How do I calculate my eBay payout?
What goes into a payout
A payout starts with what the buyer paid, including the item and any shipping you charged. eBay then deducts its selling fees and, if you buy labels through eBay, the postage cost. Payouts go to your linked bank account according to your payout schedule.
Sales tax works differently. In many U.S. states, eBay collects and remits sales tax on marketplace sales, so it generally does not show up as money you receive. Confirm how this applies in your state and check the tax settings in your account.
- Start with the total the buyer paid
- Subtract final value and per-order fees
- Subtract shipping labels you bought through eBay
- Subtract promoted listing fees or other charges if they apply
- Check the payout report for the exact amount
Timing and holds
Payouts usually arrive a few business days after a sale is completed, though the exact timing depends on your account history and payout schedule. Newer sellers may face holds or slower payouts while eBay builds their history.
Refunds and disputes can reduce a payout after it has been sent. Keep tracking records for each order so you can match payouts to sales.
Checking your numbers
Compare your calculator output with the payout report in your seller account. Small gaps often come from shipping adjustments or fees you did not expect. Use the report as the record for taxes and bookkeeping.
Common mistakes
- Treating the buyer's total as money you keep.
- Assuming the sales tax collected is extra income.
- Ignoring refunds and disputes when forecasting a payout.
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