Maximum limits on postage and packaging charges

	About P&P limits P&P limits by category What to do if the P&P limits don't cover your costs

About P&P limits

In some categories, eBay sets limits on what sellers can charge for postage and packaging. See list of categories and maximum limits

We chose these categories because online buyers generally expect reasonable P&P charges - if not free P&P - when buying these types of items. The limits help ensure that our sellers remain competitive with other websites and prevents them from charging excessive postage costs - both of which help to keep buyers shopping on eBay.

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including restrictions of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

How eBay sets the limits

The maximum P&P costs are based on Royal Mail postage prices, our own data showing what sellers are charging, comparisons with other online shopping sites, and what buyers tell us is reasonable.

We regularly revise the limits to reflect changes to Royal Mail prices. Since their introduction, we've also adjusted them to allow room for sellers to offer Royal Mail Signed For delivery services.

We'll always give sellers plenty of warning before changing the limits, or introducing maximum P&P limits in new categories.

Things to know about P&P limits

	The maximum amounts include packaging costs.
	The maximum P&P costs apply for all items listed on eBay.co.uk, even if you're not a UK seller.
	Maximum P&P charges apply only to the first flat rate postage domestic service within the UK. You can add alternative (more expensive) options if you choose - e.g. for express delivery, or overseas postage.
	If you offer postal insurance, you can include the cost either in the P&P or the item price, but you can't charge a separate fee for insurance. You might choose to offer a second postage option that includes insurance.
	Buyers can still leave a detailed seller rating for Postage and packaging charges. You can still set your P&P price below the maximum limit, as well as offer alternative postage options. If you offer free P&P - and we can confirm the buyer didn't pay for postage - you'll automatically earn a 5-star detailed seller rating.

Maximum limits on P&P costs for specific categories

The following limits on P&P charges apply to the first flat-rate postage service offered within or into the UK.

Sellers in these categories must offer at least one postage option within the maximum limit.

• Books, Comics & Magazines

• Computing

• DVDs, Film & TV

• Sound & Vision

• Music

• Cameras & Photography

• Video Games & Consoles

• Mobile Phones & Communication

• Clothes, Shoes & Accessories

These limits were last updated on 7 March 2016, and are subject to change.

What to do if the P&P limits don't cover your costs

If our P&P limits are lower than your costs, there are a couple of things you can do:

• For auction-style listings, try keeping your start price low and setting your P&P charges at or below the limit. A low starting price and reasonable (or even free) P&P makes items look more competitive and therefore more attractive to buyers.

• For fixed price listings, keep your P&P charge within the limit and choose your Buy it now price to reflect the total value of the item.

• For heavy and/or bulky items, you may specify a higher delivery cost. Choose Courier: heavy and bulky items instead of Flat cost for all buyers in the listing form. You can then put your courier options in your item description.

• Make sure to be specific about any extra charges for particular destinations (e.g. Northern Ireland, Highlands, or Islands). You may not add the surcharge after the listing has ended.

We keep tabs on items using this option to help make sure we've set the right P&P limits, and to make sure sellers aren't misusing it.