How to compare marketplace profit before you list
A clear way to compare Etsy, Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop and Shopify without being fooled by headline sale price.
Start with one product scenario
Use the same selling price, product cost, shipping cost and ad spend for every marketplace. Changing the inputs while comparing channels makes the answer feel better, but it stops being a fair comparison.
If a marketplace has a fee that depends on category or fulfilment size, treat the result as a scenario rather than a final answer.
Look past revenue
Revenue is loud. Profit is quieter. A channel can produce a higher sale price and still be worse once referral fees, payment fees, order fees and fulfilment costs are included.
The useful number is profit per order, then margin. Profit tells you what you keep. Margin tells you how much room you have for mistakes, refunds and promotions.
Use the result as a decision filter
A marketplace comparison does not choose your strategy for you. It tells you which listings deserve deeper work and which ones are too fragile before launch.
If two channels are close, choose the one where you understand fulfilment, customer expectations and repeat order potential better.