Thrift & Resale Value Calculator
Estimate what a used item will actually net you after resale-platform fees, from its expected sale price.
How it works
Net = price − (price × fee% + flat fee) − shipping · Profit = net − your cost
The listing price is never what lands in your pocket: resale platforms take a cut, and any shipping you cover comes straight off the top. eBay and Mercari take a percentage plus, on eBay, a small flat fee, while selling locally on Facebook avoids fees entirely at the cost of meeting buyers in person. Compare the net, not the headline price — a slightly lower local price with no fees often beats a higher online listing once the platform takes its share.
Worked example
You expect to sell a $30 item on eBay that cost you $5, absorbing no shipping. Fees are 30 × 0.13 + $0.30 = $4.20, so you net $25.80 and profit $20.80 — you keep about 86% of the sale price.
Frequently asked questions
Which resale platform keeps the most money in my pocket?
Selling locally (e.g. Facebook Marketplace) avoids fees entirely, so you keep 100% minus your time and gas. Among shipping platforms, Mercari and eBay tend to charge around 10-13%, while Poshmark takes 20% but handles shipping labels and buyer disputes. The best choice depends on how much the fees eat into your specific price.
Should I factor in shipping?
Yes, whenever you offer free shipping — the cost comes out of your net even though the buyer does not see it. If the buyer pays shipping separately, leave it at zero here. For heavy or bulky items, shipping can quietly turn a profitable sale into a loss.
Is reselling thrift finds worth it?
It can be, if you buy low and the item sells near its expected price after fees. Track your net profit per item and the hours you spend sourcing, listing and shipping — many casual resellers find the real hourly rate is modest, so it works best when you enjoy the hunt.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.