Plain-English definition
Referral fee
A marketplace selling fee associated with a completed transaction. The applicable amount can depend on marketplace rules, product category, price, and other current terms.
Why referral fees belong in a profit estimate
Ignoring a category-based selling fee can overstate the proceeds left after a sale. Include the applicable estimate when comparing potential products, and confirm that the category and current fee rules match the listing.
Margin Seller can apply a category-based estimate for planning. It is not an official fee quote; check the marketplace's current seller resources for definitive terms.
Referral fee vs fulfillment fee
The referral fee pays for selling on the marketplace. Fulfillment fees pay for storage, picking, and shipping if you use FBA or WFS.
You need both fee types when you calculate profit, because the referral fee alone understates the cost of a sale.
Keep referral fees separate from fulfillment costs
A referral fee is a marketplace selling-cost line; fulfillment covers a different part of the order operation. When reviewing a product, confirm the marketplace, listing category, transaction conditions, and current official fee guidance before using a category-based estimate.
Do not transfer an assumption from one marketplace or category to another. The estimate is a planning input, and any applicable minimums, exceptions, or current program terms should be checked in the marketplace’s own seller resources.
- Verify the product category used by the listing and by your estimate.
- Record the source and date of any seller-entered fee assumption.
- Review referral and fulfillment costs as separate lines in the unit model.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Are referral fee rates identical across categories?
No. Marketplace fee rules can vary by category and other conditions, and they may be updated.
Where can I confirm current fees?
Review the official seller fee resources for the relevant marketplace and verify the listing's category and fee conditions.
What is the Amazon referral fee?
It is a category-based percentage of the sale price that Amazon charges on each sale. Check Amazon's current fee schedule for the rate that applies.
Ready to check a listing?
Put the assumptions to work.
Bring the visible listing facts and your own costs into a product audit before you commit to inventory.