Amazon FBA vs eBay: Fees Compared
Compare the fee structures of Amazon FBA and eBay side by side to find which platform gives you better margins.
All calculatorsAmazon FBA vs eBay
Amazon FBA vs eBay: What's Different?
Amazon and eBay are the two largest U.S. online marketplaces, but their fee structures differ significantly. Amazon charges a referral fee of 8% to 20% depending on category (15% for most), plus FBA fees ($3-$8+ per unit) if you use fulfillment by Amazon, plus a $39.99/month Professional seller subscription. eBay charges a final value fee of 13.6% for most categories plus $0.30 per order ($0.40 on orders over $10), with 250 free listings per month and $0.35 per listing after that.
For most categories, eBay's total take rate is slightly lower than Amazon's, especially when you factor in FBA costs. An eBay seller shipping their own items pays roughly 13.6% plus a $0.30-$0.40 per-order fee, while an Amazon FBA seller might pay 15% referral plus $5 in fulfillment for a standard-sized item. However, eBay sellers handle their own shipping and storage, which adds labor and warehouse costs that FBA eliminates.
The audience and buying behavior also differ. Amazon shoppers expect new products, Prime shipping, and seamless returns. eBay buyers are often hunting for deals, used items, collectibles, and niche products. eBay supports auctions alongside fixed-price listings, giving sellers pricing flexibility that Amazon doesn't offer. If you sell new, commodity products, Amazon's traffic justifies higher fees. For used, vintage, or niche items, eBay's lower fees and auction format are more advantageous.
Compare Fees on the Same Product
Enter your product details once, see how fees compare on both platforms
Enter Product Details (same product, both platforms)
Amazon FBA
Profit
$9.39
31.3% margin
eBay
Lower feesProfit
$13.51
45.0% margin
eBay saves you $4.12 in fees per sale
Estimates are based on item price only. Marketplaces may also apply fees to buyer-paid shipping and tax, and rates vary by category and promotions. Confirm current rates with each marketplace.
Fee Structure Comparison
Which Is Better For...
Best for selling used or refurbished items
eBay
eBay was built for secondhand selling and its buyer base actively seeks used and refurbished products. Amazon's used listings are buried below 'Buy New' buttons, and condition standards are strict. eBay lets you describe condition in detail, include photos, and use auctions to let the market set prices for unique items.
Best for new products with steady demand
Amazon FBA
For brand-new products with consistent demand, Amazon's search algorithm and Prime shipping expectation drive significantly more traffic and conversions. Amazon shoppers pay premium prices for the convenience of fast shipping, and FBA handles all logistics. The higher fees are offset by higher sale prices and volume.
Best for keeping overall fees low
eBay
eBay's fee structure is generally cheaper, especially for seller-fulfilled orders where you avoid FBA costs entirely. The 250 free monthly listings and lower final value fees in many categories mean more profit per sale. If you're willing to handle your own shipping, eBay preserves more margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon has roughly 300+ million active customer accounts compared to eBay's 130+ million. Amazon also generates significantly more monthly web traffic. However, for certain categories like collectibles, vintage items, and auto parts, eBay's targeted audience can produce better conversion rates than Amazon's broader market.
No. Amazon only supports fixed-price listings. eBay offers both auction-style and fixed-price (Buy It Now) formats. Auctions are particularly useful for rare items, collectibles, or products where market value is uncertain. The bidding process lets buyers determine fair price.
Amazon has stricter anti-counterfeit policies and brand gating, which can result in account suspensions even for legitimate sellers if a brand owner files a complaint. eBay handles IP complaints through its VeRO program but is generally less aggressive with seller penalties. Both platforms require sellers to prove authenticity when challenged.
No. eBay lets you list up to 250 items per month for free with no store subscription. Optional eBay Store subscriptions ($4.95-$2,999.95/month) lower final value fees and include more free listings. Amazon requires a $39.99/month Professional plan (or $0.99 per sale on the Individual plan).
Both are strong for electronics. Amazon dominates for new electronics with Prime delivery expectations, and charges an 8% referral fee on consumer electronics. eBay is excellent for used, refurbished, and vintage electronics with a 13.6% final value fee. eBay's auction format is ideal for rare or discontinued tech items.
More Fee Comparisons
Fees are only one leak. Our guide to ecommerce accounting covers COGS, settlements, and the P&L that shows what you actually keep per sale.
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