and while it’s only a small amount individually (5, 20 or 50 cents listing fees) in total it’s a good earner for eBay.

I doubt that the few cents would cover the cost of keeping your listing going.  The earner for eBay is the FVF, which you get back if you follow the protocol.  If you put ad in the paper and it does not sell you do not get your money back, and the advertising cost, just for couple of lines would be lot more than few  cents, not to mention photos.