How the four platforms charge you
The headline rates are very different, and so are the extras. Here is how the main per-sale charges compare for US sellers in most categories.
| Platform | Main per-sale fees | Other costs to watch |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | 13.6% of the total sale plus $0.30 or $0.40 per order | Promoted Listings, 1.65% international fee, Store subscription |
| Amazon | 15% referral fee in most categories, 8% in electronics | FBA fulfillment and storage, $39.99 monthly plan or $0.99 per item, ads |
| Shopify | No commission. Card processing from 2.5% + $0.30 to 2.9% + $0.30 by plan | Monthly plan, extra 0.6% to 2.0% for third-party gateways |
| Etsy | 6.5% transaction fee, 3% + $0.25 processing, $0.20 listing | Offsite Ads at 12% or 15% on ad-driven sales |
Comparing platforms fairly
The lowest percentage is not always the best deal. Shopify has the lowest per-sale fees but you bring your own traffic and pay for the plan. Amazon takes more per sale, but FBA handles shipping and adds Prime reach. eBay and Etsy sit in between, with their own audiences.
To compare, enter the same price, shipping and product cost in each calculator and look at net profit and margin. Keep in mind that fees change often and vary by category and country, so confirm current rates with each platform. If you want one view that includes returns and ad spend for any channel, use the net profit calculator.