Platform Overview

Etsy

Etsy charges 6.5% transaction fee plus $0.20 listing fee. Payment processing adds 3%+$0.25. Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.

eBay

eBay charges 10.9-14.9% final value fees plus $0.30 per transaction. eBay attracts buyers seeking both new and used goods across all categories.

Fee Comparison Table

Fee Type Etsy eBay Notes
Transaction Fee 6.5% 10.9-14.9% eBay is 4.4-8.4% more expensive
Listing Fee $0.20 per listing $0 eBay has free listings
Payment Processing 3% + $0.25 2.9% + $0.30 Similar rates
Promoted Listings 3-5% ad fee 2-5% ad fee Comparable advertising costs
Offsite Ads 12-15% (if triggered) N/A Etsy offsite ads add significant cost

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 the right platform.
  • Use our Profit Calculator to estimate exact costs.

🏆 Overall Winner

eBay wins on fees for most categories — at 13.25% total vs Etsy's 9.5%+ $0.20+3% processing. eBay's lack of a listing fee advantage erodes for sellers with inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which platform has lower fees?

Etsy at 6.5% base is significantly cheaper than eBay at 10.9-14.9%, especially for handmade goods.

Does eBay or Etsy charge more for clothing?

eBay charges 14.9% for clothing vs Etsy's 6.5%. This 8.4% difference makes Etsy dramatically cheaper for fashion sellers.

Are there hidden fees on Etsy or eBay?

eBay may charge closing fees for media items. Etsy has optional promoted listings and offsite ads that can add 12-15%.

Bottom Line

Etsy has significantly lower fees than eBay for handmade and vintage items.