Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) allows sellers to send inventory to Amazon fulfilment centres, where Amazon can handle storage, customer order fulfilment and parts of the customer service process.
Before products reach Amazon, however, inventory may need to be prepared correctly.
This is where an Amazon FBA prep service can help.
What Is Amazon FBA Prep?
FBA prep is the process of preparing inventory so it is ready to be sent into Amazon's fulfilment network.
The exact preparation required depends on the product and Amazon's current requirements.
Typical preparation services may include:
- Receiving inventory
- Product counting
- FNSKU labelling
- Additional labelling
- Polybagging
- Protective packaging
- Bundling
- Carton preparation
- Pallet preparation
- Dispatch to Amazon
Receiving Your Inventory
Products can arrive at the prep warehouse directly from suppliers, manufacturers or another storage location.
The shipment can then be received and processed before preparation begins.
For businesses sourcing internationally, this can provide a UK operational point between the supplier and Amazon.
FNSKU Labelling
Some FBA inventory requires an Amazon-specific FNSKU label.
Where required, the label needs to be applied correctly so the product can be identified within Amazon's fulfilment network.
Existing scannable barcodes may also need to be considered depending on the preparation requirements.
Packaging and Product Preparation
Certain products may require additional packaging before they can be forwarded.
Depending on the product, this might include:
- Clear bags
- Shrink wrapping
- Protective packaging
- Repacking
- Bundling
- Additional labels
The required preparation depends on the individual product and the applicable Amazon requirements.
Bundling
Some sellers sell multiple products together as a single SKU.
In this case, the individual products may need to be assembled into a finished bundle before being sent to Amazon.
The completed bundle then needs to be handled as one sellable unit.
Carton Preparation
Once the individual products have been prepared, they need to be organised into suitable cartons for onward transportation.
Carton preparation may involve:
- Packing prepared inventory
- Securing cartons
- Applying required labels
- Preparing cartons for carrier collection or drop-off
Pallet Shipments
Larger FBA shipments may be transported on pallets.
This can introduce additional operational requirements such as:
- Suitable pallet selection
- Pallet loading
- Stretch wrapping
- Pallet labels
- Forklift handling
Whether parcels or pallets are more appropriate depends on shipment size, transportation options and the applicable Amazon requirements.
Why Use a UK FBA Prep Centre?
A UK prep centre can be useful for sellers who:
- Source products from multiple suppliers
- Are based outside the UK
- Do not operate their own warehouse
- Need inventory checked before Amazon
- Require FNSKU labelling
- Need bundling or repackaging
- Send regular replenishment shipments
- Need temporary storage before forwarding
Instead of having every supplier prepare products differently, inventory can be consolidated through one operation.
FBA Prep and Direct-to-Consumer Fulfilment
Some e-commerce businesses use both Amazon FBA and their own online stores.
In this case, keeping inventory with a logistics provider capable of supporting both models can provide additional flexibility.
Some inventory can be prepared and forwarded to Amazon while other inventory remains available for direct customer fulfilment.
Amazon FBA Preparation with Shipext
Shipext supports e-commerce sellers with UK-based Amazon FBA preparation and logistics services.
Available operations can include receiving, product counting, FNSKU labelling, packaging, bundling, carton preparation, storage, pallet handling and FBA dispatch.
Need help preparing inventory for Amazon FBA in the UK? Contact Shipext to discuss your products and preparation requirements.
Get in Touch