Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) offers a comprehensive and customized platform for sellers, but many first-time sellers encounter shipping challenges, especially in today’s Internet-driven e-commerce era. Shipping issues often arise regarding e-commerce sales in major cities, causing new sellers to question the shipping process, FBA fees, and necessary precautions for shipping from China to Amazon FBA.
To address these concerns and clarify Amazon shipping, we are here to guide you through the process!
Can I ship products directly to Amazon FBA?
You have different methods to ship your products directly from China to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
1. Ship directly by Express Freight.
Selecting from renowned logistics providers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and others allow direct delivery. This option is particularly suitable for urgent restocking as it offers fast delivery times and favourable prices for goods weighing over 20kg.
- Pros: No need to schedule an appointment for FBA warehouse entry, ensuring quick processing.
- Cons: Amazon staff are not responsible for customs clearance and tax payment with this shipping method. Sellers must handle their declarations, prepay customs fees, and coordinate with local customs clearance importers in advance.
2. FBA Air freight
Amazon FBA offers a comprehensive solution that includes air freight, local customs clearance, local taxes, and UPS or FedEx delivery to the destination country. This method provides door-to-door delivery anytime and covers the entire process, including taxes. However, please note that FBA air freight may have a longer delivery time, typically around 8-15 days, making it less suitable for urgent shipments.
- Pros: This method offers a reasonable price and delivery time while allowing sellers to enjoy various Amazon benefits.
- Cons: In most cases, appointments for storage at the FBA warehouse are required, which can be relatively cumbersome.
3. FBA sea freight
Amazon FBA also offers a shipping option that includes sea freight, local customs clearance, local taxes, and UPS or FedEx delivery to the destination country. This method allows flexible arrangements of shipments and deliveries at any time. However, it’s important to note that sea shipping has a significantly longer delivery time, usually exceeding one month, making it unsuitable for urgent replenishment.
- Pros: This cost-effective method provides access to various benefits Amazon offers.
- Cons: Similar to other FBA shipping methods, appointments for storage at the FBA warehouse are generally required, which can be more cumbersome compared to express delivery. Additionally, the delivery time is longer, typically around 30 days.
Comparison of the three shipping channels to Amazon: In terms of pricing, FBA sea shipping offers the lowest cost. Regarding delivery time, direct express delivery and FBA air freight are similar. Choose the shipping method that best suits your specific needs.
What method does Amazon use for shipping?
Amazon sellers have access to two primary shipping methods: FBA and FBM
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): FBA stands for Fulfillment by Amazon, where sellers send their inventory to Amazon’s overseas warehouse. When a customer places an order, Amazon takes care of the shipping process from the warehouse to the buyer and handles logistics and after-sales service on behalf of the seller.
FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant): FBM represents Fulfillment by Merchant, which refers to the seller’s delivery method. In this case, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods directly to the buyer after a buyer places an order. Unlike FBA, the seller handles all logistics and after-sales service independently.
While FBA costs may be higher than self-delivery, products listed using FBA often command higher prices. Moreover, utilizing FBA plays a crucial role in determining Amazon product rankings. Given the prevalence of self-delivery options, most Amazon sellers opt for FBA as their preferred shipping method.
What is the procedure for the ship from China to Amazon FBA?
1. What is FBA registration?
To register for FBA, visit the Amazon service page and click “Fulfillment by Amazon.” Fill in your company name on the page and review the agreement with Amazon’s terms and agreements. Once you agree, select the FBA service option to complete the registration process successfully.
2. How to make SKU for Amazon?
Follow these steps to make a product to an FBA SKU:
- From the homepage, click on “Inventory.”
- Select the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) of the product you want to change.
- In the “Action” dropdown menu, choose “Change to Fulfill by Amazon”. Alternatively, you can select multiple SKUs and click “Actions” followed by “Change to Fulfill by Amazon.”
3. Confirm FBA products
To confirm the conversion of FBA shipment for the selected products, click the “Convert Only” button on the redirected page. This action will finalize the change and confirm that the chosen products will be shipped through FBA. Review all the product and shipment details before proceeding with the confirmation.
How to create a delivery note and set quantity?
- Enter the quantity of products to be shipped in the unit field.
If the product packaging type was not previously specified during the product upload, fill in the packaging type here. There are two options: “Individual products (mixed packing),” where different products are packed together, and “Case packed products (original packing),” where the same product with the same SKU is packed in a box.
- Prepare Products
Ensure that the SKU variety and quantity match what was entered during creation, verifying the physical products against the information provided.
- Label Products
Every product in the FBA warehouse requires labelling. You can choose either Amazon or self-labelling. If self-labelling is desired, select “Merchant” under “who-labels” and print labels on appropriate label paper.
- Review Shipments
Review shipment details, including origin, package type, products, and product preparation fees. See which warehouse Amazon has allocated for each shipment. Each shipment name represents a different warehouse. If you prefer not to split the shipment across multiple warehouses, set up the preferred warehouse in advance.
- Prepare Shipment
Check the items in the shipment, select the shipping service, set box information, and print the shipment label.
- Shipping Service
Select the shipping method and carrier. The default shipping method is usually small parcel express, and the default carrier is typically “DHL EXPRESS (SUA) INC” for weights around 60 kg or less. Select small parcel delivery (SPD) for this option.
- Summary
Enter the logistics tracking number and update the order status with the delivery information upon receiving the tracking number.
Note: Please refer to the latest Amazon requirements for the specific process. For new sellers, Amazon FBA delivery offers convenience. If delivery time is not urgent, FBA can be a suitable choice. For urgent sales, direct express delivery can be utilized.
What are the Amazon FBA shipping Packaging requirements?
1. Amazon FBA shipping in the USA Packaging requirements.
- The actual weight of the FBA shipment must not exceed 31 kg (the weight limit for non-oversized Amazon warehouses is 68 kg). If any side of the package exceeds 274 cm, the sum of the width multiplied by 2, the height multiplied by 2, and the length should not exceed 325 cm. The outer box of the Amazon warehouse should have two warehousing barcodes affixed.
- Invoice declaration: The invoice must accurately match the goods shipping way. Failure to provide a correct declaration may result in delays or losses for which the freight forwarder is not responsible.
2. North American FBA product requirements.
For product package size:
- When the seller packs multiple standard-sized products in a box, the box’s maximum length should not exceed 63.5 cm.
- If the seller packs only one SKU product in a box, the box should not exceed (length + circumference) equal to or less than 419 cm. The size shouldn’t exceed 270 cm.
For cargo weight:
- The weight of an individual box must not exceed 50 pounds. If the weight exceeds 50 pounds but is less than 100 pounds, a “team lift” label should be
- placed on and around the box. If the weight exceeds 100 pounds, a “mech lift” label is required.
- For jewellery or watches, the weight of an individual box must not exceed 40 pounds.
3. Product ship requirements to Amazon FBA in Europe:
Package dimensions:
- Each side must not exceed 63.5cm for boxes containing various standard-size goods.
- For boxes containing the same SKU product, the maximum box size (perimeter + length) should be 419cm or less, and the length should preferably be less than 270cm.
Weight requirements:
- Each box’s weight should not exceed 15kg. If it does, the box can hold a maximum of 30kg.
- If the box weighs more than 15kg, it must be unloaded and labelled as “team lifts” or “heavy package.”
- For jewellery and watches, the weight must not exceed 15kg.
4. Product ship requirements to Amazon FBA in Japan:
Package dimensions:
- The dimensions should not exceed 50cm * 60cm * 50cm for normal-sized boxes.
- For oversized boxes, the sum of length, width, and height should not exceed 170cm.
- If the package size exceeds 170cm, it should not exceed 200cm, and no single side should exceed 90cm.
- Weight requirements:
The weight of a single box must not exceed 15kg.
If necessary, the box should be labelled “exceeding weight.” Please note that the weight must not exceed 40kg.
Other ship guidelines from China to Amazon FBA
In Amazon FBA warehouses, cardboard boxes are required for packaging. Ensure that standard 6-sided cardboard boxes are used, and avoid using soft or easily damaged cardboard boxes.
The packaging must be strong enough to protect the goods and minimize potential damages or losses. Avoid using cardboard boxes that are the same size as pallets.
Conclusion
As a professional Amazon FBA freight forwarder, NewSmartShip can assist with shipping your goods from Chinese suppliers to any Amazon warehouse. If your supplier is in China and requires FBA shipping services, please request an FBA shipping quote or contact us at [email protected]. You can also comment below, and we will respond within 8 hours.