What Is FBA Prep?
FBA sellers are not just supposed to pack everything into a box and then hand it over to couriers. Your stock must follow a series of rules to be accepted by the Fulfillment Center. Some of these rules could be applied to all inventory , while some are more specific to a specific type of. FBA preparation refers to the process of getting your inventory prepared for Amazon. It mainly focuses on the packaging and marking of products however some sellers, particularly importers, have an examination of their inventory. It is crucial to get your FBA prepared. Amazon will not take your product in the event of mistakes. You'll be accountable for the cost of returning the stock. You may also ship damaged goods to Amazon. If the purchaser receives it incorrectly they can protest and request reimbursement. The complaints could build up and cause your listing to be removed, or your account to be suspended.
Why Outsource FBA Prep?
FBA preparation can be done by three methods: do it yourself, hire Amazon to do it or outsource the task to an outside company. FBA preparation is very specific, involving rules and easy to get wrong. Outsourcing it means that you're essentially giving it to professionals. FBA prep companies should be aware of the process. They'll make sure that the inventory you send to FBA follows Amazon's rules. This can reduce the chance of being rejected. This is especially important when you first send items to FBA. If you haven't been through it before you may not realize how complicated it can be. Amazon's many rules make it difficult to prepare inventory to be sent for FBA. If you're not looking for new items, you may find yourself inspecting stock and making boxes.
Price
The most important factor is price for sellers when considering FBA preparation services. While it's not the only factor to think about, it's important to ensure that you are getting the best price. Although your expenses may seem high in the beginning however, it doesn't mean they'll stay that way. It's important to know whether your prep services charge per item or monthly. The monthly fee is ideal for sellers who sell large amounts of inventory, while the per-item price appeals to sellers who send inventory in smaller quantities. The packaging fees will also require to be considered as prep services can be charged extra for products such as poly bags or bubble wrap. It is also crucial to determine the storage fees and the minimum amount you're allowed to give to the facility that you are using at any time. Price is not the only thing that matters when choosing an FBA prep company. A budget-friendly service shouldn't cut corners, however you should also consider allowing the preparation costs to remain manageable. There is no need to incur excessive initial costs. Once you are more comfortable with the process of preparation, it is possible to cut your costs, for instance by dividing some tasks among the manufacturer and your prep service. See the best Door to Door Delivery blog for details.
Location
When you're considering the location of your prep center it is important to consider the strategic aspects. If you're shipping large amounts from China private label will likely be the majority of your business. Knowing which ports your shipments arrive at and finding the nearest prep facility is a smart move. Danny McMillan knows that prep centers can be an excellent aid in both cost and time savings, and also for the smooth running of your company. The prep center might be able to dispatch personnel to your port in the situation in the event of an emergency. This would be impossible when your prep center is located 300 miles from the port. Retail arbitrage sellers, having a prep facility close to their home is crucial to allow them to inventory in their own vehicles or avoid expensive transportation. It is not advisable to choose a prep centre based on the proximity to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. Each Amazon warehouse is different. This is the case regardless of whether you are enrolled in Amazon's Inventory Placement Service. Amazon will allow you to ship your entire inventory of one item to the Fulfillment Center. But Amazon can change the shipping destination from shipping to shipment.