Restocking Fee Calculator
It deters more than it recovers.
Net effect of the fee
$1,485
$8.70 charged per return
The fee recovers $8.70 against a $24.00 return cost, so it never covers the full cost — it deters. The question is whether the deterrent is worth the sales that a restrictive policy loses.
How the Restocking Fee Calculator works
A restocking fee rarely covers the full cost of a return, so its value lies in deterrence rather than recovery. The question is whether the returns deterred are worth more than the sales a restrictive policy loses at checkout.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a typical restocking fee?
10% to 25% where they are used. In most consumer ecommerce they are not, because they are visible at checkout and depress conversion.
Do restocking fees pay off?
Only if the deterred returns plus the fee revenue exceed the lost sales. In competitive categories with generous incumbents, they usually do not.
Are they legal?
Rules vary considerably by jurisdiction, and consumer protection law in many places restricts fees on distance sales or faulty goods. Check what applies where you sell before implementing one.
What is the alternative?
Reducing returns at source through better product information, and making exchanges easier than refunds. Both keep the revenue without the checkout friction.