How to ship to Amazon FBA: What you need to know
For businesses shipping goods across the country and beyond, Amazon’s FBA service can help streamline the process. But what does it involve? And how much does it cost?
In this post, we’ll explain how to ship to Amazon FBA, explore the costs, and offer tips to help you avoid any issues.
What is Amazon FBA?
FBA stands for Fulfillment by Amazon. Sellers can use this service to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, eliminating the need to arrange and manage storing inventory themselves.
Once your business’s products are stored in an Amazon fulfillment center, Amazon handles:
- Picking products
- Packing products
- Shipping products
- Customer service
- Product returns
With Amazon FBA, businesses of all sizes can take advantage of Amazon’s vast logistics network to reach more customers. Products shipped with Amazon FBA will also qualify for faster Prime shipping, reducing customer wait times.
How does Amazon FBA work?
Here are the steps you’ll take when using Amazon FBA:
Product prep and labeling
- Log in to your Amazon Seller Center account to specify the products you want to send, the quantity, and your preferred shipping method.
- Create product listings for each product. You can assign all eligible products for FBA or just a selection as needed. Non-eligible goods include any materials that the U.S. Department of Transportation considers hazardous. Check Amazon’s FBA requirements and restrictions carefully.
- Prepare all products to be sold through Amazon FBA according to their official guidelines. This includes following the rules for packaging and labeling. If you don’t follow these guidelines, Amazon may fine you, and shipping delays could cost you customers.
Ship products to Amazon fulfillment centers
- Send your inventory to the designated Amazon warehouse.
- All goods received will be stored until a customer places an order through Amazon.
Order fulfillment, customer service, and returns
- Amazon handles all matters related to the shipping of your products.
- They’ll take care of order fulfillment, delivery, customer inquiries, complaints, and returns.
How to ship to Amazon FBA: Tips and tricks
Now that you know what Amazon FBA is let’s look at some key tips to help you make the most of it.
Understand FBA costs
- Amazon charges fees for its FBA service based on product weight and dimensions. Before you decide whether to use the service, check the costs on the Amazon website to ensure it makes sense for your business.
- As a seller, you’ll also face monthly storage costs based on the amount of space your inventory occupies in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. The more room they occupy, the more you can expect to pay to keep your goods stored in a warehouse.
- These storage costs vary depending on the time of year:
- January to September: Standard-sized inventory costs $0.78 per cubic foot. Oversize inventory costs $0.56 per cubic foot.
- October to December: Standard-sized goods cost $2.40 per cubic foot. Oversize products cost $1.40 per cubic foot.
- Understanding the costs involved will help you make the right choice for your business, budget, and goals.
Familiarize yourself with the Amazon FBA guidelines
- Take the time to study Amazon’s guidelines carefully to understand how to ship products to Amazon FBA. That includes packaging, labeling, shipping, and everything else you need to know.
- If in doubt, reach out to Amazon for answers and advice. Rushing into the process without understanding the guidelines can lead to shipping delays, fines, and disgruntled customers.
Consider inventory levels carefully
- Try to avoid overstocking, which could increase your FBA storage fees. On the other hand, understocking may result in missed sales.
Partner with a shipping provider Amazon FBA experience
- Working with a third-party logistics provider can help you handle all the details and steps involved in selling on Amazon FBA. You can enjoy greater peace of mind that your products will be properly prepared and shipped to fulfillment centers.
- Partnering with a shipping provider will save your business valuable time and ensure that you comply with all of Amazon’s requirements.
DTS is your FBA partner
Amazon’s FBA service can help businesses serve a larger customer base, use professionally managed storage facilities, and leave key processes in Amazon’s hands. However, learning how to ship to Amazon FBA in the first place can be time-consuming and complex, especially for those new to the program.
To make it easier and smoother, trust DTS to seamlessly manage to ship your products to Amazon FBA on your behalf. For more information on how our team of experienced shipping and logistics professionals can help you, contact us today.
