Amazon is for the first time charging an extra fee to select sellers during the Christmas season, claiming that it must do so to offset increased labor and logistical expenses.
From October 15 through January 14 of 2023, the retail behemoth will impose an average tax of 35 cents per item on products sold through warehouse and logistics networks in the United States and Canada.
The statement cited yearly increases in fulfillment and shipping expenses throughout the industry over the holidays and stated, “Our selling partners are extremely important to us, and this is not a choice we made lightly.”
Although we have previously managed these price hikes, Amazon noted that seasonal costs are now at all-time highs.
According to a press release, the postal service’s charges will be in place from October 2 until January 21. FedEx said on its website that peak holiday fees will start early next month for some categories and extend through January 15.
Amazon asserted that its fulfillment costs throughout the Christmas season will still be, on average, 30% less expensive for slower standard delivery options than those offered by other significant third-party logistics companies and, on average, 70% less expensive than comparable two-day shipping options.
In order to offset rising expenses for goods and delivery services, Amazon said last month that it will increase the yearly charge for Prime membership for residents of five European nations.
