In a move that has disappointed many, including Prime members, Amazon has introduced a new ₹5 marketplace fee on every order, bringing it in line with quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Zepto, which already charge additional service fees from customers.
What’s the New Marketplace Fee?
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Amazon will now charge ₹5 per order for all customers — including Prime members.
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The fee applies regardless of the number of items in an order — whether you buy one product or five, you’ll still pay only ₹5 as the total fee.
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This fee is being positioned as a step to “enhance customer experience,” according to the company.
Which Categories Are Exempt?
Amazon has made some categories exempt from the new fee, including:
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Digital services
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Gift cards
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Mobile/DTH recharges
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Travel or movie ticket bookings
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Insurance payments
So, if you’re using Amazon for services rather than physical goods, this new charge won’t affect you.
What About Cancellations and Refunds?
If you cancel your order before it is shipped, the ₹5 marketplace fee will be fully refunded.
However, if your order contains multiple items and you only cancel one item, you’ll receive a partial refund.
For example:
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Suppose you place a ₹500 order with two items — one for ₹100 and the other for ₹400.
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If you cancel the ₹100 item, only ₹1 from the fee will be refunded to your Amazon Pay wallet.
Customer Reactions
Unsurprisingly, the decision has upset Prime members, who already pay an annual subscription fee for added benefits. Many feel this extra charge chips away at the value of their membership.
As inflation affects platforms across the board, Amazon seems to be adjusting its strategy to sustain operational costs while continuing to offer rapid and reliable deliveries.
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