How often do marketplaces raise their fees?
Most large marketplaces adjust fees roughly once a year — eBay usually in February, Amazon in January or the spring, and Etsy less predictably. Between annual changes, platforms increasingly add new fee lines (surcharges, placement fees, transfer fees) rather than raising the headline percentage.
Which marketplace raised fees the most between 2019 and 2026?
It depends on how you measure it. Etsy’s headline transaction fee rose from 5% to 6.5% in 2022 and then accumulated several new fee lines. Amazon added multiple FBA surcharges, placement fees, and inventory fees. Resale platforms flipped between seller-paid and buyer-paid structures more than once.
Did any marketplace lower fees during this period?
Yes. Amazon cut referral fees on apparel under $20 in January 2024 and lowered some outbound FBA rates in April 2024. Depop removed its 10% US selling fee in July 2024, and Mercari temporarily removed its selling fee in March 2024 before reinstating a flat 10% in January 2025.
Why do fee changes matter for sellers?
Every percentage point comes straight out of margin. A 1% fee increase on $10,000 of monthly sales is $100 a month, and stacked surcharges can quietly exceed a headline rate change. Tracking the dates helps you re-price products before the change takes effect.
Can I calculate my fees after a change?
Yes. Use the marketplace, eBay, Etsy, and Amazon fee calculators linked on this page to model your take-home pay at the current rates.