Hello sellers!

Throughout April, we're launching a comprehensive educational series focused on the FBA topics that matter most to you. Learn more about this series here. For Week 1 (April 6-10), we're focusing on Shipping, Delivery & Reconciliation.

Save the Date: Have questions on FBA? Join our FBA Ask Amazon event on April 29th to get answers directly from FBA partner teams!

Getting your shipments ready for Amazon's fulfillment centers is crucial for smooth operations and avoiding delays. Let's walk through the essential best practices to ensure your inventory arrives safely and gets processed quickly.

Why Proper Prep Matters

Proper shipment preparation protects your inventory, speeds up receiving at fulfillment centers, and helps you avoid additional fees or rejections. When done right, your products move through our distribution centers smoothly and become available for sale faster.

Essential Packaging Requirements

Seal Everything Properly

• Products must be completely sealed with no loose parts
• Items need sufficient protection against damage during transit
• Use appropriate packaging materials for your product type

Choose the Right Packing Materials

Acceptable packing materials include:

• Bubble wrap
• Full sheets of paper (heavy-weight kraft paper works best)
• Inflatable air pillows
• Polyethylene foam sheeting

Avoid these materials - they can cause safety issues and delays:

• All types of packing peanuts (including biodegradable)
• Crinkle wrap
• Shredded paper
• Styrofoam
• Thermocol chips

Labeling Best Practices

FNSKU Labels Must Be:

• Clearly visible and scannable
• Placed so original barcodes are covered
• Not positioned on seams or edges
• Applied to each individual unit

Box Requirements for Shipments

Weight and Size Limits:

• Standard maximum: 50 lbs
• Maximum dimensions: 36in x 25in x 25in for standard items
• Boxes that weigh more than 50 lb must contain "Team Lift"/"Heavy Package" safety label displayed on top and sides of each heavy-weight box (5 labels in total)

Box Content Information

Providing detailed box contents helps speed up receiving:

• Include quantity of each ASIN per box
• Provide accurate box weight and dimensions
• Add expiration dates if applicable
• Note: If you skip this step, manual processing fees will apply

Smart Shipping Strategies

Before You Ship:

1. Book carrier service well in advance
2. Provide accurate delivery estimates
3. Double-check destination addresses
4. Include complete tracking information

Use Available Tools:

• Capacity Monitor: Track your monthly storage limits
• Capacity Manager: Request extra storage for fast-selling items
• Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD): Enable automated inventory replenishment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using non-compliant packing materials

❌ Forgetting to cover original barcodes

❌ Skipping box content information

❌ Sending boxes that exceed weight limits

❌ Using insufficient packaging protection

Pro Tips from Experienced Sellers

"Take the time and do it correctly and your stuff will fly through the distribution centers. Six years and FBA has never lost any of my items."

"Your first task is to create a competitive listing BEFORE sending in inventory. Build your inventory slowly to match demand."

Need More Help?

For detailed packaging requirements, visit the FBA Packaging Requirements help page in Seller Central.

Share With Us

What's your biggest challenge with shipment prep? Share your questions or tips below - let's help each other succeed!

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