High Turnover Does Not Guarantee Profit: 5 Marketplace Costs MSMEs Must Calculate
Selling through marketplaces has become one of the primary ways for MSMEs to expand their markets and reach a wider consumer base. However, an increase in transactions does not always translate to increased profit. Business owners must continue to account for the costs deducted from every sale.
The Ministry of MSMEs stated in 2026 that service fees charged by marketplaces to sellers range between 10% and 18% of every transaction, excluding promotional or advertising costs. This magnitude can significantly affect margins, particularly for MSMEs selling products with relatively thin profit margins.
In addition to service fees, entrepreneurs also need to pay attention to administrative costs, promotions, vouchers, and shipping fees that may arise during the sales process. The cost structure can also change according to the policies of each platform and specific product categories.
In 2026, several platforms implemented adjustments to administrative fees and commissions across various product categories. This situation requires MSMEs to be more meticulous in calculating selling prices and operational costs to ensure that increased sales do not inadvertently squeeze profits.
Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in March 2026 noted that there are more than 64 million MSMEs contributing over 60% to the national GDP. Meanwhile, the Ministry of MSMEs stated in January 2026 that approximately 27 million MSMEs have entered the digital ecosystem through social media and marketplaces.
With the increasing number of MSMEs selling digitally, choosing sales channels with more efficient cost structures has become a key consideration for business owners. One alternative offered is access to commission-free selling through Tempomart via the NEO rheumacyl Peduli UMKM programme.
This programme provides access to sell on the platform without sales commissions for six months. Selected MSMEs also receive business support packages to help increase visibility, manage stores, and develop online sales through promotional support such as discount vouchers and free shipping.
“We want to help MSMEs not just to have an online store, but also to increase visibility, maintain margins, and build businesses that are more prepared to grow,” said Diana Theodora, General Manager of Brand Creative Content & Communication for the Health Care Division at PT Tempo Scan Pacific Tbk, as quoted from a press release on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.