What Is FBA Prep?
FBA doesn't allow sellers to simply place their stock in a container and then send it to the FBA. Fulfillment Center can only accept stock that meets certain criteria. Some of these rules can be applied to all inventory , while others are more specific to a particular class. FBA preparation is the procedure of getting your inventory ready to be shipped into Amazon. Although the focus is mostly with labeling and packaging however, some sellers, specifically those who import, may also require an inspection of their stock. Making sure you get your FBA preparation correct is very essential. Amazon isn't going to accept stock if it isn't properly done and you'll have to pay to be returned. It is also possible to send damaged goods to Amazon. If the customer receives the item incorrectly they can protest and request reimbursement. If there are numerous complaints, you could have your account shut down or your listing deleted.
Why Outsource FBA Prep?
In the case of FBA prep you have three choices: do it yourself either pay Amazon to handle it or outsource it to a third party. FBA prep is complex, complex, and very easy to fall into mistakes. In essence, you are outsourcing it. FBA preparation services should be familiar with the process. They will ensure that all stock sent to FBA is in compliance with Amazon's guidelines. This reduces the likelihood of your inventory being rejected. This is particularly important when it's your first time sending inventory to FBA. This is because you won't know how difficult it is until you test it and fail. Amazon's numerous rules mean that FBA inventory preparation can take a lot of time. Although you might find yourself checking out stock, designing boxes, and printing labels, your time could be better spent on sourcing items.
Price
When it comes to choosing FBA prep services, the primary concern for sellers is price. It's not required that cost be the only consideration, but it's understandable to would like the most affordable deal. Costs don't need to increase just because they start out at a high level. The first question to ask is whether the prep service is charged per month or per item. A monthly fee is likely to suit sellers with massive quantities of inventory, while the per-item charge appeals more to sellers with low volumes, who may be sending inventory in more sporadically. You should also know what is included in the packaging process, as certain prep companies charge additional fees for packaging, such as bubble wrap and poly bags. It is crucial to be aware of the storage fees and the minimum number of units that must be delivered to the preparation center at any time. The primary consideration when choosing an FBA prep service is the price. It's not necessary to choose a low-cost service. However, you do wish to keep your costs in check. You don't have to pay high initial costs. It's possible to lower the cost of your services as you become more comfortable with the procedure of preparation, such by splitting some tasks among your manufacturers (or your preparation service). Have a look at the best Door to Door Delivery blog for details.
Location
You need to think strategically when you are considering where your prep centre should be located. If your company is predominantly private label, it's likely that you'll be shipping massive quantities of stock from China. It is advisable to determine the ports at the point where your deliveries arrive and pick a nearby prep facility. In Danny McMillan's experience, using prep centers near the ports you ship to can be helpful, not just for reducing time and transportation costs, but also for the smooth running of your business. When something isn't working, your prep center might be able send someone out at the port to correct the issue. If the distance between your prep center and the port was more than 300 miles, this might not be possible. Retail arbitrage traders should think about having a prep center close to their residence to be able to source stock quickly and easily. Avoid choosing a prep facility located too close to Amazon Fulfillment Centers. Every Amazon warehouse is different. This is the case regardless of whether you are enrolled in Amazon's Inventory Placement Service. The program lets you send all your inventory of one product to the same Fulfillment Center. Amazon can, and will change the shipping location.