eBay UK Fees: Private vs Business Sellers Explained
Published 3 min read
In this guide
On eBay.co.uk, what you pay depends first on one question: are you a private seller or a business seller? Private sellers pay no final value fee on domestic sales, while business sellers pay category rates plus several extra charges, all with VAT. This guide explains the difference, what each type of seller pays, and which one you should be.
Figures come from our UK eBay fee calculator, last checked on September 25, 2026.
Private vs business at a glance
| Fee | Private seller | Business seller |
|---|---|---|
| Final value fee (domestic) | None | Category rate, e.g. 12.9% for most categories, plus VAT |
| Per-order fee | None | £0.40 (£0.30 on orders of £10 or less), plus VAT |
| Regulatory operating fee | None | 0.35% of the total, plus VAT |
| International fee | 3% for any overseas buyer | 1.05% to 2% depending on region, plus VAT |
| Promoted Listings | Your ad rate, plus VAT | Your ad rate, plus VAT |
| Top Rated discount | Not applicable | 10% off the final value fee |
| Listing upgrades and extra listings | Charged separately | Charged separately |
What private sellers pay
For private sellers selling to UK buyers, eBay charges no final value fee, no per-order fee and no regulatory operating fee. A £50 sale costs you nothing in selling fees.
Charges you can still pay as a private seller:
- International fee: 3% of the total if the buyer is outside the UK. A £50 sale to an overseas buyer costs £1.50.
- Promoted Listings: if you choose to promote. At 5% on a £200 sale, that's £12.00 including VAT.
- Listing upgrades and listings above your free allowance.
What business sellers pay
Business sellers pay three charges on every sale, and eBay adds 20% VAT to each:
- a final value fee based on the category,
- a per-order fee of £0.40 (£0.30 on orders of £10 or less), which is £0.48 (or £0.36) with VAT, and
- a regulatory operating fee of 0.35% of the total.
| Business sale | Total fees (including VAT) |
|---|---|
| £8 item, most categories (12.9%) | £1.63 |
| £20 item + £3.50 postage, most categories | £4.22 |
| £50 clothing item (11.9%) | £7.83 |
| £100 item, most categories | £16.38 |
| £500 collectable (10.9%) | £67.98 |
| £500 item, most categories | £79.98 |
Rates range from 5% (NFTs) and 6.9% (selected electronics) up to 14.9% (jewellery). The full list is in our complete eBay seller fee guide.
The difference on a real sale
A £50 clothing item that cost £15, with £3.50 postage:
- Private seller: £0 in fees, profit £31.50
- Business seller: £7.83 in fees, profit £23.67
Which should you be?
This isn't just a question of fees. The type of account needs to match what you're actually doing:
- Private seller: you're selling your own unwanted items, like clearing out the wardrobe or loft.
- Business seller: you buy items to resell, make items to sell, or sell regularly with the aim of making a profit.
If you're trading, you should register as a business seller, even though the fees are higher. Business sellers have legal obligations to buyers (such as consumer rights and returns rules) that private sellers don't. Selling as a private seller when you're really trading can lead to problems with eBay, buyers and HMRC. Online marketplaces now share information about sellers with HMRC once they pass certain thresholds, so check HMRC's current guidance on whether your selling counts as trading.
This article isn't tax or legal advice. If you're unsure, speak to an accountant or check HMRC's guidance.
Making the most of a business account
- Reclaim VAT if you're VAT registered. The VAT eBay adds to your fees may be reclaimable.
- Earn Top Rated status. 10% off the final value fee brings a £100 sale's final value fee from £15.48 to £13.93. See Top Rated Seller benefits.
- Consider a Store for lower rates and more free listings once your volume justifies it.
- Sell into Europe: the international fee is lowest to the Eurozone and Northern Europe (1.05% plus VAT). See international selling fees.
- Price for the full cost. Include VAT on fees, postage and packaging. Our pricing guide shows the method.
Calculate your UK fees
The UK eBay fee calculator lets you switch between private and business seller, pick your category and buyer region, and see your fees (including VAT) and profit instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to sell on eBay UK as a private seller?
Private sellers pay no final value fee, per-order fee or regulatory operating fee on domestic sales. International sales (3%), Promoted Listings, listing upgrades and extra listings are still charged.
What fees do UK business sellers pay on eBay?
A category-based final value fee (12.9% in most categories), a per-order fee of £0.40 (£0.30 on orders of £10 or less) and a 0.35% regulatory operating fee, all with 20% VAT added.
How much are eBay UK fees on a £100 sale?
For a business seller in a 12.9% category, a £100 sale costs £15.48 in final value fees, £0.48 per order and £0.42 regulatory fee, so £16.38 including VAT. For a private seller selling domestically it's £0.
Should I be a private or business seller on eBay UK?
If you buy items to resell, make items to sell or trade regularly for profit, you should register as a business seller. Private accounts are for selling your own unwanted items.