E-commerce giant Amazon has announced adjustments to its seller fees, citing reasons such as inflation, interest rates, and industry norms as driving factors. These changes, effective April 7, will impact various fee components, including referral fees, closing fees, and weight handling fees, among others, for sellers on its marketplace, Amazon.in.
The revised fee structure reflects shifts in referral fees, with reductions in certain categories like apparel and increases in others such as business supplies and laptop accessories. Additionally, the closing fee for items priced over Rs 1,000 will see a Rs 3 increase, while the weight handling fee will also rise by Rs 2 to accommodate inflationary pressures in shipping costs.
An Amazon India spokesperson emphasised the importance of seller fees and incentives in sustaining a robust marketplace, particularly in digitizing small and medium-sized businesses and nurturing their growth into prominent national brands. The company asserts that these adjustments are aligned with its commitment to fostering Amazon.in as a premier platform for sellers in India, facilitating efficient growth opportunities.
In line with these modifications, Amazon has also removed its Zero Fee fulfilment policy, thereby imposing weight handling shipping fees on standard-sized shipments priced above Rs 20,000, effective April 30, 2024. Furthermore, it has clarified that an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be applicable to all fee types listed.
By adjusting its fee structures, Amazon aims to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and enhanced seller experiences on its platform, ultimately contributing to the digital transformation of businesses across India.