Amazon FBA Fee Structure Explained

Amazon FBA Fulfillment by Amazon is a logistics service provided by Amazon that allows merchants to store their products in Amazon's warehouses and have Amazon handle order processing, packaging, and shipping. This service is highly attractive for sellers looking to expand their online business reach because it not only simplifies operational processes but also enhances customer satisfaction. So, what exactly are the charging rules of Amazon FBA?

Firstly, the fees of Amazon FBA mainly consist of several parts storage fees, picking and packing fees, delivery fees, and return handling fees. The storage fee is calculated based on the space occupied by each item per month, usually charged per cubic foot. For instance, if an item has a large volume but is lightweight, it may occupy more space, resulting in higher storage costs. Amazon also adjusts storage rates according to different seasons; for example, during peak sales seasons like Christmas, storage fees may increase.

Picking and packing fees are determined by the size and weight of the items. Generally, small and light items have lower picking and packing costs, while large and heavy items require higher fees. Amazon automatically calculates these fees based on the specific types of items in each order and adds them to the total shipping cost.

Delivery fees depend on the product size segment and destination. Amazon categorizes all sellable goods into multiple size segments, each corresponding to different delivery prices. Domestic delivery fees are relatively low, whereas international delivery fees are higher due to factors such as customs clearance. Additionally, Amazon Prime members enjoy free two-day delivery, which is actually covered by Amazon, but non-Prime users need to pay standard delivery fees.

Moreover, Amazon FBA provides return management services, including receiving returned items, checking their condition, and deciding whether to accept return requests. Correspondingly, Amazon charges a certain return handling fee for each return. It is worth noting that certain special categories, such as clothing, have higher return rates, so the return handling fees for this category are relatively high.

In addition to the aforementioned basic fees, Amazon may charge other related service fees to sellers, such as long-term storage fees for unsold items over a long period, removal order fees when sellers want to retrieve items from Amazon warehouses, and inventory destruction fees. Although these additional fees may not apply to every seller, understanding their existence helps better plan financial budgets.

In recent years, with the rapid development of the cross-border e-commerce industry, an increasing number of Chinese sellers have begun to use the Amazon platform to expand their international markets. According to relevant data, in the first half of 2025, the number of Chinese brands entering the U.S. market through the Amazon platform increased by nearly 30% year-on-year. For these new sellers, familiarity with and reasonable use of the various charging standards of Amazon FBA are particularly important. On one hand, it can effectively control costs; on the other hand, it can ensure that products are delivered to consumers promptly and accurately, thereby enhancing overall competitiveness.

In conclusion, Amazon FBA, as a mature third-party logistics solution, has a complex but transparent charging system. Sellers should choose to use FBA services reasonably based on their product characteristics and market demand, and keep abreast of the latest policy dynamics released by Amazon to make optimal decisions. At the same time, strengthening communication and exchanges with Amazon's customer service team is essential, so problems can be quickly resolved and unnecessary economic losses avoided.