Amazon offers a service known as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) which helps to streamline logistics and ensure timely deliveries. This service allows sellers to store their products in Amazon warehouses and have Amazon take care of the packing, shipping, and customer service. 

But what steps do you take to get your products to Amazon fulfillment centers? Amazon has a workflow that sellers need to follow to get their inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers. 

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In this article, we will go through steps to shipping your products to Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA requirements to follow 

Before you start shipping to Amazon FBA, it's crucial to understand the requirements set by Amazon. This includes packaging guidelines, labeling requirements, and product eligibility. Each product category may have specific rules, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the guidelines applicable to your items.

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1. Packaging guidelines: Amazon has strict packaging standards to ensure that products arrive at the fulfillment centers in optimal condition. This includes requirements for box strength, packaging materials, and labeling.

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2. Labeling requirements: Each unit must be labeled with a scannable barcode for tracking purposes. Amazon uses the FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) or UPC (Universal Product Code) for this purpose. Ensure that your products have the correct barcodes and labels before sending them to Amazon.

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3. Product eligibility: Certain products may have restrictions or require approval before they can be shipped to Amazon FBA. Check the Amazon Seller Central for any restrictions or requirements related to your product category.

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See also: Selling on Amazon: Product Packaging Requirements and Guidelines

Creating a shipping plan to Amazon FBA

To ship your inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers, you will need to create a shipping plan through your Amazon Seller Central. You can create a shipping plan using the “Send to Amazon” feature where you can pick products you want to send to fulfillment centers, determine their quantity, and how you want to deliver them. 

Here’s how to create a shipping plan using “Send to Amazon”:

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Step 1: Log in to Your Amazon Seller Central Account

Go to Amazon Seller Central and log in with your seller credentials.

Step 2: Access the "Send/Replenish Inventory" page

Once logged in, navigate to the "Inventory" tab on the top menu. Under "Inventory," select "Manage FBA Shipments."

Step 3: Create a new shipment plan

On the "Manage FBA Shipments" page, click on the "Create shipment" button. Amazon will prompt you to select the fulfillment method. Choose "Send/replenish inventory" and click "Continue."

Step 4: Put products into your shipment plan

On the "Add products" page, you can add items to your shipment plan by searching for them in your inventory. Select the products you want to send to Amazon. Indicate the quantity of each product you plan to send. Click on the "Continue to shipping plan" button.

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Step 5: Set quantity and prepare products

On the "Prepare products" page, confirm the quantity of each item you are sending. If your products require labeling, you can choose whether to label them yourself or have Amazon label them for a fee. Click "Continue" to proceed.

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Step 6: Label products (If needed)

If your products require labeling, you will be prompted to label them with the correct barcode. You can either use the barcode provided by Amazon (FNSKU) or use your UPC or EAN barcode. Click "Print labels" to generate the labels for your products.

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Step 7: Review the shipment

Review the products you've added, quantities, and labeling information on the "Review shipments" page. If everything looks accurate, click "Approve shipment."

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Step 8: Select the shipping method and carrier

On the "Set quantity" page, you'll choose your shipping method. You can either use Amazon's partnered carriers for discounted rates or choose to ship through your own carrier. These carriers include UPS, FedEx, USPS, and so on. Enter the number of boxes you are sending and the weight for each box. Click "Continue."

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Step 9: Confirm the shipment

Confirm your shipment details on the "Review shipments" page. If everything is accurate, click "Work on shipment." On the "Work on shipment" page, you'll have the option to print box labels and shipping labels.

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Affix the box labels to each box and the shipping labels to the outside of the shipment.

Step 10: Complete and track shipment

Once you have labeled your boxes, click "Complete shipment." After completing the shipment, you can track its progress under the "Manage FBA Shipments" section in your Seller Central account.

Amazon FBA shipment - Problems to avoid 

Shipping inventory to Amazon FBA can be a seamless process if executed correctly, but there are several common problems that sellers may encounter. By being aware of these issues and taking preventive measures, you can avoid disruptions to your supply chain and maintain a positive selling experience.

Incorrect or inadequate labeling

Incorrect or missing labels on products can lead to delays and difficulties in inventory management within Amazon's fulfillment center. You want to ensure that each unit is labeled with the appropriate scannable barcode (FNSKU or UPC) and that labels are affixed securely.

Poor packaging

Inadequate packaging can result in damaged products during transit or while stored in Amazon's fulfillment centers. To prevent this, you want to ensure you follow Amazon's packaging guidelines, use sturdy boxes, and include sufficient padding to protect products. Keep in mind that oversized packaging may incur additional fees.

Not following Amazon's requirements

Failure to comply with Amazon's FBA requirements, including product eligibility and packaging standards, can lead to inventory restrictions or removal.

You want to regularly review and adhere to Amazon's guidelines for FBA, and ensure that your products meet the specified criteria.

Incomplete or inaccurate shipment information

Providing inaccurate information in your shipment plan, such as incorrect box quantities or weights, can lead to logistical issues. Ensure you double-check all information before finalizing your shipment plan on Seller Central. Accurate details help Amazon allocate space and resources more efficiently.

Ignoring Amazon's receiving windows

Sending your shipments outside of Amazon's receiving windows can result in additional fees or even refusal of the inventory. Keep an eye on Amazon's receiving window for each fulfillment center and plan your shipments accordingly.

Tips for effective Amazon FBA shipment 

From accurate labeling to investing in quality packaging and understanding Amazon’s requirements, creating effective Amazon FBA shipments is crucial for a smooth and successful selling experience on the platform. Here are some tips to ensure effective Amazon FBA shipment: 

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1. Invest in quality packaging: Use sturdy, well-constructed packaging materials to protect your products during transit and while stored in Amazon's fulfillment centers. Proper packaging minimizes the risk of damage and enhances the overall customer experience.
2. Label products correctly: Ensure that each unit has the correct scannable barcode label. Amazon uses the FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) or UPC (Universal Product Code) for tracking. Accurate labeling is essential for efficient inventory management.
3. Organize products in boxes: Strategically organize products within your boxes to maximize space utilization. Amazon's guidelines recommend a standard box content labeling practice, making it easier for their team to handle and store your inventory.
4. Use Amazon's partnered carriers: Take advantage of Amazon's partnered carriers to benefit from discounted shipping rates. This can significantly reduce your transportation costs, especially for larger shipments.
5. Plan shipments around Amazon's receiving windows: Check the receiving windows for each fulfillment center on Seller Central. Plan your shipments to arrive during these windows to avoid additional fees and ensure smoother processing.
6. Utilize Amazon's FBA Calculator: Before sending a shipment, use Amazon's FBA calculator to estimate fees and understand the potential costs associated with your products. This helps you set competitive prices and manage your margins effectively.
7. Understand Amazon's requirements: Before initiating any shipment, thoroughly understand Amazon's FBA requirements. This includes packaging guidelines, labeling standards, and product eligibility criteria. Adhering to these rules ensures that your shipments are accepted without delays.

Final thoughts 

Shipping to Amazon FBA simplifies the logistics of running your Amazon business, allowing you to focus on growing your sales. By adhering to Amazon's requirements to create a seamless shipment process, you can leverage the benefits of Amazon FBA and increase sales on the platform.