How to Use Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment as an Amazon Third-Party Seller

As an Amazon third-party seller, leveraging Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers numerous benefits such as streamlined logistics, access to Prime customers, and reduced operational headaches. However, many sellers are unaware of another powerful FBA service that can further enhance their business efficiency and expand their reach—Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF).

MCF allows sellers to utilize Amazon’s world-class fulfillment network not only for their Amazon orders but also for orders placed on other sales channels, such as Shopify, eBay, Walmart, or even their own websites. By centralizing inventory and using a single fulfillment solution for all sales channels, sellers can simplify their logistics, reduce costs, and provide a consistent and reliable customer experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment as an Amazon third-party seller. From understanding how MCF works to integrating it with your existing sales channels and optimizing your logistics strategy, this comprehensive post will help you maximize the potential of MCF and take your e-commerce business to the next level.

What is Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)?

Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment is a service that enables third-party sellers to use Amazon’s fulfillment centers to store, pick, pack, and ship products to customers, not just for orders placed on Amazon, but for any e-commerce platform they use.

Essentially, MCF allows sellers to consolidate inventory management and shipping across multiple channels while leveraging Amazon’s robust fulfillment infrastructure. This means that you can use Amazon’s FBA warehouses to fulfill orders from your Shopify store, eBay listings, Walmart Marketplace, or any other online sales channel.

Benefits of Using Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment

  1. Centralized Inventory Management: By storing all your inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, you can easily manage stock levels and streamline your operations without the need for separate warehouses.
  2. Fast and Reliable Shipping: Amazon’s extensive fulfillment network ensures that orders are processed and shipped quickly, providing customers with the same reliable service they expect from Amazon orders.
  3. Increased Efficiency: With Amazon handling the logistics, you can focus more on marketing, customer service, and growing your business, instead of worrying about picking, packing, and shipping.
  4. Reduced Operational Costs: Using MCF can reduce the costs associated with managing multiple warehouses or third-party logistics (3PL) providers, particularly for multi-channel sellers.
  5. Enhanced Customer Experience: Amazon’s reputation for fast and dependable shipping can help improve your customers’ experience and lead to higher satisfaction and repeat purchases.

How Does Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment Work?

MCF works similarly to regular FBA for Amazon orders, with the added capability of fulfilling orders from other sales channels. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how MCF works:

  1. Send Inventory to Amazon: Just like with traditional FBA, you’ll first need to send your inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. This inventory can be used for both Amazon orders and non-Amazon orders.
  2. List Products on Other Channels: Create listings for your products on other e-commerce platforms like Shopify, eBay, Walmart, or your own website. Ensure that the SKUs match the products you have stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
  3. Receive Orders on Any Platform: When a customer places an order on a non-Amazon platform, you can manually create a fulfillment order in Seller Central or use an automated integration to send the order details to Amazon.
  4. Amazon Picks, Packs, and Ships: Once the order is received, Amazon will pick, pack, and ship the product directly to your customer, using the same efficient processes they use for Amazon orders.
  5. Track and Manage Orders: You can track the status of your MCF orders in Seller Central and provide your customers with tracking information, just as you would for an Amazon order.

MCF vs. Regular FBA: What’s the Difference?

While FBA and MCF share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two services:

  • Order Source: Regular FBA is used exclusively for orders placed on Amazon’s marketplace, while MCF can fulfill orders from multiple sales channels.
  • Shipping Speed and Cost: MCF offers different shipping speeds—Standard, Expedited, and Priority—each with varying costs. Amazon Prime’s free two-day shipping is not available for MCF orders.
  • Branding: MCF orders can be shipped in unbranded boxes upon request, which is ideal for sellers who want to maintain a consistent brand identity across all platforms.

How to Set Up and Use Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment

If you’re ready to start using MCF for your business, follow these steps to set it up and integrate it with your other sales channels.

Step 1: Enroll in FBA and Send Inventory to Amazon

To use MCF, you must first be enrolled in FBA and have your products stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

  1. Create an FBA Account: If you haven’t already, create an FBA account through Seller Central.
  2. Send Inventory to Amazon: Create a shipping plan in Seller Central and send your inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Make sure the SKUs in Amazon match the SKUs on your other sales platforms to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Set Up MCF for Your Non-Amazon Orders

You have two options for setting up MCF for non-Amazon orders:

  1. Manual Order Creation in Seller Central: For small volumes, you can manually create a Multi-Channel Fulfillment order in Seller Central. Go to “Manage Inventory,” select the product, and click “Create Fulfillment Order.” Enter the shipping address and select the shipping speed.
  2. Automated Integration: For higher order volumes or streamlined operations, use a third-party integration to automatically route non-Amazon orders to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Tools like Shopify’s Amazon Fulfillment Service, ShipStation, or InventoryLab can help automate this process.

Step 3: Choose the Right Shipping Options

MCF offers three shipping speeds:

  1. Standard: Typically 3-5 business days.
  2. Expedited: Typically 2 business days.
  3. Priority: Next day delivery.

The shipping costs will vary depending on the product size, weight, and shipping speed. Make sure to review the MCF pricing details in Seller Central to understand the costs and choose the right option for your business needs.

Step 4: Customize Branding and Packaging

For MCF orders, you have the option to request unbranded packaging. This is useful if you want to maintain a consistent brand image across all platforms. By default, Amazon ships products in Amazon-branded boxes, but you can opt for unbranded boxes by contacting Amazon’s support team.

Step 5: Monitor Inventory Levels Across All Channels

One of the main benefits of using MCF is centralized inventory management. However, it’s essential to keep a close eye on inventory levels to avoid stockouts and overselling.

  • Use Inventory Management Tools: Consider using third-party inventory management software like SkuVault, Sellbrite, or Orderhive to synchronize inventory levels across multiple channels.
  • Set Up Replenishment Alerts: Use Amazon’s inventory planning tools to set up alerts when inventory levels are running low, and plan replenishment shipments in advance.

Integrating MCF with Your E-Commerce Platforms

Integrating MCF with your other sales platforms can help automate order fulfillment and save time. Here’s how to integrate MCF with some of the most popular e-commerce platforms:

1. Shopify

Shopify has a built-in Amazon FBA integration, making it easy to connect your Shopify store with MCF.

  • Go to your Shopify Admin panel and click “Settings” > “Shipping and Delivery.”
  • Under “Fulfillment,” select “Amazon Fulfillment” and connect your Amazon FBA account.
  • Map your Shopify SKUs to Amazon’s FBA SKUs, and set up fulfillment preferences.

2. eBay

Use third-party apps like JoeLister or MultiChannelWorks to integrate eBay with MCF. These apps sync your eBay orders with Amazon FBA and automate the fulfillment process.

3. Walmart Marketplace

Use an integration tool like ChannelAdvisor or CedCommerce to connect your Walmart Marketplace account with Amazon FBA. These tools can route Walmart orders to Amazon’s fulfillment centers for processing.

4. Custom Websites

If you’re using a custom-built website, consider using an API solution like MWS (Marketplace Web Service) or an integration platform like Zentail to connect your site with Amazon’s fulfillment network.

Cost Considerations for Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment

While MCF offers numerous benefits, it’s important to understand the costs associated with using the service. MCF costs are separate from regular FBA fees and include the following:

  1. Fulfillment Fees: Fees for picking, packing, and shipping products. These vary based on the product’s size, weight, and shipping speed.
  2. Storage Fees: Monthly storage fees for keeping your inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
  3. Unbranded Packaging Fee: An additional fee for using unbranded packaging instead of Amazon-branded boxes.

You can find detailed pricing information for MCF in the Amazon MCF Pricing Guide.

Best Practices for Using Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment

To get the most out of MCF, follow these best practices:

  1. Sync Inventory Across Platforms: Use inventory management software to sync stock levels across Amazon and non-Amazon channels to avoid overselling and stockouts.
  2. Use Automated Integrations: Automate order routing to Amazon using third-party integrations to save time and reduce manual errors.
  3. Optimize Shipping Costs: Choose the most cost-effective shipping speed based on your customers’ needs and consider consolidating orders when possible.
  4. Monitor Performance Metrics: Keep track of order accuracy, delivery speed, and customer feedback to ensure high service quality and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion: Using Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment for Your Business

Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment is a powerful tool for e-commerce sellers who want to streamline their logistics and expand their reach across multiple platforms. By centralizing inventory management, automating order fulfillment, and leveraging Amazon’s reliable shipping network, you can save time, reduce costs, and provide a seamless experience for your customers.

If you’re ready to start using MCF for your business or want to learn more about how it can benefit your multi-channel sales strategy, Marketplace Valet is here to help. Our team specializes in Amazon marketplace management, fulfillment services, and e-commerce optimization to help your business thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your growth with Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment!

How to Use Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) as a Third-Party Seller: A Complete Guide

For third-party sellers, managing fulfillment across multiple platforms can be time-consuming and costly. Enter Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)—a powerful service that allows you to leverage Amazon’s fulfillment network to manage orders not only from Amazon but also from other sales channels like your website, eBay, Shopify, and more. By centralizing your fulfillment with Amazon, you can streamline logistics, save time, and ensure fast, reliable shipping for all your customers.

In this post, we’ll explore what Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment is, how it works, the benefits for third-party sellers, and step-by-step instructions on setting it up. Let’s dive in.

What is Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment?

Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) allows you to fulfill orders from multiple sales channels using Amazon’s fulfillment network. While FBA is primarily known for fulfilling Amazon orders, MCF enables sellers to store inventory in Amazon warehouses and fulfill non-Amazon orders, such as those from your own website or third-party platforms like Shopify, eBay, or Walmart.

With MCF, Amazon takes care of picking, packing, and shipping your orders to customers across the country or internationally, just like it does for Amazon orders. The key difference is that MCF fulfills orders placed outside of Amazon, providing flexibility and control for multi-channel sellers.

Benefits of Amazon MCF for Third-Party Sellers

Using Amazon’s fulfillment network to handle orders from multiple platforms offers several key benefits:

  1. Centralized Inventory Management: Manage all your inventory in one place, regardless of the sales channel. This reduces the complexity of managing stock across multiple platforms and helps avoid issues like overselling or stockouts.
  2. Fast and Reliable Shipping: Amazon is known for its fast and reliable shipping services. By using MCF, you can offer your customers the same high standard of fulfillment they expect from Amazon, whether they shop on your website or another platform.
  3. Improved Efficiency: With Amazon handling the logistics, you can focus on other aspects of your business, such as marketing and product development. This can significantly reduce the time spent on packing, shipping, and managing returns.
  4. Competitive Advantage: Offering fast shipping and seamless fulfillment through MCF can give you a competitive edge over sellers who handle fulfillment in-house. Customers expect fast delivery, and Amazon’s network allows you to meet (and exceed) those expectations.
  5. Scalability: As your business grows, MCF can scale with you. Whether you’re shipping a few orders per day or hundreds, Amazon’s fulfillment network can handle the demand without additional logistical headaches on your end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment

Here’s how you can start using MCF as a third-party seller:

Step 1: Set Up FBA in Seller Central

Before you can use MCF, you need to enroll in Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) through your Seller Central account.

  1. Log in to Seller Central.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Fulfillment by Amazon.
  3. Enable FBA for your account and select the product categories you plan to fulfill through Amazon’s network.

Step 2: Create FBA Shipments

Once your FBA account is active, the next step is to send your inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. This is a critical part of the MCF setup process because Amazon needs to store your products before it can fulfill any orders.

  1. Prepare Your Products for Shipment: Follow Amazon’s FBA packaging guidelines, including labeling each product with the appropriate FNSKU barcode.
  2. Create a Shipping Plan: Use Seller Central to create a shipping plan, specifying the products and quantities you’re sending to Amazon warehouses.
  3. Ship to Amazon Fulfillment Centers: Send your products to the designated Amazon fulfillment centers using Amazon’s partnered carrier or your preferred shipping service.

Step 3: Link Your Sales Channels

To start fulfilling orders from other sales channels, you need to link your e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay) to Amazon’s MCF system.

  1. Integrate Your Sales Channels: Use a third-party app (e.g., Shopify’s Amazon Fulfillment Service or tools like ShipStation) to connect your external sales channels with Amazon’s MCF network. These apps sync orders and send fulfillment requests to Amazon automatically.
  2. Manual Order Creation: Alternatively, you can manually create MCF orders in Seller Central by navigating to Orders > Create MCF Order, then entering the order and shipping details.

Step 4: Configure Shipping Options

Amazon offers multiple shipping speeds for MCF, including Standard, Expedited, and Priority shipping. Depending on your customers’ needs and your shipping policies, you can choose the shipping speeds you want to offer on your external sales channels.

  1. Set Shipping Speeds in Seller Central: Configure your preferred shipping methods in Seller Central under the MCF settings.
  2. Adjust Shipping Rates on Other Platforms: Make sure your non-Amazon platforms (e.g., Shopify, eBay) reflect the appropriate shipping speeds and costs.

Step 5: Monitor Inventory and Manage Orders

Once MCF is active and integrated with your external sales channels, Amazon will automatically fulfill orders from those platforms as they come in. Here’s how to manage the process:

  1. Monitor Inventory Levels: Use Amazon’s Inventory Dashboard in Seller Central to monitor stock levels and restock products as needed.
  2. Manage Returns and Customer Service: With MCF, Amazon handles returns for your non-Amazon orders. You can also track customer service requests related to fulfillment.

Costs and Fees Associated with MCF

While MCF offers immense value, there are specific costs you need to consider:

  1. Fulfillment Fees: MCF fulfillment fees are charged based on the size and weight of each item. These fees cover picking, packing, and shipping the order. Unlike FBA, MCF fulfillment fees are not subsidized by Amazon Prime benefits, so expect slightly higher rates.
  2. Storage Fees: Just like FBA, MCF sellers incur monthly storage fees for keeping their inventory in Amazon’s warehouses. These fees vary based on the time of year (higher during Q4) and the volume of inventory stored.
  3. Additional Costs: Fees for long-term storage, removal orders, and returns processing may apply depending on your inventory management and product sales volume.

To calculate your costs, you can use Amazon’s FBA Fee Calculator, which provides a detailed breakdown of storage, fulfillment, and other potential fees.

Best Practices for Optimizing MCF as a Third-Party Seller

To get the most out of Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment, follow these best practices:

  1. Consolidate Inventory: Centralize your inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers to reduce the complexity of managing stock across multiple platforms.
  2. Leverage Fast Shipping: Take advantage of Amazon’s fast shipping options to offer competitive shipping speeds on your external sales channels.
  3. Track Performance: Regularly monitor inventory levels and performance metrics to ensure you’re not overstocking slow-moving items or running out of popular products.
  4. Monitor Costs: Be mindful of fees like long-term storage and removal fees, and adjust your inventory levels accordingly to minimize unnecessary costs.

Conclusion: Is MCF Right for Your Business?

For third-party sellers looking to expand beyond Amazon, Amazon FBA Multi-Channel Fulfillment is a valuable tool that centralizes fulfillment, reduces logistical headaches, and offers fast, reliable shipping across all sales channels. While there are costs associated with the service, the benefits—such as streamlined operations and customer satisfaction—often outweigh the fees, making it a smart choice for scaling your e-commerce business.

By implementing MCF, you can focus on growing your business, improving your product offerings, and expanding your reach across multiple platforms while leaving the fulfillment logistics to Amazon.

If you’re looking to scale your e-commerce operations and need help managing your fulfillment strategy, Marketplace Valet can assist you with expert solutions to optimize your Amazon fulfillment and grow your business. Contact us today to get started!

FAQs:

  1. Can MCF fulfill international orders?
    Yes, Amazon MCF offers international shipping options, allowing you to fulfill orders for customers outside of the U.S.
  2. Do MCF orders qualify for Amazon Prime?
    No, only orders placed on Amazon qualify for Prime benefits. However, MCF orders still benefit from Amazon’s fast shipping speeds.
  3. How are returns handled for MCF orders?
    Amazon manages returns for MCF orders, providing customers with a seamless return experience similar to Amazon’s own returns process.