How eBay fees work in 2026
eBay's main charge is the final value fee. For most categories it's 13.6% of the total sale amount, plus a per-order fee of $0.40 ($0.30 when the order total is $10 or less). You only pay it when an item sells.
The detail that surprises new sellers: "total sale amount" means everything the buyer pays. That includes the item price, the shipping you charge, and the sales tax eBay collects on the buyer's behalf. You never receive the tax (eBay sends it to the state), but you still pay the fee on it.
The formula
final value fee = order total × 13.6%
eBay fees = final value fee + $0.40 + promoted ad fee
profit = price + shipping charged − eBay fees − item cost − your shipping cost
Example: a $50 sale
You sell a jacket for $50 with free shipping. The buyer pays 7% sales tax, so the order total is $53.50.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Final value fee (13.6% of $53.50) | $7.28 |
| Per-order fee | $0.40 |
| Total eBay fees | $7.68 |
| Payout ($50 − $7.68) | $42.32 |
| Minus item cost ($15) and shipping label ($8) | $19.32 profit |
Five ways to keep more of each sale
- Price with fees in mind. Use the break-even number above as your floor when accepting offers.
- Weigh shipping before you list. Underestimating a label is the most common way flips lose money.
- Only promote when it pays. A 5% ad rate on a $50 item costs $2.50; worth it for slow sellers, not for items that sell anyway.
- Watch your category. Books and media carry higher rates; some categories are much lower.
- Consider a Store if you list more than 250 items a month. It adds free listings and can lower fees in some categories.
Frequently asked questions
How much does eBay take from a sale in 2026?
For most categories eBay charges a 13.6% final value fee on the total sale amount plus $0.40 per order ($0.30 if the order is $10 or less). On a $100 sale with no shipping or tax, that's $14.00.
Does eBay charge fees on shipping and sales tax?
Yes. The final value fee is calculated on the total amount the buyer pays, including the shipping you charge and the sales tax eBay collects. That's why free shipping with a higher price and charged shipping cost about the same in fees.
Which eBay categories have different fees?
Rates range from about 2.5% to 15.3% depending on category. Books, movies and music are among the highest at 15.3%; some categories such as guitars and high-priced sneakers are lower. Check eBay's seller fee page for your exact category and use the custom rate option above.
Are there listing fees on eBay?
Most sellers get 250 free listings per month. After that, insertion fees are usually $0.35 per listing. Store subscribers get more free listings.
How do promoted listing fees work?
With Promoted Listings General, you pick an ad rate (for example 5%). You only pay it if the item sells through a promoted click, and it's charged on top of the final value fee.
Rates and figures last checked September 2026.
This calculator gives estimates for planning. Check current rates and product labels before you buy, list or file.