OnBuy Fee & Profit Calculator (Rates & VAT)
Calculate exact OnBuy marketplace category commissions, UK/EU VAT deductions, Boost ad spend, and final net profit margins in real time.
Calculation Inputs
Profit & Fee Analysis
How to Price for Profit on OnBuy
Selling on OnBuy differs fundamentally from platforms like Amazon or eBay. Because OnBuy operates purely as a third-party marketplace without competing against its own merchants, seller visibility relies primarily on product data quality, delivery reliability, and accurate pricing.
Understanding the OnBuy Category Fee Matrix
Rather than charging a flat fee across all items, OnBuy sets category-specific commissions. Standard rates range from 7% on high-ticket items like Consumer Electronics to 20% on Jewellery.
| Category Group | Commission Rate | Pricing & Margin Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics & Large Appliances | 7% | Thin margins require strict courier and return cost tracking. |
| Baby, Food, Consoles & Health/Beauty | 8% | Competitive rate allowing higher promotional Boost spend. |
| Beer, Wine & Spirits | 10% | High volume; account for excise duty and fragile packaging. |
| DIY, Tools & Power Tools | 13% | Weight-based logistics can heavily influence net contribution. |
| Standard / Clothing / Toys / Pet / Home | 15% | The baseline rate across the majority of retail catalogue items. |
| Jewellery | 20% | High commission category; ensure healthy initial markups. |
Accounting Best Practices for OnBuy Merchants
To avoid cash flow misalignments and incorrect tax filings, keep the following accounting rules in place:
- Track Payout Timing Accurately: OnBuy payouts generally become available around 7 days after the delivery window ends. Do not treat bank deposits as revenue on the date they land.
- Isolate Boost Ad Costs: Treat OnBuy Boost (5% to 30%) as an advertising expense in Xero or QuickBooks rather than blending it into general marketplace fees.
- Monitor VAT Thresholds Across All Channels: The £90,000 UK VAT registration threshold applies to your combined taxable sales across OnBuy, Amazon, eBay, and your own online store.
