Flipsy vs. eBay: Which offers the most money for your phone?
Here we break down the costs of selling on eBay and compare them to Flipsy’s straightforward, seller-friendly approach. (Scroll down for a head to head comparison of how much you can get when selling a phone on eBay versus Flipsy)
The Cost of Selling on eBay
Selling on eBay involves several fees, which can quickly add up and eat into your profits. Here’s a breakdown of the primary costs:
- eBay Selling Fees
- eBay charges a final value fee of 12.9%, plus a flat $0.30 per order.
- For higher-ticket items like smartphones, this fee can be significant. For example, if you sell a phone for $500, the eBay fee alone will cost you $64.80.
- PayPal Fees (for those not using eBay Managed Payments)
- PayPal fees are typically 2.9% of the transaction amount plus $0.30.
- Using the same $500 phone example, PayPal would charge you $14.80.
- Shipping Costs
- Sellers on eBay are responsible for shipping, which includes postage, packaging materials, and time spent preparing the shipment. Estimated costs can range from $5 to $20 or more depending on the size and weight of the item.
- Time Investment: Managing listings, handling buyer inquiries, and resolving disputes on eBay can be time-consuming. Flipsy’s streamlined process eliminates these tasks, allowing you to sell with minimal effort.
- Price Stability: eBay’s auction model can lead to unpredictable final prices. Flipsy’s guaranteed offers provide certainty, making it easier to plan your finances
Flipsy: A Simpler, Seller-Friendly Alternative
Flipsy offers an entirely different approach of selling. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- No Selling Fees
- Flipsy does not charge any fees to list or sell your items. This means that if you sell a phone for $500, you keep the full $500.
- Free Shipping
- Flipsy provides pre-paid shipping labels, so you don’t have to worry about postage costs or sourcing shipping supplies. This eliminates a significant expense and hassle for sellers.
- Guaranteed Offers
- Unlike eBay’s auction-style system, Flipsy partners with vetted buyback companies to provide instant offers. You don’t have to deal with waiting for bids or risking a no-sale situation.
- Hassle-Free Process
- Flipsy handles much of the heavy lifting, from evaluating your item’s value to connecting you with buyers. This saves time and ensures a smooth selling experience.
Profit Comparison: Flipsy vs. eBay
Let’s break down the net profits for selling some popular phones
Prices retrieved: 01/10/2025
| Device | eBay | Flipsy |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 128GB (Unlocked) | $604.35 | $435 |
| iPhone 15 128GB (Unlocked) | $435.95 | $425.00 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB (AT&T) | $621.20 | $540.00 |
| iPhone 14 128GB (Verizon) | $313.86 | $295.00 |
| iPhone SE 3rd 64GB (Unlocked) | $149.67 | $96.00 |
| iPhone 12 Pro 128GB (Unlocked) | $267.53 | $239.00 |
| iPhone 11 64GB (Unlocked) | $165.59 | $126.00 |
| iPhone 12 Pro 128GB (Unlocked) | $267.53 | $239.00 |
| iPhone 11 64GB (Unlocked) | $165.59 | $126.00 |
| Galaxy S22 Ultra 256GB (Unlocked) | $258.30 | $261.00 |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra 512GB (Unlocked) | $398.07 | $490.00 |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra 256GB (Unlocked) | $393.02 | $462.00 |
| Galaxy S21 128GB (Unlocked) | $130.27 | $87.00 |
| Galaxy A544 128GB (Unlocked) | $65.47 | $88.00 |
| Galaxy A51 128GB (Unlocked) | $61.27 | $12.00 |
| Galaxy S20+ 128GB (Unlocked) | $191.68 | $130.00 |
| Galaxy Z Flip 4 256GB (Unlocked) | $245.23 | $177.00 |
| Galaxy S10 128GB (Unlocked) | $76.42 | $73.00 |
| Galaxy S20 FE 128GB (Unlocked) | $109.69 | $67.00 |
| Galaxy S21 Ultra 128GB (Unlocked) | $206.93 | $196.00 |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 128GB (Unlocked) | $212.39 | $215.00 |
Conclusion: Which Platform is Right for You?
If you value a simple, hassle-free selling experience and want to maximize your profits, Flipsy is the clear choice. With no selling fees, free shipping, and guaranteed offers, it eliminates many of the pain points associated with eBay.
However, if you’re looking for access to a larger audience and are willing to invest more time and effort into managing your sales, eBay may still be a viable option.
Ultimately, the best platform depends on your priorities as a seller. If profit maximization and convenience are at the top of your list, Flipsy’s straightforward approach might be the perfect fit.