Side Hustle School Ep. 3307 - Q&A: “Should I charge a flat fee or percentage?”
Jan 20, 2026
Bettina Smelser, a savvy reseller from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, shares her insights on selling items through Facebook Marketplace with her teenage son. She seeks advice on whether to charge a flat fee or a percentage for consignment sales. The discussion highlights the benefits of charging a percentage to align incentives and ensure profitability. Chris also emphasizes the importance of setting a minimum fee and managing client expectations to exceed seller's hopes. Tune in for practical tips to kickstart your own consignment venture!
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Family Reselling On Facebook Marketplace
- Bettina and her teenage son resell shoes, books, and clothing on Facebook Marketplace.
- They also helped an elderly couple by selling a large lot of burger baskets as a favor.
Set Clear Owner Expectations
- Set expectations with owners by giving a conservative estimated sale range for their items.
- Aim to list slightly higher than the low estimate so you can under-promise and over-deliver.
Charge Percentage With A Minimum
- Charge a commission percentage rather than a flat fee when selling items for others.
- Include a minimum fee so small sales still cover your effort and overhead.