How to sell on eBay UK in 2026: fees, tips and what I learned
A practical guide to selling on eBay UK: private vs business seller fees, the buyer protection fee, how to write listings that sell, postage, getting paid and when HMRC needs to know.
By SimonIn this guideShowHide
I started selling on eBay and Amazon in 2016, alongside my job. Within a year it had grown enough that I left that job in January 2017. eBay is where I learned most of what I know about selling online, so this is the guide I would give a friend starting out.
Private seller or business seller?
This decides your fees, so get it right first.
| You are... | Account type |
|---|---|
| Clearing out your own clothes, tech and household things | Private seller |
| Buying items to sell on for a profit | Business seller |
| Making things to sell | Business seller |
| Selling regularly as a side hustle | Business seller |
eBay's rules follow the same idea as HMRC's: if you are trading, you should be registered as a business. Being a business seller on eBay does not mean you need a limited company. A sole trader is fine.
eBay fees in 2026
Private sellers
Since late 2024, private sellers in the UK pay no final value fee on most items. Vehicles are the main exception. You may still pay for optional extras like promoted listings.
Instead, the buyer pays a buyer protection fee on items from private sellers. It is a fixed 75p plus 4% of the item price up to £300, with a smaller percentage above that. It is included in the price buyers see, so it can make your item look a little more expensive than a business seller's.
Business sellers
Business sellers pay a final value fee on the total sale, including postage. Rates depend on the category. Examples for sellers without an eBay Shop:
| Category | Final value fee |
|---|---|
| Clothes, shoes and accessories | 11.9% |
| Home, furniture and DIY (up to £500) | 11.9% |
| Most other categories | 12.9% |
On top of that there is a per-order fee of 30p for orders of £10 or less and 40p above £10, and a regulatory operating fee of 0.35%. Rates exclude VAT. Source: eBay business seller fees.
So on a £23 sale of clothes including postage, you would pay about £3.22 in fees.
How to write a listing that sells
- Search sold listings first. Filter by "Sold items" to see what things actually sell for, not what people are asking.
- Use the title for search words. Brand, model, size, colour and condition. Skip words like "wow" or "look".
- Take lots of clear photos. Natural light, plain background, every angle, and close-ups of any marks.
- Be honest about condition. Point out flaws in the photos and the description. Surprises lead to returns and bad feedback.
- Choose Buy It Now for most things. Auctions work for rare or collectable items where buyers will compete.
- Make postage simple. Weigh the item packed, and use eBay's postage labels, which are usually cheaper than the counter.
Getting paid
eBay pays your sale proceeds straight to your bank account, minus any fees. Payouts usually arrive within a few working days of the buyer paying, and new sellers can have funds held until the buyer has the item.
Returns and problems
Business sellers must accept returns within 14 days for most items under UK consumer law. Private sellers can choose "no returns", but buyers are still protected if an item is not as described. Clear photos and honest descriptions protect you either way.
Tax on eBay sales
Selling your own unwanted things is not taxable. If you are trading, profit over the trading allowance needs to be reported:
- 2026/27: trading income over £1,000
- From 6 April 2027: over £3,000
eBay shares sellers' details with HMRC if you make 30 or more sales or about £1,700 in a calendar year. That does not mean you owe tax. Read the full tax on selling online guide.
Free toolSide hustle tax calculatorSee how much tax and National Insurance you owe on side income, and what to set aside each month.Common questions
Is eBay free to sell on in the UK?
For private sellers, mostly yes. There is no final value fee on most items, and the buyer pays a protection fee. Business sellers pay a percentage of each sale.
Is it better to sell on eBay or Vinted?
Vinted is usually better for everyday clothes. eBay reaches more buyers for electronics, collectables, car parts and branded items. See how to make money on Vinted.
Do I need to register as a business on eBay?
If you are buying to resell, making items, or selling regularly for profit, yes. It is about what you are doing, not how much you sell.
This is general information, not personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant before acting.