Where Does Your Money Go When You Buy From Amazon?

Every year, thousands of generous people like you fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, pouring love, care, and resources into gifts that bring joy around the world. But have you ever stopped to wonder: where does your money actually go when you buy those gifts from Amazon?

🏢 The Truth About Amazon’s Cut

Amazon is convenient — we get it. But convenience comes at a cost:

• Fees & Commissions: Sellers pay Amazon up to 15%–45% of each sale in fees. That means if you spend $20 on a toy or hygiene item, as little as $11 may go to the seller.

• Storage & Shipping Costs: Amazon also charges sellers for storing their products and using their shipping services — adding more hidden costs that sellers must raise prices to cover.

• Ad Spending: To even be seen on Amazon, sellers often pay thousands a month in advertising — again, baked into what you pay.

In the end, 60-90% of your purchase funds Amazon’s trillion-dollar empire, not the business behind the product.

🛍️ Why Buying From Small Businesses Matters

When you buy from a small shop like Western Star Wholesale, here’s what happens instead:

✅ More of your money supports real families — not corporate shareholders.
✅ You support a Christian, veteran-owned business rooted in service and integrity.
✅ You help sustain local jobs, not international warehouses.
✅ You enable small businesses to offer better prices and personal service, not pay-per-click campaigns.

At Western Star Wholesale our mission is to help you pack your OCC shoeboxes with high-quality, affordable items that matter — without feeding a system that takes advantage of both sellers and buyers.

💡 Make Your Money Count

Next time you shop for OCC, ask yourself:
Do I want my money going to Amazon, or to a business that shares my values?

Shop directly with Western Star Wholesale and join a growing movement of OCC shoppers who are choosing faith over fees, community over convenience, and stewardship over clicks.

🙏 Thank you for making a difference — not just overseas, but here at home.