Amazon raises storage fees

Amazon is increasing its fees for using its merchant fulfilment program Fulfilment by Amazon (FbA). As of April 26th, 2018, Amazon introduces a new pricing structure that will affect both domestic FbA shipping and the European transit network.

Shipping rates
Amazon is recording low-single-digit fee increases, with the exception of standard 1.5-kilogram and 2.0-kilogram packages, which have each been increased by 14 percent, according to Amazon Analytics specialist Amalytix for t3n.de. Also, the shipping fees in the UK, France, Italy and Spain (Provisions link) have been adjusted. This, for example, means that German fees are now €26,- per cubic meter in the months of January to September and €36,- per cubic meter in the months of October to December. Another change is that Amazon no longer ships products from a retail price of 350 euros, which were previously shipped free of charge, for free, the shipping is billed as usual by category and size.

Returns 
While sellers in the clothing and shoes and handbags categories are already aware of this rule, it now applies to a lot more sellers: if a customers return goods, the seller pays also for the processing of the incoming returns in the categories jewelry, watches, suitcases as well as rucksacks and bags. The processing fee will be the shipping fee for a single item and will be charged starting the 5th of September.

Missing information
Amazon needs more information on the content of a delivery of goods at an Amazon logistics center for fast processing of deliveries from dealers. Traders must specify the weight and dimensions of the box, the number of units contained, any expiration dates for perishable items, and provide information on whether to deliver only one SKU or multiple SKUs in a box. Starting October 9th, Amazon will charge $0.07 per unit in a box, if this information is not provided, not fully or incorrectly deposited. This rule applies to items in distribution centers in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Czech Republic - in the UK, Amazon charges GBP 0.06.