If you want to declutter by reselling thrifted or secondhand items, choosing the right selling platform can help you keep more of your earnings. Different platforms charge various fees for listing, selling, and processing payments, and these fees directly reduce your profits. Knowing how these fees work and compare will help you pick the platform that costs you the least and fits your selling style.
What fees should I expect when selling thrift items online?
When you sell thrift items online, expect three main types of fees: listing fees, final value (or selling) fees, and payment processing fees. A listing fee is sometimes charged just to post your item, though many platforms waive this for casual sellers or offer free listings up to a limit. Final value fees are a percentage of the sale price taken once your item sells. Payment processing fees cover the cost of handling credit card or digital payments and usually include a percentage plus a fixed amount per transaction. Understanding these fees helps you compare platforms and estimate how much you’ll actually earn from each sale.
How do fees differ between popular thrift selling platforms?
Here’s a comparison of fees across popular thrift selling platforms:
- eBay: No listing fee for up to 50 items per month. Final value fees are about 12.35% for most categories. Payment processing through PayPal or eBay Managed Payments adds roughly 2.9% plus $0.30 per sale.
- Poshmark: Charges a flat 20% fee on sales over $15. This fee includes all selling and payment processing costs; there are no separate listing or payment fees.
- Depop: Takes a 10% final value fee plus payment processing fees of 2.9% plus $0.30.
- ThredUp: Does not charge sellers upfront fees; instead, they take a commission from the sale price after selling your items. This commission varies widely, often around 30-60%, depending on the sale price.
- Mercari: Charges a 10% selling fee plus a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30.
For example, selling a $20 thrift item would cost about $4 in fees on Poshmark, around $3.10 on eBay, roughly $2.50 on Depop and Mercari (excluding shipping), and much more on ThredUp depending on payout tier. Shipping costs and other fees can add on top of these.
How do fees affect my profit on low-cost thrift items?
Selling low-priced thrift items, like those between $10 and $25, makes fees feel more significant. Since many platforms charge a percentage plus a fixed fee per sale, these charges take a bigger bite out of your earnings. For example, on a $15 sale, Poshmark’s 20% fee means you lose $3, leaving $12 before shipping. eBay’s combined fees might total around $2.50 to $3, slightly less than Poshmark, but listing fees could apply if you exceed free listings. Depop and Mercari’s fees are similar, but their payment processing fees add up. ThredUp’s commission can be high enough that you see only a few dollars in payout. When you add shipping and packaging costs, profits on low-cost items can be very small or even negative. Selling higher-priced items reduces the impact of fixed fees and improves your profit margin.
Are there any hidden or additional costs I should watch out for?
Besides listing, selling, and payment fees, watch for extra costs that can affect your profits. Shipping is usually your responsibility, though some platforms offer discounted rates; none fully cover shipping for sellers. Promotional fees for boosting listings or advertising are optional but can add up if you use them. Some platforms have subscription plans that reduce fees or increase listing limits, which might be worth it if you sell frequently. Also, payout delays on some platforms—where funds are held until buyers confirm receipt—can affect your cash flow. These additional costs and policies can increase your selling expenses beyond the fee percentages you see upfront.
Which platform’s fee structure is best for casual thrift sellers versus frequent sellers?
For casual sellers, Poshmark’s simple flat 20% fee on sales over $15 is easy to understand and includes payment processing, though it’s not always the cheapest. eBay offers free listings for casual sellers and charges only final value fees, making it cost-effective if you stay within listing limits. Depop and Mercari have similar fees but cater more to niche or younger audiences. Frequent sellers might benefit from eBay’s volume discounts and subscription plans that lower listing fees and increase visibility. ThredUp takes a large commission but handles selling and shipping, making it good for those who want a hands-off experience at the cost of lower returns. Your choice depends on how much time and effort you want to spend versus how much profit you want per sale.
How to choose the right thrift selling platform based on fees and other factors
Fees aren’t the only consideration when choosing a platform. Think about who your buyers are: eBay has a large, varied audience; Poshmark and Depop attract fashion-focused shoppers; ThredUp appeals to sellers wanting convenience. Ease of use matters—some platforms simplify shipping and payments more than others. Shipping policies can affect your costs and experience. If minimizing fees on low-priced items is your priority, eBay or Mercari might save you the most. If you prefer simplicity and don’t mind higher fees, Poshmark or ThredUp could be better. Consider how much time you want to spend managing sales and how often you’ll sell to find the best fit.
Fee comparison table
| Platform | Listing Fee | Final Value Fee | Payment Processing Fee | Other Fees/Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | Free up to 50 items/month | ~12.35% | ~2.9% + $0.30 | Possible promotional fees, optional subscription plans | Good for casual and frequent sellers |
| Poshmark | None | 20% flat (sales over $15) | Included in final fee | Shipping paid by seller (discounted rates) | Simple fee structure, no separate payment fee |
| Depop | None | 10% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Optional promotional fees | Popular with younger, niche audiences |
| ThredUp | None | 30-60% commission after sale | Included in commission | No upfront fees, handles shipping | Hands-off selling, lower returns |
| Mercari | None | 10% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Optional promotional fees | Similar to Depop, good for casual sellers |
Conclusion
Choosing the right thrift selling platform means balancing fees with how you like to sell and what you want to earn. Casual sellers who want simplicity might prefer Poshmark or eBay. Frequent sellers can save with eBay’s volume discounts and subscription plans. Remember to factor in shipping, promotions, and payout timing since they affect your real profits. Matching your selling habits with the platform’s fees and features will help you keep more of your earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all thrift selling platforms charge listing fees?
No. Many platforms like eBay offer free listings up to a certain number each month, and others such as Poshmark and Depop generally don’t charge listing fees at all.
Are payment processing fees separate from selling fees?
It depends on the platform. Some combine payment processing into the final selling fee, like Poshmark, while others charge payment processing fees separately, such as eBay, Depop, and Mercari.
Can I avoid shipping costs when selling thrift items?
Shipping costs are usually the seller’s responsibility unless the platform provides prepaid labels. Some platforms offer discounted shipping rates, but they rarely cover shipping completely for sellers.