5 min read

How To Ship to Amazon FBA: Everything You Need To Know

Written by
Vanessa Hung
February 6, 2024

Are you an Amazon seller looking to streamline your shipping process? Shipping products to Amazon FBA can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the game. But fear not, because we've got you covered with this guide that will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping to Amazon FBA.

Did you know that over 50% of all items sold on Amazon are from third-party sellers using the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service? This just shows how popular and beneficial it can be for sellers. This guide helps break down the complex shipping process and offer solutions to common challenges faced by sellers like yourself.

If you're ready to take your Amazon business to the next level, keep reading as we dive into the ins and outs of shipping to Amazon FBA. Let's get started!

What Is Amazon FBA?

Amazon FBA stands for Fulfillment by Amazon, a service that helps you sell your products without dealing with the hassle of storage, shipping, or handling returns. When you use FBA, you send your items to an Amazon fulfillment center where they're stored in the vast warehouse network until someone makes a purchase.

Once bought, Amazon takes care of packing and sending out your product directly to the customer. They even handle customer service and returns if needed.

This system simplifies selling on one of the world's largest marketplaces by relieving you from managing inventory and shipping logistics. All it requires is selecting which products go into Amazon's hands and taking advantage of their state-of-the-art fulfillment services to reach millions easily.

Now let’s dive into how exactly you can ship your goods directly to an Amazon FBA fulfillment center.

How To Ship Directly to Amazon FBA

Utilize the "Send to Amazon" option for easy shipping, negotiate with suppliers for favorable terms, and manage shipping from China effectively.

Using "Send to Amazon"

Shipping your products to Amazon FBA is streamlined with "Send to Amazon." This tool helps you manage the Amazon FBA shipping process efficiently.

  1. First, log in to your Seller Central account and navigate to the Inventory tab.
  2. Select the items from your inventory that you want to ship to an Amazon fulfillment center.
  3. Download and fill out the "Send to Amazon" template, which includes crucial product details like quantities and weights.
  4. Print the provided shipping labels directly from Seller Central. Ensure each item has a label for tracking.
  5. Schedule a pickup or drop—off with your chosen carrier based on the size and number of boxes.
  6. Confirm that all items comply with Amazon FBA packaging requirements before sending them off.
  7. Monitor your shipment status through Seller Central until it safely arrives at the designated fulfillment center.
  8. Update your inventory in Seller Central as soon as Amazon receives and scans your products into their system.

Shipping From China

When shipping from China to Amazon FBA, it's essential to consider the following points:

Negotiating With Suppliers

When shipping from China, negotiating with suppliers is key to securing the best terms for your Amazon FBA business. Start by clearly outlining your requirements and expectations before engaging in negotiations.

Be transparent about the volumes you intend to ship, lead times, and quality standards to ensure both parties are on the same page.

Once negotiations commence, seek competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards. Consider factors such as payment terms, shipping methods, and product customization options when discussing terms with potential suppliers.

Creating an Amazon Shipping Plan

Choose the best incoterms and shipping method for your Amazon FBA shipment. Learn how to create a shipping plan through Seller Central and optimize your inventory management. Read on to make sure you're prepared to ship your products efficiently and cost-effectively!

Choosing Incoterms

When selecting incoterms for your Amazon shipping plan, consider the following:

  1. Determine the level of responsibility and cost sharing you're comfortable with when it comes to shipping and delivery.
  2. Evaluate the most suitable incoterm based on your business needs, such as EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).
  3. Understand the implications of each incoterm in terms of shipping costs, insurance, and risk management.
  4. Ensure clear communication with your suppliers regarding the chosen incoterm to prevent any misunderstandings or disputes.

Air Vs. Ocean Shipping

When deciding between air and ocean shipping for your Amazon FBA inventory, the choice can drastically affect your costs, delivery speed, and overall logistics. Understanding the key differences will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business model and customer expectations. Below is a comparative overview in HTML table format:

Choosing the correct shipping method is crucial for maintaining profitability and meeting delivery expectations. Analyze both options in the context of your product type, size, and customer demand. Now that you understand the shipping choices, let's move on to creating a shipping plan through Seller Central.

Creating a Shipping Plan Through Seller Central

  1. Log in to your Seller Central account and navigate to the “Inventory” tab.
  2. Select “Create a new shipping plan” and enter the details of your shipment, including the products you are sending and the quantity.
  3. Choose whether you will be shipping your products individually or as a case-packed shipment.
  4. Provide information about where your products will be shipped from and select the carrier and shipping method you will use.
  5. Review and confirm the details of your shipping plan before finalizing it.
  6. Print out the shipping labels and prepare your products for shipment according to Amazon’s packaging guidelines.

Is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Worth It?

FBA offers benefits like Prime eligibility and customer service, but it comes with fees and storage costs. Read our article about knowing if Amazon FBA is worth it to gain a deeper understanding of whether FBA is the right choice for your business, it's essential to evaluate these costs against the potential growth in sales and customer satisfaction.

Benefits and drawbacks

Selling products using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers several advantages. With FBA, you can tap into Amazon’s massive customer base and benefit from Prime eligibility, which can boost your sales. Additionally, Amazon handles the storage, packaging, and shipping of your products, freeing up your time to focus on growing your business rather than logistics.

However, it's important to note that utilizing FBA also comes with its drawbacks. Sellers must factor in fulfillment fees and storage costs when calculating their overall expenses. Furthermore, sellers relinquish some control over the fulfillment process to Amazon.

Shifting to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) has its benefits for streamlining operations and increasing product visibility on the platform. However, sellers should carefully weigh the costs associated with this service against its convenience and potential growth opportunities before making a decision.

Getting started with FBA

After reviewing the benefits and drawbacks of using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you may be ready to get started with this service. Here's a detailed guide on how to begin your journey with FBA:

  1. Set up your Amazon seller account: If you haven't already, create an Amazon seller account to get access to FBA.
  2. Research FBA fees and policies: Understand the costs associated with using FBA, as well as the rules and guidelines for shipping and inventory management.
  3. Prepare your products for shipment: Follow Amazon's packaging guidelines and prepare your products for delivery to the Amazon fulfillment centers.
  4. Create a shipping plan in Seller Central: Use Seller Central to create a shipping plan for your products, including details about your inventory, shipment methods, and estimated delivery dates.
  5. Ship your products to Amazon warehouses: Once your shipping plan is created, send your products to the designated Amazon fulfillment center using the specified shipping methods.
  6. Monitor and manage your inventory: Keep track of your inventory levels and sales performance through Seller Central, and replenish stock as needed to maintain a steady flow of products for customers.
  7. Optimize product listings for FBA: Update your product listings on Amazon to indicate that they are fulfilled by Amazon, which can help increase visibility and sales potential.

Is FBA Right for Your Business?

Considering the success stories of businesses using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), it's essential to evaluate if FBA is suitable for your business.

First, assess your inventory and order volume to determine if the FBA fees align with your budget.

Then, weigh the benefits such as Prime eligibility and efficient customer service against potential drawbacks like storage fees or increased competition within the marketplace. Additionally, take into account factors like product size and weight to choose appropriate box sizes, as these can impact shipping costs and profitability on the platform.

Lastly, analyze your operational capacity, including packaging requirements, labeling standards, and compliance with Amazon regulations. By evaluating these aspects in relation to your business model and goals, you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether Fulfillment by Amazon is a fitting choice for your operations.

Conclusion

Shipping to Amazon FBA offers practical and efficient ways to manage inventory, create shipping plans, and maximize profitability.

How will you apply these tactics to enhance your Amazon business? Consider the impact of implementing these approaches on your success as an Amazon seller. Keep exploring the possibilities and resources available for further improving your shipping processes.

Take charge of your Amazon FBA journey with confidence and determination. Start implementing these tactics today and witness the positive impact on your success as an Amazon seller.

FAQs on Shipping to Amazon FBA

1. What is the difference between FBA and Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)?

FBA involves Amazon handling storage, packing, and shipping for sellers, while FBM requires sellers to manage these logistics themselves. This is relevant as it impacts the seller's responsibility and potential benefits from using Amazon's infrastructure.

2. Can I switch from FBA to FBM whenever I want?

Yes, sellers can switch between FBA and FBM, but they should consider the operational changes and customer experience implications. The ability to switch is important for flexibility in managing how products are fulfilled.

3. How do I estimate the shipping costs to an Amazon FBA warehouse?

Shipping costs can be estimated using Amazon's Revenue Calculator or by consulting with the chosen carrier based on the weight, dimensions, and distance of the shipment. Knowing these costs is crucial for pricing products and maintaining profitability.

4. Can I send shipments to multiple FBA warehouses?

Yes, Amazon may require shipments to be sent to multiple warehouses based on their inventory distribution needs. It's important for sellers to know this to plan for potentially higher logistics complexity and costs.

5. What happens if my inventory doesn't sell on Amazon FBA?

If inventory doesn't sell, sellers may incur long-term storage fees or choose to have unsold inventory returned or disposed of by Amazon. This question is relevant as it pertains to cost management and inventory turnover.

6. How does Amazon FBA handle customer returns?

Amazon FBA processes returns on behalf of the seller, including customer communication, refund processing, and handling returned goods. Understanding this is key for sellers to manage customer satisfaction and assess the impact of returns on their business.

You can also read our article on how to manage and get reimbursed for lost and damaged FBA inventory.

Read More