Etsy fees: how much does selling a digital product cost?
Before setting your price, you need to know what Etsy keeps from each sale. For a digital product the math is simple, since there's no shipping or packaging. Here's each line, then an example.
Fees for each listing
Etsy charges $0.20 per published listing. The listing stays live for 4 months; it renews automatically (and is charged again) when it expires or with each sale. Depending on your country, Etsy may also charge a one-time fee when you open your shop.
Fees for each sale
- Transaction fee: 6.5% of the sale price
- Payment processing: a percentage plus a fixed amount, depending on your bank's country (in the US, 3% + $0.25; in France, 4% + €0.30)
- Currency conversion: 2.5% if your listing isn't in your bank account's currency
- In some countries, regulatory fees may be added
Optional or conditional fees
- Etsy Ads: advertising inside Etsy, with the budget you choose
- Offsite Ads: a fee taken only when a sale comes from an Etsy ad on another site (mandatory above a certain yearly revenue)
- Etsy Plus: optional subscription with extra tools
Example: an e-book sold for $7.90 (US seller)
- Listing: $0.20
- Transaction fee (6.5%): $0.51
- Payment processing (3% + $0.25): $0.49
- Total fees: about $1.20
- Left before taxes: about $6.70, a little under 85% of the price
VAT and taxes
For buyers in the European Union, Etsy calculates, collects and remits VAT on digital products itself, so you don't have to. Etsy may, however, charge VAT on its own fees depending on your situation. Your income still needs to be declared according to your local rules.
What it means for your price
Fixed fees weigh more on low prices: at $2, they take a big share of the sale. That's one reason many e-book sellers avoid very low prices and also offer bundles. Movacash shows a suggested price for each idea, estimated from comparable products, which you're free to adjust.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Etsy take from a sale?
For a digital product sold by a US seller: 6.5% transaction fee plus 3% + $0.25 payment processing, plus $0.20 per listing. About $1.20 on a $7.90 e-book.
Does it cost money to open an Etsy shop?
Depending on your country, Etsy may charge a one-time setup fee; after that, you pay $0.20 per listing and commissions only when you sell.
Do Etsy fees change?
Yes, Etsy updates them from time to time. Always check Etsy's official fees page before setting your prices.