Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is an incredibly powerful tool for e-commerce sellers, leveraging Amazon’s vast logistics network to handle storage, packing, and shipping. However, many sellers overlook the hidden fees that can significantly eat into their profits, especially as Amazon refines its fee structures in 2025. Understanding these fees and knowing how to manage them can make the difference between a profitable and struggling Amazon business.
Let’s dive into the most critical FBA fees in 2025 and explore how Seller Labs’ tools can help you reduce these costs and protect your margins.
1. FBA Storage Fees: More Than Meets the Eye
Amazon charges sellers for storing their products in FBA warehouses, but the cost depends on how well you manage your stock. Fees can spike during peak seasons, and long-term storage fees are now harsher than ever.
- Standard Storage Fees: These vary by season, with rates increasing during peak months (October–December).
- Long-Term Storage Fees: If your inventory sits for more than 181 days, Amazon applies a surcharge.
- Aged Inventory Surcharge:
- 181–270 days: $1.50 per cubic foot
- 271–365 days: $3.80 per cubic foot
- 365+ days: $6.90 per unit (not just per cubic foot)
- 181–270 days: $1.50 per cubic foot
Pro Tip:
Use Seller Labs’ Restock App and SKU Economics to track inventory age and optimize reorder points. The Restock App helps you forecast demand and set smart stock targets, reducing the risk of both overstocking and aging inventory.
2. FBA Inbound Placement Service Fees: The Hidden Cost of Shipment Splits
When you ship your inventory to Amazon, you may face additional costs if your shipment is split across multiple fulfillment centers. The cost varies depending on the size and weight of the items.
- Fees: $0.27–$1.58 per unit, based on item dimensions and weight.
Pro Tip:
Use the FBA Shipment Builder from Seller Labs to optimize box content and avoid unnecessary splits, helping you reduce the associated fees.
3. Returns Processing Fees: Handling the Inevitable
Returns are inevitable, but Amazon now charges per-unit return processing fees, especially for high-return categories like apparel and electronics. The fee ranges from $2.12 to $6.85 per unit, and items returned may be sent for liquidation or disposal.
Pro Tip:
Monitor your return reasons using the SKU Details app and adjust your listings or product packaging to minimize returns. The SKU Details app offers deep insights into product performance, including trends in returns.
4. Unplanned Service Fees: Amazon’s Strict Compliance Costs
Amazon charges additional fees for errors in labeling, packaging, and shipment preparation. Unplanned Service Fees can arise from:
- Mislabeling: If your products are not correctly labeled, Amazon will apply a fee to fix the issue.
- Improper Packaging: Items requiring bagging or bubble wrapping incur additional fees.
Pro Tip:
To avoid these costs, follow Amazon’s FBA Prep Guidelines and leverage Seller Labs’ Print Transparency Barcode to ensure your inventory is correctly labeled and packaged. These tools help you avoid costly mistakes in the preparation process.
5. ACoS Drain from Ad Waste: Keep Your Ads Efficient
While not technically an FBA fee, Advertising Cost of Sale (ACoS) can significantly drain your profits if not managed carefully. Wasted ad spend from running campaigns during off-peak hours or targeting ineffective keywords can lead to higher costs without corresponding sales.
Pro Tip:
Use the Dayparting Heatmap and the Ad Genius Dashboard to optimize your ad spend. These tools help you identify high-conversion times and trim wasted spend, improving your overall ACoS.
6. Removal & Disposal Fees: The Silent Profit Killer
If you have excess or unsellable inventory, Amazon offers two costly options:
- Removal Orders – Amazon ships the items back to you at a fee per unit.
- Disposal Orders – Amazon destroys unsold inventory (also at a per-unit cost).
2025 Update: Amazon has increased removal fees by 20% to discourage overstocking, making it essential to plan inventory more efficiently.
Pro Tip:
Prevent overstocking by using the Restock App in Seller Labs’ Profit Genius for smart forecasting and real-time replenishment.
7. Returns & Refund Fees: Hidden Deductions Impacting Profits
Amazon’s return policy often leaves sellers footing the bill. When items are returned, you may not recover the full referral fee, and if the product is deemed unsellable, additional fees apply.
- Restocking Fees: Amazon deducts up to 50% of the item’s price when issuing customer refunds.
- Return Processing Fees: If a product is returned and deemed unsellable, Amazon may charge additional disposal fees.
Pro Tip:
Use Seller Labs’ Feedback Genius to monitor customer feedback and catch potential return risks early. Spot negative reviews, uncover patterns, and fix the root issues before they impact your bottom line.
8. FBA Fee Changes in 2025: What’s New?
Amazon’s FBA fees are always evolving, and 2025 is no exception. Sellers should be prepared for:
- Increased Dimensional Weight Pricing: Bulky items now incur higher fees.
- Expanded Peak Season Charges: Higher costs during the holiday season.
- Higher Small & Light Program Fees: Reevaluate pricing strategies for small and light products.
Stay Ahead:
Monitor Amazon’s fee updates and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly. Utilize Seller Labs’ Profit Genius to ensure your margins remain profitable.
Final Takeaway: Protect Your Profits in 2025
To succeed on Amazon FBA in 2025, you need to be vigilant about the hidden fees that can eat into your profits. By using data-driven decision-making and leveraging the power of Seller Labs’ tools, you can:
- Avoid unnecessary storage and removal fees.
- Optimize compliance to prevent unplanned service fees.
- Reduce return-related revenue loss.
- Track FBA fee changes and adjust pricing strategies.
Ready to optimize your Amazon FBA business?
Start using Seller Labs to take control of your FBA profitability and reduce hidden costs today.
