead, a healthy profit remains.