Amazon charges Dutch sellers almost 20 % commission – is your profit at risk?

Hook: A hidden cost that could be eating your profit

Imagine you run a small bakery that also sells pastries online. You’ve decided to list your products on Amazon because it promises a huge audience. The reality? In the Netherlands, Amazon charges an average commission of 19.7 % per sale. For a business that already works with thin margins, that number is more than a “fee” – it’s a profit‑killer.

In this article we’ll break down what that fee really means for you, compare it with cheaper alternatives, and show how a self‑hosted webshop can give you back control over your costs and your customer relationships.

What the Amazon fee data shows

According to research from FiveX, a marketplace‑analytics firm, the ten biggest Dutch marketplaces were examined in August 2026. Amazon topped the list with an average commission of 19.7 %. The next most expensive platforms hovered around 15 %, while the cheapest, a cheaper French marketplace, charged about 11 % per item sold.

These percentages are not just abstract numbers; they are taken directly from the transaction value. If you sell a €50 cake, Amazon keeps almost €10 before you even think about production costs, shipping, or taxes.

Why that fee matters for small‑business margins

Most small‑business owners already balance a tight spread between revenue and expenses. Let’s look at a simple example:

• Revenue per order: €50
• Amazon commission (19.7 %): €9.85
• Cost of goods sold (ingredients, labour): €20
• Shipping & packaging: €5

After Amazon’s cut, you’re left with €15.15. Subtract the €25 you spent on making and delivering the cake, and you’re operating at a loss of €9.85 on that order alone. Even if you raise the price to €60, the commission rises to €11.82, and the margin remains razor‑thin.

When you add other marketplace fees – such as subscription plans, advertising costs, or payment‑processing charges – the picture gets even bleaker. Over time, those hidden costs can erode the profitability that made the business viable in the first place.

Alternatives & the case for a self‑hosted webshop

Cheaper marketplaces

If you prefer to stay on a marketplace, look for platforms with lower commission rates. Cdiscount, for example, charges just over 11 %, almost half of Amazon’s fee. Other Dutch platforms sit around the 14 % mark. While these are better than Amazon, they still take a noticeable slice of each sale.

Why a self‑hosted webshop is the smart alternative

A webshop lets you bypass marketplace commissions entirely. Here are the key benefits:

• Cost control: Only hosting, domain and payment‑gateway fees (typically a few euros a month) versus a 20 % marketplace commission.
• Full branding: Your shop reflects your bakery’s look and story, building stronger customer loyalty.
• Customer‑data ownership: You keep emails and purchase history, enabling targeted promotions and repeat business.

• Pricing flexibility: No need to factor in a marketplace cut, so you can offer discounts or bundles that make sense for your bottom line.
• Scalability: As your business grows, you can add features – loyalty programmes, subscription boxes, or a booking system for in‑store visits – without renegotiating marketplace terms.

Of course, a webshop does require some effort to set up and maintain. That’s where a partner like IT Move NL can help. We build websites and web apps that are easy for non‑technical owners to manage, while still giving you the freedom to expand whenever you’re ready.

FAQ

Do I need technical skills to run my own webshop?
No. Modern webshop platforms are designed for owners without a coding background. You’ll have a simple dashboard to add products, process orders, and view reports. If you prefer a completely hands‑off approach, we can set up the site and provide 24/7 support so you can focus on your core business.

Will a webshop guarantee higher profits?
A webshop removes marketplace commissions, which improves your margin potential, but profit still depends on factors like product pricing, marketing, and operational efficiency. Think of it as a tool that gives you more control, not a magic profit button.

What about shipping and payment fees?
Those costs still exist, but they are usually a fixed amount per order or a small percentage (often 1–3 %). They are transparent and can be factored into your pricing strategy much more easily than a variable marketplace commission.

Take back control of your margins

If Amazon’s almost 20 % commission is cutting into your profit, it’s time to explore alternatives. A webshop built by IT Move NL gives you the freedom to sell directly, keep more of each sale, and nurture a direct relationship with your customers. We specialize in Websites & Web Apps for small businesses, handling everything from design to ongoing maintenance so you can stay focused on what you do best – baking, designing, or delivering logistics services.

Ready to see how a self‑hosted shop could work for your business? Contact us today for a friendly, no‑obligation chat. Let’s make sure your next sale stays in your pocket, not in someone else’s commission ledger.

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Sources:

• Amazon in Nederland duurste marktplaats voor verkopers