Amazon continues to dominate the global eCommerce scene, shipping an impressive average of 1.6 million packages daily – that’s around 18.5 orders every second! To handle this massive volume, Amazon has honed its logistics process, ensuring smooth operations across its numerous fulfillment centers.
With the introduction of the Amazon FBA program, there was a need to streamline logistics further to minimize delays. Consequently, Amazon has implemented stringent FBA prep requirements for sellers opting to utilize the program.
These requirements are essential to ensure that inventory is prepared according to Amazon’s guidelines, thereby facilitating the smooth flow of goods through their system.
For newcomers to Fulfillment by Amazon, understanding these requirements can be daunting, particularly due to the diverse range of products, each with its own set of guidelines.
In this article, we’ll dissect the fundamental Amazon FBA prep requirements. Additionally, we’ll offer insights into shipping guidelines and handling dangerous goods. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just beginning, grasping and adhering to these requirements is crucial for success with Amazon FBA.
Understanding Product Prepping for Amazon FBA
In the world of Amazon FBA, meticulous product prepping is paramount. This process involves ensuring that each unit meets Amazon’s specific packaging and labeling requirements to ensure smooth processing within their fulfillment network.
The Prepping Process
The prepping process for Amazon FBA revolves around getting products ready for storage and shipment within Amazon’s fulfillment network.
By setting up an efficient prepping process, sellers can make sure that items are well-protected, labeled correctly, and meet Amazon’s guidelines. This helps to streamline and optimize the processing procedure, making it seamless and efficient.
Prepping for Different Types of Products
Sharp and Pointed Items
Scissors, tools, and metal raw materials must receive careful wrapping in bubble wrap or placement inside a box to cover all exposed edges.
Fragile or Glass Objects
Products like frames, clocks, mirrors, and liquids in glass bottles require special attention. Wrap them in bubble wrap or place them inside a box to prevent damage.
Liquids
For liquids in plastic bottles exceeding 16 oz without a double seal, a second seal or transparent bag with a suffocation warning is necessary to prevent leakage. The barcode must remain scannable without opening the packaging.
Apparel, Fabric, Plush, and Textile
Place these items in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal it securely. Ensure that the barcode is easily scannable without the need to open or unwrap the bag.
Sold as Set
Products sold as bundles, such as bundles of toothbrushes, need clear markings on their packaging to indicate their status. Suitable labels may include “Sold as set,” “Ready to ship,” or “This is a set. Do not separate.”
Amazon FBA Prep Requirements: Shipping Labels
These guidelines ensure smooth handling and processing of inventory within Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Unique Box ID and Pallet Label: Every pallet and box shipped to Amazon’s fulfillment centers must bear a unique box ID and pallet label. These labels help Amazon efficiently identify and track incoming inventory.
- Label Size: Shipping labels must meet certain size specifications. They should be at least 3 1/3 x 4 inches. However, if a retailer utilizes a thermal printer, Amazon permits labels sized at 4 x 6 inches for added convenience.
- Placement: It’s crucial to affix FBA and carrier labels on a box’s flat surface, avoiding placement near seams or openings. This placement ensures the barcodes remain intact and legible throughout the shipping process.
- Unique FBA Labels: Each box should have a unique FBA label. Therefore, a pallet must contain at least four FBA labels, one for each side. However, when shipping smaller cases within a larger box, only one FBA label is necessary.
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Where to Buy Amazon Packaging Supplies
Available Supplies on Amazon:
- Shipping Boxes: Amazon offers a variety of acceptable standard box types for FBA shipments, including Regular Slotted Carton (RSC), B flute, ECT-32 (edge crush test), and those with a burst strength of 200 lb./sq. inch.
- Labels: You can find shipping labels suitable for FBA shipments on Amazon’s marketplace.
- Bubble Wrap: Amazon offers bubble wrap and other protective packaging materials to ensure your items are well-protected during transit.
- Thermal Label Printers: Thermal label printers compatible with Amazon’s label size requirements are available for purchase on Amazon.
- Packing Tape: High-quality packing tape can also be easily sourced from Amazon to secure your packages.
Additional Options:
- Free Shipping Labels from UPS: If you’re using UPS as one of Amazon’s partnered carriers for your FBA shipments, you can obtain free shipping labels directly from UPS.
- Local Stores: For heavy-duty shipping boxes and other shipping supplies, consider checking out local stores such as Home Depot or Lowes for a wide selection of options.
How to Prep Products for Amazon FBA
Perforated Packaging
- Examples: Case-packed trading cards, case-packed granola bars
- Supplies Required: Poly bag*, scannable barcode*
- Prep Required: For products with expiration dates, see Expiration dated products. If the box cannot withstand being dropped on a hard surface without perforating, place each box in a transparent poly bag*, seal, and apply barcode*
Sold as Set
- Examples: Encyclopedia set, multi-packs of food
- Supplies Required: Poly bag*, box, shrink wrap, “Sold as Set” or “Ready to Ship” sticker, scannable barcode*
- Prep Required: Seal set using shrink wrap, poly bag*, or box to keep items from being separated, affix “Sold as Set” or “Ready to Ship” sticker, and apply barcode*
Expiration Dated Products
- Examples: Vitamins, cake mixes, juice boxes
- Supplies Required: Expiration date, scannable barcode*
- Prep Required: Expiration dates must be displayed in the MM-DD-YYYY format. If the expiration date is printed in a different format, apply barcode with the correct format that covers the original expiration date. Print the expiration date on master carton, retail display, and individual items in 36 pt font or larger. Lot numbers are insufficient.
Food, Beverage, or Products Packaged with Food or Beverage
- Examples: Flour, sugar, dried fruit
- Supplies Required: Scannable apply barcode*
- Prep Required: Perishable items are not allowed. Non-perishable items must be lot-controlled and more than 90 days from the expiration date upon receipt by Amazon. Products within 50 days of the expiration date will be disposed of at the fulfillment center. See Expiration dated products.
Bundled Products
- Examples: Vitamin multi-packs (e.g., 3 bottles as one item)
- Supplies Required: Box, poly bag* or shrink wrap, scannable barcode*
- Prep Required: Multi-packs must arrive at the fulfillment center already bundled. Bundle multi-packs in boxes, poly bags, or using shrink wrap. Affix the apply barcode for the multi-pack on the outside of the packaging. See Expiration dated products.
Meltable or Temperature-Sensitive Products
- Examples: Chocolate, paraffin
- Supplies Required: Scannable apply barcode*
- Prep Required: Temperature-sensitive products must withstand temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the product’s shelf life without affecting product quality. Cartons should not include storage temperature requirements unless explicitly expressed as a range from 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Products requiring refrigeration or freezing are not allowed. Products subject to melting (e.g., chocolates) are accepted between October 1 and April 30 only. Removal orders must be filed in time to ensure inventory is returned or disposed of before May 1.
Dangerous Goods Guide for Amazon FBA
Allowed by Amazon FBA
- Products containing lithium batteries: Power banks, cameras, mobile phones, battery chargers
- Products containing magnets: Speakers, light meters, magnetized decals, small tools, toys
Allowed in Limited Quantities
- Flammable gases
- Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids
- Oxidizers
- Organic peroxides
- Toxic substances
- Corrosive substances
- Miscellaneous dangerous substances
Prohibited by Amazon FBA
- Explosive substances
- Toxic gas
- Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
- Infectious substances
- Radioactive material
Adhering to these guidelines is essential to ensure compliance with Amazon’s policies and regulations regarding the storage and shipment of dangerous goods. Failure to comply may result in restrictions or penalties imposed by Amazon.
