Platform Overview
eBay Overview
eBay charges final value fees around 13% plus payment processing. Better for resellers and general merchandise.
Etsy Overview
Etsy charges 6.5% transaction fee plus listing fees. Better for handmade, vintage, and craft items.
Fee Comparison
| Aspect | eBay | Etsy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Value Fee | 13% (most categories) | 6.5% | Etsy 6.5% cheaper |
| Handmade Items | 13% | 6.5% | Etsy 6.5% cheaper |
| Vintage Items | 13% | 6.5% | Etsy 6.5% cheaper |
| Listing Fee (first 250) | $0.00 | $0.20 | Etsy cost per listing |
| Insertion Fee (after 250) | $0.35/listing | $0.20/listing | Etsy cheaper |
| Payment Processing | 3.25% + $0.30 | 3% + $0.25 | Etsy slightly lower |
| Store Subscription | $21.95-$74.95 | $0-$100/month | Varies by level |
Our Recommendation
Etsy is significantly cheaper for handmade, vintage, and craft items. eBay is better for general resale and new merchandise.
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 Etsy.
- Use our Profit Calculator to estimate exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eBay cheaper than Amazon for most sellers?
eBay's total fees (10.9-14.9% FVF + 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing) are generally lower than Amazon's (8-17% referral fee) for most categories. However, Amazon's FBA service bundles fulfillment, and Amazon's audience size often justifies the higher fees for high-volume sellers.
Does eBay charge for listing items?
eBay offers 250 free listings per month for all sellers. Additional listings cost $0.35 each. eBay Store subscribers get the same 250 free listings plus discounted final value fees (as low as 4% for some categories). Most casual sellers never pay insertion fees.
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.