Platform Overview
eBay Overview
eBay is the largest collectibles marketplace with auction format and 13% fees. Broad category coverage.
Heritage Auctions Overview
Heritage Auctions specializes in high-value collectibles with buyer premium. Better for serious collectors.
Fee Comparison
| Aspect | eBay | Heritage Auctions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auction Format | Yes (all) | Yes (premium) | Both offer |
| Buyer Premium | None | 15-25% | eBay better |
| Authentication | Optional | Varies | Decop varies |
| Seller Fees | 13% | 20-25% | eBay 7-12% less |
| Categories | All categories | Varies | eBay broader |
| High-Value Items | Good | Better | Decop Heritage |
Our Recommendation
eBay for most collectibles. Auction houses for rare, high-value pieces.
Key Takeaways
What to Consider
- Platform fees are only part of the equation - factor in fulfillment, shipping, and your time.
- Consider your product type and target audience when choosing between eBay and Heritage Auctions.
- Use our Profit Calculator to estimate exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is cheapest for selling?
For most categories, Shopify (0% transaction fee with Shopify Payments) plus marketing costs works out cheaper than marketplace fees for sellers with their own traffic. For sellers relying on platform traffic, Etsy (6.5%) and TikTok Shop (3.8-9.8%) are generally cheaper than Amazon (15-17%) or eBay (13-15%) before accounting for fulfillment costs.
Do fee structures change by product category?
Yes. All major platforms have tiered category fees. Amazon ranges from 6% (books) to 17% (clothing/jewelry). eBay ranges from 12.9% (media) to 14.9% (clothing/jewelry). Always check your specific category's rate before listing.
Data Methodology & Disclaimer
Fee data and benchmarks in this article are sourced from official platform documentation and cross-referenced with publicly available rate schedules as of April 2026. Calculations use standard fee formulas; individual results vary based on product category and specific listing details.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Check the latest rates at each platform's official seller fees page. Fee structures reflect publicly available information as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current rates before making financial decisions.