Fulfillment by Amazon: Changes to FBA Storage Fees
Amazon is changing the fees for storing oversized items (from 61x46x46 cm) and long-term storage fees for Fulfillment by Amazon for sellers effective August 1, 2019.
Discontinuation of Semi-annual Long-term Storage Fees
A key point of the new fee structure is the discontinuation of long-term storage fees for inventory that has been in a European shipping center for 181 to 365 days. Previously, this fee was always due semi-annually. The next date for collection would have been February 15, 2018. However, this date now falls away for the semi-annual consideration. Only items that have been stored at Amazon for more than a year (365 days) are still relevant as of February 15.
Doubling of Long-term Storage Fees Over 365 Days
With the discontinuation of the semi-annual fees, the penalty fees for items stored for over 365 days increase to more than double. While 1,000 EUR was previously charged for 1 m³, it is now 170 EUR monthly. For a whole year, this amounts to 2,040 EUR.
For inventory that has been in a European shipping center for more than 365 days, a minimum fee is additionally due. Amazon calculates a minimum amount of 0.10 EUR per unit and month. Depending on which amount is higher, either the applicable long-term storage fee or the minimum amount applies.
So goods can now lie at Amazon longer, but it becomes significantly more expensive after a year.
By the way, Amazon justifies the adjustments with the "continuous investment in optimizing the supply chain". The new conditions apply to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Long-term Storage Fees
Before August 1, 2019
| Date of Inventory Check | Items Between 181 to 365 Days in Logistics Centers | Items Stored for More Than 365 Days in Logistics Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-annually (on February 15 and August 15 each) | 500 EUR per cubic meter Not calculated for February 2019 | 1000 EUR per cubic meter |
From August 1, 2019
| Date of Inventory Check | Items Between 181 to 365 Days in Logistics Centers | Items Stored for More Than 365 Days in Logistics Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly (15th of each month) | Fee discontinued | 170 EUR per cubic meter, minimum 0.10 EUR per unit |
30% Reduced Storage Fees for Oversized Items
There is also an adjustment for oversized items, which become cheaper with Amazon storage. While storage of 1m³ of goods previously cost 26 EUR monthly (Jan. - Sept.) and 36 EUR (Oct. - Dec.), only 18 EUR (Jan. - Sept.) and 25 EUR (Oct. - Dec.) will apply from August 1, 2019. A savings of more than 30%.
The mentioned changes also apply to Multi-Channel Shipping and the new Small and Light Program with Fulfillment by Amazon, which is available in Great Britain and Germany.
Storage Fees
Before August 1, 2019
| Storage Month | Standard Size | Oversized |
|---|---|---|
| January–September | 26 EUR per cubic meter | 26 EUR per cubic meter |
| October–December | 36 EUR per cubic meter | 36 EUR per cubic meter |
| From August 1, 2019 | ||
| January–September | 26 EUR per cubic meter | 18 EUR per cubic meter |
| October–December | 36 EUR per cubic meter | 25 EUR per cubic meter |
40% Savings in Shoes and Clothing Categories
Amazon reduces the monthly storage fees for standard-size items in the shoes and clothing categories including accessories by 40%. The change becomes effective April 1, 2019.
Monthly Storage Fees for Clothing and Shoes (Standard Size)
Before August 1, 2019
| Storage Month | Standard Size | Oversized |
|---|---|---|
| January–September | 26 EUR per cubic meter | 26 EUR per cubic meter |
| October–December | 36 EUR per cubic meter | 36 EUR per cubic meter |
| From August 1, 2019 | ||
| January–September | 26 EUR per cubic meter | 18 EUR per cubic meter |
| October–December | 36 EUR per cubic meter | 25 EUR per cubic meter |
More information about the changes can be found here in Seller Central (login required).
