What Is a Marketplace Referral Fee?
In online marketplaces, a referral fee is a commission the platform charges on each sale, usually a percentage of the item's total price, sometimes with a minimum per item. Rates often vary by product category. In other contexts, a referral fee is a payment for sending a client or customer to another business.
Example
A 15% referral fee on a 40 sale is 6.
Referral Fee vs. Other Marketplace Fees
The referral fee is only one layer of selling costs. A seller's total fees can also include payment processing, fulfillment, storage, advertising, and subscription charges, so profit per sale is usually calculated after all of them rather than the referral percentage alone.
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🔗 Related Terms
More Business & Sales Terms
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Average Order Value (AOV)
- Balance Sheet
- Break-Even Point
- Burn Rate
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Last updated: September 27, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.