How to Send Inventory to Amazon FBA Warehouses as a Third-Party Seller: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a third-party seller, leveraging Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program can dramatically improve your e-commerce business. By utilizing Amazon FBA, you allow Amazon to take care of storing, packing, and shipping your products to customers, which frees up your time to focus on scaling your business. However, to get the most out of FBA, you need to ensure that your inventory is sent to Amazon’s warehouses correctly.

In this guide, we will walk you through the detailed process of sending inventory to Amazon FBA warehouses. We’ll cover everything from setting up your shipping plan in Seller Central to labeling your products and ensuring they reach the warehouses without any issues.

Why Use Amazon FBA?

Before diving into the logistics, it’s important to understand the benefits of using FBA for your business:

  • Increased Sales: Products fulfilled by Amazon are eligible for Prime shipping, which can significantly boost your sales since Prime members prefer faster shipping options.
  • Time-Saving: Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and customer service, allowing you to focus on other areas of your business.
  • Scalability: Whether you’re shipping 100 units or 10,000 units, Amazon has the infrastructure to handle your inventory efficiently.

Step 1: Preparing to Send Inventory to Amazon FBA

To begin sending inventory to an Amazon FBA warehouse, you must first have an active Seller Central account and have registered for the FBA program. Once that’s set up, you’re ready to prepare your products.

  1. Check Amazon’s FBA Requirements: Amazon has specific packaging and labeling guidelines that all sellers must follow to ensure the smooth handling of inventory. It’s essential to review and comply with these requirements before sending products to Amazon’s warehouses.
    • Packaging: Make sure your products are packaged securely to avoid damage during transit. Use poly bags for smaller items and boxes with sufficient cushioning for fragile items.
    • Labeling: Each product must have an FNSKU label, which is a unique identifier for Amazon to track your inventory. Amazon also requires you to include a barcode and possibly suffocation warnings on certain packaging types.
  2. Determine the Products You’re Sending: Decide which products and how much inventory you want to send to FBA. This will be the basis for creating a shipping plan in Seller Central.

Step 2: Creating a Shipping Plan in Amazon Seller Central

A shipping plan tells Amazon what inventory is being sent, how much of it, and which warehouse it should be delivered to.

  1. Log in to Seller Central: Navigate to the “Inventory” tab and select “Manage FBA Inventory”.
  2. Create a New Shipping Plan: Select the products you want to send, and click “Send/Replenish Inventory”.
    • Choose Shipping Destination: Amazon will automatically select the FBA warehouses closest to you or those that are optimized for your product category.
  3. Enter Quantity: Specify how many units of each product you are sending.
  4. Prepare Labels: Choose who will label the products. You can opt for Amazon to label them for a small fee, or you can label the products yourself by printing the FNSKU labels.

Pro Tip: Make sure that you use the correct FNSKU label for each product. Every product variation (e.g., size, color) should have a unique label.

Step 3: Labeling Your Products

If you choose to label the products yourself, you will need to:

  1. Download the FNSKU Labels: You can generate and download the FNSKU labels from Seller Central. These labels must be placed over the manufacturer’s barcode.
  2. Print and Apply Labels: Ensure that the labels are clearly visible and placed on the exterior of the packaging. Avoid covering important information or package seals.

Step 4: Packaging Requirements for Amazon FBA

Proper packaging is critical for preventing product damage during transit and ensuring your inventory complies with Amazon’s requirements.

  1. Use Approved Packaging Materials: Amazon requires that you use boxes, poly bags, bubble wrap, and other packaging materials that protect your products during shipping.
  2. Weight Limits: Each package should not exceed 50 lbs. If a box is heavier, Amazon requires a label indicating that the package is heavy.
  3. Fragile Items: For fragile or delicate items, use sufficient cushioning like bubble wrap or air pillows to prevent breakage.

Important: Ensure that the dimensions and weight of your shipment are accurately reflected in your shipping plan, as discrepancies could lead to delays or penalties.

Step 5: Shipping Your Inventory to Amazon Warehouses

Once your shipment is ready and labeled, it’s time to send it off to Amazon’s warehouses.

  1. Choose a Shipping Method: You can either use your preferred carrier or opt for Amazon’s Partnered Carrier Program, which offers discounted rates for sellers shipping to FBA warehouses.
  2. Print Shipping Labels: Amazon will generate box labels and shipping labels for your packages. Make sure to place the labels on the outside of each box.
    • The shipping label should contain both the FBA address and your return address.
  3. Schedule a Pickup or Drop-Off: Arrange for your carrier to pick up the shipment or drop it off at the nearest delivery hub.

Tracking and Monitoring: After shipping your products, you can track the shipment’s status in Seller Central under the “Manage FBA Shipments” tab.

Step 6: Tracking and Managing Your FBA Shipments

After your shipment is on its way, you’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure it arrives safely at the designated warehouse.

  1. Tracking Information: Amazon provides tracking information through Seller Central. You can monitor when the shipment arrives at the warehouse and when your inventory is checked in.
  2. Receiving and Inspection: Once your products are received, Amazon will inspect and process them before they are made available for sale. In some cases, if there’s an issue with your shipment (e.g., missing labels or incorrect quantities), you’ll be notified and need to address the issue.

Step 7: Monitoring Your Inventory Performance

After your products are live on Amazon, you can monitor their performance through the Inventory Dashboard in Seller Central. Pay attention to the following:

  • Inventory Levels: Keep track of how much inventory is available at Amazon warehouses and plan ahead to prevent stockouts.
  • Storage Fees: Make sure you are aware of the fees associated with storing your inventory in Amazon’s warehouses, especially for long-term storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Inventory to FBA

  1. Incorrect Labeling: Make sure the FNSKU labels are applied correctly and that no other barcodes are visible on the product packaging.
  2. Non-Compliant Packaging: Ensure your products meet Amazon’s packaging guidelines, especially for fragile items, liquids, and sharp objects.
  3. Underestimating Shipping Time: Plan ahead to account for shipping times and processing delays at Amazon warehouses to avoid running out of stock.

Conclusion: Simplify Your FBA Process for Better Efficiency

Sending inventory to Amazon FBA warehouses as a third-party seller can seem overwhelming, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can streamline the process and ensure your products are handled correctly. From setting up your shipping plan in Seller Central to packaging, labeling, and tracking your shipment, taking the time to do it right can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Amazon FBA is a powerful tool that can help you scale your business by offloading fulfillment responsibilities, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your brand and increasing sales.

If you need additional help managing your Amazon FBA shipments or optimizing your Amazon business, Marketplace Valet is here to assist. With our expertise in Amazon operations, we can help you navigate the complexities of FBA and maximize your e-commerce potential.

FAQs:

  1. What are the most important things to remember when sending inventory to Amazon FBA? Ensure proper labeling, follow Amazon’s packaging guidelines, and keep track of your shipping and inventory levels to avoid delays and penalties.
  2. Can I use my own carrier for shipping to Amazon FBA? Yes, you can use your preferred carrier or take advantage of Amazon’s Partnered Carrier Program for discounted rates.
  3. How long does it take for Amazon to process my inventory once it arrives at the warehouse? It typically takes a few days for Amazon to check in and process your inventory, but it may take longer during peak seasons.

How to Connect with Amazon Seller Support: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, Amazon stands out as a dominant force. As an Amazon seller, you’re likely to encounter issues ranging from account management to product listings. Fortunately, Amazon Seller Support is there to assist you. However, contacting Amazon Seller Support can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. This guide aims to simplify the process and provide actionable steps to ensure you get the help you need efficiently.

Table of Contents

Understanding Amazon Seller Support
When to Contact Amazon Seller Support
How to Contact Amazon Seller Support
Via Amazon Seller Central
Via Email
Via Phone
Via Chat
Best Practices for Communicating with Seller Support
Common Issues and Solutions
Avoiding Pitfalls and Enhancing Your Support Experience
Conclusion
Understanding Amazon Seller Support
Amazon Seller Support is a crucial resource for sellers on Amazon’s platform. It provides assistance with a range of issues including account problems, listing errors, and operational challenges. Seller Support aims to help you resolve these issues swiftly, ensuring that your business runs smoothly.

Key Features of Amazon Seller Support:

24/7 Availability: Seller Support is available around the clock, making it convenient to get help whenever you need it.
Multiple Contact Methods: Whether you prefer email, phone, or chat, Amazon offers various ways to connect with support.
Comprehensive Help Articles: In addition to direct support, Amazon provides extensive help articles and resources that can address common queries.
When to Contact Amazon Seller Support
Knowing when to contact Amazon Seller Support is essential. Here are some scenarios where reaching out to support is advisable:

Account Issues: Problems with your account status, suspension, or verification.
Listing Problems: Errors or issues with product listings, including incorrect information or missing images.
Order Fulfillment Issues: Problems related to shipping, returns, or order cancellations.
Performance Notifications: Alerts regarding your account’s performance metrics or policy violations.
Technical Difficulties: Issues with the Seller Central interface or other technical glitches.
How to Contact Amazon Seller Support
Via Amazon Seller Central
Step-by-Step Guide:

Log In to Seller Central: Go to Amazon Seller Central and log in with your seller credentials.
Navigate to the Help Menu: Click on the “Help” button located at the top right corner of the page.
Select Your Issue: Choose the topic that best describes your issue from the available options.
Choose a Contact Method: After selecting the issue, you’ll be presented with different contact options—email, phone, or chat.
Follow the Prompts: Depending on the method you choose, follow the prompts to provide details about your issue and contact support.
Via Email
Step-by-Step Guide:

Compose Your Email: Write a detailed email explaining your issue. Be sure to include relevant information such as your seller ID, order numbers, and any error messages.
Send to the Correct Address: Email Amazon Seller Support at seller-performance@amazon.com for performance-related issues or cs-reply@amazon.com for general inquiries.
Include Attachments if Necessary: Attach any relevant documents or screenshots that can help clarify your issue.
Await Response: Monitor your email for a response from Amazon Seller Support, which typically takes 24-48 hours.
Via Phone
Step-by-Step Guide:

Access the Contact Information: In Seller Central, go to the “Help” menu and select the option to contact support via phone.
Request a Callback: Provide your phone number and a brief description of your issue. Amazon Seller Support will call you back within a few minutes.
Prepare for the Call: Have your account details and any relevant information ready to discuss with the support representative.
Follow Up: Take notes during the call and ensure you understand the next steps or solutions provided.
Via Chat
Step-by-Step Guide:

Log In to Seller Central: Access your account on Amazon Seller Central.
Navigate to the Help Section: Click on the “Help” button and choose “Contact Us.”
Select Chat Option: Opt for the live chat feature if available. You may need to select the topic of your issue first.
Engage in Chat: Provide details about your issue in the chat window and interact with the support representative to resolve the problem.
Best Practices for Communicating with Seller Support
To ensure you get the most effective help from Amazon Seller Support, consider the following best practices:

Be Clear and Concise: Provide a clear description of your issue and include any relevant details or screenshots.
Be Polite and Professional: Maintain a respectful tone throughout your communication.
Keep Records: Save copies of all correspondence and notes from phone calls for future reference.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the guidance provided by Seller Support to avoid misunderstandings.
Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Account Suspension:

Issue: Your account may be suspended due to policy violations or performance issues.
Solution: Review the suspension notice, address the issues outlined, and submit a detailed plan of action through Seller Central.

  1. Listing Errors:

Issue: Incorrect or incomplete product information on your listings.
Solution: Edit your product listings directly in Seller Central, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.

  1. Order Fulfillment Problems:

Issue: Issues with shipping, returns, or cancellations.
Solution: Check your fulfillment settings and contact Seller Support if you need assistance with specific orders.

  1. Performance Notifications:

Issue: Alerts regarding your account’s performance metrics.
Solution: Review the notification details, address any performance issues, and monitor your account metrics regularly.
Avoiding Pitfalls and Enhancing Your Support Experience
To avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your interactions with Seller Support, follow these tips:

Understand Amazon’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s policies and guidelines to avoid common issues.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your support requests and their resolutions to ensure continuity.
Use Help Resources: Before reaching out, check Amazon’s help articles and forums for potential solutions.
Be Patient: Response times may vary, so be patient and follow up if necessary.
Conclusion
Connecting with Amazon Seller Support doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and resolve your issues efficiently. Remember to use the appropriate contact methods, provide clear information, and adhere to best practices to ensure a smooth support experience.

For more tips and updates on managing your Amazon business, follow Marketplace Valet and stay tuned to our blog!

How Amazon Sellers Can Get More Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide

In the competitive world of Amazon selling, product reviews are crucial. They not only influence potential buyers but also play a significant role in Amazon’s search algorithm. More positive reviews can lead to higher rankings, increased visibility, and ultimately, more sales. However, getting those reviews can be challenging, especially with Amazon’s strict policies. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective and compliant strategies to help Amazon sellers get more reviews in 2024.

Understanding Amazon’s Review Policies
Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to understand Amazon’s review policies. Amazon has stringent rules to prevent fake reviews and maintain the integrity of its platform. Violating these policies can result in severe penalties, including account suspension. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

No Incentivized Reviews: Offering free products, discounts, or any other incentives in exchange for reviews is strictly prohibited.
No Review Swaps: Engaging in review swaps with other sellers is against Amazon’s policies.
Honest and Unbiased: Reviews must be honest and unbiased. Any attempt to manipulate reviews is prohibited.
Understanding and adhering to these policies is crucial for maintaining a healthy Amazon account and avoiding penalties.

Optimizing Your Product Listings
A well-optimized product listing can significantly increase the likelihood of receiving reviews. Here are some tips to optimize your listings:

  1. High-Quality Images
    High-quality images are essential for attracting buyers. Ensure your images are clear, high-resolution, and showcase your product from multiple angles. Include lifestyle images that show the product in use, as this helps potential buyers visualize how they might use it.
  2. Compelling Product Titles
    Your product title should be clear, concise, and include relevant keywords. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can make your title look spammy. Instead, focus on creating a title that accurately describes your product and its key features.
  3. Detailed Product Descriptions
    A detailed product description helps buyers understand what they are purchasing. Highlight the key features, benefits, and specifications of your product. Use bullet points for easy readability and include relevant keywords to improve search visibility.
  4. Enhanced Brand Content (EBC)
    If you’re a brand-registered seller, take advantage of Enhanced Brand Content (EBC). EBC allows you to create visually appealing product descriptions with images, videos, and comparison charts. This can help increase conversion rates and encourage more reviews.

Providing Exceptional Customer Service
Exceptional customer service can turn satisfied customers into loyal reviewers. Here are some tips to provide top-notch customer service:

  1. Prompt Responses
    Respond to customer inquiries and concerns promptly. Quick and helpful responses can leave a positive impression and increase the likelihood of receiving a review.
  2. Address Negative Feedback
    Address negative feedback professionally and promptly. Offer solutions to resolve the issue and show that you value customer satisfaction. This can turn a negative experience into a positive one and potentially lead to a revised review.

Utilizing Amazon’s Request a Review Button
Amazon’s “Request a Review” button is a powerful tool for sellers. This feature allows you to send a review request to customers directly from the order details page. Here are some best practices for using this feature:

  1. Timing is Key
    Timing is crucial when requesting reviews. Send the request a few days after the product has been delivered, giving customers enough time to use the product. Avoid sending the request too soon or too late.
  2. Personalize Your Request
    While the “Request a Review” button sends a standardized message, you can still personalize your follow-up emails. Mention the customer’s name and reference their purchase to make the request feel more personal.
  3. Be Polite and Respectful
    Always be polite and respectful in your review requests. Avoid being pushy or demanding, as this can deter customers from leaving a review.

Leveraging Social Media and Influencers
Social media and influencers can be powerful tools for generating reviews. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:

  1. Build a Social Media Presence
    Build a strong social media presence for your brand. Engage with your audience, share valuable content, and promote your products. Encourage your followers to leave reviews by showcasing customer testimonials and reviews on your social media platforms.
  2. Collaborate with Influencers
    Collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your products. Influencers can provide authentic reviews and reach a broader audience. Ensure that any collaboration complies with Amazon’s policies and guidelines.
  3. Run Social Media Campaigns
    Run social media campaigns to encourage reviews. For example, you can create a hashtag campaign where customers share their experiences with your product and leave a review. Offer a chance to be featured on your social media pages as an incentive.

Using Product Inserts
Product inserts are a subtle yet effective way to remind customers to leave a review. Here are some tips for using product inserts:

  1. Keep it Simple
    Keep your product insert simple and to the point. Include a thank you message, a reminder to leave a review, and contact information for customer support.
  2. Provide Value
    Provide value to your customers through your product insert. For example, you can include a discount code for their next purchase or a link to a helpful guide related to your product.
  3. Comply with Amazon’s Policies
    Ensure that your product insert complies with Amazon’s policies. Avoid offering incentives in exchange for reviews and focus on providing a positive customer experience.

Running Promotions and Giveaways
Promotions and giveaways can help increase your review count, but they must be done ethically and in compliance with Amazon’s policies. Here are some tips:

  1. Offer Discounts
    Offer discounts on your products to attract more buyers. More sales can lead to more reviews. Ensure that your discount promotions comply with Amazon’s pricing policies.
  2. Run Giveaways
    Run giveaways to generate excitement and attract new customers. Use social media platforms to promote your giveaways and encourage participants to leave a review after receiving the product.
  3. Use Amazon’s Early Reviewer Program
    If you’re launching a new product, consider enrolling it in Amazon’s Early Reviewer Program. This program encourages customers to leave reviews by offering a small reward (provided by Amazon) for their feedback.

Conclusion
Getting more reviews on Amazon requires a combination of strategies, from optimizing your product listings to providing exceptional customer service. By understanding and adhering to Amazon’s review policies, leveraging social media and influencers, using product inserts, and running ethical promotions, you can increase your review count and boost your sales in 2024.

Remember, the key to success is providing a positive customer experience and building trust with your buyers. Happy selling!

About Marketplace Valet

Marketplace Valet is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of e-commerce. We offer comprehensive solutions to help you optimize your Amazon business, from listing optimization to customer service and beyond. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your e-commerce goals.

Contact Us:

Website: Marketplace Valet
Email: justin@marketplacevalet.com

A Few Things Every Marketplace Seller Needs to Know about Amazon's FBA Small and Light (SnL) Fulfillment Service

Recently, Amazon launched a Fulfillment service for their marketplaces sellers whose products are typically not ideal for standard Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).  These items are typically small, light weight, and generally lower priced items. 

 

For example, a tooth brush, an inexpensive iPhone case, a paint brush, a deck of playing cards, a pencil set,… you get the picture. These are items that due to their low sale price often end up as an “Add-on Item” (meaning that the Prime member will need to spend at least $25 in order to be able to purchase the item with their Prime membership). 

 

Also, FBA Prime and Amazon Fees will absorb most of the sale anyway.  For a 2 ounce item that sells for $5, FBA Prime fees plus Amazon Referral fees would cost approximately $3.70.  Given the same scenario for FBA SnL, FBA SnL Fees + Amazon Referral fees would only be about $2.90 or so.  May not seem like a big difference at first, but it is about a 20% savings. 

 

 

OK, here is what you need to know about Amazon FBA multi channel fulfillment:

 

The Upside:

1.  FBA SnL is about 20% cheaper than FBA Prime

2.  FBA SnL will win the Buy Box over a non-FBA seller (provided that both listings are eligible for the Buy Box).

3.  If you are not a Featured Seller (perhaps you are a new seller or have been hit with a bad ODR), using FBA SnL will make you featured (eligible for the Buy Box) for that particular ASIN.

4.  Free Shipping will apply even to customers who do not have an Amazon Prime subscription.

5.  Amazon will handle the customer service (this could be looked at as a negative, depending on your view of Amazon’s acting on your behalf for customer service)

 

The Downside :

1.  Because your listing is not Prime, it is not eligible for Same Day and 2 Day shipping, which may be a big turn off for some customers.

2.  The minimum pieces of product per SKU that you can send is between 30 and 50 pieces. 

3.  You may have to sticker your products, even if they already contain a bar code (pretty redundant, inefficient, and unnecessary if you ask me).

4.  Fulfillment to other marketplaces like eBay, NewEgg, Rakuten, your own website, etc… is $5.95. Ouch!

Amazon's Multi-Channel Fulfillment Order Fees

 

5. Long Term Storage fees just went up for the Amazon SnL program:

 

Marketplace Valet  will not only beat Amazon’s price, but we will list your products, fulfill your orders, and handle the customer service too. And not just Amazon, but eBay, international Amazon sites, Rakuten, Sears.com, Newegg.com, and more. If you need ecommerce fulfillment for your website, we can take care of that, too.

 

We can also manager your Amazon Advertising, Translate your listings to another language, create professional images for your products, protect your brand on Amazon,  write SEO copy for your title, features, descriptions, etc. You also get a dedicated Account Manager, too (see our home page for more details). No customer is too small and we love working with emerging brands!

 

Fun Fact: Amazon currently uses only one SnL Fulfillment Center, located in Hebron, Kentucky. They opened this facility in Q4 of 2015. In Q2 of 2015, Amazon’s FBA SnL team toured our warehouse and took pictures and notes of our Small and Light logistics facility. Just saying…

 

Final thoughts: Amazon SnL is a great, cost effective service if you only sell your products on Amazon.com. If you are thinking omni-channel, diversification, and selling way beyond Amazon.com, you really need to consider Marketplace Valet. 

 

You do what you are best at, whether it is creating a brand, sourcing goods, or E-Commerce, and leave the rest to Marketplace Valet. We make sure your brand of products are available on all top marketplaces, we fulfill the orders, we handle the customer service, and we send you the profits. 

 

We are like the intersection of services you’d get from Channel Advisor and FBA, except an all in one solution at a lower cost. Contact us today for an evaluation.  Give us a few minutes, and we promise it will be worth your time.