eBay vs Facebook Marketplace: Complete Comparison 2026

eBay and Facebook Marketplace are the two most widely used selling platforms in the US — and they couldn’t be more different in how they work, who they reach, and what sells. eBay is the established nationwide marketplace with 30 years of infrastructure, buyer protections, and a global audience of collectors, bargain hunters, and niche enthusiasts. Facebook Marketplace is the newer, more casual platform that leverages Facebook’s massive user base for both local pickup sales and shipped transactions.

Choosing between them isn’t as simple as comparing fee percentages. The right platform depends on what you’re selling, how much you need buyer protection, how fast you want your money, and whether you’re willing to meet strangers in parking lots.

This guide covers every meaningful comparison: fees, audiences, seller protections, item categories, scam risks, shipping, and strategies for using both. By the end, you’ll know exactly where each item in your inventory belongs.

Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Fee Comparison: The Real Numbers

Fees are often the first thing sellers compare, and here’s where the platforms differ most dramatically — especially for local sales.

eBay Fees

eBay charges a final value fee on the total sale amount (item price + shipping charged to buyer):

• Standard final value fee: 13.25% + $0.30 per order
• Some categories vary: Guitars & basses (6.35%), heavy equipment (3.5%), sneakers over $150 via authentication (8%)
• eBay Store subscribers: Slightly reduced fees depending on store level

Example — Selling a vintage lamp for $75 + buyer pays $12 shipping:

• Total transaction: $87.00
• Final value fee: $87.00 × 13.25% = $11.53
• Per-order fee: $0.30
• Total eBay fees: $11.83
• Your payout: $75.17 (before your actual shipping costs)

Example — Selling a pair of shoes for $120 with free shipping:

• Final value fee: $120 × 13.25% = $15.90
• Per-order fee: $0.30
• Total eBay fees: $16.20
• Your payout: $103.80 (minus your shipping cost, say $9 = net $94.80)

Use the eBay fee calculator to calculate exact payouts for any sale price and see how much you’ll actually take home.

Facebook Marketplace Fees

Facebook Marketplace has a fundamentally different fee model:

Local pickup sales: $0 fees. Zero. Nothing. You list the item, meet the buyer, collect payment, and keep every dollar. This is FBMP’s biggest financial advantage.

Shipped sales: Facebook charges a selling fee on shipped transactions. As of 2026, this fee is typically around 10% of the sale price or a flat fee (whichever is greater), though the exact structure has evolved over time. Check Facebook’s current fee schedule for the latest rates.

Example — Local sale of vintage lamp for $50:

• Facebook fees: $0.00
• Your payout: $50.00

Example — Shipped sale of shoes for $120:

• Selling fee: ~$12.00 (approximately 10%)
• Your payout: ~$108.00 (minus shipping cost)

Fee Comparison Summary

FBMP wins on fees at every price point. For local sales, the difference is dramatic. For shipped sales, FBMP is still cheaper. The question is whether eBay’s higher fees are justified by its other advantages (which they often are — read on).

Audience: Who’s Buying Where?

eBay’s Buyer Base

eBay has ~135 million active buyers spanning virtually every demographic, interest, and geography. The platform’s buyer base includes:

• Collectors: Coins, stamps, sports cards, trading cards, vintage toys, antiques
• Niche enthusiasts: Specific hobbies, rare parts, discontinued products
• Deal hunters: Auction watchers looking for below-market prices
• International buyers: eBay’s Global Shipping Program reaches buyers in 190+ countries
• Small business buyers: Companies purchasing supplies, equipment, and parts
• Resellers: Yes, resellers buy on eBay too — to flip on other platforms or in other markets

eBay’s buyer mindset: Intentional and specific. eBay buyers search for particular items — they know what they want and they’re willing to pay fair market value for it. An eBay buyer searching for “vintage Corningware P-43-B” knows exactly what that is and what it’s worth.

Facebook Marketplace’s Buyer Base

FBMP leverages Facebook’s 3+ billion user base. The Marketplace tab is accessible to anyone with a Facebook account, creating an enormous but different type of buyer:

• Local bargain hunters: The core FBMP demographic. They’re scrolling for deals within driving distance
• Impulse browsers: People who aren’t searching for specific items but stumble on interesting listings while browsing Facebook
• Price-sensitive shoppers: FBMP buyers generally expect lower prices than on dedicated selling platforms
• Families: Parents looking for kids’ items, furniture, vehicles, and household goods
• Rural and suburban buyers: FBMP reaches demographics that don’t typically use eBay or other platforms

FBMP’s buyer mindset: Casual and opportunistic. Many FBMP buyers aren’t looking for anything specific — they’re browsing. When they find something, they expect a deal. The opening offer on FBMP is almost always below asking price, often significantly so.

What This Means for Sellers

The same item will typically sell for:

• 10-40% more on eBay for niche, collectible, and specific-demand items
• Equal or slightly less on FBMP for common, everyday items with strong local demand
• Significantly more on eBay for items that require a national/global buyer pool (rare collectibles, niche electronics, specialty parts)

Seller Protection Comparison

This is where the platforms diverge critically, and it matters more than most sellers realize until they have a problem.

eBay Seller Protections

eBay has a structured, documented protection system:

• Seller Protection Policy: Protects against false claims of items not received (when tracking shows delivery), unauthorized purchases, and chargebacks
• Dispute resolution: eBay mediates disputes with documented processes. Both parties can present evidence
• Tracking protection: If tracking confirms delivery, sellers are generally protected against “item not received” claims
• Return cost relief: For misleading returns (buyer damage, wrong item returned), eBay may refund the seller
• Money-back guarantee claims: eBay investigates claims and can side with sellers when evidence supports their case

The reality: eBay’s system is imperfect. The Money-Back Guarantee heavily favors buyers in practice, and some sellers experience frustrating losses from fraudulent claims. But the system exists, it’s documented, and there’s a process to follow.

Facebook Marketplace Protections

FBMP’s seller protection is less comprehensive:

• Shipped items with Purchase Protection: Facebook provides some buyer and seller protection for items purchased through the shipping checkout. This covers items not received or significantly not as described
• Local sales: Essentially zero formal protection. Once you hand over the item and receive payment, the transaction is complete. No formal dispute resolution for in-person meetups
• No structured seller appeals process comparable to eBay’s
• Account bans: Facebook can restrict or ban Marketplace access based on reports, sometimes without clear reasoning or appeal options

The reality: For local sales, FBMP’s lack of formal protection actually benefits sellers — no returns, no “item not as described” claims, no refunds after the in-person exchange. For shipped sales, protections exist but are less robust and less predictable than eBay’s.

Item Types: What Sells Best Where

Best for eBay

• Collectibles: Sports cards, trading cards, coins, stamps, vintage toys, figurines
• Electronics: Phones, tablets, gaming consoles, computer parts, cameras
• Niche/specialty items: Specific parts (car, appliance, equipment), discontinued products, rare items
• Vintage and antiques: Mid-century furniture (shipped via freight), vintage clothing, glassware, pottery
• Designer fashion: Luxury clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Media: Rare books, first editions, vinyl records, vintage video games
• Automotive parts: Specific parts that need a national audience to find the right buyer
• Anything requiring a global buyer pool to achieve fair market value

Best for Facebook Marketplace

• Furniture: Couches, tables, desks, bed frames, dressers — too expensive to ship
• Large appliances: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, AC units
• Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs
• Exercise equipment: Treadmills, weight sets, bikes, home gym equipment
• Kids and baby items: Strollers, car seats, toys, clothing lots
• Outdoor and garden: Lawnmowers, patio furniture, grills, garden tools
• Building materials: Lumber, tiles, fixtures, hardware
• Items under $30 where eBay fees would eat the margin
• Common household items with strong local demand

Perform Well on Both

• Clothing (mid-range brands) — test both platforms
• Small electronics (headphones, smart devices) — good on both
• Tools (power and hand tools) — local buyers on FBMP, collectors on eBay for vintage
• Sporting goods (golf clubs, camping gear) — depends on brand and specificity

Listing Experience

Listing on eBay

eBay’s listing process is detailed and feature-rich:

1. Search for matching product or create a new listing
2. Select category (eBay has hundreds of specific categories)
3. Add item specifics (brand, model, size, color, condition — many are required)
4. Upload up to 24 photos (free)
5. Write title (80 characters, keyword-optimized)
6. Write description (can be detailed, formatted, and lengthy)
7. Set pricing — Buy It Now, Auction, or Best Offer
8. Configure shipping — calculate based on weight, flat rate, or free
9. Set return policy — 30-day returns, 60 days, or seller-specific policy
10. Publish — listing goes live and enters eBay’s search index

Time per listing: 5-15 minutes for a thorough listing. More detailed listings (better photos, more specifics, keyword-optimized titles) rank higher in search and sell faster.

Listing on Facebook Marketplace

FBMP prioritizes speed and simplicity:

1. Tap “Create new listing”
2. Upload photos (up to 10)
3. Write title and description
4. Set price and choose category
5. Select local pickup, shipping, or both
6. Publish — listing appears in local feeds immediately

Time per listing: 1-3 minutes. FBMP’s streamlined process is great for volume listing, but the lack of detailed item specifics and limited category structure means less search precision.

Search and Discoverability

eBay’s Cassini Search Algorithm

eBay’s search engine (Cassini) is sophisticated and rewards well-optimized listings:

• Title keywords are critical — use all 80 characters with relevant search terms
• Item specifics (brand, size, color, model) directly impact search placement
• Listing quality signals — more photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate specifics improve ranking
• Seller performance — high ratings, fast shipping, and low defect rates boost search visibility
• Pricing competitiveness — listings priced near market value rank better than significantly overpriced ones
• Listing format — Best Offer listings may get additional visibility

eBay SEO tip: Think like a buyer. What would someone type into the search bar to find your item? Include brand, model, size, color, condition, and any relevant descriptors. “Vintage Pyrex 401 Blue Mixing Bowl 1.5 Pint” will rank far better than “Blue bowl.”

Facebook Marketplace’s Algorithm

FBMP’s algorithm is primarily proximity-based:

• Local results first — your listing appears to people nearest to you
• Category relevance — FBMP tries to show listings matching what users browse and search for
• Freshness — newer listings get priority visibility
• Engagement signals — listings with saves, messages, and shares may get boosted
• Price — FBMP surfaces competitively priced items more prominently

FBMP limitations: The search function is basic compared to eBay. Users can’t filter by specific item attributes in the same way. There’s no equivalent to eBay’s Cassini optimization — your main levers are location, price, photos, and freshness.

Shipping Options

eBay Shipping

eBay offers comprehensive shipping integration:

• Carriers: USPS, UPS, FedEx — all integrated with discounted rates through eBay Labels
• Calculated shipping: eBay can calculate shipping cost based on buyer’s location, package weight, and dimensions
• Free shipping: Sellers can offer free shipping (increasing visibility) and build the cost into the price
• Global Shipping Program (GSP): Ship to eBay’s US facility and they handle international forwarding, customs, and duty collection. This opens your listings to 190+ countries with minimal effort
• eBay standard envelope: Ultra-cheap shipping for trading cards and small flat items ($0.65-$1.15)
• Shipping discounts: eBay-negotiated USPS and UPS rates are typically 20-40% below retail

Facebook Marketplace Shipping

FBMP shipping is more limited:

• Carriers: Primarily USPS and UPS
• Prepaid labels: Generated through Facebook’s system
• Weight limits: Standard weight limits apply, though less flexibility for oversized items
• No international shipping through FBMP’s built-in system
• Shipping and local: You can offer both options on the same listing

Shipping verdict: eBay wins decisively on shipping infrastructure, carrier options, international reach, and discounted rates. For shipped sales, eBay’s logistics are more flexible and generally more cost-effective.

Return Policies

eBay Returns

eBay’s Money-Back Guarantee is the foundation of buyer trust — and the source of most seller frustrations.

Standard returns:

• Sellers can set 30-day or 60-day return policies (or no returns, though this hurts search ranking)
• For “buyer’s remorse” returns (changed their mind), the buyer pays return shipping
• For “not as described” returns, the seller pays return shipping

The buyer-favoring reality:

• eBay almost always sides with the buyer on “item not as described” (INAD) claims
• Sellers occasionally face fraudulent INAD claims — buyer returns a different/damaged item and gets a refund
• eBay has improved seller protections but the system still tilts toward buyers
• Detailed photos and accurate descriptions are your best defense

Facebook Marketplace Returns

Local sales: No returns. The buyer inspected the item, agreed to the price, and paid. Done.

Shipped sales with Purchase Protection: Buyers can file claims for items not received or significantly not as described. Facebook mediates, but the process is less structured than eBay’s.

Return verdict: For sellers who dread eBay’s return-friendly system, FBMP’s local sales are appealing — no returns, no disputes, no fraud. For shipped sales, FBMP’s protections are less comprehensive for both parties.

Scam Risks and Protection

Common eBay Scams

• “Item not received” claims despite tracking showing delivery — largely mitigated by signature confirmation on items $750+
• INAD abuse — buyer damages item or swaps it with a lower-quality version and returns it as “not as described”
• Bid retracting/non-paying bidders in auctions — manage with immediate payment requirements and buyer restrictions
• Phishing messages — fake “eBay” emails asking for login credentials. Never click links in emails — go directly to eBay.com

Common Facebook Marketplace Scams

• No-shows (not technically a scam, but extremely common — 20-30% of local transactions)
• Fake payment screenshots — buyer shows you a Venmo/Zelle screenshot that looks like payment was sent, but it’s fabricated. Always verify payment in YOUR app before handing over items
• Counterfeit money for cash transactions — use a detection pen for bills over $20
• Shipping scams — buyer claims item wasn’t received or was different than described when it was perfectly accurate
• Overpayment scams — “I’ll send you $500 for the $200 item, send me back the difference.” This is always a scam
• Meetup robbing — extremely rare but real. Always meet in public, well-lit locations. Police station parking lots are ideal

Safety Comparison

eBay transactions happen entirely online with documented payment processing, tracking, and dispute resolution. The risk is financial (fraudulent claims) rather than physical.

FBMP local transactions involve in-person meetings with strangers, carrying cash or exchanging electronic payments. The risk is both financial (fake payments, no-shows) and physical (personal safety).

Payment Processing

eBay Managed Payments

eBay processes all payments through their Managed Payments system:

• Buyers pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or eBay gift cards
• Seller payouts are deposited directly to your bank account
• Payout schedule: daily or weekly (you choose)
• Payout timing: initiated day after sale; arrives 1-2 business days later
• All fees are automatically deducted from payouts

Facebook Pay / Meta Pay

For shipped FBMP sales:

• Buyers pay through Facebook’s checkout system
• Seller payouts go to linked bank account or debit card
• Payout timing: typically 5-15+ business days after delivery confirmation (slower than eBay)

For local FBMP sales:

• Payment is arranged directly between buyer and seller
• Cash, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or any agreed method
• No Facebook intermediary — which means no platform fees but also no payment protection

When to Use Both: Crosslisting Strategy

The most profitable resellers don’t choose one platform — they use both strategically.

Items to List on eBay ONLY

• Rare collectibles that need a national/global audience
• Items worth $100+ where eBay’s buyer protection and payment infrastructure reduce fraud risk
• Niche items that fewer than 1 in 10,000 people in your area would want
• International appeal items (vintage, designer, specialty)

Items to List on FBMP ONLY

• Large furniture and appliances (shipping is impractical)
• Items under $20 where eBay fees destroy the margin
• Vehicles and large outdoor equipment
• Items where you specifically want cash, no returns, and immediate payment

Items to List on BOTH

• Mid-value items ($30-$100) that sell locally or shipped
• General electronics and small appliances
• Brand-name clothing and shoes
• Tools, sporting goods, and household items with broad appeal

Crosslisting rule: Always remove listings from one platform immediately when an item sells on the other. Selling an item you no longer have damages your reputation and metrics on whichever platform you fail to fulfill.

Growth Potential: Building a Business

eBay Store System

eBay offers a formal store subscription that provides:

Store benefits beyond listings:

• Custom storefront with branding
• Markdown Manager for running sales
• Promoted Listings credits
• Terapeak research tool access
• Vacation mode
• Custom categories for organizing inventory

Facebook Marketplace Limitations

FBMP doesn’t offer a store system, branding, or subscription tiers. Your “shop” is simply your collection of active listings accessible through your Facebook profile. There’s no way to:

• Create a branded storefront
• Organize listings into categories
• Access sales analytics (beyond basic listing insights)
• Run structured promotional campaigns
• Build a subscriber/following base (beyond Facebook friends)

Growth verdict: eBay is clearly built for scaling a reselling business. FBMP is built for individual transactions. If you’re planning to grow from casual selling to a significant income source, eBay’s infrastructure supports that trajectory. FBMP remains a supplementary channel — excellent for local sales and zero-fee transactions, but lacking the tools for business growth.

Which Platform for Beginners in 2026?

Start with Facebook Marketplace If:

• You want the simplest possible selling experience
• You have large or heavy items that are impractical to ship
• You want to avoid fees entirely on your first sales (local)
• You’re comfortable meeting people locally
• You want to sell items quickly at market prices without learning a complex platform
• You’re testing whether reselling is right for you before committing to eBay’s learning curve

Start with eBay If:

• You have lightweight, shippable items with niche appeal
• You value buyer/seller protections and documented transactions
• You want to reach a national or international audience
• You’re selling collectibles, electronics, or specialty items
• You plan to grow reselling into a serious income stream
• You want structured tools (stores, analytics, promotions) to optimize over time

Start with Both If:

• You have a mix of items — some suited for local, some for shipping
• You want to learn both platforms simultaneously and compare results
• You’re sourcing from estate sales, thrift stores, or garage sales (which yield a variety of item types)
• You understand the basics of selling online and want maximum exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Facebook Marketplace really free?

For local pickup sales, yes — zero fees. For shipped sales, Facebook charges a selling fee (approximately 10%). However, even shipped FBMP sales are slightly cheaper than eBay in most cases.

Which platform is safer for sellers?

eBay offers more comprehensive seller protections with documented dispute resolution processes. FBMP local sales have no formal protections, but the in-person nature means no return fraud. For shipped sales, eBay’s protection infrastructure is more developed.

Can I sell the same item on both platforms?

Yes, and many sellers do. Just be diligent about removing the listing from one platform when it sells on the other. Double-selling is a serious mistake that damages your reputation on both platforms.

Which platform sells items faster?

For common items with local demand (furniture, kids’ items, everyday goods), FBMP often sells faster. For niche items, collectibles, and anything requiring a specific buyer, eBay sells faster because the right buyer is more likely to find your listing through eBay’s search.

How do taxes work?

Both platforms report your sales to the IRS if you exceed the $600 reporting threshold. You’ll receive a 1099-K from each platform where you exceed the threshold. Cash received from FBMP local sales is also taxable income, even though there’s no 1099 — it’s your responsibility to report it accurately.

Does eBay’s final value fee include shipping charges?

Yes. eBay charges the 13.25% + $0.30 on the total amount the buyer pays, including any shipping fees charged. If you sell an item for $50 + $10 shipping, the fee is calculated on $60.

Why do items sell for more on eBay?

eBay’s national/global audience means niche items find interested buyers who understand their value. FBMP’s local audience is broader but less specialized — they’re typically looking for deals rather than willing to pay fair market value for specific items.

Is it worth paying eBay’s higher fees?

For most shipped items, yes. The 3-5% higher fees compared to FBMP are offset by: higher selling prices (often 10-30% more), better buyer protection, stronger shipping infrastructure, and the massive buyer pool. For local sales where FBMP charges nothing, that’s harder to justify — which is why most sellers use FBMP for local and eBay for shipped.

Can I offer returns on Facebook Marketplace?

For local sales, there’s no formal return mechanism. For shipped sales with Purchase Protection, returns can be initiated through Facebook’s dispute process if the item isn’t as described.

Final Verdict

eBay and Facebook Marketplace serve fundamentally different purposes in a reselling business:

eBay is your primary platform for: shipped items, niche and collectible items, national/global reach, items over $50, anything requiring buyer protection infrastructure, and building a scalable reselling business.

Facebook Marketplace is your primary platform for: local pickup items, furniture and large items, zero-fee transactions, quick neighborhood sales, and items where person-to-person meets make more sense than shipping.

The winning strategy for 2026: Use both. Route every item to its optimal platform. Run your numbers with the eBay fee calculator to see exact take-home amounts. Use the Underpriced app to check market values across platforms. List furniture and heavy items locally on FBMP. Ship collectibles, clothing, and electronics on eBay. Crosslist everything in between.

The resellers who make the most money aren’t loyal to one platform — they’re loyal to whichever channel puts the most profit in their pocket on each specific item. That’s the approach that turns casual selling into real income.