eBay seller fees explained: what eBay actually takes
Ever sold something for a tidy sum on eBay, then wondered why so much less landed in your account? eBay's fees are the reason, and they are easy to underestimate. Here is what eBay actually takes, so you can work out your real profit.
General information, not tax advice. Check with HMRC or a qualified accountant before you act on it.
The final value fee
The main fee is the final value fee. eBay takes a percentage of the total amount the buyer pays, and that includes the postage they pay, not just the item price. The exact percentage depends on the category, but for most items it is somewhere in the low-to-mid teens as a percentage. Always check eBay's current rates for your category, as they change.
The per-order fee
On top of the percentage, eBay usually charges a small fixed fee per order, often around 30 pence. On low-value items this small fixed fee can take a surprisingly big bite out of your margin.
The regulatory operating fee
eBay also adds a small regulatory operating fee, a further percentage on the total. It is small on its own, but it is one more slice that comes off before the money reaches you.
Postage cuts both ways
If you offer free postage, you pay for the label yourself, which is a real cost. If you charge for postage, the buyer pays it, but remember eBay charges its percentage fee on that postage too. Either way, the label cost or the fee on postage eats into your profit, so factor it in.
Refunds and disputes
If a buyer returns an item or opens a dispute, you can lose the sale value and sometimes fees on top. The odd refund is normal, but across a year it adds up and lowers your real earnings below your headline sales.
A rough rule of thumb
Once you add the final value fee, the per-order fee, the regulatory fee and your postage, it is common for the total to come to roughly 12 to 15 percent or more of what the buyer paid. So a £50 sale might leave you with closer to £42 before you have even counted what the item cost you. That is why knowing your real profit matters.
Working out what you actually keep
The only way to know your true profit is to take every fee, your postage and the cost of your stock off your sales. Doing that by hand for dozens of orders is a pain. FlipTally reads your eBay fees and postage straight from your account and works out your real profit to the penny. This is general information, so check eBay's current fee rates for your exact figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does eBay take from a sale?
It varies by category, but once you add the final value fee, a small per-order fee and the regulatory fee, it is commonly around 12 to 15 percent or more of the total the buyer pays, including postage.
Does eBay charge fees on postage?
Yes. The final value fee is applied to the total the buyer pays, which includes the postage they are charged, not just the item price.
Why is my payout lower than the sale price?
Because eBay's fees, plus any postage label you paid for, come off before the money reaches you. Your real profit is the sale minus fees, postage and what the item cost you.
See where you actually stand
Get a rough answer in about a minute with the free calculator, or connect your eBay account to see your real profit and tax.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not tax advice, and reflects the UK rules for the current tax year. Always check with a qualified accountant before you file. FlipTally is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to eBay, Vinted, Depop or HMRC. Last updated 2026-08-03.