Amazon Selling Fees Explained (and How to Work Around Them in 2026)

Amazon UK fees can eat into reseller profits fast. This 2026 guide explains all key fees and how sellers can protect margins with FBM, bundles, and low-cost stock.

 

(2 Min 18 Sec Read)

Amazon gives sellers massive reach—but at a cost

If you’ve ever made a £12 sale and seen £5 disappear in fees, you’re not alone. Amazon’s fee system can be confusing—and expensive—especially for resellers working with tight margins.

This guide breaks down Amazon UK’s 2026 fee structure and offers practical tips to reduce costs and increase profits.

 

The 3 Main Amazon Fees Resellers Must Know

1. Referral Fee

This is the cut Amazon takes from every sale. It's a % of your selling price, before VAT or postage.

 

Category	Referral Fee
Fashion/Apparel	15%
Home & Kitchen	15%
Electronics	7–12%
Beauty	8–15%
Books, Media, DVDs	15%

 

✅ Minimum referral fee: £0.25 (on most items)

Note: Amazon applies this even if the item is returned!

 

2. FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) Fees

If you let Amazon store and ship your items, you’ll pay:

• Fulfilment Fee: (pick, pack, ship): From £2.19 per item
• Storage Fee: Charged monthly, based on space used
• Returns Handling Fee: On specific categories, like apparel

FBA fees can easily total £3–£5 per item, even on low-value stock.

 

3. Subscription / Account Fee

Amazon has two account types:

• Individual (no monthly fee): Pay £0.75 per item sold
• Professional (£25/month): No per-item fee, access to bulk tools

✅ If you're selling more than 34 items/month, the Pro plan saves you money.

 

4 Ways Resellers Can Reduce Amazon Fees in 2026

✅ 1. Use FBM Instead of FBA

FBM = Fulfilled by Merchant
You pack + ship items yourself, avoiding fulfilment and storage fees.

Why it works for resellers:

• Control over packaging
• Works better for clearance & liquidation items
• Fewer issues with item condition
• No surprise storage costs

You can still qualify for Prime using Amazon’s Seller Fulfilled Prime option if eligible.

 

✅ 2. Sell Bundles Instead of Single Items

Bundling = more value per sale, but only one referral fee.

Example:

£10 t-shirt = £1.50 fee

3x £10 t-shirts in a bundle = £30 sale = £4.50 fee

Buyer saves, you earn more per transaction

✅ Bundle slow movers or similar stock

✅ Create “mystery packs” or themed lots

✅ Save on packaging and postage

 

✅ 3. Source Stock with Built-in Margins

If you're paying £6 for stock that sells for £10, you're unlikely to profit after fees.

That’s where liquidation, clearance, and £1 stock come in.

Ideal margin targets:

• Buy for £1–£3
• Sell for £10–£15
• Stay FBM
• Keep the weight under 2kg for cheap postage

Mystery fashion bundles and branded basics work great for this model.

 

✅ 4. Avoid Categories with High Returns

Some Amazon categories are return-prone, and you’ll still pay fees even if the item is returned.

⚠️ Risky zones for resellers:

• Shoes (fit issues)
• Electronics (damage claims)
• Beauty (hygiene reasons)
• Toys (after seasonal rush)

Instead, focus on:

• Accessories
• Home goods
• Multi-item bundles
• Non-size-dependent clothing

 

FAQ: Amazon UK Selling Fees

Do I have to pay referral fees if I ship myself?

Yes—referral fees apply to all sales, regardless of fulfilment method.

What’s better for resellers: FBM or FBA?

FBM offers more control and lower risk for clearance and bundle sellers. FBA suits private label and high-volume sellers.

Can I use both FBM and FBA at the same time?

Yes—you can list some items as FBM and others as FBA, depending on stock type.

Is the Individual account better for small sellers?

Only if you sell under 35 items/month, if you're scaling, go Pro.

 

Final Thoughts

Amazon has unbeatable reach—but fees can drain your profits fast. By avoiding unnecessary charges, using FBM, and sourcing smart, you can keep your reseller margins strong in 2026.

Want Amazon-ready stock that works with your margins? Check out our FBM-friendly bundles, low-fee fashion lots, or £1 reseller parcels to keep your business lean and profitable.