The lines between revenue and payout · Cubic feet, not unit count
Monthly storage fees
Storage is charged on volume and time, with a higher rate in the peak season. The unit that looks small can still be expensive.
Key facts
| Basis | Average daily volume in cubic feet for the month |
|---|---|
| Seasonality | Peak-season rates commonly apply in the fourth quarter |
| Size effect | Bulky units pay more even when they sell slowly |
| Interaction | Aged-inventory surcharges apply on top for older units |
| Lever | Reduce carton volume, improve sell-through, remove slow units |
| Official source | The FBA storage fee schedule for your marketplace and the inventory age report |
Cubic feet, not unit count
Storage is a volume charge. A hundred small units can cost less than ten bulky ones. The seller who counts units rather than cubic feet is often surprised by the bill, especially when the product is light and bulky.
The rate also depends on the time of year. The same unit can cost materially more in the peak quarter, so a Q4 buy plan should include the storage differential, not just the freight and duty.
The interaction with age
Monthly storage is separate from the aged-inventory surcharge. A unit that sits for a year pays both: the monthly volume charge and the age-based surcharge. The combined cost can exceed the unit's contribution.
The cheapest storage decision is made before the purchase order. Forecast sell-through, reserve capacity for the fast SKUs, and plan a removal or liquidation date for the slow ones. Storage is a symptom of an inventory decision, not a fee you negotiate after the fact.
Frequently asked questions
How is storage calculated?
It is based on the average daily volume held during the month, measured in cubic feet, at the rate for the size tier and season.
Why is my Q4 bill higher?
Peak-season storage rates are commonly higher in the fourth quarter, and inventory often peaks at the same time.
Does storage apply to removed inventory?
Once the removal order is created, the units leave the sellable pool. Check the timing of the removal and the billing cycle.
Can I reduce storage without removing inventory?
Improving sell-through, reducing packaging volume and reallocating slow units to a 3PL can all lower the cubic-foot charge.
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