Facebook Marketplace vs eBay: Fees Compared
Compare the fee structures of Facebook Marketplace and eBay side by side to find which platform gives you better margins.
Facebook Marketplace vs eBay: What's Different?
Facebook Marketplace and eBay serve overlapping but distinct selling needs. For local sales (buyer pickup), Facebook Marketplace charges no selling fees at all — it's completely free. For shipped items, Facebook charges a 5% selling fee (minimum $0.40). eBay charges 13.25% + $0.30 in most categories, with 250 free listings per month.
Facebook Marketplace's fee advantage is enormous for shipped items — 5% vs. 13.25%. For local sales with zero fees, Facebook is unbeatable. However, eBay provides a much more structured selling environment with detailed listing fields, buyer protection (Money Back Guarantee), seller tools, and established trust. Facebook Marketplace's listing process is minimal — a few photos and a description.
The buyer experience differs substantially. Facebook Marketplace leverages the social graph — buyers can see your real profile, mutual friends, and community connections, which builds trust for local transactions. eBay provides institutional trust through buyer protection policies and seller ratings. For local sales of furniture, vehicles, and large items, Facebook Marketplace's zero fees and local buyer base are ideal. For shipped items needing buyer protection and wider reach, eBay's structured marketplace is more reliable.
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)
Facebook Marketplace
Lower feesProfit
$16.49
55.0% margin
eBay
Profit
$13.72
45.7% margin
Facebook Marketplace saves you $2.77 in fees per sale
Fee Structure Comparison
Which Is Better For...
Best for local sales of large items
Facebook Marketplace is perfect for furniture, appliances, vehicles, and other items that are impractical to ship. Zero fees, local audience, and easy buyer communication through Messenger. eBay's local pickup option exists but has far less local adoption. For anything requiring in-person handoff, Facebook Marketplace is the clear winner.
Best for shipped items nationwide
eBay's established shipping infrastructure, buyer protection, and nationwide buyer base make it superior for shipped items. While Facebook charges lower fees (5% vs 13.25%), eBay buyers feel more secure purchasing shipped items from strangers. eBay's Money Back Guarantee and detailed tracking give shipped transactions a level of trust Facebook lacks.
Best for zero-fee selling
For local pickup sales, Facebook Marketplace charges nothing. Zero listing fees, zero commissions, zero payment processing fees. eBay always charges fees on completed sales. If you can sell locally and avoid shipping entirely, Facebook Marketplace maximizes your profit.