Best Sites to Sell Movie Posters (2025): eBay, eMoviePoster, Whatnot, Etsy

Best Sites to Sell Movie Posters (2025): eBay, eMoviePoster, Whatnot, Etsy
23 August 2025 0 Comments Leonard Grimsby

You’re not looking for a history lesson. You want the place that gets you the most money, in the shortest time, with the least hassle. Here’s the honest answer: the best site to sell movie posters depends on what you’re holding. Rare originals thrive at specialist auction houses. Mid-tier and modern screen prints move fast on eBay and Whatnot. Vintage decor sells steadily on Etsy. Local and common stuff? Facebook Marketplace or your country’s local classifieds.

Set your expectations: no single site wins every scenario. The right choice rides on five things-what the poster is, condition, value, speed you need, and your appetite for fees and effort. I’m in Dublin and I’ve sold everything from a folded Blade Runner US one-sheet to modern Mondo prints, and the pattern’s the same: match the poster to the buyer community first, then worry about fees.

How to pick the right marketplace (decision criteria, shortcuts, and the playbook)

Before you list, lock down the basics. This saves you time and avoids leaving money on the table.

  • Know the type: Originals vs reprints vs art/screen prints. Originals include US one-sheets (27x41 pre-’85 folded, 27x40 rolled after), UK quads (30x40 landscape), French grandes (47x63), Italian locandina, etc. Limited-run screen prints (Mondo, Bottleneck, Vice Press) are a different buyer pool.
  • Grade the condition: Use plain terms: Mint/Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, Very Good/Good. Note folds, pinholes, edge wear, tears, tape residue, sun fade, water damage, linen-backing. Rolled vs folded affects price; rolled can fetch 10-30% more for many 80s-90s titles.
  • Check comps: On eBay, toggle to Sold/Completed. On Whatnot, scan recent sale replays. For vintage originals, check eMoviePoster’s past auction results and Heritage Auctions archives.
  • Pick your priority: Speed, price, or ease. You usually get two. Fast + easy? Expect a lower price. Best price? Be ready for better photos, wider shipping, and a longer wait.
  • Plan shipping: Rolled posters want a rigid tube (3"+ diameter), inner craft paper, end caps taped all around. Folded posters ship flat in a strong sandwich of corrugated sheets. International? Be ready for customs forms and a precise description (HS code 4911 often used for printed posters).

Quick rules of thumb:

  • If it’s rare and four-figure potential: Talk to eMoviePoster, Heritage, or Propstore. They bring deep-pocket bidders and protect authenticity.
  • If it’s $75-$800 and recognizable: eBay reaches the most buyers, especially for 80s-2000s titles and modern art prints.
  • If it’s a modern screen print and you want speed: Whatnot live auctions or the big Facebook BST groups move it quickly.
  • If it’s vintage decor (20+ years) under $200: Etsy buyers shop for the look. Photo quality matters more than micro flaws.
  • If it’s common or large to ship: Go local: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree (UK), Adverts.ie (Ireland), Craigslist (US).

Pricing shortcut:

  • Start with the median of recent sold comps in similar condition.
  • Adjust for condition: NM x1.00-1.20, VF x0.85-1.00, Fine x0.70-0.85, Good x0.50-0.70.
  • Rolled premium (when relevant): add 10-30%. Linen-backed vintage can add 15-40% depending on title and quality.
  • Signed pieces: add the real premium only if the signer matters to that title and you can prove authenticity; otherwise add little or nothing.

Timing tip: end auctions when your buyers are awake and browsing. For US-heavy titles, Sunday evening ET; for UK/EU, Sunday evening local. For Whatnot, align with a themed stream where that crowd already gathers.

Best sites to sell movie posters in 2025 (who wins, fees, speed, protection)

Best sites to sell movie posters in 2025 (who wins, fees, speed, protection)

Here’s the landscape by audience, fees, speed, and risk. I’m grouping by where collectors already hang out. When sources matter for decisions, I cite the platform’s own fee/terms pages (2025): eBay Seller Fees, Etsy Fees, Whatnot Seller Guide, eMoviePoster Seller FAQ, Heritage Auctions Consignment Terms, Propstore Conditions of Sale, Catawiki Seller Terms.

eBay - The default. Biggest reach, best for mid-tier originals and modern prints. Buyer protection is strong, which helps sales but means you must pack perfectly and describe honestly. Fees (final value + payment) land roughly in the 12-15% range in collectibles. GSP/International shipping programs simplify cross-border.

eMoviePoster - Poster specialists. Museum-grade descriptions, careful grading, and a deep collector base. Great for pre-2000 originals and anything scarce. Seller terms are straightforward; the buyer pays a premium. Expect more work upfront (consignment intake) but you’ll often net more on true collectibles than eBay.

Heritage Auctions / Propstore - For four-figure-and-up material, key titles, and rarities. They curate, market to serious collectors, and often set record prices. Buyer’s premiums are high; seller commission is negotiated. Best when you want credibility, global marketing, and vetted bidders.

Whatnot - Live auctions. Great for screen prints, modern variants, and batches. You trade some price certainty for speed and hype. Typical seller take is a platform commission plus payment processing (often cited around 8% + 2.9% + a small fixed fee). Works best if you build a following or hook into themed shows.

Etsy - For vintage (20+ years) and decor-first shoppers. Listing fees apply; total take depends on transaction + payment + optional ads. Great photos and styled room shots win here. Not ideal for super high-end originals that need collector-level grading details.

Facebook Marketplace & Groups - Fast, low/no platform fees, buyer deals. Risk varies; meet in public, use tracked post, vet profiles. Niche groups (e.g., Mondo/Bottleneck BST) can yield strong prices with trusted moderators.

Reddit (r/postermarket, r/Mondo) - Peer-to-peer with rep threads. Price-savvy audience. Escrow isn’t built-in, so use PayPal Goods & Services and ship tracked and insured.

Catawiki - Curated EU-friendly auctions. Solid for European sizes (quads, grandes) and mid-tier collectibles. Fees are clear but check seller commission and shipping requirements.

Local classifieds - Adverts.ie (Ireland), Gumtree (UK), Craigslist/Kijiji (NA). Ideal for big frames and low-value items without shipping drama.

Platform Audience Typical Seller Fees Speed Protection Best for Not for
eBay Mass-market + collectors ~12-15% incl. payment (2025) Fast if priced right Strong buyer/seller tools $75-$800 items, modern prints, 80s-00s originals Five-figure rarities needing white-glove marketing
eMoviePoster Dedicated poster collectors Buyer premium; seller terms vary by consignment Scheduled auctions Expert grading, vetted bidders Pre-2000 originals, scarce titles Cheap reprints or mass-market decor
Heritage / Propstore High-end collectors, institutions Buyer premium 20-30%+, seller commission negotiated Slower intake; strong event sales Top-tier authentication & marketing Four-figure+ grails, signed studio items Low-value or common posters
Whatnot Live-auction community ~8% + 2.9% + fixed fee (2025 guides) Very fast In-app payments; live chat risk control Screen prints, variants, quick flips, bundles Ultra-rare posters needing long-tail bidders
Etsy Vintage decor buyers Listing + ~6.5% trans + payment; ads optional Steady, not instant Case system; seller shop branding 20+ year vintage under ~$200, framed decor Hyper-collectible originals needing detailed comps
Facebook/Groups Local + niche fans 0-seller direct Fast Minimal platform protection Local pickup, avoiding fees, niche BST groups Risk-averse sellers, international buyers
Catawiki EU collectors Platform commission per terms Moderate Curated auctions European sizes (quads, grandes), mid-tier Low-value, mass-market prints

Three quick “best for / not for” calls:

  • Single site pick for most sellers: eBay. Massive reach, fair price discovery, strong tools. Not ideal for museum-grade rarities.
  • Collector-grade vintage: eMoviePoster or Heritage. You’ll usually net better after all fees than a random eBay auction.
  • Speed sale for modern prints: Whatnot or Facebook BST groups. Price swings happen; set reserves or start at a floor you can live with.
Scenarios, pricing moves, and pro tips (photos, packing, shipping, and pitfalls)

Scenarios, pricing moves, and pro tips (photos, packing, shipping, and pitfalls)

Let’s match common seller goals to the right move. I’ll keep it practical.

Scenario A: 1977 Star Wars US one-sheet (original)

  • Where: eMoviePoster or Heritage for authentication and serious bids. If rolled/NM or special variants (Style A/B), absolutely consult them.
  • Why: Deep buyer pool that understands NSS numbers, folds, and typical restoration.
  • Price approach: Pull past realized prices from specialist archives. If you must use eBay, do a 10-day auction with a realistic reserve and professional photos.

Scenario B: 2012 Mondo limited screen print

  • Where: Whatnot themed streams, Facebook Mondo/Bottleneck BST, or eBay with Buy It Now + Best Offer.
  • Why: That community pays for artist, edition size, and condition (corner dings matter). Live shows can exceed stale BIN prices.
  • Price approach: Median of last 90 days’ sales; pad 10% if your copy is signed/numbered and mint. Set a floor reserve on live auctions.

Scenario C: Common 24x36 reprint (mall/poster shop)

  • Where: Facebook Marketplace, Etsy (if styled as decor), local classifieds.
  • Why: Shipping costs can exceed value. Sell framed locally if you can.
  • Price approach: Bundle deals (2-for-1) move faster than single cheap listings.

Scenario D: UK quad from the 1960s

  • Where: Catawiki, eMoviePoster (they handle quads), Heritage, or eBay UK with global shipping turned on.
  • Why: European collectors know quads and value original printer marks and distributors.
  • Price approach: Compare by artist (e.g., Chantrell), certificate stamps, and whether it’s first-release vs later re-issue.

Scenario E: Signed modern theatrical poster

  • Where: eBay with clear COA details or auction houses if the signer is a marquee name (director/lead actor).
  • Why: Authentication matters more than the signature itself. Without proof, buyers discount or pass.
  • Price approach: Value the poster first, then add a signature premium only if provenance is strong; otherwise expect little uplift.

Listing checklist (do these and you’ll get better offers)

  • Exact title + year + format (e.g., “Jaws (1975) US One-Sheet 27x41, folded, NSS #75/155”).
  • 5-12 photos: full front, corners, edges, back, any flaws; raking light for surface scuffs; include a tape measure in one shot.
  • Condition notes in bullets. Don’t bury flaws. Buyers pay more when they trust you.
  • Shipping details: how you pack, tube diameter, insurance, tracked service, dispatch window.
  • Provenance: where you got it, any COA, auction lot number, or studio stamp.

Packing that survives couriers

  • Rolled: 3-4 inch thick tube, poster on craft paper, no rubber bands, side-to-side slack minimal. Double-tube or tube-in-box for >€200 items.
  • Flat: Acid-free interleaving if you have it; otherwise clean craft paper. Two rigid corrugated sheets, edges taped all around, then bag or wrap.
  • Label: “Do Not Bend” means nothing without rigidity. Build the rigidity.

Shipping and taxes (2025 quick notes)

  • Platform fees: Check the platform’s 2025 fee page for current rates. eBay and Etsy collect VAT on their fees in many regions.
  • Cross-border: Many platforms collect/import VAT for buyers at checkout (IOSS/GSP-type programs). That helps delivery go smoother.
  • From Ireland: An Post tracked parcels to the US for a rolled poster typically fall in the €25-€40 range depending on weight/size (2025 price guides). Use the smallest sturdy tube that fits safely.
  • Insurance: Add it on anything you’d hate to refund. Your future self will thank you.

Auction vs Buy It Now

  • Auctions are great when demand is clear and comps are strong. Use 7-10 days and end on Sunday evening where your buyers live.
  • Buy It Now + Best Offer wins when comps are patchy. Start at 10-20% above your walk-away price and let the market talk.

Avoid these pitfalls

  • Undersized tubes that crush in transit.
  • “Mint” claims with visible flaws. Use “Near Mint” if you’d argue with your future self about a corner tick.
  • Vague sizes. Always include exact measurements.
  • Ignoring reprint tells (missing NSS info, wrong dimensions, glossy stock on vintage). If you’re unsure, say so and price accordingly.
  • Underestimating shipping to Australia/NZ or remote regions. Quote before you list.

My quick picks, if you just want the answer:

  • Best one-size-fits-most: eBay.
  • Best for true vintage: eMoviePoster; for grails: Heritage/Propstore.
  • Best for modern screen prints and speed: Whatnot or Facebook groups.
  • Best for decor sales: Etsy with styled photos.
  • Best to avoid shipping headache on cheap stuff: Local classifieds.

Why you can trust the fees and process here

I’m leaning on the platforms’ 2025 fee and terms pages, plus long-running auction archives for realized prices. For example: eBay Seller Fees (collectibles category bands and payment processing), Etsy Fees (listing, transaction, payment, optional ads), Whatnot Seller Guide (commission and payment), eMoviePoster Seller FAQ (consignment terms and grading standards), Heritage Auctions and Propstore Conditions of Sale (buyer premiums and consignment), and Catawiki Seller Terms (commission and shipping rules). Always check the live page before you list-policies change.

Mini‑FAQ

  • Are reproduction posters allowed? Yes on most platforms, but you must say so. Don’t imply “original” unless you can prove it. Wrong claims are the fastest route to returns.
  • How do I spot an original US one-sheet? Pre‑1985 originals are often 27x41 and folded, usually with NSS info at the bottom. Post‑mid‑80s are 27x40 and commonly rolled, sometimes double‑sided for backlit displays. Measure and check the fine print.
  • Should I linen‑back before selling? Only if the poster is valuable enough that restoration adds more than it costs. Ask a specialist auction house for a pre‑consignment opinion.
  • What’s the best auction length? Seven to ten days. Start and end when your buyers are online (usually Sunday evening in their region).
  • Returns? eBay and Etsy have structured policies; describe accurately to win disputes. For peer‑to‑peer (Facebook/Reddit), set terms in writing and always use tracked, insured shipping.
  • What photos do buyers need? Full poster, close‑ups of corners/edges, any flaws, back side, and a measurement shot. Natural light if possible; no heavy filters.
  • Do tubes matter? Yes. Use 3-4 inch diameter and thick walls. For expensive items, go tube‑in‑box.
  • Can I ship framed? Locally, sure. Long‑distance framed posters break and cost a fortune to ship. Sell the frame separately if needed.

Next steps / Troubleshooting

  • I need cash this week: Whatnot with a reserve, or local Facebook Marketplace for pickup. Price to move.
  • I think my poster is rare but I’m not sure: Email eMoviePoster or Heritage with photos, measurements, and close‑ups of credits. Get a pre‑consignment read.
  • I listed on eBay and it’s not selling: Replace photos, add exact measurements, lower BIN by 10%, accept offers, and open international shipping. End and relist during better traffic hours.
  • I live outside the US: Use platforms strong in your region (Catawiki for EU, eBay with GSP/IOSS, local sites like Adverts.ie or Gumtree for bulky items).
  • Buyers keep asking about authenticity: Add clear shots of NSS/printing info, paper texture, and any studio/distributor stamps. State what you know and what you don’t.
  • Worried about scams: Use platform payments (no friends‑and‑family), ship tracked and insured, and keep all chat on‑platform.

If you want one last sanity check before you list, compare your poster’s exact format, size, and credit block to a sold example from a trusted archive. That one extra minute can turn a “maybe” into a win.