eBay vs Poshmark vs Alloy Market: The Best Place to Sell Jewelry
Many platforms enable sellers to list their used jewelry for sale. Where should someone start? This guide will cover the ins and outs of each platform —eBay vs Poshmark vs Alloy —and clear up any confusion surrounding the options.
In a nutshell:
eBay, Poshmark, and Alloy offer the ability to sell used jewelry. eBay offers auctions, Poshmark offers straight listings, while Alloy doesn’t require listing at all. Depending on the item, different platforms offer different advantages. eBay and Poshmark provide opportunities to capitalize on designer names and trends, while Alloy offers a high payout without the hassle of handling third-party sales.
At a Glance
For a brief overview of what each platform offers, refer to the table below. For a more detailed decision-making matrix, click here to jump to the bottom of the article or continue reading.
eBay vs Poshmark vs Alloy — At-a-Glance
| Platform | How you sell | Best for | Time to cash | Effort | Payout basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | Auction or Buy It Now with offers | Designer or branded pieces that can beat melt value | Variable. Auction handling and possible authentication | High. Title, images, specifics, messages, shipping | Market demand. Can exceed melt if designer or trendy |
| Poshmark | Fixed price listings | Fashion forward or branded jewelry with resale demand | Variable. On market until sold. Days to months | Medium. Listing and messages | Market demand with offers |
| Alloy | No listing. Request a free Appraisal Kit | Any gold when you want a fast certain payout | Fast. Ship then same day offer on acceptance | Low. Pack ship approve | Melt value by karat weight and spot price |
Listing
How to list on eBay
To list on eBay, the platform requires the following information:
- Title
- Item condition
- Item specifics
- Images
- Item description
- Pricing
- Shipping
Title
In this section, use keywords that people use to search for the item. Include descriptors such as style, name, karat, carat, weight, etc.
A bad example of a title for a listing of a diamond engagement ring would be:
This example will not appear to many searchers. It may capture the attention of people searching for “diamond ring,” but its reach is limited because it doesn’t provide searchers with any information about the ring itself. The listing would be resting on the image to catch their attention.
A good example of a listing title for the same ring looks like:
This title includes the diamond size, gold color, karat, weight, designer, and condition. It will attract people searching for phrases such as “Tiffany engagement ring”, “1ct solitaire”, “14k ring natural diamond”, etc.
Item condition
It doesn’t matter if an item isn’t in perfect condition; there is a buyer for everything. In this section, list any defects, minor or major. Include wear and tear, nicks, cracks, scratches, etc. The more information, the better to protect both parties in the transaction.
eBay offers various conditions to categorize an item. When selling a piece of used jewelry, it typically falls under the “pre-owned” category, which allows users to select from excellent, good, or fair. However, if the piece is new and still in the box, there are two categories: “new with packaging” (NWT, new with tags or NIB, new in box) and “new without packaging.”
Item specifics
eBay requires some of these by default, but the more a seller can fill out, the better the listing performs.
Images
Good photos, along with a good title, are going to drive a searcher to click on a listing. eBay has provided valuable insights into creating effective listing images. Be sure to read through their suggestions in this section by clicking the “tips for taking pro photos” link.
The platform also suggests the different angles and types of images buyers prefer. The more images a listing has, the more informed the buyer is, and the more likely they are to make a purchase. Add each of the suggested angles to create a top-performing listing.
Item description
Use this section to describe, in precise detail, everything there is to know about the item. It should be easy to read and scannable so a buyer knows all the essential information.
If the listing includes any additional items (such as authentication documents or a jewelry cleaning kit), specify them here.
Pricing
There are two ways to price a listing: Auction or Buy It Now (BIN).
An auction starts with a low price and allows buyers to bid on it over a period of time set by the seller. A listing can use only the auction option if preferred, and doing so allows the seller to accept, decline, or counter offers.
Buy It Now can also be run as the only purchasing option. This method sets a price and allows instant purchase. When this is selected, the seller also has the option to allow offers. They may set a minimum offer amount they will accept to weed out lowball offers.
A seller may choose to use both of these options together as well. An auction can run for 7 days, for example, starting at $100. They could also set the BIN price to $800. The winner is either someone who purchases at the BIN price or the winner of the auction, whichever comes first.
eBay offers some guidance on pricing when listing an item. It’s essential to know the value of your jewelry before you list it, though. Search for similar sold items by entering the search criteria at the top and clicking the “Advanced Option” just to the right. From there, check the box labeled “Completed Items”. Clicking only the ‘Sold Items’ option will not give you an idea of what is not selling.
Browse through the listings, examining what has sold and what hasn’t. Sold items will display their prices in green. Items that didn’t sell will show the price in black and list the end date in red. Open the unsold listings to see if it’s obvious why something didn’t sell.
Shipping
Lastly, select the shipping options to offer. Select the size of the package for the item and enter the seller’s location information. Decide who pays for the shipping and the delivery company handling the package. Enter whether returns will be accepted or not.
Listing on Poshmark
Listing on Poshmark is similar to listing on eBay. Poshmark requires the following information:
- Photos & video
- Title
- Description
- Category
- Price
- Shipping
- Availability
Photos and video
Poshmark offers less instruction than eBay does on what images to use. A seller may list up to 16 pictures and 1 video to show the angles and details of the item. It’s essential to consider the best display for an item. Close-up and clear images are best for jewelry.
Title
The title is as vital on Poshmark as it is on eBay, and the same listing suggestions apply. Share key details such as the brand, ring size, karat, carat, gold color, etc. The more information here, the more eyes the listing attracts.
Here is an example of a well-thought-out title on Poshmark:
Description
In this section, list everything there is to know about the piece of jewelry up for sale. Include the same information used in the title, but provide more in-depth details. Shoppers want to know everything there is to know about an item before making a purchase, especially at the price point typical of fine jewelry. Don’t shy away from detailing any imperfections or damage. People are still interested in non-perfect items.
Category
Select the appropriate category for the piece of jewelry. Here, if there is more than one of the same item available, ‘multi item’ should be selected. However, this doesn’t typically apply to situations where someone is selling worn jewelry.
Select the size of the jewelry, if applicable, such as for a ring. Enter as much optional information as possible, including brand, color, and style tags (e.g., vintage, art deco).
Price
In this section, Poshmark requires both the original price of the item and the listing price. The original price refers to the amount paid at the time of purchase. The listing price is a price the seller sets. Poshmark does not offer auctions.
Shipping
If a seller wants to offer free shipping to a buyer, they can select this option here. Discounted buyer-paid shipping is also available for $4.99.
Availability
This platform offers the opportunity to list items instantly as For Sale, Not For Sale (visible but not available for purchase), and Drops. Drops are visible, but won’t be available for sale until the designated drop time. The seller can set the drop time up to 7 days in advance. This option allows buyers to like the item and receive a notification when it becomes available.
The Alloy Market
Alloy is currently not a marketplace, but rather a buyer of precious metals. To sell old jewelry with Alloy, one must request a free Appraisal Kit. We send it to your door right away, along with a free, postage-paid mailer to ship your items to us.
Pack your items up and send them to us. We cover the insurance and tracking as well, so you know where your items are at all times.
Alloy buys gold jewelry
Request a free Alloy Appraisal Kit, ship from home, and receive a same-day offer after appraisal.
Alloy buys gold jewelry
Request a free Alloy Appraisal Kit, ship from home, and receive a same-day offer after appraisal.
eBay vs Poshmark Fees
eBay listing fees
eBay’s fees are more complex than those of Poshmark. Read it thoroughly to gain a comprehensive understanding of the different rates. The basic overview is this:
“We charge two main types of selling fees: an insertion fee when you create a listing, and a final value fee when your item sells.
The amount we charge depends on the item’s price, the format and category you choose for your listing, any optional listing upgrades you add, and your seller conduct and performance.
Every month, you receive up to 250 zero-insertion-fee listings (for private sellers, not stores).”
eBay final value fee
Once an item sells, eBay assesses a Final Value Fee. They calculate it based on a percentage of the total sale, plus a per-order fee. They say:
“For orders $10.00 or less, the per-order fee is $0.30; for orders over $10.00, the per-order fee is $0.40.
The total amount of the sale includes the item price, any handling charges, any shipping costs collected from the buyer (some exceptions apply), sales tax, and any other applicable fees.”
From there, consult the table provided by eBay to determine any applicable listing fees as well as final value and per-order fees. For jewelry specifically, here is the info eBay provided:
eBay Final Value Fees – Jewelry & Watches
- $5,000 or less – 15% per item
- Over $5,000 – 9% per item
- Up to $1,000 – 15% per item
- Portion over $1,000 up to $7,500 – 6.5% on that portion
- Portion over $7,500 – 3% on that portion
Fees shown exclude eBay’s per-order fee and any optional upgrades or promos.
Poshmark fee structure
Poshmark’s fee structure is much simpler. It’s always free to list an item for sale on Poshmark. They note,
“Our fee structure is simple and transparent:
- For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95—you keep the rest.
- For sales of $15 or more, you keep 80% of the sale, and Poshmark takes a 20% commission.”
Calculating eBay and Poshmark fees
eBay’s fee structure can be a little more complicated than that of Poshmark. Fortunately, there are numerous eBay fee calculators available online to help determine the final take-home amount from a sale. Ebayfeescalculator.com provides their calculator for free use without requiring an email first (like many competitors do).
Using a sale price of $750, a seller can calculate the net profit for either platform in the following way.
eBay:
The shipping cost here is just an example. Depending on the shipping and insurance costs, the total profit amount can fluctuate. In this example, it is assumed that the seller is paying for shipping.
The total profit calculation is subject to change depending on the seller’s status. The Seller Level, as shown with the options box highlighted in blue, can either add to or subtract from the profit based on performance. A lower-performing account takes home less money than a higher-performing one.
Poshmark:
20% commission on sales of $15 or more.
So: $750 × 0.20 = $150 fee
That leaves: $750 – $150 = $600
As of October 2025, Poshmark is running a promotion that covers shipping to authentication for qualifying orders. After the promo period, shipping responsibilities may change. Sellers typically use a prepaid label provided by Poshmark, with the buyer covering the flat-rate shipping; however, details can vary over time. Please check Poshmark’s latest policy before listing.
Alloy Market Fees
Alloy does not charge fees on top of their offer price. When you receive an offer, you keep 100% of the amount.
Texas (and other states) seller fee
As of October 2025, Texas state law requires both platforms to begin collecting an additional seller fee. You can read more about that on Houston Public Media. Other states, such as Hawaii, South Dakota, and Washington, may also impose additional seller fees. Sellers should check what state fees apply to them.
Because it is not considered a “data processing service” under Texas law, The Alloy Market is exempt from the additional Texas seller fee.
Authentication
Both selling platforms offer free authentication for purchases over $500. While this service may delay the arrival of an item, it provides the seller with confidence that the item they purchased is what they claimed it to be.
In both cases, the seller is responsible for the shipping fee to the authentication center.
eBay authenticity guarantee
How does authenticity guarantee work?
eBay offers a free service called Authenticity Guarantee for jewelry items sold for $500 or more. An add-on option service is available for jewelry priced between $200 and $499. Once a qualifying item is purchased, the seller ships it to eBay for examination. Then, eBay verifies the authenticity and ships it to the buyer with secure and expedited shipping.
Is there a fee for the authenticity guarantee?
No, eBay offers this as a complimentary service for buyers and sellers with jewelry priced at $500 or more. The platform also covers shipping to the buyer.
A seller can offer authentication for items priced between $200 and $499 for $40 per item, plus tax, which the buyer pays at checkout.
Poshmark authentication
How does Posh Authenticate work?
Poshmark also offers free authentication on luxury items valued at $500 or more. When a buyer purchases a qualifying item, the seller ships it to Poshmark for authentication. After verification, Poshmark will then send the item to the buyer.
How long does Poshmark authentication take?
Typically, the authentication process takes 1-2 days after receipt. Including shipping, sellers note that the total process takes up to a week.
eBay and Poshmark authentication reviews
While authentication services can be helpful for both sellers and buyers, some reviews of both eBay and Poshmark authentication are mixed. Some platform users claim Poshmark wrongly identified legitimate designer items as counterfeit. Others claim the reverse, that Poshmark authenticated fake items as real.
Users of eBay’s authentication service claim that the company has lost items that they sent for authentication. Others say they are disappointed in the program, as items are returned as unable to be authenticated. This can sometimes be the case for designer jewelry.
The upside of authentication in the jewelry industry is that the verification process for purity and weight is usually straightforward. One user, however, describes a bad experience with purchasing.
They claim they purchased a “supposedly solid gold necklace” that had been authenticated by eBay. However, when they took it to two jewelers, they were told the item was gold-filled. Unfortunately, because eBay had tested the item, they would not accept a return, leaving the customer completely unsatisfied.
Alloy’s authentication process
When you ship your items to Alloy for a free appraisal, our team of experts will verify their authenticity. Because Alloy pays out based on the melt value of gold, the karat and weight are first to be assessed.
Our team uses XRF and acid testing to determine the karat. They then check the weight using state-inspected scales to find the precise measurement. When calculated in conjunction with the most up-to-date spot gold price, the offer is sent to you for approval.
Requirements, Fees and Authentication
| Category | eBay | Poshmark | Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listing fields | Title, condition, item specifics, images, description, pricing, shipping | Photos up to 16 plus one video, title, description, category, price, shipping, availability | No listing required. Request a free Appraisal Kit |
| Pricing model | Auction and Buy It Now | Fixed price listings | Appraised offer based on melt value |
| Shipping | Seller chooses carrier. Include tracking and insurance | Buyer pays flat rate. You still pack ship and monitor | Free insured tracked shipping to Alloy and free insured return if you decline |
| Authentication | Free for jewelry at 500 dollars and above. Optional 40 dollars plus tax for 200 to 499 dollars | Free for luxury items at 500 dollars and above | Free authentication and assay included |
| Who ships to authenticator | Seller to authenticator then eBay to buyer | Seller to Posh Authenticate then Poshmark to buyer | Not applicable |
| Selling fees | Insertion and final value fees plus per order fee and upgrades | 20 percent commission or 2.95 dollars under 15 dollars | No fees. You keep 100 percent of the offer |
| Texas seller fee | Collected by platform | Collected by platform | Exempt |
Shipping
eBay shipping costs and responsibilities
Who is responsible for shipping expenses on eBay?
A seller may choose to offer free shipping or require the buyer to purchase it. It is generally accepted that, especially for higher-priced items such as jewelry, offering free shipping is the best approach.
The seller selects the shipping provider: USPS Ground Advantage/Priority/Flat Rate, UPS Ground, or FedEx Ground/Home Delivery. If a seller lists multiple items and the buyer buys more than one, the seller can combine shipping and lower their expenses.
One should always include tracking and insurance when selling jewelry for one’s own protection. When dropping off the item for shipping, best practices include going to the desk to watch them scan it, rather than dropping it in the drop box. This way, both the seller and the buyer can track the package’s movement.
How long does an eBay seller have to ship?
According to eBay policy, a seller has up to 30 days to ship after payment has cleared. However, most sellers would find that range egregious. The standard expected handling time is 1-3 days, which should be noted in the listing.
How to ship with Poshmark
Who pays for shipping on Poshmark?
According to Poshmark:
“Poshmark provides a flat rate fee of $7.97 (paid for by the buyer) for expedited shipping for all orders. Each order is shipped using 1-3 day USPS Priority Mail. Multiple items from one seller can be added to the order for the same fee as long as the total weight of the order does not exceed 5 lbs (see Bundles).”
Shipping with Alloy
When you request a free Alloy Kit, we send a package that includes a parcel with pre-paid, free shipping. There is no cost to you for sending your items in. We cover insurance up to $100K and include free tracking. If you decide not to accept our offer, we will also return your items to you at no additional cost.
Can You List the Same Item on eBay and Poshmark
Yes, a seller may list the same item on both eBay and Poshmark. Users refer to this as cross-listing. The goal is to attract more attention to the listing and expedite the sale process.
Once an item sells on one platform, the seller must delist and remove it from the other. Ensuring this happens promptly requires close attention to detail. If a piece sells on one platform and then on another, the seller must cancel the sale on one platform, which could result in a negative review on both platforms.
Which Platform Is Best for My Item?
When considering which platform is best for an item, take into consideration the following factors:
- Is it designer?
- Is it highly desirable?
- Is the value based on sentimentality?
- What is the reason for wanting to sell?
- Is the seller looking to get the most money or get money quickly?
- How much time is the seller willing to devote to selling?
Is it designer?
A piece of jewelry made by a notable designer, such as Tiffany, Cartier, or Bulgari, may sell for more than its melt value. For sales of this type, condition, supporting documentation, and trendiness are key factors on marketplace platforms.
Is it highly desirable?
Is the jewelry still on trend? Are other pieces like it selling well? Pieces that people are still wearing and currently buying will do well on a resale platform and may be worth more than melt value.
Is the value based on sentimentality?
This is where a seller must be honest with themselves. Feelings and emotions do not translate to a purchase price. It’s essential to examine the piece of jewelry objectively. If there are no sold listings for similar items, listing that item on the platform will not yield the desired results. Selling for the melt value may be the best option.
What is the reason for wanting sell?
Common reasons for selling include divorce, death, clearing out a jewelry box, the item being broken or damaged, or the item no longer suits a person’s style.
If the drive to sell is a need for money, often waiting for a buyer on a marketplace takes too long. However, if the jewelry meets the parameters that perform well in a resale market and the seller has time, this may be the way to go.
How much time is the seller willing to devote to selling?
Marketplaces require a significant amount of time and effort that isn’t necessary when selling jewelry directly to Alloy. However, one may decide that they have the time and energy to manage a listing and buyer questions in exchange for a potential higher payout.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the seller. Only they will know what matters most to them in the sale.
A simple breakdown
When broken down, both eBay and Poshmark’s fees ultimately come out to about the same amount. The lower percentage charged by eBay is offset by the fact that most buyers expect sellers on that platform to absorb shipping costs. On Poshmark, shipping costs are paid by the buyer.
It is not uncommon for sellers to cross-list their items to capture more attention and increase sales. Doing so requires the seller to constantly monitor the listings to prevent the item from selling on both platforms simultaneously.
Sellers often choose to sell on a marketplace because they hope to capitalize on a designer name or a trendy style. However, items frequently require re-listing for months before securing a completed sale.
Additionally, selling on marketplaces like eBay or Poshmark requires responding to questions and requests for additional images and product details. When an item is priced as fine jewelry, customers need reassurance.
For someone who doesn’t want the hassle of dealing with listing, taking photos, answering customer questions, and shipping items, Alloy is the clear choice. However, if someone has time and patience, eBay and Poshmark are viable options for trying to extract more market value from a piece of jewelry.
Decision-making matrix
Alloy has created this table to help sellers decide which platform best fits their selling situation. Each consideration is listed along with the information for the different platforms.
Decision Matrix: Where to Sell Your Jewelry
| Category | eBay | Poshmark | Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed to money | Willing to wait through listings auctions and possible authentication delays | Okay waiting weeks or months for the right buyer | Need cash this week. Ship once and get a same day offer |
| Work required | Ready to photograph write SEO titles answer questions and ship | Prepared to list share price drop and manage offers every day | No listings, no photo shoot, no buyer messages |
| Pricing predictability | Comfortable with auctions and algorithm swings that change the net | Okay with unpredictable net after offers promos and fees | Prefer a guaranteed payout based on today’s melt value |
| Returns and disputes | Prepared for returns item not received claims and chargebacks | Okay with cases and buyer remorse | One secure offer. No returns roulette |
| Platform fees | Accept insertion final value per order and upgrade fees | Accept 20 percent commission or 2.95 dollars under 15 dollars | Keep 100 percent of the offer. No platform commission |
| Shipping burden | You choose the carrier pay or collect shipping and manage insurance | Buyer pays flat rate. You still pack ship and monitor | Free, insured tracked shipping to Alloy, plus free, insured return if you decline |
| Authentication overhead | Authentication can delay payout and the seller ships to the authenticator | Authentication adds days and the seller ships to Posh Authenticate | Free authentication and assay included |
| Best item fit | Works if pristine documented and actively in demand | Leans toward trendy branded and styled pieces | Best for broken, mismatched, or non designer pieces, but Alloy accepts all precious metal jewelry. |
| Brand premium potential | Hoping the brand plus box and papers beat melt value | Betting on brand clout and current trends | Not chasing a brand premium. Want fair melt value |
| Time commitment | Willing to relist revise titles and test prices | Okay with closet sharing bundling and continual promos | Value speed over squeezing the last dollar |
| Risk tolerance | Comfortable with chargebacks and policy disputes | Okay with returns disputes and platform rulings | Prefer a low risk single counterparty transaction |
| Message volume | Expect questions low offers and negotiation | Frequent DMs offers and price drop requests | Zero haggling. One clear offer |
| Texas seller fee | Platform collects the additional Texas seller fee | Platform collects the additional Texas seller fee | Exempt from the Texas data processing seller fee |
| Net proceeds clarity | Net is uncertain until fees shipping and returns settle | Net depends on offers commission promos and timing | Know your net before you decide |
| Cross listing risk | Must delist quickly to avoid double selling | Cross list carefully or risk cancellations that hurt ratings | No cross listing and no delisting risk |
Alloy Buys Old Jewelry
If you’ve got old jewelry lying around and don’t want to fuss with listing, photographing, packing, shipping, tracking, and dealing with a marketplace to sell it, Alloy is a fantastic alternative.
To determine an approximate offer amount for your jewelry, try our melt value calculator. For even more discussion on the right place to sell your jewelry, read our article, “The Best Way to Sell Gold Jewelry.“
Request your free Appraisal Kit today to get started.
