What Is FBA Prep?
FBA does not permit sellers to simply put their stock in a container and send it to them. There are actually several strict guidelines that your inventory must adhere to for it to be accepted at the Fulfillment Center. These rules are applicable to all inventory, while certain rules are only applicable to a specific type of. FBA preparation is the process of preparing your inventory to be sent to Amazon. It mainly focuses on the packaging and labeling of products however some sellers, particularly importers, may also consist of an inspection of their inventory. It's crucial that you get your FBA preparation right. If you get it wrong, Amazon won't accept your product and you'll be required to pay to get it all returned. You can also send damaged goods to Amazon. If the buyer receives the item incorrectly They can then be unhappy and ask for reimbursement. These complaints can build up and result in your listing to be removed, or your account to be suspended.
Why Outsource FBA Prep?
FBA preparation comes with three options: either do it yourself, pay Amazon for it, or hire a professional. FBA prep is complex intricate, complicated, and easy to fall into mistakes. In essence, outsourcing means that you hand the task to professionals. FBA prep services should be knowledgeable about the process. They'll ensure that any inventory that is sent to FBA is in compliance with Amazon's guidelines. This reduces the chance of being rejected. This is particularly crucial if it is the first time you've ever sent inventory into FBA and you don't realize how complicated a process is until you've actually done it and learned from your mistakes. Amazon's many rules mean that making inventory ready for FBA could be a huge expense to your time. Although you might find yourself checking out stock, designing boxes, or creating labels, your time can be better spent sourcing products.
Price
The most important factor is price for sellers when considering FBA preparation services. It's not essential that cost be the primary consideration, however it's normal to would like the most affordable deal. It doesn't matter if your first costs are expensive. The first thing you need to determine is whether you're charged per item or monthly by the prep service. For sellers who have large stock levels, a monthly charge is likely to be the best choice. However, a per item fee is more appealing for sellers who only bring in inventory on a regular basis. Packaging fees also need to be known because prep services may charge additional fees for items like poly bags or bubble wrap. It is also helpful to know the storage fees and if there's a minimum number of units you must bring to the center for preparation at one moment. While price is an important consideration when choosing the best FBA preparation service, it's not always the most crucial aspect. A budget service should not cut corners, however you should also consider allowing the preparation costs to remain manageable. Even if your initial costs are expensive does not mean they need to remain high. When you become more familiar with the preparation process , it is possible to cut down on the cost of your preparation, for example by dividing some tasks among your manufacturer and your prep service. See the top Door to Door Delivery website for details.
Location
If you are considering where to locate your prep facility it is important to consider the strategic aspects. If the majority of your business is privately labeled, you're likely to transport large amounts of inventory from China. It is important to know the ports that your goods arrive at and finding an appropriate prep center nearby is a smart move. In Danny McMillan's experience, using prep centers near your shipping ports can be helpful, not just to cut down on time and transport costs, but also for the smooth running of your company. In the event that there is a problem the prep center could provide a person at the port to assist. If the distance between your prep center and the port was greater than 300 miles, this would not be feasible. Retail arbitrage sellers the need for a prep center close to home is important so they can take inventory in their own vehicles and avoid costly transportation. Beware of a prep center that is too close to Amazon Fulfillment Centers. Each Amazon warehouse can be distinct. Be aware that this could be the scenario if you sign up to Amazon's Inventory Placement Service. With this program, you send all of your inventory for a particular item to the same Fulfillment Center, but Amazon can, and will, move the place of shipment to shipment.