The mistake most resellers make with pricing
They look at what something sells for on eBay, subtract what they paid for it, and call the difference profit. It isn't. By the time you've paid platform fees, postage, packaging, and your time, the actual number is often much smaller — and sometimes negative.
eBay
Fees to account for:
- Final value fee: typically 12.9–14.9% of the total transaction (including postage)
- Postage: whatever you're actually paying — don't underestimate this
- Returns: factor in a return rate, especially on clothing
A rough rule: Budget around 15–20% of your selling price for fees and postage. Use the 'Sold' filter to see what things actually sell for, not what people are asking.
Vinted
Fees to account for:
- Seller fees: zero. Vinted charges buyers, not sellers.
- Postage: buyers pay this separately
Best for: Second-hand and preloved clothing, especially women's fashion, children's clothing, and branded items.
Watch out for: Vinted skews towards lower price points — high-ticket items don't always perform.
TikTok Shop
Fees to account for:
- Commission: currently around 5% for most categories
- Advertising: almost necessary to get traction early
Best for: Trending products, impulse buys, beauty, lifestyle, anything that demonstrates well on video.
Watch out for: Trend cycles are fast. Don't over-buy on trend-dependent stock.
Whatnot
Fees to account for:
- Seller commission: 8% of the sale price
- Your time: live selling is real-time and shows run for hours
Best for: Trading cards, collectibles, vintage clothing, toys. The audience is engaged and comes to buy.
Watch out for: Building an audience takes time. Invest in consistent scheduling, good thumbnails, and an engaged community. The Whatnot Seller UK group is full of sellers who've figured this out.
Use the Profit Calculator
Rather than doing this maths every time, use our free Profit Calculator. Enter your cost price, selling price, platform, and postage and it works out your real margin instantly.
The summary
- eBay: Budget 15–20% for fees and postage.
- Vinted: Near-zero fees for sellers. Best for clothing.
- TikTok Shop: Low commission but needs content.
- Whatnot: 8% commission plus your time. Best for collectibles.
Know your numbers before you buy, not after. If a lot doesn't work on paper, it won't work in practice either.