eBay Fees for Guitars and Musical Instruments (2026)
Published 3 min read
In this guide
Guitars and basses have one of the lowest final value fee rates on eBay: 6.7%, about half the standard rate. That makes eBay a strong place to sell instruments, but it also changes how you should think about Store subscriptions and Promoted Listings. Here's what guitar and instrument sellers pay.
Rates are US (eBay.com) rates from our calculator, last checked on September 25, 2026.
Guitar and instrument fees at a glance
| Category | No Store | Basic, Premium or Anchor Store |
|---|---|---|
| Guitars and basses | 6.7% up to $7,500, then 2.35% | 6.7% up to $2,500, then 2.35% |
| Most other musical instruments and gear | 13.6% up to $7,500, then 2.35% | 12.7% up to $2,500, then 2.35% |
Every order also pays the per-order fee ($0.40, or $0.30 if the total is $10 or less), and rates are charged on the total amount of the sale, including shipping and tax.
The 6.7% rate applies to eBay's Guitars & Basses category. Amps, effects, parts and accessories may sit in other categories with different rates, so check eBay's fee table for the exact category you're listing in.
What guitar sellers pay
| Sale | Guitars & Basses (6.7%) | At the standard 13.6% |
|---|---|---|
| $300 guitar + $40 shipping | $23.18 | $46.64 |
| $800 guitar | $54.00 | $109.20 |
| $1,000 guitar | $67.40 | $136.40 |
| $2,500 guitar | $167.90 | $340.40 |
On a $1,000 guitar, the lower rate saves $69 compared with a standard-rate category.
Is a Store worth it for guitar sellers?
For most guitar sales, a Store doesn't lower your fees: the rate is 6.7% either way. The only difference is where the 2.35% tier begins. With a Store it starts at $2,500 instead of $7,500, so high-end instruments do save:
- $8,000 guitar without a Store: $514.65 in fees
- $8,000 guitar with a Store: $297.15
If you regularly sell guitars above $2,500, or you sell a mix of guitars and other gear at the standard rate, a Store may pay for itself. Otherwise, it's hard to justify on fees alone. Work it out with our Store subscription guide.
Promoted Listings: think in proportion
With a 6.7% final value fee, ad fees are large in comparison. A $1,200 guitar with $60 shipping (cost $750, shipping $60) has a final value fee of $84.42. Promoting it at just 4% adds another $50.40, which is 60% on top of the final value fee, and cuts your profit from $365.18 to $314.78.
Promotion can still be worth it for competitive models, but set rates deliberately. Our Promoted Listings guide shows how to find the highest rate your margin can support.
Shipping instruments
Instruments are bulky, fragile and expensive to ship, and shipping is part of the total that fees are charged on.
- Get an accurate quote for the boxed size and weight before listing. Guitar boxes are large, and dimensional weight pricing can make them expensive.
- Use calculated shipping so distant buyers pay a fair share.
- Pack properly: loosen strings, support the headstock and neck, and fill empty space. Damage claims can cost you the sale and harm your seller rating.
- Insure high-value instruments and require a signature on delivery.
- Consider local pickup for heavy amps and drum kits.
For international buyers, the 1.65% international fee applies on top. A $300 guitar with $40 shipping sold abroad costs $28.79 in fees instead of $23.18. See international selling fees.
Tips for selling guitars on eBay
- List the exact model, year and serial number where possible, and fill in item specifics like body type, finish, pickups and handedness.
- Photograph everything, including the headstock, neck joint, frets and any wear, in good light.
- Include a short sound or condition note, such as action, neck straightness and electronics.
- Check sold prices for the same model and condition before you price.
- Keep your rating high: Top Rated Plus takes another 10% off, bringing the effective rate to 6.03%.
Check your own sale
Choose "Guitars and basses" in the US eBay fee calculator to see your exact fees and profit. In Canada the same 6.7% rate applies in Canadian dollars; try the Canada calculator. For every category rate, see the complete eBay seller fee guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are eBay's fees for guitars?
Guitars and basses are charged 6.7% of the total sale up to $7,500 (or $2,500 with a Store), then 2.35%, plus the $0.40 per-order fee.
How much are eBay fees on a $1,000 guitar?
A $1,000 guitar with free shipping and no tax costs $67.00 in final value fees plus $0.40 per order, so $67.40 in total.
Do other musical instruments get the 6.7% rate?
The 6.7% rate applies to eBay's Guitars & Basses category. Most other instruments and gear pay the standard 13.6% rate. Check eBay's fee table for your exact category.
Does an eBay Store lower guitar fees?
Only on sales above $2,500. The rate stays at 6.7% with a Store, but the lower 2.35% tier starts at $2,500 instead of $7,500.