eBay fees in 2026
eBay charges one main fee when an item sells, the final value fee. It's a percentage of the total amount of the sale, which includes the shipping and the sales tax the buyer pays, plus a small per-order fee. Listing is free for up to 250 listings a month.
| Category | No Store / Starter | Basic Store and above |
|---|---|---|
| Most categories | 13.6% up to $7,500, then 2.35% | 12.7% up to $2,500, then 2.35% |
| Books, movies & music (not vinyl) | 15.3% up to $7,500 | 15.3% up to $2,500 |
| Guitars & basses | 6.7% up to $7,500 | 6.7% up to $2,500 |
| Sneakers $150 and over | 8%, no per-order fee | 8%, no per-order fee |
| Per-order fee | $0.30 on orders of $10 or less, $0.40 above | |
| International fee | 1.65% of the total when the buyer is outside the US | |
Profit = Item + Shipping charged − Final value fee − Per-order fee − Ad fee − Item cost − Label − Packaging
Worked example
You sell a $50 item with $8 shipping to a buyer who pays 7% sales tax, so the total sale is $62.06. eBay takes a 13.6% final value fee on that total ($8.44) plus a $0.40 per-order fee: $8.84, or 15.2% of the $58 you charged. After a $15 item cost, a $7 label and $1 of packaging, you keep $26.16, a 45% margin. Promote it at a 5% ad rate and fees rise to $11.94, leaving $23.06.
Why eBay's fee looks higher than 13.6%
Because the percentage is charged on sales tax as well, the fee on the price you set is higher than the headline rate. On a $58 order with 7% tax, 13.6% of the total is 14.6% of what you actually receive, before the per-order fee. The tax itself goes to the state; you never see it, but you pay eBay's fee on it.
How to cut your eBay fees
- Price low-value items above $10. On a $8 item the $0.30 per-order fee alone is almost 4% of the sale. Bundle small items into lots.
- Open a Basic Store once volume justifies it. It drops most categories from 13.6% to 12.7%. Compare the monthly subscription with 0.9% of your monthly sales.
- Treat Promoted Listings as a cost per sale. A 5% ad rate on a 45% margin item is fine; on a 15% margin item it takes a third of your profit.
- Set a price floor from the break-even figure. Never accept a Best Offer below it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does eBay take per sale in 2026?
For most categories, eBay takes a final value fee of 13.6% of the total sale amount (item, shipping and sales tax) up to $7,500, plus a per-order fee of $0.30 on orders of $10 or less and $0.40 above. Basic Store subscribers pay 12.7% in most categories.
Does eBay charge fees on shipping and sales tax?
Yes. The final value fee is calculated on the total amount of the sale, which includes the shipping you charge and the sales tax the buyer pays.
Is an eBay Store worth it to save on fees?
A Basic Store lowers the final value fee in most categories from 13.6% to 12.7%. It pays off when 0.9% of your monthly sales is more than the subscription cost, so compare the two before you subscribe.
How much are eBay Promoted Listings fees?
With general Promoted Listings you choose an ad rate, a percentage of the total sale amount, and pay it only when a buyer clicks your ad and buys within 30 days. It is charged on top of the final value fee.
What fee does eBay charge on international sales?
US sellers pay an extra 1.65% of the total sale amount when the buyer's registered address is outside the US.