Mercari or eBay? Here’s what each one leaves you from the same sale, using both platforms’ current US fees, plus the differences that matter beyond fees. Enter your own item to compare.
Mercari or eBay: where you keep more
Profit after each platform's fees, your shipping and what you paid. Updates as you type.
Each platform uses its standard settings, noted under its name. Open its calculator to change them. Fees checked 22 October 2026. How we calculate fees.
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Mercari vs eBay fees
| Mercari (US) | eBay (US, no Store) | |
|---|---|---|
| Selling fee | 10% | 13.6% up to $7,500, then 2.35% in most categories |
| The fee is charged on | The item price plus shipping the buyer pays | Everything the buyer pays: item, shipping and sales tax |
| Per-order fee | None | $0.30 on orders up to $10.00, $0.40 above |
| Payment processing | None for sellers | Included in the selling fee |
| Fees the buyer pays | Buyer Protection, 3.6% | None beyond shipping and tax |
eBay sellers with a Basic Store or higher pay 12.7% up to $2,500, then 2.35% in most categories, and Promoted Listings add the ad rate you choose. Mercari’s direct deposit cash-out is free; Instant Pay costs $3.00 each time.
What you keep at each price
| Item price | Mercari | eBay | Mercari leaves you |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $8.30 | $7.11 | $1.19 more |
| $25 | $21.80 | $19.92 | $1.88 more |
| $50 | $44.30 | $41.27 | $3.03 more |
| $100 | $89.30 | $83.96 | $5.34 more |
| $250 | $224.30 | $212.03 | $12.27 more |
US sales with $7 shipping paid by the buyer, a $7 label and 7.5% sales tax, before what you paid for the item. eBay figures are for most categories, without a Store or Promoted Listings. Fees as of 30 October 2026.
Mercari leaves you more at every price. Its 10% applies to the item and the shipping the buyer pays; eBay’s applies to the item, shipping and sales tax, and adds a per-order fee.
Beyond the fees
- Audience. eBay has one of the biggest audiences of any marketplace, including buyers outside the US, which helps with rare, collectible and niche items. Mercari sells only within the US and suits everyday items that sell on price.
- Auctions. eBay offers auctions as well as fixed prices, which can push the price up for items several buyers want. Mercari is fixed price, with offers.
- What the buyer pays. Mercari buyers pay a 3.6% Buyer Protection fee on top of your price. eBay buyers pay the item price, shipping and tax.
- Listing on both. Many sellers list on both and remove the other listing as soon as an item sells.
For every option on each platform, use the full Mercari fee calculator or eBay fee calculator.
Mercari vs eBay questions
Is Mercari cheaper than eBay?
For sellers, yes, in most categories. On a $50 item with $7 shipping, Mercari’s fee is $5.70 and eBay’s is $8.73.
Does eBay charge fees on shipping and tax?
Yes. eBay works out its fee on everything the buyer pays, including shipping and sales tax. Mercari’s fee includes the shipping the buyer pays, but not tax.
Which is better for expensive or rare items?
Often eBay. Its fee is higher, but its larger audience and auctions can mean a higher price, which can more than make up the difference. Compare with your own expected price in the tool above.
Can I compare other platforms?
Yes. Where should I sell this? compares eight marketplaces at once: eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, TikTok Shop, Etsy, Vinted and Whatnot.