As we enter 2026, UK online department store Rackhams has confirmed it will not introduce any hidden fees, membership charges or commission increases, continuing a fair and transparent marketplace model it has followed since launch.
While many online marketplaces are adding new charges to cover returns, introducing paid access or sponsored visibility, and extending seller payout cycles to between 30 and 60 days, Rackhams is deliberately holding the line on simplicity, transparency and partner-first economics.
The digital department store operates on a straightforward commission-based model, with no membership fees or hidden charges, and pays partners within 14 days post-dispatch. This ensures sellers receive regular payments throughout the month, supporting cashflow and day-to-day operations rather than relying on a single monthly payout.
Why Rackhams is Different
Rackhams’ marketplace has been built around long-term partnerships rather than short-term margin extraction. As the business scales into 2026, it remains committed to providing a fair and accessible platform for brands and retailers of all sizes.
Key benefits for partners include:
- Fair and simple commission structure
- No hidden fees
- No membership fees
- Fast payouts between 14 days post-dispatch
- A dedicated onboarding team that handles the heavy lifting, including connection support, product mapping, publishing and ongoing refinements
We are a marketplace-first business and as we enter 2026 our focus remains on building strong, long-term relationships with the partners selling on our platform. When it works for both sides, we can grow well together.
This is our partners’ money. Paying them quickly supports their operational costs, helps with cashflow and enables them to reinvest in stock. Cashflow is critical for businesses and many simply cannot operate effectively on 30-day, let alone 60-day payout cycles.
That’s why we have no plans to adopt extended payment terms. In fact, we’re actively working to pay partners faster. We’re exploring a tiered payout model where long-standing, high-performing partners can be rewarded with even quicker payout cycles, potentially moving towards next-day payments over time. Today, we’re already proud to offer payouts within 14 days.
– Mark Jordan, CEO, Rackhams
Partner Growth and Marketplace Momentum
Rackhams’ seller-first approach has supported strong marketplace growth over the past year. During 2025, the business onboarded more than 750 partners, bringing a wide range of brands, retailers and specialist sellers onto the platform.
As Rackhams looks ahead to 2026, the focus is firmly on considered, high-quality growth rather than mass onboarding. The business plans to welcome a further 750 partners over the year, with a clear emphasis on expanding into new ranges, brands and categories that complement and strengthen its existing offering.
Rackhams is actively seeking partners who are committed to delivering great products, strong service levels and fair pricing, ensuring continued breadth of choice for customers while maintaining the curated standards of a modern digital department store.
2025 was a hugely important year for us. We onboarded over 750 partners, which is a phenomenal achievement by the team, but it was never about onboarding for the sake of it.
As we move into 2026, our focus is on building the right breadth and depth across the marketplace, bringing in partners that genuinely complement our existing ranges, introduce new categories and share our commitment to great products, strong service and fair pricing. That’s how we continue to grow the platform in a sustainable way.
– Will Spencer, Sales Director, Rackhams
Supporting Sustainable Marketplace Growth
Rackhams’ approach reflects a broader strategy to reduce friction for sellers while creating a scalable, sustainable marketplace. By removing upfront costs, avoiding layered fees and providing hands-on onboarding support, the business aims to help partners focus on selling, fulfilment and customer experience, not navigating complex commercial structures.
As Rackhams continues to onboard new partners throughout 2026, the company believes fair terms, transparent pricing and reliable cashflow will remain essential foundations for building a healthy marketplace that works for both sellers and customers.
