If you sell on multiple marketplaces, you know that each platform has its own rates. But how much do you actually pay per platform? Research by FiveX among the ten largest Dutch marketplaces shows that the differences are significant. Amazon charges an average commission of 19.7%, making it the most expensive platform studied, while the average across all platforms is 14.5%.
In this article, we compare the costs of eight major e-commerce platforms so you get a better picture of what each channel costs you.
What are platform fees?
At most marketplaces, platform costs consist of a commission: a percentage of the selling price that the platform deducts from each sale. Sometimes fixed monthly costs, fulfillment fees, or advertising costs are added on top. This article focuses on commission costs, as they have the most direct impact on your profit margin per sale.
Platform fees per marketplace
Zalando: approximately 25%
Zalando charges a commission of approximately 25% for brands and manufacturers selling through the platform. This makes Zalando on paper the most expensive platform in this overview, but its reach in the fashion and lifestyle sector is substantial. Exact rates may vary by category and partnership arrangement.
Amazon: 19.7%
Amazon is the most expensive platform in the FiveX research. On average, Amazon charges 19.7% commission on the selling price. This can vary depending on the product category. On top of that, FBA users also face fulfillment and storage costs. Want to calculate exactly what Amazon costs you per product? Check out our guide on calculating Amazon costs.
Otto: 5% to 22%
Otto Market applies highly differentiated rates per category. PC components start at just 5%, consumer electronics at 7%, while jewelry can go up to 22%. Clothing and furniture fall somewhere in between. In addition to the commission, sellers pay a monthly base subscription of €99.90. Otto is one of the largest marketplaces in Germany and is therefore interesting for sellers looking to reach Germany and the surrounding region.
Bol.com: average 14.2%
Bol.com charges an average commission of 14.2%, but rates vary significantly by category. Electric tools pay as little as 4.1%, while jewelry and watches go up to 20.7%. In addition to the variable commission, Bol also charges a fixed fee per item ranging from €0.20 to €0.85, depending on the selling price.
MediaMarkt: 13.7%
MediaMarkt sits just below the average at 13.7%. This platform is particularly interesting for sellers in electronics and household appliances.
Decathlon: 10% to 18%
Decathlon charges commissions between 10% and 18%, depending on product category and product value. In addition to the commission, sellers pay a fixed monthly subscription of €40. The platform focuses exclusively on sports and outdoor products, making it a niche but highly specialized sales channel.
Kaufland: 7% to 16%
Kaufland uses differentiated rates per category. Computers and electronics start at 7%, while jewelry goes up to 16%. The average is around 13%. Kaufland also charges a monthly platform subscription of approximately €40 to €50.
eBay: 9% to 15%
eBay charges variable commissions per product category. Mobile phones pay 9%, books up to nearly 15%. On top of that comes a fixed fee of €0.35 per order. The commission is calculated on the total selling amount, including shipping costs.
Note: commission is not the whole story
The percentages above provide a good starting point, but total platform costs are generally higher. Fixed monthly subscriptions, fulfillment costs, advertising budgets, and return costs all add up. Especially with Amazon, these additional costs can be substantial. It pays to calculate the full cost structure of a platform before deciding where to be active.
The cheapest commission is not always the best choice
The platform with the lowest commission is not necessarily the most profitable. A platform with a slightly higher rate but more reach or a better-converting audience can ultimately be more lucrative. Always weigh the total cost structure against the expected volume and margins for your specific product category.
