With 2026 shipping fees for resellers rising across the board, sellers are rethinking how and where they list. USPS rate hikes and marketplace-specific shipping policies have made it clear: not all platforms handle shipping the same. Some give you deeply discounted labels. Others? Not so much. For resellers, adjusting your shipping strategy is key to protecting profits in the new year.
This guide breaks down how top marketplaces are handling shipping in 2026, who pays for it, and where the real savings are—especially if you cross-list. And if you need a full breakdown of seller commissions, don’t miss our blog post “What Selling Online Really Costs in 2026” by Trish Glenn. You’ll also find helpful insights in our post about 2026 USPS Rate Changes Effective January 18th.
Poshmark: Flat-Rate King with USPS Ground Advantage
Shipping Fee (Domestic): $6.49 (flat rate up to 5 lbs)
Who Pays: Buyer by default; seller can offer discounted or free shipping (deducted from earnings).
Poshmark’s flat-rate model continues to deliver. Buyers pay $6.49 for up to 5 lbs via USPS Ground Advantage. There’s no need to calculate postage or zones—just print and ship. If you offer free shipping, the fee comes out of your payout. For a full breakdown of how Poshmark handles marketplace fees, check out our Marketplace Fee Series.
https://blog.poshmark.com/2025/09/08/lower-shipping-starting-september-12th/
Mercari: Flexible, Discounted, and Feature-Rich
Shipping Fee (Domestic): Weight-based (e.g., ~$6.29 for 7 oz, ~$7.29 for 1 lb)
Who Pays: Seller decides per listing (buyer pays by default).
Mercari’s prepaid label program remains one of the most versatile options for resellers. You can pass shipping fees to the buyer or cover them yourself. Their “Best Rate” program offers even lower costs on compact packages. For full label protection, insurance, and tracking are included.
Depop: Tiered Shipping + No Seller Fees (For Now)
Shipping Fee (Domestic): Flat-rate tiers (e.g., $5.50 for <8 oz, $9.99 for <2 lb)
Who Pays: Buyer (Depop adds it at checkout).
Depop stands out in 2026 for its zero seller fee structure. That said, shipping still applies. Buyers pay flat-tiered USPS shipping at checkout, and sellers receive a prepaid label. If you’re curious how Depop’s no-fee model stacks up across categories, read our blog: “Depop: No-Fee Selling Model Explained to Resellers”.
For more depth on Depop’s seller costs, our dedicated Depop platform spotlight has you covered.
eBay: Total Flexibility, Limited Shipping Savings
Shipping Fee (Domestic): Variable; seller chooses method and cost
Who Pays: Typically buyer, unless seller offers free shipping.
eBay provides full shipping control, which is great for experienced sellers but risky amid 2026 USPS increases. While you can access discounted labels, the savings don’t match those on platforms with deeper carrier integrations. This marketplace requires hands-on management of both rates and shipping strategy.
Etsy: Seller-Defined Shipping with Label Discounts
Shipping Fee (Domestic): Variable; set by seller (fixed or calculated)
Who Pays: Buyer, unless seller offers free shipping.
Etsy lets you set flat or calculated shipping based on real-time USPS/UPS pricing. Sellers get label discounts, but there’s no flat-rate advantage. Free shipping is encouraged by Etsy’s algorithm but ultimately affects your margins unless you adjust pricing accordingly.
Grailed: Buyer-Paid Shipping + Bundling Cap
Shipping Fee (Domestic): ~$7–$15; capped at ~$9.21 for 1–5 lb bundles
Who Pays: Buyer, unless seller chooses to cover it.
Grailed’s prepaid label system simplifies shipping for fashion resellers. Once a buyer reaches ~$9.21 in shipping fees, they can bundle items from the same seller at no extra cost (up to 5 lbs). It’s a hybrid model with decent value, especially for multi-item buyers.
Facebook Marketplace: Cheap for Small Items
Shipping Fee (Domestic): Tiered (e.g., $4 for under 0.5 lb, $13.50 for 5 lb)
Who Pays: Buyer by default; seller can choose to cover.
Facebook Marketplace offers prepaid USPS/UPS labels based on weight. Lightweight items benefit most from its $4 starting point. It’s a decent solution for casual resellers with smaller goods but lacks advanced bundling or automation.
Whatnot: Smart Shipping Bundles = Big Savings
Shipping Fee (Domestic): ~$4–$5 for first item; capped at $9.21 for 1–5 lb
Who Pays: Buyer; sellers don’t pay for shipping.
Whatnot’s bundled shipping model is ideal for volume. Once a buyer hits the $9.21 cap, they can keep adding to the order (up to 5 lbs) without increasing their shipping cost. This is a massive edge during USPS hikes. Labels are handled entirely by the platform.
Vinted: No Seller Fees, Buyer Covers All
Shipping Fee (Domestic): ~$3.99–$9.99 based on weight
Who Pays: Buyer (label provided by Vinted).
Vinted charges buyers for shipping and provides the seller with a prepaid label. This platform is designed for lean, cost-conscious selling: no seller fees, no shipping costs out-of-pocket, and simple USPS/UPS integration. You get to keep 100% of your sale price.
Vestiaire Collective: Premium Shipping for Premium Items
Shipping Fee (Domestic): ~$12–$20; higher with authentication
Who Pays: Buyer (sellers receive prepaid label).
Vestiaire is designed for high-end resale. Buyers cover shipping and, if authentication is required, additional fees. Sellers use prepaid courier labels (UPS/FedEx/DHL) and benefit from full-service protection—but buyers absorb the cost.
Marketplace Shipping in 2026: Final Take
Marketplace fees are only half the picture. In 2026, shipping fees can be just as critical to profitability.
If you want to dive into total fee comparisons, be sure to read “What Selling Online Really Costs in 2026” by Trish Glenn. For more on the USPS increases impacting all platforms, check out 2026 USPS Rate Changes Effective January 18th.
And if you’re considering Depop, don’t miss our Marketplace Fee Series breakdown.
Key Takeaway: Look at both seller fees and shipping policies before choosing where to list. Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, and Whatnot offer strong shipping relief. Others, like Depop and Vinted, shift the cost fully to the buyer—letting you protect your margins without eating fees.
External Resource: USPS 2026 Retail and Commercial Rates
