Russian e-commerce platform Ozon has unveiled significant changes to its commission rates, product categories, and currency settlement mechanisms for international sellers, effective August 1, 2024. The modifications aim to enhance platform sustainability while improving profit predictability for merchants.
Revised Commission Structure: 5% Minimum, 15% Maximum
The platform will implement adjusted sales commission rates, maintaining the 15% ceiling while raising the minimum from 3% to 5%. This marks the first commission adjustment for cross-border sellers since 2021.
Ozon attributes the change to substantial investments made in international business expansion, including:
- Expanded logistics networks across 39 regions in China and Turkey
- Enhanced marketing campaigns driving buyer acquisition
- Strengthened localization partnerships with regional operators
- Streamlined logistics processes through carrier integrations
Platform data indicates these improvements contributed to an eightfold year-over-year increase in international seller orders and gross merchandise value during Q1 2022. The adjusted fee structure aims to balance platform economics with merchant profitability while funding continued service enhancements.
Product Category Restructuring: 83 New Classifications
Ozon will implement a comprehensive reorganization of its product taxonomy, replacing 43 existing categories with 83 refined classifications. The overhaul addresses previous categorization challenges where unique international products were often assigned to approximate existing categories.
Key features of the restructuring include:
- Implementation of a new commission calculator with 8,000 subcategories
- Precise reclassification of previously approximated product listings
- Enhanced category search functionality for improved discoverability
Currency Settlement Improvements: Exchange Rate Lock
A revised currency settlement mechanism will freeze conversion rates at the point of sale, insulating sellers from subsequent exchange rate fluctuations. This change significantly reduces foreign exchange risk for cross-border merchants operating in multiple currencies.
The platform's comprehensive policy adjustments reflect strategic efforts to build a more stable e-commerce ecosystem. By refining commission structures, product categorization, and financial processes, Ozon seeks to attract premium merchants while expanding consumer choice.