Free Tool · Commerce

Reseller Break-Even & Pricing Calculator

Find your minimum profitable price on eBay, Etsy, Amazon, or any marketplace. Accounts for fees, shipping, and returns — the three costs most resellers undercount.

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13.25% final value fee (most categories)

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5%100%

The three costs resellers undercount

Platform fees are visible but often misunderstood. eBay's 13.25% applies to the total transaction including shipping — so if you charge $5 shipping, eBay still takes 13.25% of that $5. Many resellers calculate fees only on the item price and lose margin.

Shipping costs have climbed steadily. Ground shipping for a 1-lb package now costs $5–$9 depending on zone. Free shipping listings convert better but must absorb the full cost. Use a realistic shipping estimate, not your best-case rate.

Returns are the invisible cost. A 5% return rate on a $40 item means 1 in 20 sales generates no revenue but still cost you time, shipping, and restocking. Electronics and clothing regularly see 10–20% return rates. Price them in or get surprised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is break-even price for resellers?

Break-even price is the minimum sale price where you neither profit nor lose money, after accounting for the item cost, shipping, marketplace fees, and expected returns. Selling below this number loses money on every transaction.

How are eBay seller fees calculated?

eBay charges a final value fee (typically 13.25% for most categories) on the total sale amount including shipping. Some categories (motors, real estate) have different rates. There is also a $0.35 insertion fee per listing beyond your monthly free listings allotment.

Should I factor in returns when pricing?

Yes — returns are a real cost. Even a 5% return rate means 1 in 20 sales results in a refund. You still paid shipping and possibly restocking costs. For high-return categories like clothing and electronics, a 10–15% return rate is common and must be priced in.

What is a good profit margin for online resellers?

Most profitable resellers target 20–40% gross margin (profit as a percentage of cost). Below 15% margins leave little room for unexpected costs. Above 50% is excellent. The right target depends on volume — a 20% margin on 100 items per week beats a 50% margin on 5.

How do Amazon FBA fees compare to eBay?

Amazon charges a referral fee (8–15% depending on category) plus FBA fulfillment fees based on item size and weight — typically $3.00–$6.00 per unit for standard size. Combined, Amazon FBA fees often total 25–35% of the sale price, making break-even analysis critical.

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UnifyOne connects your product catalog to eBay, Etsy, and your own storefront — with unified revenue reporting and margin tracking.

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