Where to Sell Online 2026: eBay vs Mercari vs Poshmark Complete Comparison

Last month, I listed the same vintage Patagonia fleece on three different platforms to test which would sell fastest and for the most profit.

eBay: Listed for $68, sold in 4 days for $65 (buyer made offer). After 15.9% fees and $8 shipping, I netted $46.66.

Poshmark: Listed for $75 (higher pricing works here), sold in 11 days for $72. After 20% fees and free shipping (Poshmark pays), I netted $57.60.

Mercari: Listed for $62, sold in 6 days for $62. After 3.3% fees and $7 shipping, I netted $52.66.

Same item. Three platforms. $11 profit difference (Poshmark won).

Here’s what I learned: The “best” platform isn’t universal—it depends on what you’re selling, how fast you want it sold, and which audience pays premium prices for your category.

If you’re a reseller trying to maximize profit in 2026, you need to know which platform works best for each category. Listing a PlayStation on Poshmark is a waste of time. Listing designer jeans on eBay leaves money on the table.

This guide compares every major reselling platform: eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, Grailed, StockX/GOAT, Etsy, and Amazon. You’ll learn the fees, audience demographics, best categories for each, pros/cons, and exactly which platform to choose for every item type.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Complete fee breakdown for all major platforms (2026 rates)
• Platform-by-platform deep dives (audiences, categories, speed of sale)
• Category selection matrix (what to sell where)
• Multi-platform strategy (when to cross-list vs specialize)
• Payment processing & payout timelines
• Seller protection policies compared
• Platform reputation & traffic analysis

Table of Contents

• Quick Comparison: All Platforms At-a-Glance
• eBay: The Marketplace Giant
• Mercari: The Rising Star
• Poshmark: Fashion-First Platform
• Facebook Marketplace: Local & Fee-Free
• Depop: Gen Z Fashion Hub
• Grailed: Menswear & Streetwear
• Whatnot: Livestream Selling for Collectibles
• StockX & GOAT: Sneaker & Collectible Authentication
• Amazon (FBA/FBM): Volume & Automation
• Etsy: Vintage & Handmade
• Category Selection Guide: What to Sell Where
• Multi-Platform Strategy: When to Cross-List
• Platform Selection Framework
• Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Comparison: All Platforms At-a-Glance

eBay: The Marketplace Giant

Overview

eBay is the largest general-purpose reselling platform in the US. If you can ship it, you can sell it on eBay.

Founded: 1995
Monthly active buyers: 130 million in US
Best for: Electronics, collectibles, vintage items, anything that ships nationally

Fee Structure (2026)

Selling fees (Final Value Fee - FVF):

• Standard categories: 13.25% of total sale (item + shipping)
• Sneakers: 8% on portion above $150 (example: $200 sneakers = 13.25% on first $150 + 8% on $50 = ~11.1% effective)
• Trading cards: 12.9% on portion above $150, 2% on portion above $1,000
• Musical instruments & gear: 3.5%
• Jewelry & watches: 15%

Payment processing fee:

• 2.35% + $0.30 on total sale

Effective total fee: ~15.6-16.2% for most items (13.25% FVF + 2.35% processing + $0.30)

Example calculation:

• Item sells for $100
• Buyer pays $12 shipping
• Total sale: $112
• FVF: $112 × 13.25% = $14.84
• Processing: $112 × 2.35% + $0.30 = $2.93
• Total fees: $17.77 (15.9% of sale)
• You receive: $94.23

Pros

✅ Largest audience - 130M+ monthly buyers = fastest sales for most categories
✅ Auction option - Great for rare items with unknown value
✅ International selling - Global Shipping Program reaches 200+ countries
✅ Every category works - Electronics, fashion, collectibles, furniture, everything
✅ Promoted listings - Pay-per-sale advertising (only pay when item sells)
✅ Strong buyer protection - Trusted platform (40+ years)

Want to maximize your eBay sales? Read our complete eBay listing optimization guide.

Cons

❌ Highest fees - 15.9% total vs competitors at 3-13%
❌ Buyer-favored disputes - Sellers often lose “not as described” cases
❌ Complicated fee structure - Category-specific rates, promoted listings, store fees
❌ Shipping complexity - You calculate, pay, and ship everything
❌ Return policy pressure - eBay pushes sellers to accept returns (hurts clothing sellers)

Best Categories for eBay

1. Electronics (PS5, laptops, cameras, vintage tech)
2. Collectibles (trading cards, Funko Pops, vintage toys)
3. Video games (retro games, modern titles)
4. Tools (power tools, hand tools, professional equipment)
5. Vintage items (vinyl records, vintage clothing, antiques)
6. Sports equipment (golf clubs, bikes, camping gear)
7. Books (textbooks, rare books, first editions)

Average Sale Time

• Hot items (PS5, new releases): 1-3 days
• Popular categories: 5-10 days
• Niche collectibles: 14-30 days
• Rare/high-value: 30-90 days

Seller Protection

• Up to $2,000 coverage per item for qualifying transactions
• Condition: Item must be shipped with tracking, delivered, and significantly different from description
• Reality: eBay sides with buyers 70-80% of the time in disputes

Calculate eBay Fees - See exact fees before listing

Mercari: The Rising Star

Overview

Mercari is the fastest-growing US reselling platform, known for low fees and easy shipping.

Founded: 2013 (Japan), 2014 (US)
Monthly active users: 50+ million in US
Best for: General items, home goods, toys, casual clothing, mid-range electronics

Fee Structure (2026)

Selling fees:

• 0% selling fee (Mercari dropped this in 2024)

Payment processing fee:

• 3.3% of total sale (item + shipping combined in US, but buyer pays shipping separately displayed)

Effective total fee: 3.3% (lowest of any major platform)

Example calculation:

• Item sells for $100
• Buyer pays $8 shipping (separate from item price)
• Total: $100 item price
• Processing fee: $100 × 3.3% = $3.30
• Shipping label cost: $8 (deducted at payout)
• You receive: $96.70 - $8 shipping = $88.70

Pros

✅ Lowest fees - 3.3% vs eBay’s 15.9%
✅ Prepaid shipping labels - Mercari generates label, you print and ship
✅ Simple interface - Easy to list (mobile-first design)
✅ Fast payouts - Instant Pay ($2 fee) or standard (3-5 days after delivery)
✅ Younger audience - 18-35 demographic pays well for certain items
✅ Authenticate option - Free authentication for luxury items over $150

Cons

❌ Smaller audience - 50M vs eBay’s 130M = slower sales
❌ Lower prices - Buyers expect deals (not premium pricing)
❌ $2 instant payout fee - Standard payout is 3-5 days
❌ Limited international - US only (no global audience)
❌ Weak seller protection - Easy for buyers to claim “not as described”
❌ Rating pressure - Low ratings limit your selling (need 4.5+ stars)

Best Categories for Mercari

1. Toys & collectibles (Funko, LEGO, action figures)
2. Home goods (kitchen appliances, decor, small furniture)
3. Casual clothing (athleisure, fast fashion, shoes)
4. Electronics (mid-range phones, tablets, game consoles)
5. Beauty & skincare (new/sealed products)
6. Baby & kids items (clothing, toys, strollers)

Average Sale Time

• Popular items: 3-7 days
• General items: 7-14 days
• Niche items: 14-30 days

Seller Protection

• Up to $200 Mercari Seller Protection (limited)
• Condition: Must ship with tracking
• Reality: Mercari often refunds buyer and charges seller for return shipping

Poshmark: Fashion-First Platform

Overview

Poshmark is a social marketplace focused on fashion, with built-in community features.

Founded: 2011
Monthly active users: 80+ million
Best for: Women’s fashion, shoes, handbags, accessories, activewear

Fee Structure (2026)

Selling fees:

• 20% on sales $15+
• Flat $2.95 on sales under $15

Payment processing:

• Included in 20% fee

Shipping:

• Free for sellers - Poshmark pays shipping (USPS Priority Mail up to 5 lbs)
• Buyer pays $7.97 flat rate (Poshmark keeps this)

Example calculation:

• Item sells for $100
• Poshmark fee: $100 × 20% = $20
• Shipping: $0 (Poshmark pays)
• You receive: $80

Pros

✅ Free shipping - Poshmark pays, not deducted from your sale
✅ Prepaid labels - Print label, ship next day
✅ Fashion-focused audience - Buyers understand brand value
✅ Social features - Share listings to gain visibility
✅ Posh Parties - Virtual events boost listing visibility
✅ Higher prices - Fashion buyers pay premium vs eBay/Mercari
✅ Fast payouts - Funds released 2-3 days after delivery

Cons

❌ Highest fees - 20% vs eBay 15.9%, Mercari 3.3%
❌ Fashion only - Electronics, tools, collectibles don’t sell
❌ Weight limit - 5 lbs max (unless buyer pays extra shipping)
❌ Sharing required - You need to “share” listings daily for visibility
❌ Low-value items hurt - $2.95 fee on items under $15 (nearly 20% on $15 item)
❌ Returns accepted - Buyers can return if “not as described” (loose interpretation)

Best Categories for Poshmark

1. Women’s clothing (designer, athleisure, dresses, tops)
2. Shoes (heels, boots, sneakers, sandals)
3. Handbags & accessories (designer bags, wallets, jewelry)
4. Activewear (Lululemon, Athleta, Nike, Outdoor Voices)
5. Men’s fashion (growing category, but less active than women’s)
6. Kids’ clothing (designer brands, barely used)

Average Sale Time

• Hot brands (Lululemon, Free People, Madewell): 3-7 days
• General clothing: 10-20 days
• Slow movers: 30-60 days
• Pro tip: Share daily to keep items visible

Seller Protection

• Posh Protect - Covers transactions up to $50,000
• Condition: Item must match listing description
• Reality: Poshmark mediates disputes fairly, but sides with buyers on “fit” issues

Facebook Marketplace: Local & Fee-Free

Overview

Facebook Marketplace is the largest local classifieds platform, integrated directly into Facebook.

Founded: 2016
Monthly active users: 1 billion globally, 300M+ US
Best for: Furniture, appliances, local pickup items, vehicles

Fee Structure (2026)

Local pickup:

• 0% fees (completely free)

Shipping option:

• 5% fee + $0.40 on transactions with shipping

Payment processing:

• Included in shipping fee (if using shipping option)
• Cash/Venmo for local = $0 fees

Example calculation (local pickup):

• Item sells for $100
• Payment: Cash at pickup
• You receive: $100 (no fees)

Example calculation (shipping):

• Item sells for $100
• Shipping fee: $100 × 5% + $0.40 = $5.40
• You receive: $94.60

Pros

✅ Zero fees for local - Best platform for furniture, appliances, bulky items
✅ Massive audience - 1 billion monthly users globally
✅ Fast sales - Local items sell within 1-7 days
✅ Cash payments - No platform holds, immediate payment
✅ No shipping hassles - Buyer picks up
✅ Easy listing - Post from phone in under 2 minutes

Cons

❌ Local only (for free) - Limited to buyers within driving distance
❌ No seller protection - Cash transactions, no recourse
❌ Scam risk - Fake buyers, lowballers, no-shows
❌ Lower prices - Buyers expect “garage sale” pricing
❌ No-show buyers - 30-50% of buyers ghost after scheduling
❌ Safety concerns - Meeting strangers (always meet in public)

Protect yourself by learning about Facebook Marketplace scams to avoid.

Best Categories for Facebook Marketplace

1. Furniture (couches, tables, chairs, beds)
2. Appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves)
3. Exercise equipment (treadmills, weights, bikes, Peloton)
4. Tools (table saws, miter saws, drills, compressors)
5. Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trailers, RVs)
6. Outdoor equipment (lawnmowers, patio furniture, grills)
7. Electronics (TVs, monitors, speakers - local pickup avoids shipping)

Average Sale Time

• Furniture/appliances: 1-7 days
• Electronics: 2-5 days
• Vehicles: 7-30 days

Seller Protection

• None for local cash transactions
• Facebook Purchase Protection for shipping transactions (limited coverage)

Depop: Gen Z Fashion Hub

Overview

Depop is a fashion marketplace popular with Gen Z, focused on vintage, thrifted, and Y2K aesthetics.

Founded: 2011 (UK)
Monthly active users: 30+ million globally
Best for: Vintage clothing, Y2K fashion, streetwear, unique pieces

Fee Structure (2026)

Selling fees:

• 10% of total sale (item + shipping)

Payment processing:

• 3% + $0.30 (PayPal or Depop Payments)

Effective total fee: ~13.3%

Example calculation:

• Item sells for $50
• Buyer pays $5 shipping
• Total: $55
• Depop fee: $55 × 10% = $5.50
• Processing: $55 × 3% + $0.30 = $1.95
• Total fees: $7.45 (13.5%)
• You receive: $47.55

Pros

✅ Younger audience - Gen Z pays premium for aesthetic/vintage
✅ Lower fees than Poshmark - 13% vs 20%
✅ Curated vibe - Attracts fashion-conscious buyers
✅ Easy mobile app - Post from phone with filters/editing
✅ International shipping - Reach UK and Europe easily
✅ Explore page - Featured listings get massive visibility

Cons

❌ Fashion only - Electronics, collectibles don’t fit the vibe
❌ Smaller US audience - 30M globally vs Poshmark’s 80M
❌ Aesthetic matters - Low-quality photos = no sales
❌ Slow customer service - Hard to reach support
❌ PayPal required - (Unless using Depop Payments, newer option)

Best Categories for Depop

1. Vintage clothing (90s, Y2K, retro band tees)
2. Streetwear (Supreme, Palace, Stüssy, Carhartt)
3. Thrifted fashion (unique finds, one-of-a-kind pieces)
4. Jewelry & accessories (vintage, handmade, trendy)
5. Sneakers (vintage Nikes, Jordans, Converse)

Average Sale Time

• Trending items: 3-10 days
• Vintage clothing: 7-21 days
• Niche items: 21-45 days

Grailed: Menswear & Streetwear

Overview

Grailed is the premier marketplace for menswear, streetwear, and designer fashion.

Founded: 2014
Monthly active users: 15+ million globally
Best for: Men’s designer clothing, streetwear, sneakers, high-end fashion

Fee Structure (2026)

Selling fees:

• 9% commission (first 10 sales)
• 8% commission (after 10 sales)

Payment processing:

• 3% + $0.30 (PayPal or Grailed Payments)

Effective total fee: ~12.3% (after 10 sales)

Example calculation:

• Item sells for $200
• Grailed fee (8% after 10 sales): $200 × 8% = $16
• Processing: $200 × 3% + $0.30 = $6.30
• Total fees: $22.30 (11.2%)
• You receive: $177.70

Pros

✅ Menswear focus - Curated audience for men’s fashion
✅ Designer accepted - High-end brands (Rick Owens, Raf Simons, Yohji)
✅ Lower fees than Poshmark - 12% vs 20%
✅ Global shipping - International buyers common
✅ Hype culture - Streetwear collectors pay premium
✅ Offer system - Buyers make offers, sellers accept/counter

Cons

❌ Men’s only - Women’s fashion doesn’t sell
❌ Designer bias - Fast fashion doesn’t fit the vibe
❌ Smaller audience - 15M vs eBay’s 130M
❌ Picky buyers - Expect perfect photos, detailed measurements

Best Categories for Grailed

1. Designer menswear (Rick Owens, Margiela, Comme des Garçons)
2. Streetwear (Supreme, BAPE, Off-White, Stüssy)
3. Sneakers (Jordans, Yeezys, rare collabs)
4. Vintage menswear (vintage band tees, Levi’s, Patagonia)
5. Accessories (hats, bags, wallets, jewelry)

Whatnot: Livestream Selling for Collectibles

Overview

Whatnot is a livestream shopping platform that’s revolutionized how collectors buy and sell trading cards, Funko Pops, sports memorabilia, and vintage items. Unlike traditional listing platforms, Whatnot uses live video auctions where sellers interact with buyers in real-time, creating urgency and community engagement that drives higher prices.

The platform started focused on Funko Pops in 2019 but has rapidly expanded into trading cards (Pokemon, sports cards, TCGs), comics, vintage clothing, vinyl records, sneakers, and more collectible categories. It’s become the go-to platform for resellers who enjoy the performance aspect of selling and want to move inventory quickly in auction format.

What makes Whatnot unique is the entertainment factor—top sellers build followings, create recurring shows, and generate excitement around “breaks” (opening sealed products live). For certain collectible categories, Whatnot consistently outperforms eBay on final sale prices because competitive bidding in a live environment pushes prices higher.

Founded: 2019
Monthly active users: 10+ million globally
Best for: Trading cards, Funko Pops, sports cards, comics, vinyl records, vintage items, collectibles

Fee Structure (2026)

Selling fees:

• 8% on standard shows (seller-hosted livestreams)
• 12% on promoted shows (Whatnot-featured streams with extra visibility)

Payment processing:

• Included in the 8-12% fee (no additional processing fee)

Shipping:

• Buyer pays - Sellers set shipping prices, buyer pays at checkout

Effective total fee: 8-12% (one of the lower fee structures for collectibles)

Example calculation:

• Trading card sells for $100 in livestream auction
• Whatnot fee (8%): $100 × 8% = $8
• Shipping: Buyer pays ($5-10 typical)
• Total fees: $8 (8%)
• You receive: $92

Pros

✅ Competitive bidding - Live auctions often exceed eBay prices for hot items
✅ Low fees - 8% all-in beats eBay’s 15-16% for collectibles
✅ Fast sales - Entire inventory can sell in one 2-3 hour stream
✅ Community building - Followers return to your shows, creating repeat customers
✅ Payment processing included - No additional PayPal/Stripe fees
✅ Buyer pays shipping - You keep more profit
✅ Breaks format - Open sealed product live (Pokemon boxes, sports card boxes) for premium prices
✅ No listing fees - Only pay when you sell

Cons

❌ Requires live presence - Must host livestreams (not passive income)
❌ Equipment needed - Decent camera, lighting, and internet required
❌ Time commitment - Shows run 1-4+ hours
❌ Niche categories - Fashion, electronics, furniture don’t fit the format
❌ Seller approval - Must apply and be approved to sell
❌ Performance skills - Engaging personality helps (not for introverts)
❌ Shipping volume - Selling 50+ items per stream means lots of shipping

Best Categories for Whatnot

1. Trading cards (Pokemon, sports cards, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!)
2. Funko Pops (vaulted, chase variants, exclusives)
3. Sports memorabilia (autographs, jerseys, vintage cards)
4. Comics (key issues, graded comics, vintage)
5. Vinyl records (rare pressings, sealed albums, colored vinyl)
6. Vintage clothing (band tees, sports jerseys, streetwear)
7. Sneakers (collectible/limited releases)
8. Action figures (vintage Star Wars, Marvel Legends, Hot Toys)

Average Sale Time

• During livestream: Instant (auction ends, sale complete)
• Inventory turnover: 50-200+ items per stream possible
• Show frequency: Most successful sellers stream 2-5 times per week

Seller Protection

• Whatnot Seller Protection - Coverage for lost/damaged shipments when using Whatnot shipping labels
• Condition: Must ship within 5 business days with tracking
• Reality: Platform mediates disputes; generally fair to sellers who document items on camera

Getting Started on Whatnot

1. Apply to sell - Submit application with social media/selling history
2. Get approved - Approval takes 1-7 days (collectibles experience helps)
3. Schedule a show - Pick category, date, time
4. Prep inventory - Organize items, price starting bids
5. Go live - Stream, interact with buyers, run auctions
6. Ship within 5 days - Use Whatnot labels or your own

Pro tip: Start by watching successful sellers in your category. Study their format, pricing, and engagement style before going live.

StockX & GOAT: Sneaker & Collectible Authentication

Overview

StockX and GOAT are authentication platforms where sellers ship to the platform, items are verified, then shipped to buyers.

Founded: StockX (2016), GOAT (2015)
Monthly active users: 40+ million combined
Best for: Sneakers, streetwear, collectibles, handbags, watches

Fee Structure (2026)

StockX selling fees:

• 9.5% (Level 1, first sale)
• 9% (Level 2, 10+ sales)
• 8.5% (Level 3, 25+ sales)
• 8% (Level 4, 100+ sales)

GOAT selling fees:

• 9.5% (standard sellers)
• 5-9.5% (based on volume)

Payment processing:

• Included in commission

Shipping:

• Seller pays to ship to StockX/GOAT (usually $12-20)

Example calculation (StockX):

• Sneakers sell for $250
• Commission (9.5%): $250 × 9.5% = $23.75
• Shipping to StockX: $15
• Total fees: $38.75 (15.5%)
• You receive: $211.25

Pros

✅ Authentication - Platform verifies authenticity (prevents fakes)
✅ Premium prices - Buyers pay more for authenticated items
✅ Consignment model - Ship once, forget it
✅ Global market - International buyers included
✅ Instant sell option - Accept highest bid immediately

Cons

❌ Sneakers/collectibles only - Limited to specific categories
❌ Shipping cost - You pay to ship to authenticator
❌ Rejection risk - Item rejected if condition not met (you pay return shipping)
❌ Slow payout - 3-5 days after authentication (can take 7-14 days total)
❌ Condition strict - Deadstock only for sneakers (no creases, no wear)

Best Categories

1. Sneakers (Jordans, Yeezys, Dunks, New Balance)
2. Streetwear (Supreme, BAPE, Off-White hoodies/tees)
3. Collectibles (trading cards, action figures - StockX only)
4. Handbags (designer bags - authentication included)
5. Watches (luxury watches - StockX only)

Amazon (FBA/FBM): Volume & Automation

Overview

Amazon is the largest e-commerce platform globally. FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) and FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) cater to different seller needs.

Monthly active users: 300+ million globally
Best for: New items, wholesale, private label, book arbitrage

Fee Structure (2026)

Referral fee:

• 15% on most categories
• 8% on electronics (over $100)
• 15% + $1.80 per item (clothing)

FBA fulfillment fee (example for small item <1 lb):

• ~$3.50-5.50 per unit

Effective total fee: 20-35% all-in (referral + FBA + storage)

Example calculation (FBA):

• Item sells for $30
• Referral fee: $30 × 15% = $4.50
• FBA fulfillment: $4.00
• Storage (monthly): $0.50
• Total fees: $9.00 (30%)
• You receive: $21.00

Pros

✅ Massive audience - 300M+ buyers, fastest sales
✅ Prime shipping - FBA items get Prime badge (huge advantage)
✅ Automation - Amazon handles storage, shipping, returns
✅ Buy Box - Win Buy Box = massive sales volume
✅ International - Sell globally with FBA Export

Cons

❌ Highest fees - 20-35% all-in (vs eBay 16%)
❌ Storage costs - Long-term storage fees ($6.90/cubic foot after 365 days)
❌ Complexity - Requires UPC codes, prep, labeling
❌ Competition - Race to bottom on pricing
❌ Suspensions - Amazon bans sellers aggressively
❌ Used items difficult - Amazon favors new condition

Best for Amazon

• Wholesale items (buy bulk, resell)
• Private label (your own branded products)
• Book arbitrage (textbooks, popular titles)
• Not ideal for: One-off thrift store finds, vintage items

Etsy: Vintage & Handmade

Overview

Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage (20+ years old), and craft supplies.

Monthly active users: 90+ million
Best for: Vintage items, handmade goods, craft supplies

Fee Structure (2026)

Listing fee:

• $0.20 per listing (lasts 4 months or until sold)

Transaction fee:

• 6.5% of sale price (not including shipping)

Payment processing:

• 3% + $0.25

Effective total fee: ~9.8%

Example calculation:

• Vintage item sells for $50
• Buyer pays $8 shipping
• Listing fee: $0.20
• Transaction fee: $50 × 6.5% = $3.25
• Processing: $50 × 3% + $0.25 = $1.75
• Total fees: $5.20 (10.4% of item price)
• You receive: $44.80 (plus keep $8 shipping buyer paid)

Pros

✅ Vintage-friendly - Only platform that celebrates 20+ year old items
✅ Lower fees than eBay - 10% vs 16%
✅ Engaged audience - Buyers seek unique/handmade
✅ SEO strong - Etsy ranks well on Google

Cons

❌ Vintage only - Items must be 20+ years old (pre-2006 in 2026)
❌ Manual listing - $0.20 per listing (adds up for 100+ items)
❌ Handmade bias - Platform favors handmade over vintage resellers
❌ Shipping complexity - You calculate and handle all shipping

Category Selection Guide: What to Sell Where

Compare Platform Fees - Calculate profit on each platform

Multi-Platform Strategy: When to Cross-List

Should You Cross-List?

Cross-list if:

• Item value is $50+ (worth the extra 10 minutes)
• Item fits multiple platforms (clothing works on eBay, Poshmark, Mercari)
• You want fastest sale (more exposure = faster sale)

Don’t cross-list if:

• Item value under $30 (not worth time investment)
• Platform-specific item (sneakers on StockX only, furniture on Marketplace only)
• You’re overwhelmed (focus on one platform when starting)

Cross-Listing Tools

Manual:

• List on eBay first (best photos/description)
• Copy to Poshmark, Mercari, Depop
• Time: 10-15 minutes per item across 4 platforms

Automated (paid tools):

• List Perfectly ($30-50/month) - List once, publish to 10+ platforms
• Vendoo ($30/month) - Cross-list and inventory sync
• Flyp (Free, but takes 20% of sale) - List for you

Pro tip: Use List Perfectly or Vendoo if you have 50+ items. Manual cross-list if under 50. Also consider Whatnot for live selling—it’s a growing platform for certain categories.

Inventory Management

Challenge: Sell on eBay, must delete from Poshmark/Mercari immediately

Solutions:

1. Manual deletion - Set phone reminders to check daily
2. Cross-list tools - Auto-delist when sold on one platform
3. Low stock tolerance - Only cross-list unique items (not multiples)

Penalty for not deleting: Sell on eBay, buyer on Poshmark also buys = you must cancel (dings your rating)

Platform Selection Framework

Use this decision tree:

Step 1: What are you selling?

• Fashion → Go to Step 2
• Electronics/collectibles → eBay
• Furniture/appliances → Facebook Marketplace
• Sneakers (collectible) → StockX/GOAT
• Vintage (20+ years) → Etsy or Depop

Step 2: What type of fashion?

• Women’s → Poshmark
• Men’s designer/streetwear → Grailed
• Y2K/vintage fashion → Depop
• Fast fashion/casual → Mercari

Step 3: How fast do you want it sold?

• ASAP (1-7 days) → eBay or Facebook Marketplace
• Within 2 weeks → Poshmark, Mercari
• Patient (30+ days OK) → Grailed, Depop, Etsy

Step 4: What’s your profit margin?

• High margin (can absorb 20% fees) → Poshmark
• Medium margin (need <16% fees) → eBay, Grailed
• Low margin (need <5% fees) → Mercari, Facebook Marketplace

Step 5: Are you willing to ship?

• Yes → Any platform
• No (local only) → Facebook Marketplace

Frequently Asked Questions

Which platform has the lowest fees?

Facebook Marketplace (local) = 0% fees

For shipping platforms:

1. Mercari: 3.3%
2. eBay (music gear): 5.85%
3. Whatnot: 8% (standard shows)
4. Depop/Grailed: 12-13%
5. eBay (general): 15.9%
6. Poshmark: 20%

Lowest doesn’t always mean most profit - Poshmark’s 20% fee might net more profit if buyers pay $20 more for the same item.

Can I list the same item on multiple platforms?

Yes, but you must delete immediately when it sells on one platform.

Best practice: Use cross-listing tools (List Perfectly, Vendoo) to auto-delist.

Risk: Selling on two platforms = you must cancel one order (hurts your seller rating).

Which platform sells fastest?

eBay - 130M buyers, most categories sell within 5-10 days.

Facebook Marketplace (local) - Furniture/appliances sell in 1-7 days.

StockX/GOAT - Sneakers sell same day if you accept highest bid.

Do I need a separate bank account for each platform?

No. Most resellers use one bank account for all platforms.

Best practice: Use PayPal or dedicated checking account for all reselling income (easier for tax tracking).

Which platform is best for beginners?

Mercari - Lowest fees, easiest interface, prepaid shipping labels, forgiving audience.

Start with Mercari to learn listing, shipping, customer service. Then expand to eBay (more traffic), Poshmark (fashion), etc.

Should I specialize in one platform or use multiple?

Beginners: Start with ONE platform (master it before expanding).

Intermediate: Add 1-2 more platforms (cross-list high-value items).

Advanced: 3-5 platforms (use cross-listing tools to manage inventory).

Rule: Don’t spread yourself thin. Better to dominate one platform than be mediocre on five.

Which platform has the best seller protection?

eBay - Up to $2,000 seller protection per item (but sides with buyers often).

Poshmark - Posh Protect up to $50,000 (fair mediation).

Worst protection: Facebook Marketplace (local cash = zero protection).

How do I choose between eBay and Mercari?

Choose eBay if:

• You’re selling electronics, collectibles, vintage items
• You want fastest sales (largest audience)
• You’re willing to pay 16% fees for more traffic

Choose Mercari if:

• You’re selling home goods, toys, casual clothing
• You want lowest fees (3.3%)
• You’re okay with slower sales (smaller audience)

Pro tip: Cross-list on both. See which sells first.

What about OfferUp or Craigslist?

OfferUp - Similar to Facebook Marketplace (local sales, lower traffic). Good as a secondary platform.

Craigslist - Dying platform (most users switched to Facebook Marketplace). Only use for vehicles, niche items, or areas where it’s still active.

Which platform is best for full-time resellers?

eBay - Largest audience, fastest sales, handles high volume.

Most full-time resellers use:

1. eBay (primary - 60-70% of sales)
2. Poshmark (fashion - 15-20%)
3. Mercari (everything else - 10-15%)

Final Thoughts: Platform Strategy Matters

I’ve sold on all these platforms. Here’s what I learned:

The platform matters less than the strategy.

A mediocre item listed on the “perfect” platform will underperform a great item listed on a “wrong” platform.

What actually drives sales:

1. Pricing - Right price > right platform
2. Photos - Great photos > platform choice
3. Title/description - SEO keywords > platform traffic
4. Timing - List at the right time (Sunday evenings = highest traffic)

My recommendation:

Beginners: Master ONE platform

• Mercari (easiest) or eBay (biggest)
• List 50 items
• Learn to ship, photograph, price
• Then expand

Intermediate: Add 1-2 platforms

• eBay + Poshmark (fashion) or eBay + Mercari (general)
• Cross-list items over $50
• Use tools (List Perfectly)

Advanced: 3-5 platforms

• eBay (primary)
• Poshmark (fashion)
• Mercari (home goods)
• Facebook Marketplace (furniture/local)
• Grailed/Depop (niche fashion)

Every platform has trade-offs. Pick based on what you sell, not arbitrary “best platform” advice.

Test, measure, optimize. The platform where YOUR items sell fastest at the highest price is the best platform for you.

Ready to maximize profit on every sale? Compare platform fees instantly and choose the best option for your item.

Compare Platform Fees → — Free fee calculator for all platforms

Related Tools:

• ROI Calculator - Calculate profit on any platform
• eBay Fee Calculator - Exact eBay fees
• Break-Even Calculator - Minimum profitable price

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• The Complete Guide to eBay Fees