Droopify Team
Jan 09, 2026
|8 min read
Many aspiring sellers approach eBay with the idea that starting to sell is completely free. In part, this is true: creating an account and publishing some listings does not involve immediate costs. However, once you start selling consistently — especially in the case of dropshipping on eBay — commissions, taxes, and variable costs come into play that directly affect profits.
In this guide, we clearly and thoroughly analyze how eBay fees work, when selling is truly worthwhile, the differences between regions and seller levels, and how tools like Droopify help avoid common calculation mistakes.
The correct answer is: no, but entry is free.
eBay does not require:
However, every sale generates costs, which vary based on:
This is one of the most underestimated aspects for beginners, especially when moving from occasional sales to a continuous business.
This is the main commission applied by eBay. It is calculated on the total amount paid by the buyer, which includes:
The percentage:
On average, the final value fee ranges between 10% and 15%.
Sellers with high performance — on-time shipping, low defect rates, and positive feedback — can receive:
The discount can average 5%–10% on the final value fee, with a direct impact on margins.
If an account shows:
eBay may apply:
Please note: <br> These extra fees are often ignored in initial calculations, but they can turn an apparently profitable sale into a real loss. Fortunately, Droopify automatically takes these exceptions into account.
eBay directly manages payments on behalf of the seller. This fee covers:
On average, the cost is:
Each account has a certain number of free monthly listings. Once this threshold is exceeded:
This cost becomes especially relevant for those who publish large volumes of products without an active eBay Store.
They may include:
They are not mandatory, but they affect growth strategy and business scalability.
This example shows all the real fees applied to a single order.
Order details
Applied fees
Total eBay costs: €6.68
Final calculation
Real net profit: €6.86
This example highlights two fundamental aspects:
With the same order:
Result:
Designed for occasional sales:
It is not ideal for continuous dropshipping.
It is the recommended choice for those who want to sell in a structured way.
Advantages:
eBay fees for business users are not higher, but become more advantageous over time thanks to:
One of the most attractive markets:
In some regions or promotional periods:
Often limited to:
Please note: <br> Even when commissions are waived, taxes and payment costs still apply.
| Region | Commission | Tax notes |
|---|---|---|
| Italy 🇮🇹 | ~11–12% | VAT on fees |
| USA 🇺🇸 | ~13% | Automatic Sales Tax |
| Australia 🇦🇺 | ~12–13% | 10% GST |
In dropshipping:
On eBay, it is essential to:
Droopify is designed to eliminate the most common mistakes in eBay dropshipping. In particular, it:
This allows you to:
Selling on eBay is not free, but it can become extremely profitable if you fully understand fees, seller levels, regional differences, and taxation. Dropshipping amplifies every calculation error: one ignored fee or underestimated penalty can wipe out margins.
Those who work with clear data, the right tools, and a realistic view of costs can instead build a solid and scalable business. The difference is not in selling more, but in knowing exactly where you earn and where you lose. That is what separates a temporary experiment from a sustainable long-term business project.
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