Shopify vs Amazon: seller fees
Marketplace seller fees · snapshot June 2026
For sellers, Shopify is cheaper for sellers (~3.5% vs ~15.0% on a $50 sale). Shopify charges 0% marketplace commission; payment processing 2.4%-2.9% + $0.30 and Amazon charges 8% to 45% by category (most categories 15%). On a $50 item that is about $1.75 on Shopify vs $7.50 on Amazon. Snapshot June 2026 - marketplaces change fees; verify on the official fee page before relying on these figures.
Source: Official marketplace fee pages. Data as of June 2026.
Shopify vs Amazon side by side
| Factor | Shopify | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Own store (not a marketplace) | General marketplace |
| Pricing model | Monthly plan + payment-processing transaction fee | Referral fee (percentage of total sale) by category + optional FBA fulfillment |
| Selling / commission fee | 0% marketplace commission; payment processing 2.4%-2.9% + $0.30 | 8% to 45% by category (most categories 15%) |
| Per-order fixed fee | None | None |
| Payment processing | 2.9% + $0.30 | Bundled / none |
| Listing fee | None | None |
| Monthly fee | $29.00/mo | $39.99/mo |
| Fee on a $50 sale | $1.75 | $7.50 |
| Best for | Building your own branded storefront where you own the customer; no per-sale commission but you supply the traffic. | Branded products and private label at scale; high traffic but high fees and fierce competition. |
Sources: Shopify pricing · Amazon Seller Central referral fee schedule.
Verdict for sellers
On the headline fee a seller pays, Shopify is cheaper for sellers (~3.5% vs ~15.0% on a $50 sale). But fees aren't everything: Shopify (no per-sale marketplace commission; you keep the brand and customer data.) versus Amazon (largest us shopper base and built-in trust.). Read each full breakdown — Shopify and Amazon — and run your real numbers in the profit calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopify or Amazon cheaper for sellers?
On a $50 sale, Shopify is cheaper for sellers (~3.5% vs ~15.0% on a $50 sale). Shopify: 0% marketplace commission; payment processing 2.4%-2.9% + $0.30. Amazon: 8% to 45% by category (most categories 15%). Watch the gotchas: Shopify - monthly subscription regardless of sales.; Amazon - total take with fba + referral often hits 30-40% of the sale price.. snapshot June 2026.
Shopify vs Amazon: which fee model is simpler?
Shopify uses monthly plan + payment-processing transaction fee. Amazon uses referral fee (percentage of total sale) by category + optional fba fulfillment. Snapshot June 2026 - marketplaces change fees; verify on the official fee page before relying on these figures.
Shopify vs Amazon: what does each take on a $50 sale?
Shopify takes about $1.75 (~3.5%). Amazon takes about $7.50 (~15.0%).
More comparisons
Last updated: 2026-06-29