Why does eBay have to charge?

Well, it shouldn't add up to $200 - what you want to do is choose as little 'extra features' as possible. Unless they are actually worth your money to invest in. I usually just pay for the posting fee and that's it - none of the extra pictures, categories, whatever (as I don't ever sell anything worth ALL THAT MUCH so it's pretty pointless if you ask me). Of course eBay wants to make money, they are a thriving business after all, and like most businesses do, they will take advantage of you financially in whatever way they can, even if it may not be ethical. We have to keep some CEO's closet full of Armani suits, you know. . Anyway, I guess I am a little confused as to how you racked up $200 in listing fees. It shouldn't be that much, really, unless you were adding all of those unnecessary features. I guess my advice to you would be try selling on Craigslist or Kijiji if at all possible - those sites are free, don't use the extra features (that cost more) on eBay if you can help it, and eBay actually runs promotions from time to time allowing users "free listings" through certain dates, so you should pay attention to those and try to post bids only during those times. Good luck to you...

it really is. ebay charges to much money and then they take money off the top of the money that you sold it for. it seems that the people that run ebay have gotten mighty greedy. i am sure there are other sites out there where you can sell your stuff.

That has become everyone's frustration I think with using that sight as a Seller there, and one of the major downfalls of the company as a whole. There are now many other sites out there, and even though none seem to be as popular yet, they are still getting Good reviews. I know of one that has NO FEES to list, just when item sells which is a plus.

Ebay are just like any other business, they're in it to make money. I'm baffled as to how you've managed to clock up $200 in listing fees if the value of the goods you've sold isn't more than enough to cover that. There are plenty of ways to minimise the fees you pay, including waiting for free listing weekends and not selecting the extra features. Have a look at the Ebay forums and you'll find plenty of advice there. The stuff I sell on Ebay doesn't generally go for much, but I still make a profit after Ebay and PayPal fees - that's because I don't spend money unless I have to. It's up to you to manage your own business, don't blame Ebay if you get it wrong.

You should remember that the site wouldn't be able to exist with this rule. Such a large website needs money too, right? But, I've faced the same problem. But I selected very few options. Do it with only the options you want, to save money rather than losing lots.

i totally agree man. happens to me too sometimes

I don't like this rule. In the past I tried to sell something on Ebay but I didn't notice this rule. And therefore I had to pay for high charges after that. I really dislike this. I understand that they may need the charges to keep Ebay run, but actually you can sell your products online free of charge. If you want to sell from Ebay, then your cost is increased. The price is not competitive. And it will have an effect on Ebay at the end. I love China

I don't like this rule. In the past I tried to sell something on Ebay but I didn't notice this rule. And therefore I had to pay for high charges after that. I really dislike this. I understand that they may need the charges to keep Ebay run, but actually you can sell your products online free of charge. If you want to sell from Ebay, then your cost is increased. The price is not competitive. And it will have an effect on Ebay at the end. I love China

They have to make money somehow. If they didn't, they wouldn't keep going. My total charges when selling items on eBay, especially when you add on the PayPal charges (also to eBay as they own PayPal) come to more than I make in profit from selling an item.

That's an enormous bill: you must have listed a huge number of items or chosen lots of extra listing options to hit that amount. Personally, I keep everything stacked up here until they do a free listing weekend, then throw everything on. They do those at least once a month, so it just needs a bit of patience.