Amazon FBA vs 3PL Cost Calculator
See exactly how much Amazon FBA costs you each month — vs using a Canadian 3PL. Input your real numbers and get a side-by-side breakdown in seconds.
Methodology & Assumptions
- FBA fees based on Amazon.ca 2025 fee schedule (CAD)
- FBA referral fee estimated at 15% (varies by category — electronics 8%, apparel 17%)
- 3PL shipping rates reflect CanadiEx negotiated carrier discounts (~55% off retail)
- 3PL storage estimated at $18/pallet/month, ~200 units/pallet
- FBA long-term storage fees, removal fees, and co-op charges not included
- This is an estimate — get a custom quote for exact figures
FBA vs 3PL: Key Differences for Canadian Sellers
Amazon Referral Fees Don't Apply
When you fulfill DTC or B2B orders through a 3PL, you pay no Amazon referral fees (typically 15%). This alone can make 3PL dramatically cheaper for multi-channel brands.
Multi-Channel Flexibility
A 3PL fulfills orders from Shopify, WooCommerce, TikTok Shop, and Amazon FBM from the same warehouse. FBA only covers Amazon marketplace orders.
Inventory Control
With a 3PL, you control your inventory — no stranded inventory, no surprise removal orders, no limits on what products you can store.
No Q4 Storage Spikes
Amazon triples storage fees in October–December. A 3PL like CanadiEx charges consistent flat storage rates year-round, which matters significantly for seasonal businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a 3PL become cheaper than Amazon FBA?
For most Canadian sellers, a 3PL becomes cost-competitive at around 200–500 orders per month. At higher volumes, the 3PL advantage grows significantly because you avoid Amazon referral fees (typically 15%) and benefit from volume-based shipping discounts.
Does this calculator include Amazon referral fees?
Yes. Amazon charges a referral fee of roughly 8–17% depending on category. This calculator uses 15% as a standard estimate. If your category has a different rate (e.g., 8% for electronics), adjust the product price inputs accordingly.
What does Amazon FBA storage cost in Canada?
Amazon.ca FBA storage fees are charged per cubic metre per month — approximately $16–28 CAD/CBM/month for standard-size products (lower outside Q4, higher October–December). Long-term storage fees apply to inventory held over 365 days.
What is NOT included in this calculator?
This calculator excludes Amazon long-term storage fees, removal and disposal fees, labelling fees, co-op/return allowances, and any FBA-specific compliance costs. It also excludes 3PL onboarding fees or custom packaging costs. Actual results will vary.
Can I use both FBA and a 3PL at the same time?
Yes — this is called a hybrid fulfillment strategy. Many Canadian sellers use Amazon FBA for their top-selling ASINs while routing DTC (Shopify, WooCommerce) and B2B orders through a 3PL. CanadiEx supports both Amazon FBM and direct channel fulfillment from the same warehouse.
Also see: Amazon FBA Prep Canada · CanadiEx Pricing
Ready to See Your Real Savings?
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