International Selling Basics

The Extra Costs You Need to Know

International selling adds fees that don't exist for domestic sales:

• eBay international fee: 1.65% of total sale amount when the buyer is outside the US — not charged if you ship with eBay International Shipping
• Currency conversion: if you list on another country's eBay site (e.g. eBay.de), eBay converts your payout with a 3.25% charge. Selling on eBay.com in dollars has none. Other platforms have similar charges.

On a $100.00 eBay.com sale you ship abroad yourself: 13.6% FVF + $0.40 + 1.65% international fee = $15.65 in total fees vs $14.00 domestic. That's $1.65 extra. See eBay fee details.

International Shipping

Shipping internationally costs significantly more than domestic:

• USPS First-Class Package International Service (up to 4 lbs): for light items
• USPS Priority Mail International: heavier or faster — check current prices on USPS or Pirate Ship before listing

Calculate shipping BEFORE listing. Either charge the buyer accurately or build it into your price. Never offer "free international shipping" without doing the math first. Pirate Ship offers discounted international rates through USPS.

Always use tracking — untracked international packages lead to "item not received" claims with no protection.

Customs and Duties

When you ship internationally, the buyer may owe customs duties/taxes on arrival. This is the buyer's responsibility in most cases, but many buyers don't expect it and get upset.

• State clearly in your listing that international buyers are responsible for customs fees
• Include a customs declaration form with every international shipment (required by USPS)
• Accurately declare the item's value — under-declaring is illegal and risks seizure

Which Platforms Support International Sales?

• eBay: Best international infrastructure. eBay International Shipping handles customs for you: you send the sold item to a US shipping hub, eBay manages the international delivery, and you aren't charged eBay's international fee.
• Etsy: Good international support. You handle shipping directly. Popular with EU and UK buyers for handmade goods.
• Depop: Sellers based outside the US, UK and Australia pay 10% commission (vs 0% for sellers based in those three). Shipping is your responsibility.
• StockX/GOAT: Handle authentication and international shipping — seller and shipping fees vary by country.
• Mercari: US-only marketplace. No international sales.
• Poshmark: Primarily US with limited Canada support.

Currency Considerations

Most platforms pay you in your home currency. eBay converts automatically when you sell on another country's eBay site (with its 3.25% conversion charge). Etsy prices every listing in one shop currency and shows shoppers converted prices; if your shop currency differs from your bank account's, Etsy charges a currency conversion fee.

If you get paid in a foreign currency, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer better exchange rates than banks. Don't ignore the conversion cost — 3% on a $200 sale is $6.

Is International Selling Worth It?

• For most casual sellers: No. The extra fees, shipping costs, and customs hassle aren't worth it for occasional sales.
• For niche/high-value items: Yes. Vintage Americana, rare sneakers, or items in demand overseas command premiums that more than offset the extra costs.
• For Etsy sellers: Definitely consider it. Handmade items have global appeal, and Etsy makes international sales relatively easy.

Start by enabling international shipping on your top 10–20 listings and see what happens.

Tips for International Sellers

• Use eBay International Shipping to avoid customs headaches
• Ship with tracking always — no exceptions
• Set clear shipping timeframes (international takes 2–4 weeks)
• State customs responsibility in every listing
• Start with English-speaking countries (UK, Canada, Australia)
• Factor in eBay's 1.65% international fee when pricing (unless you use eBay International Shipping)

Read the pricing strategy guide →

Calculate your international fees with FeePilot →