What Is Amazon’s Per-item Selling Fee?
As an Amazon seller, with the Individual selling plan, you are charged a per-item selling fee for each item sold and any other applicable fees.
Per-item Selling Fee, also known as the fixed closing fee, is a set rate charged per unit sold.
The per-item selling fee is applied to your account when the customer’s order is shipped. This fee structure ensures that you only pay for what you sell.
If you initially choose the Professional selling plan but wish to switch to an Individual selling plan, you can downgrade anytime to benefit from the per-item selling fee. However, downgrading may result in changes to your payment cycle.
Here’s a summary of the pertinent information about the per-item selling fee:
- Fee type: Fixed closing fee
- Applicable to: Individual selling plan
- Time of charge: When the customer’s order is shipped
- Fee structure: Per unit sold, at a single fixed rate
By understanding the specifics of Amazon’s per-item selling fee, you can better manage your overall selling expenses and optimize your profits on the platform.
How Much is the Per-item Selling Fee
The per-item selling fee applies to those who choose the Individual selling plan on Amazon. It is calculated at a flat rate of $0.99 for each unit sold.
Amazon’s professional selling plan is $39.99 per month. The professional selling plan is better if you sell more than 40 items monthly.
Consider the following example: You decide to sell handbags and shoes on Amazon. With the Individual selling plan, for every bag and pair of shoes you sell, you will be charged a $0.99 fee. So, if you sold 10 handbags in a month, your selling fees would amount to $9.90 ($0.99 x 10).
However, remember that this is only the per-item selling fee and does not include other costs associated with selling stuff on Amazon, such as referral fees, which are charged on a percentage basis depending on the product category. For example, most referral fees fall between 8% and 15% per item.
Here’s a quick overview of the per-item selling fee:
- Individual selling plan: $0.99 per unit sold
- Units sold: The number of items you have sold for a given order
To better manage your finances and understand how much you will pay in Amazon seller fees, including the per-item selling fee, be sure to track your sales performance and note the prices for each product category you are selling in. This will help give you a clearer picture of your overall costs and potential profits when selling on Amazon.
Example of the Per-item Fees
As an Amazon seller with an Individual selling plan, one of your primary costs is the per-item fee. If you sell three items from your inventory, you’ll be charged a one-time fee of $0.99 per item. Your total per-item fees for these three sales would amount to $2.97.
In addition to per-item fees, you’ll also need to consider Amazon’s referral fees, which range from 8% to 45%, depending on the product category. To better understand your potential referral fee expenses, you can check Amazon’s Seller Fee Schedule, which lists specific fees for each type. Additionally, some categories impose minimum referral fees to ensure Amazon receives a minimum amount per sale.
If you choose to use Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, you’ll also incur FBA fees. These fees can vary depending on item size, weight, and the time of year. It’s essential to accurately calculate your FBA fees, as they can significantly impact your profit margins.
For certain products, there might also be a closing fee. This fee typically applies to media items like books, music, videos, and video games. Closing fees are charged on a per-item basis and are usually a flat rate.
To help you better grasp the fee structure that applies to your Amazon sales, here’s a breakdown of the fees you could incur for selling three items:
- Per-item fees ($0.99 x 3 items) = $2.97
- Referral fees = 8% to 45% of the item price (varies by category)
- FBA fees = depend on the item size, weight, and time of year
- Closing fee (if applicable) = flat rate per media item sold
By understanding the different fees associated with selling on Amazon, you can effectively analyze your potential profit margins and strategize your pricing. Consider additional costs, such as shipping, storage, or advertising, to understand your overall expenses comprehensively.
Amazon Fee Structure
When selling on Amazon, understanding the fee structure is crucial for success. Various fees apply depending on your selling plan, product categories, and fulfillment method. Let’s dive into the fundamental components of the Amazon fee structure.
Amazon offers two primary selling plans: the Individual plan and the Professional plan. The Individual plan costs $0.99 per item sold, while the Professional plan comes with a flat monthly fee of $39.99. It is essential to consider your sales volume when selecting a plan; the Professional program might be a better fit for those with high sales.
Referral fees vary depending on the product category. Typically, these fees range from 6% to 45%, averaging around 15%. Some types, like Amazon Device Accessories, have a minimum fee of $0.30, while others, like Gift Cards, have a 20% rate but no minimum fee. These referral fees contribute to Amazon’s extensive marketplace services.
Next, we have Amazon’s fulfillment fees, which differ based on the fulfillment method. If you use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you will be charged fulfillment and inventory storage fees. FBA fees are generally calculated based on the size and weight of the products. There are two main size categories: Standard Size and Oversize. FBA fees can also vary according to dangerous goods or multi-channel fulfillment factors.
For sellers handling their shipping and fulfillment, shipping credits may apply. While these credits aim to offset your shipping costs, comparing the credits with actual shipping rates is essential to ensure your expenses are covered.
It is worth noting that specific product categories may incur additional fees or have unique fee calculations. For example, media items such as books and video games have a $1.80 closing fee added to the standard referral fees.
Another aspect to consider is sales tax. Amazon provides a Tax Calculation Service to help sellers manage taxes on their sales. Remember that different tax rates and regulations may apply depending on where you sell.
Lastly, sellers might utilize Amazon’s advertising and promotions services. Those can contribute to generating higher visibility and sales, thus increasing your overall costs. However, you must weigh the benefits of advertising fees against potential revenue growth.
In conclusion, comprehending Amazon’s fee structure is vital to setting the correct pricing and managing your sales efficiently. Referral, fulfillment, inventory storage, and tax-related fees while planning your sales strategies. Carefully selecting the proper selling plan fulfillment method and understanding category-specific costs will be a foundation for your success on Amazon.
Denes, with 20 years experience in logistics, holds a Logistics Manager degree from Budapest’s Logistics Association and has penned a thesis on mobile devices. Venturing into e-commerce, Denes specializes in Fulfilled By Amazon and passionately educates others about Amazon selling techniques.