Take Rate: How resale marketplaces make money from each sale

Take rate is the percentage of each transaction value that a resale platform retains as revenue, typically deducted from the seller's proceeds. For example, if a seller lists an item for $100 and the platform has a 20% take rate, the seller receives $80 while the platform keeps $20. This commission structure is fundamental to marketplace economics, directly determining profitability and competitiveness. Platforms like Poshmark and Vinted use different take rate models: some charge flat percentages, others use tiered structures based on item price, and some combine seller commissions with buyer fees. Take rates generally range from 10% to 40% in the resale sector. Higher take rates can fund authentication services, shipping infrastructure, and marketing, but may drive sellers to competitors. Balancing an attractive take rate with sustainable unit economics remains a central challenge for resale platforms seeking growth and profitability.