What Is FBA Prep?
FBA sellers aren't required to put everything into a box and then give it to couriers. In order to be accepted by the Fulfillment Center, your stock must meet a set of strict requirements. Some of these regulations are applicable to all stock. Some are specific to specific classes. FBA preparation is the procedure of getting your inventory prepared to be placed on Amazon. Although it is primarily concerned with labeling and packaging, some sellers, especially importers, might also need to conduct an inspection of their inventory. It is essential to complete your FBA preparation in a timely manner. Amazon will not accept your inventory when you make mistakes. You'll be responsible for paying to return the stock. If you send damaged inventory to Amazon and the incorrect item is delivered to a customer , they will likely make a complaint and request that it be returned. These complaints can build up and lead to your listing be removed, or your account to be suspended.
Why Outsource FBA Prep?
FBA preparation is a decision of outsourcing the process to third party either by yourself or paying Amazon. FBA preparation is specialized, full of intricate rules and is easy to go wrong. When you outsource it theoretically, you're handing it over to the experts. FBA preparation services must have knowledge of the process. They'll ensure that the inventory you send to FBA is in compliance with Amazon's guidelines. This can reduce the likelihood of having it rejected. This is especially important when it's the first time you've ever sent your inventory to FBA. This is because you don't really understand how complicated it is until you attempt it and make mistakes. Amazon's strict regulations can make FBA inventory preparation may take a lot of your time. It's simple to waste your time looking over stock, packing boxes, and printing labels when you could be finding new products.
Price
The price for most sellers is their main concern when deciding on FBA prep. While it shouldn't be the main element, it's not uncommon to desire the best price. It doesn't matter if your first costs are expensive. It's important to know what the cost of the prep service is per item or monthly. If you are a seller with large inventory volumes, a monthly charge is probably more suitable. But a per-item cost is better for sellers who only send in stocks occasionally. Understanding what's included in the packaging process is vital because many prep companies charge extra for bubble wrap and poly bags. It's also helpful to understand what storage charges are, and the number of units you must send to the prep centre at any given moment. While cost is a significant aspect to consider when selecting an FBA preparation service, it's not necessarily the most crucial aspect. While you don't want to pay too much for an FBA prep service, it's important that your prep costs are easily manageable. It doesn't matter if the initial costs are high. As you gain experience in the preparation process you can expect your expenses to be cut. It is possible to divide tasks between your manufacturer as well as your prep service. Check out the most popular Door to Door Delivery blog for details.
Location
If you're thinking about the location of your prep facility, you need to consider your options strategically. If you ship large quantities from China, private label is likely to be the majority of your business. Thus, knowing the ports where your deliveries arrive at and picking a prep center nearby is a smart idea. Danny McMillan has found that prep centers close to ports for shipping can help you save time and cut down on trucking costs. This will also make it easier for your company to be run efficiently. If something goes wrong the prep center could dispatch someone to the port to help. If the distance between your prep center and the port was more than 300 miles, this would not be feasible. For sellers selling retail arbitrage, having a prep facility close to home is important for them to be able to take their stock in their own vehicles or avoid expensive transport. Consider your options when choosing the best location to prepare. Amazon Fulfillment Centers can differ from one location to the next. Be aware that this could be the situation if you subscribe to Amazon's Inventory Placement Service. In this program, you send all of your inventory of a particular product to the same Fulfillment Center, but Amazon can, and will, change the location from shipment to shipment.