Understanding FVF Fees Calculation on eBay

[techtrendtribe]

Hey Folks,

Thank you for your help on my previous post regarding packaging and shipping. I was struggling to find answers, but the community has been incredibly helpful and supportive!

I have another question.

Regarding Final Value Fees (FVF), I understand that eBay offers three store subscription tiers (Basic, Featured, and Anchor), each with its corresponding FVF fee ranges. I also know that product categories fall under four different tiers, and each tier has its specific FVF rates.

However, I’m struggling to figure out how to calculate the exact FVF for a product listing. While I can select a product category, determine the tier it falls under, and calculate the associated FVF fees, I’ve noticed that eBay sometimes applies a different FVF rate than expected.

For example:

Let’s say I have a Featured Store Subscription, where the FVF fee range is 6.6%–10.7%. I plan to list a product in the Health & Beauty category, which typically falls under Tier 4. Based on the published fee structure, I’d assume the FVF for this product would be 11.77%.

However, I’ve noticed that eBay occasionally charges a different rate—for instance, 13%—even though the product falls within Tier 4.

This inconsistency makes it challenging to calculate the FVF fees accurately to the cent, which is crucial when factoring in all costs to price products effectively.

My question: How can I calculate the exact FVF fee for a product listing when such discrepancies occur? Are there tools or methods to ensure precise calculations, or is this variation something sellers must simply account for?

Thank you for your insights!

Best regards,
Osama

[gutterpunkz05 · Accepted solution]

Let’s say I have a Featured Store Subscription, where the FVF fee range is 6.6%–10.7%. I plan to list a product in the Health & Beauty category, which typically falls under Tier 4. Based on the published fee structure, I’d assume the FVF for this product would be 11.77%.

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A  bit confusing, the first figures you state  6.6%  -  10.7%  

are for a registered business, featured store.  IE  GST exempt.   So your tier 4 item would attract a FVF  of  10.7%  + 30c

The second figure you give. 11.7%, is for a non business, featured store, GST is  applicable and your tier 4  item would attract a FVF of 11.7%  + 33c

Its good to see you doing some research into fees and postage as it can get confusing, and so many go in blind and then later complain about fees etc.

Just be aware that for the cost of a featured store, approx $82 per month, you will need sales of approx  $5,125 per month to recover the store cost, compared to  a non store account.  (reduce figures by 10% for a business featured store)

[gutterpunkz05 · Accepted solution]

Also be aware that while you can open and close a store account at any time, if you open or change to a business account, you can never revert to a non business account.

[padi*0409]

Until you have a significant amount of listings (100+ at least) , then it's pointless looking at a store subscription.

[padi*0409]

To add, you will also need a good sell-through rate to make the subscription viable.

[countessalmirena]

Listing upgrade features, such as subtitle or listing an item in a second category, will be charged.

❝Fees for listing in two categories

If you choose to list your item in two categories:

• You'll pay a feature fee for listing in the second category, regardless of whether you're using a free listing
• Any other feature fees applicable to the listing based on your feature selections will be charged twice (once for each category)
• If the two categories have different final value fees, the higher final value fee will apply when your item sells❞

– https://www.ebay.com.au/help/selling/listings/creating-managing-listings/adding-category-listing?id=...

❝Standard fees for optional listing upgrades on eBay.com.au

Feature	Fee (incl. GST)
List in a second category	$1.00
Subtitle	$2.20
Buy It Now added to an auction	FREE in most categories $0.11 in a small number of categories^
Scheduled listing	FREE in most categories $0.44 in a small number of categories^

^For full details, see our category pricing list (PDF).❞

You’ll be charged for any promotions you use:

❝Charges for ads and supplemental services

These additional charges may apply to your selling activity:

• Ad fees, if you choose to use one of our options to promote your listings
• Charges for postage costs when you buy eBay postage labels
• Charges for postage costs when a buyer uses an eBay return postage label to return an item
• Reimbursements when eBay refunds one of your buyers under eBay Money Back Guarantee or in relation to a payment dispute
• Charges for services offered on eBay by third parties, if you choose to use them.❞

A fee increase will also occur if a seller is being sanctioned:

❝eBay may apply additional charges in some circumstances based on your selling activity (such as international sales), as well as your seller performance level and service metrics.❞