A final value fee is the commission eBay charges sellers when an item sells. It’s calculated as a percentage of the total sale amount — including the item price, shipping, and any other charges the buyer pays. Understanding how final value fees work is essential for pricing your listings profitably. How eBay Final Value Fees Work When your eBay listing sells, eBay automatically deducts the final value fee from your payout through eBay Managed Payments. You never pay upfront — the fee comes out of what the buyer pays you.…
Read MoreCategory: Seller Tips
Tips for online sellers to maximize profits.
How to Calculate Self-Employment Tax for Gig Workers (2026)
If you drive for Uber, deliver for DoorDash, freelance on Fiverr, or do any work as an independent contractor, you’re self-employed in the eyes of the IRS. That means you owe self-employment tax on top of regular income tax — and calculating it correctly is essential to avoid underpaying and facing IRS penalties. Here’s how to do it. What Is Self-Employment Tax? Self-employment (SE) tax is the gig worker’s version of FICA — the Social Security and Medicare taxes that employees split with their employer. As a self-employed worker, you…
Read MoreAmazon Flex Taxes 2026: What Drivers Owe and How to Reduce It
Amazon Flex drivers are independent contractors, which means Amazon does not withhold any taxes from your earnings. Every dollar you earn is subject to both self-employment tax and federal income tax — and if you don’t plan ahead, the bill at tax time can be a painful surprise. This guide covers exactly what Amazon Flex drivers owe in 2026, what deductions are available, and how to avoid underpayment penalties. Amazon Flex Tax Overview (2026) Tax Type Rate Notes Self-employment tax 15.3% On 92.35% of net earnings Federal income tax 10%–…
Read MoreeBay vs Etsy vs Mercari: Which Has the Lowest Fees for Sellers?
Choosing where to sell comes down to one question: which platform costs less and sells more? eBay, Etsy, and Mercari each have different fee structures, audiences, and strengths. This guide compares every fee side by side and shows you exactly which platform puts the most money in your pocket depending on what you sell and at what price. Fee Comparison at a Glance (2026) Fee Type eBay Etsy Mercari Listing fee Free (250/mo), then $0.35 $0.20 per listing Free Final value / selling fee 3%–15.3% + $0.30 6.5% 10% Payment…
Read MoreHow Much Does Mercari Take? (2026 Guide)
Mercari charges a 10% selling fee on every completed sale. That’s the simple answer. But your actual take-home depends on four separate deductions: Mercari’s selling fee, a payment processing fee, any shipping costs, and whether you’re withdrawing to a bank or using Mercari balance. This guide breaks down every cost so you know exactly what Mercari takes in 2026. Mercari Fee Summary (2026) Fee Rate Applied To Selling fee 10% Final sale price Payment processing fee 2.9% + $0.50 Final sale price Shipping (if seller pays) Varies by weight Deducted…
Read MoreStripe vs PayPal Fees 2026: Which Costs Less?
Choosing between Stripe and PayPal is one of the first decisions every online business makes — and it comes down almost entirely to fees, features, and who your customers are. This comparison covers every fee scenario side by side so you can make a data-driven decision. Stripe vs PayPal Fees: Side-by-Side Comparison Fee Type Stripe PayPal Standard card transaction 2.9% + $0.30 3.49% + $0.49 International cards +1.5% +1.5% Currency conversion +1% +3% to 4% Monthly fee None None Chargeback fee $15 $20 Instant payout 1.5% (min $0.50) 1.75% (min…
Read MoreAmazon FBA Fees 2026: Complete Guide to Every Cost
Amazon FBA fees are more complex than any other marketplace fee structure — and miscalculating them is the most common reason new FBA sellers fail to profit. This guide explains every Amazon FBA fee in plain language, with worked examples across product types and a link to our free calculator. Amazon FBA Fees in 2026: The Four Fee Types Amazon FBA charges sellers in four main ways. Every FBA product incurs all four to some degree. 1. Referral Fee Amazon charges a referral fee on every sale regardless of whether…
Read MorePayPal Fees 2026: Every Rate Explained (With Calculator)
PayPal fees in 2026 remain the most searched fee question among online sellers and freelancers. Whether you are accepting payments for goods and services, sending money to a friend, or running a business, PayPal charges differently depending on how you send and receive money. This guide covers every PayPal fee structure with real examples. PayPal Fees in 2026: At a Glance Transaction Type Fee Goods and services (domestic) 3.49% + $0.49 Standard credit/debit card payments 3.49% + $0.49 PayPal Checkout (merchants) 3.49% + $0.49 Friends and family (bank/balance) Free Friends…
Read MoreeBay Seller Fees 2026: Complete Breakdown (With Calculator)
eBay updated its fee structure in 2026, and if you are selling on the platform, knowing exactly what you will pay before you list can mean the difference between a profitable sale and a loss. This guide breaks down every fee eBay charges, with real examples and a free calculator link for each scenario. eBay Seller Fees in 2026: Complete Breakdown eBay charges sellers in three main ways: insertion fees when you list, final value fees when you sell, and optional store subscription fees. Most sellers only encounter the final…
Read More