Are you eager to discover the true costs involved in launching your Amazon FBA venture? While countless resources debate the initial capital required to become an Amazon seller, we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the actual expenses involved. Whether your starting capital is €2000 or €5000, the possibilities are within reach. However, it’s essential to understand that the magnitude of your seed capital plays a significant role in determining your success.
In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Amazon FBA costs, shedding light on how your investment impacts various aspects of your business. One critical factor to consider is the role of Amazon Advertising. With a larger marketing budget, you can expedite product sales and witness the fruits of your labor sooner. Over time, your organic ranking in Amazon’s search results will soar, leading to a positive return on investment.
While it’s undoubtedly possible to build a thriving Amazon FBA business with limited funds, it’s crucial to acknowledge that attaining higher organic search results and achieving a positive ROI may require a more extended timeframe. In essence, the journey to success is within your grasp, but understanding the correlation between investment and outcomes is vital to make informed decisions along the way.
Join us as we uncover the key components of Amazon FBA costs, enabling you to strategize your investment wisely and unlock the full potential of your business.
Below you can find a table with an overview of all Amazon FBA costs to set up an Amazon FBA business. The table was created by SatiSupp specialists. Each cost category is meticulously analyzed in detail following the overview table.
All Amazon FBA Costs: A Detailed Breakdown
| Category | Item | One-off costs (from/to) | Running costs (from/to) |
| Basics | Company Formation | €30-€50 | |
| Accounting | €15 – €20 per month | ||
| Business Account | €10 – €15 per month | ||
| Logo Creation | €13.50 – €200 | ||
| Cost of goods | Products | $500-$2000 | |
| Samples | about 200 € | ||
| Packaging | €0.01 – €1.35 each | ||
| Delivery | €250-€500 | ||
| EAN/GTIN number | €55 | ||
| Product Photos | €35.99 per image | ||
| Certificates | €20 – €2000 | ||
| Packaging License | €59 | ||
| Other costs | Customs Costs | (Value of goods + shipping costs) * duty rate = duty amount | |
| Applicable taxes | Individually | ||
| Amazon Fees | Individually | ||
| Amazon Advertising | Individually | ||
| Optional costs | Flyers and Inserts | €0.05 per package insert | |
| Quality Control | €200 | ||
| Trademark Application | €290 |
The Basic Costs of Amazon FBA
Company Formation: Laying the Foundation
When starting an Amazon FBA business, one of the first steps is to establish a legal entity. Company formation costs encompass registering your business, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and meeting compliance requirements. These expenses may vary depending on your location and the type of business structure you choose, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). While professional assistance can be beneficial, it’s essential to consider both the upfront and ongoing costs involved in company formation.
Company Formation Costs: €30-€50 (one-off cost)
Accounting: Keeping Your Finances in Check
Maintaining accurate financial records is paramount for any business, including an Amazon FBA venture. Hiring an experienced accountant or utilizing accounting software can help streamline your financial processes. Accounting costs cover bookkeeping, tax preparation, and periodic financial analysis. By keeping track of your income, expenses, and sales tax obligations, you can ensure compliance, make informed decisions, and optimize your profitability within the FBA ecosystem.
Accounting Costs: €15 – €20 per month (running cost)
Business Account: Optimizing Financial Management
Setting up a dedicated business account is crucial for effectively managing your Amazon FBA finances. A separate account provides clarity and simplifies tracking your business-related transactions. While business account fees may vary among different financial institutions, it’s worth considering the features and benefits offered, such as online banking, merchant services, and integration with accounting software. Additionally, maintaining a separate business account helps to establish credibility and enhances the professionalism of your FBA enterprise.
Business Account Cost: €10 – €15 per month (running cost)
Logo Creation: Crafting Your Brand Identity
Creating a distinct brand identity is essential for standing out in the competitive Amazon marketplace. Your logo serves as a visual representation of your business and influences customer perception. Logo creation costs may include hiring a graphic designer or utilizing online logo-making tools. Investing in a professionally designed logo can pay dividends in terms of brand recognition, customer trust, and market positioning. Remember to consider the scalability of your logo design, as it should be adaptable to various marketing channels and promotional materials.
Logo Creation Cost: €13.50 – €200 (One-off cost)
Amazon FBA: Cost of Goods
Product Orders: The Foundation of Your Busines
When it comes to Amazon FBA, product orders form the backbone of your business. These costs encompass sourcing products from suppliers, negotiating prices, and ensuring product quality. Conducting thorough market research and supplier evaluations is essential for finding reliable and cost-effective sources. By optimizing your product order process, you can strike a balance between profitability and customer satisfaction, laying a solid foundation for your FBA venture.
On platforms like Alibaba, the minimum order quantity is typically around 500 units, but negotiation can sometimes lower this requirement. Other platforms similar to Alibaba may offer smaller minimum order quantities. Product costs play a significant role. Lower-priced items can be as low as $0.04 per unit, while more expensive products range from $30 to $40 per unit. For a minimum order of 100 units, prices can range from $4 to $3000 to $4000 (excluding shipping).
In general, purchase prices depend on the minimum order quantity and the price per unit. Orders typically start at around $500 to $2000 (excluding shipping). Ordering larger quantities can reduce the cost per piece, offering better economic value.
Products: $500-$2000 (running cost)
Samples: Ensuring Quality and Customer Satisfaction
Requesting samples from suppliers is a critical step to assess product quality, functionality, and compliance. While there may be some costs associated with obtaining samples, it’s a worthwhile investment to ensure you deliver high-quality products to your customers. By carefully evaluating samples, you can verify their compatibility with Amazon’s guidelines and make informed decisions on sourcing the best products for your target market.
Samples Cost: ~200€ (running cost)
Packaging: Protecting Products and Enhancing Branding
Packaging plays a vital role in the success of your Amazon FBA business. It serves as a protective layer for your products during shipping and handling while also showcasing your brand identity. Costs related to packaging include materials, design, and customization. Investing in well-designed, sturdy packaging not only safeguards your products but also enhances the unboxing experience, leaving a lasting impression on customers and fostering brand loyalty.
You can choose between three different types of packaging:
| Packaging Type | Price Range (per piece) |
| Polybag | €0.01 – €0.15 |
| Blister Card | €0.09 – €0.36 |
| Color Box | €0.18 – €1.35 |
Delivery: Bridging the Gap between Supplier and Customer
Smooth and efficient delivery is paramount for ensuring customer satisfaction. Amazon offers various delivery options, and understanding the associated costs is crucial for optimizing your logistics. Factors influencing delivery costs include shipment size, weight, distance, and the chosen shipping method. By comparing different shipping providers and leveraging Amazon’s fulfilment network, you can minimize delivery costs while maintaining reliable and timely order fulfilment.
Samples Cost: €250-€500 (running cost)
EAN/GTIN Number: Ensuring Product Identification and Compliance
Every product listed on Amazon requires a unique EAN (European Article Number) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) to facilitate accurate identification and tracking. Acquiring these numbers may incur a one-time cost, but it’s an essential investment for compliance and smooth selling on the platform. Obtaining EAN/GTIN numbers helps you avoid potential listing suspensions and ensures your products are easily discoverable by customers, boosting your sales potential.
EAN/GTIN Number Cost: 55€ (One-off cost)
Product Photos: Captivating Customers with Visual Appeal
Compelling product photos are crucial for attracting customers and driving conversions. While you can take product photos yourself, hiring a professional photographer may yield higher-quality results. Costs associated with product photography include equipment, props, lighting, and post-production editing. By investing in visually appealing product images, you can showcase your offerings effectively, build trust with customers, and increase the likelihood of sales.
Product Photos Cost: €35.99 per image (running cost)
Cost of Certificates: Meeting Safety and Compliance Standards
Depending on the nature of your products, you may need to obtain certain certifications to meet safety and compliance standards. Costs associated with certifications vary depending on the type of product and the certification requirements. While these costs can add up, they are essential for ensuring the integrity of your products, building customer trust, and complying with legal regulations. Below are the basic certificates relevant to Amazon Sellers:
- LFGB – Food and Feed Code – €400 to €2000
- CE – Marking – Health, Safety and Environment – €100 to €800
- REACH – Chemical safety – €20 to €300
- RoHS – Hazardous Substances Safety – €80 to €600
Packaging License: Standing Out in a Crowded Marketplace
If you want to differentiate your products further, obtaining a packaging license may be worth considering. This allows you to customize your packaging with unique branding elements or exclusive designs. While licensing costs may vary, this investment can help your products stand out in a crowded marketplace, attract customers’ attention, and elevate your brand image.
Packaging License Costs: €59 (one-off cost)
Amazon FBA: Other Costs
Customs Costs: Overcoming International Trade Barriers
When selling internationally through Amazon FBA, customs costs come into play. These expenses include duties, tariffs, and fees associated with importing products into different countries. The specific customs costs depend on factors such as the type of product, its value, and the destination country. By familiarizing yourself with customs regulations and consulting with experts if needed, you can navigate these costs effectively and ensure smooth cross-border operations.
To provide an illustration, consider the scenario of selling plastic construction toys. In this example, the duty rate is determined to be 4.7%. To calculate the duty amount, you would apply the following formula:
(Value of goods + shipping costs) * duty rate = duty amount
This calculation enables you to determine the customs duty that needs to be taken into account when assessing the import sales tax. It’s important to utilize this formula to accurately calculate the customs duty and consider it in conjunction with other applicable taxes and fees related to your Amazon FBA business.
Applicable Taxes: Meeting Tax Obligations
Import Sales Tax
Import sales tax is a tax imposed on goods imported into a specific country. The rate and applicability of import sales tax can vary depending on the destination country and the nature of the products being imported. It’s important to research and understand the import sales tax requirements of the countries you are selling to, as failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and legal issues.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Value-added tax, commonly referred to as VAT, is a consumption tax levied on the value added at each stage of production and distribution of goods and services. The VAT rate and requirements can differ from country to country, and as an Amazon FBA seller, you may be required to register for VAT in certain jurisdictions based on your sales volume and the countries you sell to. It’s essential to understand the VAT obligations and consider the impact of VAT on your pricing and profitability.
Income Tax
Income tax is a tax levied on the income generated by individuals or businesses. As an Amazon FBA seller, you will be subject to income tax on the profits earned from your sales. The specific income tax regulations and rates vary depending on the jurisdiction in which you operate. It’s important to maintain accurate records of your income and expenses and work with a qualified tax professional to ensure compliance with income tax regulations.
Trade Tax
Trade tax, also known as business tax, is a tax imposed on business activities. The rate and applicability of trade tax can vary depending on the local tax regulations in the jurisdiction where your business is located. It’s important to understand the trade tax requirements and consider its impact on your overall tax liability and financial planning.
The trade tax is calculated as follows:
Profit * trade tax amount * assessment rate = trade tax
Amazon Fees: Supporting the FBA Ecosystem
Amazon seller account
When it comes to the Amazon Seller Account, there are two types of accounts you can use to sell things on Amazon:
Simple Account
- No basic fee every month
- €0.99 per item, plus a portion of sales as a referral fee
Account for a professional seller
- A monthly membership fee of €39 net
- Only percentage fees for referrals
At SatiSupp, we would suggest that you go straight for the professional seller account because the basic account only makes sense if you sell less than 40 items per month.
Selling Fees
As an Amazon FBA seller, you can expect to incur selling fees. These fees are a percentage of the product’s sale price and are charged by Amazon for the services they provide. The specific percentage varies depending on the category of the product and can range from a few percent to around 15%. It’s important to factor in these selling fees when determining your pricing strategy and profit margins.
Storage Fees
One of the conveniences of using Amazon FBA is the ability to store your inventory in their fulfilment centres. However, this service comes with storage fees. These fees are based on the volume of space your products occupy in Amazon’s warehouses and the duration of storage. It’s essential to optimize your inventory management to minimize storage fees by regularly monitoring your inventory levels and adjusting your orders accordingly. Here is an overview of the storage fees:
| Clothing, shoes and bagsstandard size | Other productsstandard size | Plus Size | |
| January to September | €15.6 per cubic meter per month | €26.00 per cubic meter per month | €18.00 per cubic meter per month |
| October to September | €21.6 per cubic meter per month | €36.00 per cubic meter per month | €25.00 per cubic meter per month |
FBA shipping costs
When utilizing Amazon FBA, you can take full advantage of their fulfilment network to handle the shipping of your products to your customers. FBA shipping costs include the expenses associated with packaging, delivering and handling your products. These costs vary based on factors such as product dimensions, weight, and destination. It’s important to take these shipping costs into account when figuring out your general pricing strategy to make sure they’re covered and don’t cut into your profits.
Amazon Advertising: Boosting Visibility and Sales
Amazon advertising is a powerful tool to enhance product visibility and drive sales. By strategically promoting your products on the platform, you can reach a broader audience and increase your chances of securing conversions. However, advertising on Amazon comes at a cost. The advertising fees are determined through various models such as cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM). It’s essential to allocate a portion of your budget to Amazon advertising while carefully monitoring the performance and return on investment (ROI) of your campaigns.
Amazon FBA Cost: Optional Costs
Flyers and Inserts: Reinforcing Brand Messaging
Including flyers or inserts in your packages can be an effective way to reinforce your brand messaging and encourage repeat purchases. These marketing materials allow you to showcase new products, provide discounts, or share valuable information with your customers. While the cost of producing and including flyers and inserts may vary, it can be a worthwhile investment to boost customer loyalty and drive additional sales. Consider the design and content of your materials to ensure they resonate with your target audience and align with your brand’s identity.
Quality Control: Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
Maintaining consistent product quality is paramount for success on Amazon FBA. Quality control costs involve measures such as product inspections, lab testing, and compliance checks. By investing in quality control, you can minimize the risk of negative customer experiences, returns, and negative reviews. The cost of quality control may vary depending on factors such as product complexity and the level of scrutiny required. Prioritize customer satisfaction by implementing rigorous quality control practices to protect your brand reputation and drive positive customer feedback.
Trademark Application: Safeguarding Your Brand Identity
Registering a trademark for your brand is an important step in protecting your intellectual property rights and establishing a strong brand identity. The cost of trademark application includes filing fees and legal assistance if needed. While these costs may vary, securing a trademark provides you with exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan, safeguarding your business from potential infringement issues. A registered trademark adds credibility to your brand and enhances its value in the marketplace.
What are the Hidden Costs of Amazon FBA?
While the benefits of Amazon FBA are undeniable, it’s essential to be aware of some potential hidden costs that can impact your bottom line. Let’s delve into a few key areas that may involve additional expenses:
1. Returns and Refunds: Dealing with returns and refunds is an inevitable part of e-commerce. Amazon FBA provides a streamlined returns process, but keep in mind that returns may incur additional costs such as return shipping fees and potential restocking fees. It’s essential to factor these costs into your pricing strategy to avoid any surprises.
2. Inventory Replenishment: Restocking your inventory can come with expenses such as supplier fees, production costs, and shipping charges. Proper inventory management and forecasting can help you optimize your replenishment strategy, minimizing the impact on your budget.
3. Competitor Analysis and Market Research: Staying ahead of the competition requires continuous analysis and research. Investing in tools and resources for competitor analysis, market trends, and customer insights may involve additional expenses. However, these investments can provide valuable data to refine your product selection and marketing strategies, leading to higher sales and profitability.
Strategies for Minimizing Amazon FBA Costs
There are several strategies you can use to minimize your Amazon FBA costs. For example, you can reduce your storage fees by regularly reviewing your inventory levels and removing slow-moving or unsold products from Amazon’s warehouses.
You can also optimize your packaging and shipping to reduce the weight and size of your products, thereby lowering your fulfilment fees. Additionally, utilizing Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program or offering bundles can increase your sales and help you reach higher profit margins.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding the costs associated with running an Amazon FBA business is crucial for effective financial planning. By analysing and managing product costs, packaging and labelling costs, shipping and import costs, Amazon seller fees, marketing and advertising costs and all the costs that we have analysed above you can optimize your expenses and maximize profitability. Remember, careful evaluation, strategic decision-making, and ongoing cost optimization are key to long-term success in the world of Amazon FBA.
 | We hope this article was helpful! This article was written by Achilleas Daskalakis, co-founder of SatiSupp, a leading European Amazon consulting agency. With 10+ years of experience in the Amazon marketplaces (UK, US, DE, FR, IT, ES) SatiSupp has helped numerous sellers optimise their product listings, increase their sales, and grow their businesses. Contact us today for a FREE consultation and start taking your Amazon business to the next level. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to maximise your success on Amazon. |
FAQs About Amazon FBA Costs
Are there any upfront costs to join Amazon FBA?
There are no specific upfront costs to join Amazon FBA. However, you should consider expenses such as product sourcing, inventory, and packaging materials.
Are there any hidden costs associated with Amazon FBA?
While Amazon FBA offers a streamlined fulfilment process, it’s essential to consider costs like long-term storage fees, returns and refunds, and advertising expenses.
Can I control the pricing of my products on Amazon FBA?
Yes, as an Amazon FBA seller, you have control over your product pricing. However, it’s important to consider your costs, competitors’ pricing, and market demand to set competitive prices.
How can I optimize my Amazon FBA costs?
Effective inventory planning, strategic pricing, and streamlining operations are key strategies to optimize your Amazon FBA costs and maximize profitability.
Is it possible to switch between Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM)?
Yes, you can switch between FBA and FBM based on your business needs. It’s important to evaluate the costs and benefits of each method to make an informed decision.