Gumtree Fees Explained: What Sellers Actually Pay in 2026

Understanding Gumtree's Fee Structure in 2026

As a seasoned seller, mastering Gumtree's fee structure can significantly optimize your profits. Luckily, Gumtree remains largely free, but understanding optional promotional costs and how they compare to competitors can be crucial.

Gumtree's Fee Overview

Gumtree is a haven for sellers due to its minimal fee structure. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Fee Type	Cost
Listing Fee	Free for most items
Final Value/Commission Fees	None
Payment Processing Fees	None (cash on collection standard)
Shipping Label Fees	Not applicable (no integrated shipping)
Top Ad Promotion	£1-5 per ad
Urgent Ad Highlight	£0.99 for 24 hours
Store Subscription/Fees	None

Worked Examples

Let's delve into specific examples to see how Gumtree's fee structure impacts your take-home amount:

• £15 Item:
  • Sale Price: £15
  • Fees Deducted: £0 (if no promotions used)
  • Take-Home Amount: £15
  • Comparison: eBay's fees could mean losing about £1.50, Depop might take £1.80, making Gumtree's zero fees a clear winner.
• £30 Item:
  • Sale Price: £30
  • Fees Deducted: £1 (if using a £1 Top Ad)
  • Take-Home Amount: £29
  • Comparison: Versus Vinted, which could charge £5 in fees, Gumtree still keeps you ahead.
• £50 Item:
  • Sale Price: £50
  • Fees Deducted: £0 (no optional promotions)
  • Take-Home Amount: £50
  • Comparison: Poshmark could deduct around £10, underscoring Gumtree's appeal.
• £100 Item:
  • Sale Price: £100
  • Fees Deducted: £5 (using a £5 Top Ad to maximize visibility)
  • Take-Home Amount: £95
  • Comparison: Etsy's fees might be around £12-£15, making Gumtree a budget-friendly choice.
• £250 Item:
  • Sale Price: £250
  • Fees Deducted: £5 (using a Top Ad)
  • Take-Home Amount: £245
  • Comparison: Facebook Marketplace has similar low fees, but Gumtree's local focus often makes sales quicker.

Tips to Minimize Fees

While Gumtree's fees are minimal, here are some strategies to keep costs even lower:

• Avoid Unnecessary Promotions: Only use Top Ad or Urgent Ad if your item truly needs the boost. Otherwise, rely on strong SEO and keywords.
• Craft Strong Listings: Use tools like ListingGenie to create listings that attract buyers without needing promotional fees.
• Negotiate with Buyers: Offering slight discounts for cash on collection can seal deals quickly, avoiding the need for promotion.

Hidden Fees and Gotchas

While Gumtree is straightforward, watch out for these potential pitfalls:

• Scam Risk with Bank Transfers: Stick to cash on collection when possible to avoid payment disputes.
• Local Regulations: Be aware of local selling laws that might require permits for certain items.

FAQs

• Are there listing fees on Gumtree? Most items are free to list, making it a low-cost platform for sellers.
• What if I want more visibility for my item? Consider using the Top Ad or Urgent Ad features starting at £0.99.
• How does Gumtree compare to eBay for selling furniture? With no final value fees, Gumtree is usually more profitable for bulky items.
• Do I need to pay a subscription to sell on Gumtree? No, there are no subscription fees.
• Can I ship items through Gumtree? While possible, Gumtree is best for items collected locally. Integrated shipping isn't available.