Online selling fees in 2026 consist of commission, transaction fees, and add-on service fees. The transaction fee on major platforms is around 3.21 percent (including VAT) of the order value, but real costs differ by product category and chosen services. This article breaks down each platform’s fees and how to calculate real profit, so you can price correctly and avoid unknowingly losing money.
Many stores set prices by looking only at product cost and desired profit, forgetting the platform fees deducted on every order, which makes real profit lower than expected or even a loss.
This article breaks down all online selling fees and how to calculate real profit. To understand the full picture of selling online, read the main article how to start selling online.
What Fees Are Involved in Selling Online?
The main fees fall into three groups: commission (a percentage of sales, varying by product category), transaction fees (payment processing charges), and add-on service fees such as free-shipping programs or in-platform marketing.
In 2026, the transaction fee on major platforms is around 3.21 percent including VAT of the order value, including buyer-paid shipping (FlowAccount, 2026). Commission is added on top by product category.
How Do Fees Differ by Platform?
Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop have similar fee structures of commission plus transaction fees, but differ in details such as category rates, free-shipping program costs, and Mall-type store conditions.
TikTok Shop is often seen as higher-cost when including creator or affiliate fees that may cut gross profit by 15 to 20 percent (AdsNow, 2026), but you must weigh that against the reach gained. See the in-depth platform comparison in which channel is best for selling online.
How Do You Calculate Real Profit?
Real profit is the selling price minus product cost, minus all fees, minus the shipping the store covers, minus marketing. What remains is true net profit. Many stores miss this by forgetting to deduct marketing and free-shipping program costs.
Good pricing must build fees and marketing into the price from the start. Make a cost-per-order calculation table before setting prices, to ensure every order is genuinely profitable.
Conclusion
Online selling fees consist of commission, a transaction fee around 3.21 percent, and add-on services. Real costs differ by product category and platform. Understanding all of them helps you price correctly and avoid losses.
The key is calculating real profit by deducting all fees and marketing. For advice on structuring costs and store systems to be genuinely profitable, our team is happy to help.