Flip Profit Calculator
Know exactly what you keep after fees. Enter your buy price, sell price, and platform to see net profit, ROI, and a full fee breakdown. Compare all platforms side-by-side.
Calculate Your Flip
13.25% final value fee + $0.30/order
PWE ~$1.50, bubble mailer ~$4, small box ~$8
PSA: $20-$150+ | BGS: $22-$250+ | CGC: $15-$100+ (depends on tier and turnaround)
Batch Flip Tracker
Track multiple flips to see your total P&L. Great for card show hauls or bulk flipping sessions.
Flipping Pro Tips
Target 30%+ ROI Minimum
After fees, shipping, and your time, flips under 30% ROI are rarely worth it. Your time has value — factor in photography, listing, packaging, and post office trips.
eBay Promoted Listings Add Up
If you use eBay Promoted Listings Standard (2-5% ad rate), add that to your costs. On a $100 card, that is another $2-$5 on top of the 13.25% final value fee.
Card Shows = Zero Fees
Buying at card shows and selling direct (Facebook groups, X, local meetups) eliminates platform fees entirely. Table rental is usually $50-$200/day — calculate your break-even flip count.
Grade Before Flipping High-Value
A $20 PSA grading fee on a $50 raw card that grades PSA 10 at $200+ is an 8x return. Use our Grading ROI Calculator to check.
Track Everything
Successful flippers track every buy, sell, and fee. Use the batch tracker above after card show visits. At tax time, you will need records of cost basis and sales.
PWE vs Bubble Mailer
Cards under $20: PWE (plain white envelope) at ~$1.50 shipped. Over $20: bubble mailer with tracking at ~$4. Over $100: small box with insurance. Never skimp on shipping for valuable cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are eBay fees for selling sports cards?
eBay charges a 13.25% final value fee on the total sale amount (including shipping paid by buyer) plus $0.30 per order. There is no separate PayPal fee since eBay uses managed payments. If you use Promoted Listings Standard, add another 2-5% ad rate on top. On a $100 card, expect ~$13.55 in eBay fees before shipping costs.
What is a good ROI for card flipping?
Most experienced flippers target at least 30-50% ROI after all fees and shipping. Below 20% ROI, the profit rarely justifies the time spent listing, shipping, and handling buyer questions. For high-volume flippers doing 50+ sales per month, even 15-20% ROI can work due to volume. For casual sellers, aim for 50%+ per flip.
How much does it cost to ship a sports card?
PWE (plain white envelope) with a top-loader costs about $1.50 with a stamp. Bubble mailer with tracking via USPS First Class costs $4-$5. Small box with tracking for graded slabs costs $7-$10. For cards over $100, add insurance. Always use top-loaders and penny sleeves to protect cards during shipping.
Which platform has the lowest fees for selling cards?
For zero fees, sell direct via Facebook Marketplace, card shows, or local meetups. COMC charges 5% + 2.5% processing. MySlabs charges 9%. Mercari charges 10%. eBay charges 13.25% + $0.30 but has the largest buyer pool. The best platform depends on your card value, volume, and how quickly you need to sell.
Do I have to pay taxes on card flipping profits?
In the US, profit from selling sports cards is taxable income. If you sell more than $600 on platforms like eBay or Mercari, they report your sales to the IRS via 1099-K. You can deduct your cost basis (what you paid for the card), shipping supplies, grading fees, and other business expenses. Keep detailed records of every purchase and sale.