Amazon
Amazon FBA or FBM? A Cost Comparison
March 5, 2026 · KârHesapla · Ferhat Demir · E-commerce Specialist
With FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), you send your stock to an Amazon warehouse and Amazon handles packing, shipping and returns. With FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant), the entire operation stays with you.
Comparison
| Criterion | FBA | FBM |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping cost | Amazon rates (advantageous at scale) | Your own agreement |
| Storage | Monthly fee | Your own warehouse |
| Operational workload | Low | High |
| Buy Box impact | Generally positive | Depends on performance |
Decision rule
- For small, light, fast-moving products, FBA fees are usually reasonable.
- For bulky (high-desi) or slow-moving products, storage fees erode profit — consider FBM.
- Calculate both scenarios as total cost per sale and compare them in the same tool: simply enter the FBA fee in the “extra cost” field.
To calculate: Amazon Commission Calculator.