If you’re an Amazon third-party seller looking to streamline your business and boost your sales, using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can be a game-changer. FBA allows sellers to leverage Amazon’s vast logistics network to store, pack, and ship products directly to customers, providing an efficient and reliable fulfillment solution. However, to get the most out of FBA and avoid common pitfalls, it’s crucial to understand how to properly prepare your products for fulfillment.
Failing to comply with Amazon’s FBA preparation requirements can lead to delays, additional fees, and even the rejection of your inventory. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about preparing your products for FBA fulfillment, from packaging and labeling to creating shipping plans and optimizing your shipments. Let’s dive in and ensure your products are ready to hit Amazon’s warehouses without a hitch!
Why Proper Preparation for Amazon FBA Is Important
Properly preparing your products for Amazon FBA is essential for several reasons:
- Avoiding Rejections and Delays: Amazon has strict requirements for packaging, labeling, and shipping. Non-compliant shipments can be rejected or delayed, which negatively affects your inventory levels and potential sales.
- Minimizing Damage During Transit: Correct packaging helps protect your products during transit and prevents damage, which can lead to returns, bad reviews, and lost sales.
- Reducing Additional Fees: If your products are not properly prepped, Amazon may charge additional fees to make them compliant with FBA standards, which can cut into your margins.
- Ensuring Quick and Efficient Check-In: Products that arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers in compliance with their standards are processed more quickly, reducing the time it takes for your inventory to be available for sale.
By following Amazon’s guidelines and preparing your products correctly, you can ensure a smooth process and maximize the benefits of FBA.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Products for FBA Fulfillment
To get started, let’s go through the step-by-step process of preparing your products for Amazon FBA.
Step 1: Understand Amazon’s FBA Requirements
Before you start preparing your products, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Amazon’s FBA requirements. These requirements cover several aspects, including:
- Packaging Requirements: Guidelines for how products should be packaged to ensure safe storage and shipping.
- Labeling Requirements: Instructions for proper labeling to track products in Amazon’s system.
- Shipping Requirements: Specifications for shipping units, box contents, and carrier selection.
You can find detailed information on these requirements in Amazon’s FBA Product Preparation Requirements.
Step 2: Choose the Right Packaging Materials
Selecting the appropriate packaging materials is essential for protecting your products during transit and ensuring they meet Amazon’s standards. Depending on your product type, you may need a combination of the following materials:
- Corrugated Boxes: Use sturdy corrugated boxes that can handle the weight of your products. Amazon recommends using boxes with at least 200 lb/sq in bursting strength.
- Poly Bags: Use poly bags for small, loose, or fabric items. Make sure the poly bags are at least 1.5 mil thick and have a suffocation warning if the opening is 5 inches or larger.
- Bubble Wrap: Protect fragile items like glass or electronics with bubble wrap.
- Shrink Wrap: Use shrink wrap to keep products secure and protect them from dust and dirt.
- Packing Paper or Air Pillows: Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing paper or air pillows to prevent items from moving around during transit.
Important Note: Do not use packing materials such as packing peanuts or shredded paper, as these are not compliant with Amazon’s FBA standards.
Step 3: Prepare Products Based on Their Category
Different product categories have specific preparation guidelines. Here’s a quick overview of common preparation requirements for various product types:
- Fragile Products: Wrap fragile items (e.g., glassware, ceramics) in bubble wrap and ensure they are securely packed. Use “fragile” or “handle with care” stickers if necessary.
- Textile Products: Place textile items such as clothing, bedding, and fabric items in poly bags to protect them from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Loose Products: Products that are not sold as sets must be packaged individually. Items that are sold as sets (e.g., multi-pack items) should be labeled with a “sold as set” sticker.
- Sharp Products: Wrap sharp items like knives or tools securely and cover any exposed sharp edges to prevent damage or injury during handling.
- Small Products: Small or loose products should be bagged or boxed together to prevent them from getting lost or separated.
Step 4: Label Products Correctly
Proper labeling is crucial for tracking your products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and ensuring accurate inventory management. Here’s how to label your products correctly:
FNSKU Labels
Every product you send to Amazon must have an FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label. The FNSKU is Amazon’s unique identifier for your product and must be placed on each individual unit.
- Print and Apply FNSKU Labels: Print the FNSKU labels from your Seller Central account and apply them to each unit. Ensure the label is clearly visible and not covered by other stickers or packaging materials.
- Label Placement: Place the FNSKU label on a flat surface of the product or its packaging. Avoid placing it on corners, edges, or curves.
Important Note: If your product already has a manufacturer barcode (UPC, EAN, etc.), you must cover it with the FNSKU label to prevent confusion.
Box Content and Carton Labels
If you are sending multiple units in a single box, each box must have a box content label indicating what’s inside. Amazon provides these labels when you create your shipment in Seller Central.
- Print and Apply Carton Labels: Print the labels and apply them to the top or side of the box. Avoid placing labels on seams or corners.
- Ensure Scannability: Make sure the barcode is scannable and not obstructed by tape or other materials.
Step 5: Create a Shipping Plan in Seller Central
Once your products are labeled and packaged, the next step is to create a shipping plan in Seller Central.
- Log in to Seller Central and go to the “Inventory” tab.
- Select “Manage FBA Shipments” and click on “Create a New Shipping Plan.”
- Select the products you want to send to Amazon and enter the quantities.
- Choose your packaging type: individual units or case-packed.
- Confirm the destination fulfillment centers and print your FBA labels.
Step 6: Prepare and Pack Your Shipment
When packing your shipment, follow these best practices to ensure your products arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers safely and in compliance with their standards:
- Pack Securely: Place your products in the box in a way that minimizes movement during transit. Use void fill materials like packing paper or air pillows to fill empty spaces.
- Don’t Exceed Weight Limits: Amazon has specific weight limits for boxes:
- Boxes should not exceed 50 lbs (unless containing a single item over 50 lbs).
- Boxes containing books should not exceed 40 lbs.
- Tape the Box Properly: Use heavy-duty packing tape to securely seal the box. Apply at least two layers of tape along the top and bottom seams.
- Label the Box: Place the carton label on the top or side of the box. Avoid placing labels on seams or curves, and make sure the label is not covered by tape.
Step 7: Choose the Right Shipping Method and Carrier
Once your shipment is packed and labeled, select the shipping method and carrier in Seller Central. You can choose from Amazon’s partnered carriers (such as UPS) for discounted shipping rates or use your own carrier.
- Small Parcel Delivery (SPD): Use SPD if you’re sending small quantities. Each box is shipped individually.
- Less Than Truckload/Full Truckload (LTL/FTL): Use LTL or FTL if you’re sending larger quantities. This method is more cost-effective for bulk shipments.
Step 8: Monitor Your Shipment and Inventory
After sending your shipment to Amazon, monitor its status in Seller Central to ensure it arrives and is checked in successfully.
- Check for Shipment Issues: Review your shipment for any issues or discrepancies. If there are problems, resolve them quickly to avoid delays.
- Track Inventory Levels: Keep an eye on your inventory levels in Seller Central to ensure that your products are available for sale as soon as they are checked in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Products for Amazon FBA
To ensure a smooth FBA process, avoid these common mistakes:
- Incorrect Labeling: Double-check that all FNSKU labels are applied correctly and cover any existing manufacturer barcodes.
- Non-Compliant Packaging: Avoid using non-compliant materials like packing peanuts or shredded paper. Always use Amazon-approved packaging.
- Overpacking Boxes: Do not exceed Amazon’s weight limits for boxes, as this can lead to additional fees or shipment rejection.
- Improperly Sealed Boxes: Ensure all boxes are securely sealed to prevent them from opening during transit.
Conclusion: Preparing Products for Amazon FBA Made Simple
Properly preparing your products for Amazon FBA is essential for maintaining smooth operations, avoiding fees, and ensuring customer satisfaction. By following Amazon’s guidelines, using the right packaging materials, and accurately labeling your products, you can streamline your FBA process and focus on growing your business.
If you’re looking for expert assistance in managing your Amazon FBA operations or want to optimize your fulfillment strategy, Marketplace Valet is here to help. Our team specializes in Amazon marketplace management, fulfillment services, and digital marketing to support your business’s growth. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed on Amazon!