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Amazon vs Etsy: which keeps more?
Prime reach vs handmade margins.
Amazon charges a referral fee plus FBA fulfillment; Etsy stacks transaction, processing, and listing fees. Enter your product once and see which marketplace leaves more per unit.
Etsy: 6.5% transaction + 3% + $0.25 processing + $0.20 listing (Offsite Ads off in this comparison)
FBA fees depend on size tier and weight — paste your exact fee from Amazon's revenue calculator. Amazon's monthly Professional ($39.99) or per-item ($0.99) plan choice also shifts the math at low volume.
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Fulfillment is the swing factor
Etsy leaves fulfillment to you; Amazon FBA does it for a per-unit fee that includes Prime shipping. On small, light products the FBA fee is modest and Amazon's 15% referral is the main cost. On heavy or oversized products, the FBA fee alone can exceed Etsy's entire fee stack — that's where Etsy wins even before audience differences.
Don't forget the plan fee
Amazon's $39.99/month Professional plan (or $0.99/item Individual) isn't in the per-unit math. At 10 units a month it's $4/unit; at 1,000 it's $0.04. Add it to your mental margin at low volume.
Brand control vs reach
Etsy buyers expect handmade and small-batch; Amazon buyers expect Prime speed and easy returns. The fee winner and the business winner aren't always the same — but at least now you know the fee half exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon or Etsy cheaper for sellers?
On fees alone, Etsy usually wins per unit — roughly 10% all-in vs Amazon's 15% referral plus FBA fulfillment. But FBA includes Prime shipping and handling you'd pay for yourself on Etsy.
What is Amazon's referral fee?
Typically 15% of the sale price for many categories ($0.30 minimum), but it varies widely — 8% for some electronics, up to 45% for certain accessories. Check your category.
What does FBA cost per item?
Depends on size and weight tier — roughly $3–$7+ for standard small items. Use Amazon's revenue calculator for your exact product.
Can I sell the same product on both?
Yes, and many sellers do — price for each platform's fee structure rather than using one price everywhere.
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