The Fee Problem Every Online Seller Faces
If you sell products online you already know that platform fees can make or break your business. The platform you choose determines how much of your revenue you actually keep. Most sellers do not realize how much they are giving away until they do the math.
Here is an honest side by side comparison of three major platforms — Amazon, Etsy and WileLink.
Amazon Fees — The Real Cost
Amazon is the largest marketplace in the world. But that reach comes at a price.
- Referral fees — 8% to 15% depending on category
- Fulfillment by Amazon fees — additional charges per item based on size and weight
- Monthly subscription — $39.99 for professional sellers
- Storage fees — charged monthly for unsold inventory
- Advertising costs — almost mandatory to get visibility
Total effective take rate for most Amazon sellers: 25% to 35% of every sale.
On a $100 product you keep approximately $65 to $75 after Amazon fees.
Etsy Fees — The Hidden Costs
Etsy is popular with handmade and creative sellers. But the fees add up quickly.
- Listing fee — $0.20 per item every 4 months
- Transaction fee — 6.5% of sale price plus shipping
- Payment processing fee — 3% plus $0.25
- Etsy Ads — optional but increasingly necessary for visibility
Total effective take rate for most Etsy sellers: 12% to 20% of every sale.
On a $100 product you keep approximately $80 to $88 after Etsy fees.
WileLink Fees — What You Actually Keep
WileLink was built by a former Amazon seller who experienced the fee problem firsthand. The goal was simple — give sellers a fair deal.
- Platform fee — 9% flat. That is it.
- No listing fees
- No monthly subscription
- No storage fees
- No hidden charges
On a $100 product you keep $91 on WileLink. Every time.
Side by Side Comparison
$100 product sale — what you keep:
- Amazon — approximately $65 to $75
- Etsy — approximately $80 to $88
- WileLink — $91 guaranteed
The Other Difference — Buyer Relationships
On Amazon and Etsy the platform owns your customer relationship. On WileLink buyers follow your store directly. They see your new products. They come back. They share with friends. You build a real business not just a vendor account.
Which Platform Is Right for You?
If you want maximum reach and are willing to pay for it — Amazon works but at a high cost.
If you sell handmade goods and want a creative community — Etsy works but fees are growing.
If you want to keep more of what you earn and build direct relationships with your buyers — WileLink is built for you.
Ready to keep 91% of every sale? Create your free seller account at wilelink.com/seller/become-a-seller
