How do I calculate fees and shipping when pricing items?
Common Fee Structures
eBay charges a final value fee of about 13-15% depending on category, plus a $0.30 per order fee. Poshmark takes a flat 20% of the sale price (minimum $2.95). Mercari takes 10% and offers optional shipping labels. Etsy charges 6.5% transaction fee plus payment processing. These percentages vary, so check the platform's current fee schedule.
Some platforms also charge listing fees, payment processing fees, or fees for promoting your listing. Always factor in the total cost to sell.
Shipping Costs and Options
Shipping can be calculated using a scale and measuring the package dimensions. USPS Priority Mail, First Class Package, and Media Mail are common for resellers. You can use a shipping calculator on USPS, UPS, or FedEx websites, or use platform-provided labels which often offer discounts.
If you offer free shipping, you must build the cost into your price. A common mistake is underestimating shipping, especially for heavier items or those going to distant zones. Weigh and measure the packaged item before listing.
- eBay: ~13-15% final value fee + $0.30.
- Poshmark: 20% flat fee.
- Mercari: 10% selling fee.
- Etsy: 6.5% transaction + 3% + $0.25 payment processing.
- Use a shipping calculator to estimate costs.
- Consider flat-rate shipping for heavy items.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to include the per-order fixed fee (e.g., $0.30 on eBay).
- Underestimating shipping costs, especially for bulky or heavy items.
- Not accounting for the cost of packaging supplies and gas to the post office.
