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Do Amazon Fees Include Shipping? (2026): Referral Fee Base

Published on January 10, 2026

Updated Jan 16, 2026

Amazon referral fees are calculated on the total sales price, which can include shipping depending on marketplace rules. This guide shows how to verify the policy and model your profit correctly.

Quick answer (2026)

Confirm the rule for your marketplace
ItemFormula / note
Fee baseItem price + shipping (if charged) + gift wrap (if charged)
Referral feefee base x category rate

Example: $40 item + $4 shipping = $44 fee base. If your referral rate is 15%, fee = $6.60.

Open $44 order demoExample uses a 15% referral rate.

Why it matters

  • Including shipping increases the referral fee base.
  • Free shipping still has a cost you must model.
  • Small changes to the fee base impact margin at scale.

How to verify your marketplace rule

  1. Open the official Amazon selling fees page for your marketplace.
  2. Review the referral fee calculation notes.
  3. Confirm if shipping and gift wrap are included in the base.

How to model in a calculator

  1. Enter your shipping charge (if any) in revenue.
  2. Enter shipping costs in the cost section.
  3. Apply the referral fee to the full order total.

Related calculators & long-tail topics

Sources

FAQ

Do Amazon referral fees include shipping?

Referral fees may be calculated on the total sales price, which can include shipping depending on marketplace rules.

Does free shipping avoid the fee?

Free shipping removes the shipping charge, but the referral fee still applies to the order total.

Where can I confirm the policy?

Use Amazon's official selling fees page for your marketplace.