The lines between revenue and payout · Size, weight and speed
FBA fulfilment fees
Fulfilment is priced by size tier, shipping weight and programme. A centimetre or an ounce can move the unit into a different band.
Key facts
| Basis | Per unit, by size tier and shipping weight, with programme and marketplace variations |
|---|---|
| Size tiers | Standard, oversize and sub-tiers; the boundaries are defined by dimensions and weight |
| Dimensional weight | Bulky but light units can be charged on volume rather than actual weight |
| Low-price tiers | Some marketplaces apply lower fees below a price threshold |
| Packaging lever | Reducing box dimensions can move a unit into a cheaper tier |
| Official source | The FBA fulfilment fee schedule for your marketplace and size tier |
Size, weight and speed
Fulfilment fees bundle picking, packing, delivery and customer service. The price is driven by the space the unit occupies and the weight the network moves, not by the item's cost. A light, bulky product can be charged more than a dense, heavy one.
The tier boundaries are the practical lever. A packaging change that shaves a centimetre can move a unit from oversize to standard, which changes both the fulfilment fee and the storage fee. Test the packed unit, not the product.
Test the packaging against the schedule
Measure the packed carton, including any protective material, and compare it with the tier boundaries. If the unit sits just above a boundary, a smaller carton or a different insert can pay for itself quickly at volume.
Remember that the fee schedule changes. Re-run the comparison when the schedule is updated or when the product mix changes. A packaging decision that was optimal last year may be neutral or negative now.
Frequently asked questions
Is fulfilment charged on actual or dimensional weight?
The greater of actual and dimensional weight is commonly used. Check the schedule for the exact rule and divisor.
Can I reduce the fee by changing packaging?
Yes, if the change moves the unit into a lower size tier or reduces the billable weight. Measure the packed carton.
Do low-price items pay less?
Some marketplaces have lower fulfilment fees below a price threshold. The threshold and eligibility rules are in the schedule.
Are FBA fees refunded on returns?
The fulfilment fee is generally not refunded in full on a return. Returns processing and return shipping can also apply.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.