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Thinking of becoming an Amazon seller but unsure about the actual costs involved? You're not alone. Many new sellers get caught off guard by Amazon’s layered fee structure. From referral fees and subscription charges to FBA storage and shipping costs—understanding what you’ll actually pay is key to staying profitable.

In this guide, we break down the real cost to sell on Amazon—whether you're using FBA or FBM, a professional or individual account, or even just exploring how to sell on Amazon for beginners. This isn’t just a list of fees—it’s your one-stop solution packed with stats, real examples, and helpful tips.

Let’s dive into the details so you can calculate smart and sell better.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell on Amazon?

So you’re ready to start selling on Amazon—but here’s the million-dollar question:
What does it really cost to get started and stay profitable?

Spoiler alert: it’s not just a $39.99 monthly fee. From hidden FBA charges to tricky referral percentages, the true cost to sell on Amazon depends on how you set up your store.

In this section, we’ll break it down in plain English. No fluff. No surprises. Just real costs, current stats, and smart tips to help you launch without burning cash.

Let’s unpack the numbers.

Why Understanding Amazon Seller Fees Is a Game-Changer

If you skip this part, you could end up losing money without realizing it.

New sellers often jump in without knowing the full Amazon fee structure—then wonder why profits are vanishing. That’s where you stand out. Knowing what you’re paying from day one helps you:

• Price your products smarter
• Avoid unnecessary fees
• Boost your profit margin faster

Want to win as a seller? Start by mastering your Amazon seller fees.

Fixed vs Variable Amazon Seller Costs—What You Actually Pay

Let’s get clear: some Amazon costs are predictable; others aren’t.

Here’s the breakdown:

Fixed Costs (Non-Negotiable)

• Professional Seller Plan – $39.99/month (flat rate)
• Individual Seller Plan – $0/month, but $0.99 per item sold

These are your platform access fees. No matter what you sell, they apply.

Variable Costs (Change Per Sale/Product)

• Referral Fees – Usually 8% to 55% of the product price
• Amazon FBA Fees – Based on size, weight, and storage time
• Closing Fees – $1.80 for books, DVDs, and similar items
• Refund Admin Fee – Up to 20% of referral fee or $5

Pro Tip: Don’t guess your costs. Use the official Amazon Selling Fees Calculator to see exactly how much you’ll pay before you list.

What’s the Minimum You Really Need to Start Selling on Amazon?

The good news? You don't need thousands to get started.

If you’re wondering how much to budget, here’s a realistic look:

Want to start without inventory? Look into dropshipping, print-on-demand, or Amazon KDP. These models let you sell with minimal upfront costs—and they’re beginner-friendly.

Overview of Amazon Seller Accounts

Before diving into shipping fees or fulfillment methods, let’s get the basics right. Your choice of Amazon seller account directly impacts your costs, margins, and how much you pay per sale.

Amazon offers two seller account types—Individual and Professional. Both let you sell products, but the pricing structure and features differ. Choosing the right one is key, especially if you're learning how to sell on Amazon for beginners or planning long-term business growth.

Amazon Individual Seller vs Professional Seller

If you're unsure where to start, this comparison helps you decide.

An Amazon Individual Seller account works well for people testing the platform. It's designed for low-volume sellers—perfect if you sell fewer than 40 items per month. You don’t pay a monthly fee, which keeps your startup costs low.

A Professional Seller account is for serious sellers. If you're planning to scale, run ads, or use tools like bulk listing and inventory reports, this is the account you need. You pay a flat monthly subscription, but it unlocks features that support business growth.

Still unsure? Consider this: If you sell more than 40 items per month, the Professional plan is cheaper per unit sold.

Monthly Subscription Fees Explained

Now let’s break down the cost to sell on Amazon per month, depending on your plan.

You only pay a monthly subscription fee if you're on the Professional plan. Individual sellers don’t have a monthly charge, but they pay per transaction. Here's what each plan looks like:

Individual Plan – $0/month + $0.99 per item sold

• No monthly fee
• Pay $0.99 per sale
• No access to advertising or advanced analytics
• Great for part-time or casual sellers
• Limited access to seller tools

Professional Plan – $39.99/month flat fee

• Fixed monthly fee, regardless of sales
• No per-item charge
• Access to Amazon Ads, inventory tools, and reports
• Eligible for the Buy Box, which boosts visibility
• Ideal for volume sellers and serious business owners

Most profitable sellers use this plan because it gives more control, scalability, and performance data.

Pro Tip: If you're selling more than 40 units per month, the Professional plan becomes more cost-effective than the Individual one.

Breakdown of Core Amazon Selling Fees

Once you create your Amazon seller account, you’ll face a variety of fees beyond just the monthly subscription. These are the core charges that apply to almost every transaction. If you're serious about keeping profits, you need to know how these Amazon seller fees work—before you list your first product.

Whether you’re using FBA or FBM, or figuring out how to sell on Amazon for beginners, understanding these costs helps you stay in control. Let’s go over the essential ones, in simple terms.

Referral Fees

Amazon charges a referral fee on every item you sell. It’s a percentage of your total sale price, including shipping and gift wrap.

What Percentage Does Amazon Take?

Referral fees usually range from 8% to 15%. The exact rate depends on your product category. Some categories even go higher.

According to Amazon’s official seller guide, most products fall between 8% and 15%, but a few—like Amazon device accessories—can go up to 45%.

This fee is non-negotiable. You pay it whether you fulfill orders yourself (FBM) or use Amazon FBA.

Referral Fee Rates by Product Category

Here’s a quick look at typical referral rates:

Use the Amazon selling fees calculator to check exact rates for your products.

Per-Item Selling Fees

This applies only to Individual Sellers.

If you're on the Individual Plan, you’ll be charged $0.99 per item sold. That’s in addition to referral fees.

There’s no cap here—whether you sell one item or 100, you pay per sale. This is why many sellers switch to the Professional Plan once they cross the 40-sales/month mark. It’s more cost-effective.

Closing Fees

These are flat-rate charges that apply to specific product types—mostly media.

If you sell:

• Books
• DVDs
• Music
• Video games

You’ll be charged a $1.80 closing fee per sale. This is stacked on top of the referral fee.

High-Volume Listing Fees

Planning to list thousands of SKUs?

If your catalog exceeds 1.5 million active SKUs, Amazon charges a high-volume listing fee of $0.001 above 1.5 million per listing per month. This usually applies to large-scale resellers or dropshippers with massive inventories.

For small or new sellers, you likely won’t hit this threshold early on—but it's good to be aware if you're scaling.

Rental Book Service Fees

If you offer textbook rentals, Amazon charges a $5 rental service fee per item. This is separate from referral or closing fees.

This applies specifically to sellers using Amazon’s rental book program, often active during back-to-school seasons.

Refund Administration Fees

When Amazon processes a refund for one of your customers, they keep a portion of the referral fee. This is called the Refund Administration Fee, and it’s one of those hidden costs many beginners overlook.

Here’s how it works:

• Amazon refunds the buyer.
• You get back most of the sale amount.
• But Amazon retains 20% of the referral fee, or $5, whichever is less.

For example, if you paid a $10 referral fee, Amazon keeps $2 and gives back $8 after the refund.

Fulfillment Costs – FBA vs FBM

When you're figuring out the cost to sell on Amazon, fulfillment is one of the biggest factors. It decides how much time you’ll spend handling orders—and how much you’ll actually pay per sale.

You can either let Amazon do the heavy lifting with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or take control yourself with Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). Both methods work, but their costs and responsibilities are very different.

Here’s how they compare so you can choose the best fit for your business.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

FBA lets you send your inventory to Amazon’s warehouses. They take care of storing, packing, shipping, and returns. It saves time, but you pay for that convenience.

Let’s look at the key FBA costs.

Amazon FBA Monthly Fee

There’s no flat monthly fee for using FBA, but Amazon charges a fulfillment fee per order. This depends on the size and weight of your item.

Typical FBA fulfillment fees per unit include:

• Small standard items (16 oz or less): around $3.06 to $3.65
• Large standard items (4 to 20lb): around $3.68 to $6.92
  

This cost is deducted automatically from your sales and varies per item.

If you want an accurate estimate for your product, the Amazon Selling Fees Calculator is the best place to start.

Amazon FBA Storage Fees

Amazon also charges a monthly storage fee for keeping your inventory in their warehouse. Fees vary by season:

• From January to September: around $0.87 per cubic foot
• From October to December: around $2.40 per cubic foot

If your items sit in storage for too long (typically over 365 days), Amazon may charge long-term storage fees. This adds up fast, so it’s important to keep your inventory moving.

Small and Light Program

This program is made for lightweight products priced under $12. If your product qualifies, you can save significantly on fulfillment fees.

Here’s what you get:

• Lower FBA fees than standard pricing
• Faster shipping for small, low-cost items
• Ideal for high-volume, low-margin products like accessories, tools, or beauty items

If you sell cheap but fast-moving items, this program can boost your profits.

Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) Fees

Amazon can also ship products you sell on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or eBay. This service is called Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), and it’s separate from regular FBA.

MCF shipping fees vary, but for standard delivery, expect:

• Smaller items: around $7 per order
• Medium-sized items: about $8 or more

MCF is useful if you want Amazon’s speed and reliability outside of their marketplace, but it comes at a higher cost per shipment.

Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)

With FBM, you do everything yourself. You list products on Amazon, but store, pack, and ship them from your own location or warehouse.

It’s a great option if you want more control and lower fees—but it does require more work.

Pros and Cons Compared to FBA

Benefits of FBM:

• No FBA fees or storage costs
• Full control over shipping, packaging, and handling
• Better for custom or fragile items
• Useful for sellers who already have a warehouse setup

Downsides of FBM:

• You must manage returns and customer service
• Slower delivery can affect your seller rating
• Less visibility in the Amazon Buy Box
• Takes more time, especially at scale

FBM suits sellers with low sales volume or niche products. It’s also popular among handmade sellers or those using third-party logistics.

Shipping Costs and Responsibility

As an FBM seller, you handle all aspects of shipping, including:

• Picking and packing orders
• Purchasing labels
• Choosing carriers (like USPS, FedEx, or UPS)
• Managing lost packages, delays, and returns

Shipping rates vary by carrier and destination, but here’s a general idea:

• Domestic orders: $3 to $8 per shipment
• International orders: $10 and up, depending on weight and location

You’ll also need to keep customers updated with tracking and delivery notifications. It’s more manual work, but some sellers prefer it for the added control.

FBA vs FBM: What Should You Choose?

• Choose FBA if you want a hands-off approach and faster Prime delivery
• Go with FBM if you prefer lower costs, more control, or sell custom or large items
• Many sellers use both—FBA for fast-moving inventory and FBM for specialty items

The choice comes down to your goals, budget, and how involved you want to be.

Amazon Selling Fees Calculator & Cost Examples

Knowing the cost to sell on Amazon is one thing. Calculating your real profit after Amazon seller fees is another. That’s where Amazon’s calculators come in handy.

Whether you're a beginner testing one product or a full-time FBA seller, tools like the Amazon Selling Fees Calculator and FBA Revenue Calculator help you estimate exact costs, fees, and profit margins before you list.

How to Use Amazon Selling Fees Calculator

The Amazon Selling Fees Calculator is a free tool inside Seller Central that lets you estimate fees for specific products. You can compare fulfillment options (FBA vs FBM) and instantly see which one gives better margins.

Here’s how to use it:

• Go to the Amazon Selling Fees Calculator
• Enter the product name, ASIN, or UPC
• Choose whether you want to fulfill it via FBA or FBM
• Enter your item price, shipping cost (for FBM), and item cost
• Hit "Calculate"

The tool then shows you:

• Referral fees
• FBA fulfillment fees
• Storage fees (estimated)
• Net profit per unit
• Total margin

It’s a must-have for product research and setting your pricing strategy.

Sample Cost Breakdown for Common Products

To give you a real sense of how Amazon seller fees work, let’s take a simple example: a $25 water bottle sold via FBA.

Product: Stainless Steel Water Bottle

• Product price: $25
• Product cost: $5
• Referral fee (15%): $3.75
• FBA fulfillment fee: $4.25
• Monthly storage fee (approx.): $0.40
• Net profit per unit: $11.60
• Profit margin: 46%

Now let’s compare that with FBM for the same item.

If you fulfill yourself (FBM):

• No FBA fee
• Shipping cost (USPS): $4.00
• Referral fee: $3.75
• Net profit: $12.25
• Profit margin: slightly higher, but more effort on your end

This example shows how fulfillment choices and pricing impact your bottom line. Using a calculator removes the guesswork.

Amazon FBA Revenue Calculator

The Amazon FBA Revenue Calculator is a more advanced tool tailored for FBA sellers. You can access it directly in your Seller Central dashboard.

Here’s what it helps you do:

• Forecast total revenue and costs
• Compare FBA vs FBM in one view
• Adjust shipping, production, and selling prices
• See monthly profitability at different sales volumes

You can also export the results to plan cash flow or pitch to partners and investors..

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners Without Breaking the Bank

Starting your Amazon journey doesn’t have to drain your savings. Whether you're testing a single product or launching a small side hustle, there are practical ways to keep your Amazon seller costs low—especially in the beginning.

The trick is knowing which selling methods and programs offer the best return on investment. In this section, we’ll explore how to sell on Amazon without inventory, ways to reduce your Amazon FBA fees, and smart programs that help you cut costs without sacrificing growth.

How to Sell on Amazon Without Inventory

If you’re on a tight budget, inventory might feel like a major barrier. But you can still sell on Amazon without holding stock.

Here are two beginner-friendly models:

• Dropshipping: You list products on Amazon and purchase them only after a customer orders. Your supplier ships the item directly to the buyer. You skip inventory, packing, and shipping costs.
• Print-on-Demand: Similar to dropshipping, but for custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. Once an order comes in, the product is printed and shipped by a third-party provider.

Both methods eliminate the need to invest upfront in bulk inventory. While your profit margins might be lower, you also avoid Amazon FBA monthly fees and storage charges.

If you're wondering how to sell on Amazon for beginners, this is one of the lowest-risk options to get started.

Ways to Lower Amazon FBA Costs

If you do choose FBA, there are still ways to reduce what you pay.

Here’s what experienced sellers do to cut fees:

• Optimize packaging: Smaller items cost less to ship and store. Trim unnecessary packaging to fit lower fee tiers.
• Avoid long-term storage: Keep your inventory moving. Amazon charges more if items sit in the warehouse too long.
• Bundle products: Bundling can increase order value while reducing per-unit handling fees.
• Track slow movers: Regularly review unsold items. Remove or discount them before they rack up storage charges.

Join Programs like Brand Referral Bonus & Small and Light

Amazon offers built-in programs that help reduce seller fees—and they’re especially helpful when you’re starting out.

Here are two worth exploring:

• Brand Referral Bonus: If you bring external traffic (like from social media or your blog) to Amazon and it converts, you get a referral fee credit. This offsets your selling fees by up to 10%. It’s ideal if you already have a small audience or email list.
• Small and Light Program: Perfect for low-cost, lightweight products. If your item meets the criteria (under $12, small dimensions), you get reduced FBA fees and access to free shipping for buyers.
  

Both programs are free to join and offer long-term savings for small sellers.

Cost to Sell on Amazon Per Month: What You Need to Budget

One of the most common questions new sellers ask is: “How much will it actually cost me each month to sell on Amazon?”

The answer depends on your selling plan, fulfillment method, and the tools you use. But whether you’re an individual seller testing the waters or using FBA to scale, it’s essential to understand your monthly expenses before diving in.

This section breaks down the typical monthly costs, so you can budget smart and avoid surprises as you grow.

Minimum Monthly Costs for Individual Sellers

If you're new and just want to try out selling on Amazon, the Individual Seller Plan is a simple, low-cost way to start.

Here’s what your monthly cost might look like with this plan:

• Amazon Seller Account: $0 per month
• Per-item fee: $0.99 for every item sold
• Referral fee: Usually 8%–15% of each sale
• Optional tools (product research, listing tools): $20–$50/month
• Shipping costs (if using FBM): Varies depending on product size and courier

For example, if you sell 30 items in a month, your base Amazon seller fees would be roughly $30 in per-item charges, plus referral fees on each item.

This model works best if you're just exploring how to sell on Amazon for beginners or selling at low volume.

Average Monthly Costs for FBA Sellers

If you're using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), your costs go up—but so does your convenience and potential sales volume.

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for small FBA sellers:

• Professional Plan: $39.99 flat monthly fee
• FBA Fulfillment Fees: Around $3–$5 per unit shipped
• Storage Fees: $0.87–$2.40 per cubic foot, depending on the season
• Amazon Ads (optional but common): $100+ per month
• Refund/return fees: Depends on volume
• Third-party tools (for automation, analytics, keyword tracking): $30–$100

If you sell 100 items/month through FBA, your monthly cost can easily range from $400 to $800, including fees, storage, and ads. That’s why calculating your cost to sell on Amazon per month is crucial to stay profitable.

Managing Your Profit Margins

Amazon's fee structure can be complex. So, how do you make sure your business stays profitable?

Here’s what successful sellers do:

• Use the Amazon Selling Fees Calculator to estimate exact costs before listing any product
• Price products with at least a 30–50% margin after all Amazon seller fees and shipping costs
• Track long-term inventory to avoid high storage charges
• Bundle or upsell to increase average order value without increasing fulfillment costs
• Optimize listings and ads to boost conversion and lower ad spend per sale

Also, don't forget to monitor your numbers regularly. It’s easy to lose track of costs as you grow.

Amazon Selling Policies That May Affect Fees

Understanding your Amazon seller fees goes beyond just listing charges or storage costs. Amazon’s selling policies play a major role in how much you pay—and what unexpected charges you might face later.

If you're trying to reduce your overall cost to sell on Amazon, you need to stay aligned with these policies. Not doing so could result in penalties, extra fees, or worse—account suspension. This section explains the essential policy areas that directly affect your costs.

Amazon’s Fee Category Guidelines

Amazon organizes products into categories, and each category has its own fee structure. Knowing which category your product belongs to is crucial because it decides your referral fee percentage and sometimes your closing fee.

Here’s why this matters:

• Selling in the wrong category can lead to higher fees or even suppressed listings.
• Some categories like clothing, electronics, or furniture have tiered or variable referral fees based on item price.
• Media items like books or DVDs have added closing fees not found in other categories.

Before you list, review the official Amazon Fee Category Guidelines to ensure your product is classified correctly. It helps you avoid unexpected costs and keeps your pricing competitive.

What Triggers Additional Charges?

Amazon may charge additional fees in specific cases—even if your regular seller fees look low at first glance.

Here are some common triggers:

• Long-term storage: Items stored over 365 days incur higher fees.
• High-volume listings: Listing over 100,000 SKUs can add monthly charges.
• Refunds: Amazon deducts up to 20% of the referral fee, or $5, on returns.
• Manual removals: Sending back or disposing of unsold FBA inventory adds per-unit removal fees.
• Late shipment or poor performance: FBM sellers may face penalties if orders are delayed or customer metrics drop.

These hidden fees often catch beginners off guard, especially those unfamiliar with the full Amazon fee structure.

Seller Support Services

Amazon offers seller support tools—but not all are free. Some optional services can impact your budget.

Here’s what to know:

• Premium Account Services: Amazon offers managed support with a dedicated account manager, but it can cost over $1,600/month plus 0.3% of total sales. This is more relevant for enterprise-level sellers.
• Marketplace Growth Support: Available to Professional Sellers needing onboarding help. Some support programs may be free for new sellers for the first few months.
• Self-help tools: Most sellers use Seller Central’s built-in tools to handle account issues, performance tracking, and fee management. These are free but require time and learning.

If you're just starting out or selling part-time, stick with free support until you're confident managing your listings and performance on your own.

Conclusion

Selling on Amazon can be rewarding, but only if you understand the full cost involved. From subscription plans and referral fees to FBA charges and policy-based extras, every fee impacts your bottom line. Use tools like the Amazon Selling Fees Calculator to stay ahead and plan smart. Whether you're starting with no inventory or scaling with FBA, knowing your numbers helps you stay profitable. Keep your listings optimized, monitor fees regularly, and choose the right programs to reduce costs. The more informed you are, the better your chances of building a successful, cost-efficient Amazon business.