Key takeaways
- There is no single global storage fee.
- Convert units and currencies before comparing.
- Seasonal windows differ by country.
- Record sources and dates for every figure.
No global fee table
Amazon operates marketplaces with their own fee schedules. Rates, rules, seasonal windows and program names vary. There is no single global table, and you should treat any article quoting a worldwide figure with suspicion. Always consult the fee schedule for each marketplace you use.
Units of measurement
Some marketplaces measure storage volume in cubic feet, others in cubic metres or centimetres, and weights in pounds or kilograms. Convert carefully when comparing and record the unit used in each model.
Currency and tax
Fees are charged in local currency, and some include or exclude sales taxes such as VAT or GST depending on the situation. Exchange rates move, so compare costs in a single reporting currency with a clearly dated rate.
Seasonal windows differ
Higher-rate periods are usually tied to local peak seasons, which differ by country. A peak period in one marketplace may not match another's. Check the dates and plan inventory for each marketplace accordingly.
Aged inventory and limits
Rules about how long inventory can sit before extra charges apply, and about capacity limits, vary by marketplace. Review each marketplace's current approach and set separate thresholds for monitoring.
- Rate structure and units
- Seasonal rate periods
- Aged or long-term storage rules
- Capacity or storage limits
Regional programs
Some regions offer programs that let you store inventory in several countries from one account or send stock across borders. They have their own terms and fees, so evaluate them separately, including how fees are charged when stock is distributed.
Build a comparison model
Create a table by marketplace with local rates, units, seasonal periods and conversion to your reporting currency. Add average days of supply and packaged volume per product. Compare cost per unit sold rather than cost per cubic unit.
Keep sources and dates
Record the source page and date for every fee figure in your model. When Amazon updates a schedule, you can see what changed and re-run the comparison.
A worked example
A seller expands a product from its home marketplace to another country. Using the local schedule, they find that storage costs per unit sold are higher because sales velocity is initially lower. They send a smaller first shipment and increase later, keeping storage cost in check while demand builds.
Common mistakes
Typical errors include comparing numbers in different units, ignoring currency and tax differences and assuming that fees and rules are identical. Use local sources only.
Your next three steps
Build a fair cross-country storage comparison.
- Collect each marketplace's current schedule and record the date.
- Convert units and currency into a single basis.
- Compare cost per unit sold, not cost per cubic unit.
Key terms
A few terms used above, in plain language.
- Cubic volume: the space an item occupies.
- Seasonal window: a period with higher storage rates.
- Reporting currency: the single currency you compare costs in.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find fees for each country?
In Seller Central help pages for that marketplace.
Should I send the same quantity to each country?
Not necessarily. Base it on local demand and storage cost per unit sold.
This guide is general information. Amazon's fees, policies and program rules change and vary by marketplace, so confirm current details in Seller Central and, for tax or legal questions, with a qualified adviser.