Reverse Margin Engineering

Reverse Fee & Break-Even Price Calculator

Work backward from your required net dollar profit or target profit margin percentage to mathematically derive the exact selling price to list on any marketplace.

Target Margin & Pricing Solver

Calculate the required listing price across each marketplace to achieve a specific target dollar profit or margin percentage.

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Calculated Required Listing Prices
eBay (Standard)13.25% + $0.40
Required Listing Price$59.71
Net Profit: $20.90Margin: 35.0%
Amazon (FBM)15.0%
Required Listing Price$61.00
Net Profit: $21.35Margin: 35.0%
Etsy6.5% + 3.0% + $0.45
Required Listing Price$55.77
Net Profit: $19.52Margin: 35.0%
Mercari10.0%
Required Listing Price$55.45
Net Profit: $19.41Margin: 35.0%
Poshmark20.0%
Required Listing Price$67.78
Net Profit: $23.72Margin: 35.0%
Depop (US)3.3% + $0.45
Required Listing Price$50.16
Net Profit: $17.56Margin: 35.0%

How Reverse Pricing and Break-Even Calculation Works

Stop guessing your listing prices. Derive exact break-even thresholds and profit markup guarantees.

1. Break-Even Price (Zero Net Profit)

The break-even price is the exact minimum sale price where you recover 100% of your product acquisition cost, shipping expenses, and all platform transaction cuts without losing money.

2. Target Dollar Profit Mode

Specify an exact net dollar return (e.g., $25.00 net profit). The solver dynamically adjusts for escalating percentage commissions and sales taxes to solve the required list price.

3. Target Profit Margin (%) Mode

Set your target margin percentage (e.g., 30% Net Margin). The algorithm calculates the necessary markup to cover all variable marketplace cuts and fixed processing costs.

4. Multi-Channel Pricing Protection

Because platforms like Poshmark (20%), eBay (13.25%), and Depop (0% fee + 3.3% card) have differing fee structures, reverse pricing lets you set tailored list prices on each channel.

Category Commission Directory

Category Rates

Browse and search official 2026 fee schedules across all product categories.

Cross-Marketplace Fee Comparison Summary (2026 Updated)

Direct comparison of baseline commission cuts, payment processing rates, and monthly store/listing requirements.

MarketplaceSelling CommissionPayment Processing FeeListing / Store CostTypical Total Cut
Depop (US/UK)0.0% (Zero Commission)3.3% + $0.45 (US) / 2.9% + £0.30 (UK)$0.00 Free unlimitedVaries by Region
Shopify Store0.0% (Direct Sale)2.9% + $0.30 (Basic Plan)$39.00 / monthVaries by Store Plan
Mercari10.0% Flat$0.00 (0% for sellers)$0.00 Free unlimited10.0% Flat
Etsy6.5% Transaction3.0% + $0.25 (US Payments)$0.20 per 4-month listingVaries by Ad Rate & Region
eBay13.60% (Standard)Included in FVF ($0.30 - $0.40 order fee)250 free/mo ($0.35 extra)Varies by Category & Store
Amazon FBM15.0% (Category Avg)Included in referral cut$39.99/mo (Pro) or $0.99/itemVaries by Category & Fulfillment
Poshmark20.0% ($2.95 under $15)Included in 20% (0% extra)$0.00 Free unlimitedVaries by Order Value
TOPICAL AUTHORITY & FAQ DOCUMENTATION

Reverse Calculation & Profit Pricing FAQ 2026

Official 2026 fee schedules, commission matrices, store subscriptions, and margin calculation formulas for multi-channel e-commerce sellers.

Which online selling platform has the lowest fees?

In the US & UK, **Depop** charges 0% seller commission (only 3.3% + $0.45 processing). **Mercari** charges 10% flat commission with 0% seller processing. **eBay** averages 13.25% + $0.40. **Etsy** is ~9.5% + $0.45. **Poshmark** is 20%. For private sellers in the UK, **eBay UK** is the cheapest with 0% selling fees.

Which is cheaper, Etsy or eBay?

For lightweight handmade goods and craft items, Etsy is typically cheaper (~9.5% + $0.45 total fee vs eBay's 13.25% + $0.40). However, Etsy charges a recurring $0.20 fee every 4 months per listing whether it sells or not, whereas eBay offers 250 free monthly auto-renewing listings. For high-volume sellers making over $2,500/month, Shopify (0% commission) is cheaper than both.

Who has more fees, eBay or Poshmark?

Poshmark has higher fees (20% flat on items $15+) compared to eBay (13.25% + $0.40 on apparel). On a $100 clothing sale, Poshmark takes $20.00 in fees, whereas eBay takes approximately $13.65 (saving you $6.35 on eBay).

What is better, Poshmark or Depop?

Depop is significantly better for profit margins (taking only ~3.5% vs Poshmark's 20%) and has a larger audience for Y2K, vintage, streetwear, and Gen-Z aesthetics. Poshmark is better for mid-to-high-end women's contemporary fashion, designer brands, shoes, and bulky coats where buyer-paid 5 lb Priority Mail shipping provides convenience.

Is it cheaper to sell on Mercari or eBay?

Mercari (10% flat) is cheaper than eBay (13.25% + $0.40) on most general merchandise. On a $100 sale, Mercari charges $10.00 total, while eBay charges ~$13.65, saving you $3.65 on Mercari.

Is it better to sell on Mercari or Poshmark?

Mercari is better for general household items, electronics, toys, collectibles, and video games (10% fee vs Poshmark's 20%). Poshmark is better for luxury fashion, shoes, and high-end apparel due to its established fashion buyer community.

how do shopify and etsy fees compare?

Etsy takes ~9.5% + $0.45 per sale (6.5% transaction + 3% processing + $0.20 listing renewal) with no monthly fee. Shopify charges a $39/mo subscription and 2.9% + $0.30 processing with 0% commission. When your shop generates over $2,500/month in gross sales, Shopify is significantly cheaper and gives you full control over customer branding and email marketing.