How to create FBA shipments for your Amazon inventory

Understanding FBA

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service that enables sellers to scale their businesses by utilizing Amazon’s sophisticated logistics network. When you use FBA, your products become eligible for Amazon Prime, making them more attractive to a larger customer base. This service involves several components, including product storage, inventory management, order processing, shipping, and returns.

Getting Started with FBA Shipments

1. Create an Amazon Seller Account: Before you can create FBA shipments, you need to be a registered Amazon seller. Choose between an Individual or Professional selling plan based on your business needs. The Professional plan is more suitable for higher-volume sellers who plan to sell more than 40 items monthly.
2. Enroll in FBA: Once your seller account is established, you will have to enroll in FBA. To do this:
   • Log into your Amazon Seller Central account.
   • Navigate to “Inventory” and then click on “Manage FBA Inventory.”
   • Follow the prompts to enroll in FBA.
3. Create and List Your Products:
   • If you’re selling products that are already on Amazon, you can simply add them to your inventory.
   • For new products, you will need to create a new listing. Go to “Inventory” > “Add a Product,” and provide all necessary details like product title, description, price, and SKU.

Preparing Your Inventory

Before creating shipments, it’s crucial to prepare your inventory to meet Amazon’s requirements.

1. Labeling Products: Each item must have a unique FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label, which helps Amazon identify your product. You have two options for labeling:
   • Sticker Labeling: Amazon can print and apply labels for a fee.
   • Seller Labeling: You can label your items yourself. Amazon provides a label template that you can print.
2. Packaging Requirements: Proper packaging is essential to prevent damage during transport. Your products should be packaged in new, clean boxes with adequate cushioning materials. Ensure products are packed securely to prevent shifting. Amazon has detailed packaging requirements that you must follow to avoid penalties.
3. Inventory Safety: When preparing your product for shipping, ensure they pass Amazon’s guidelines on product safety and compliance, such as ensuring that electrical products meet safety standards.

Creating FBA Shipments

Now that you’ve prepared your inventory, the next step is to create FBA shipments:

1. Accessing Shipment Creation:
   • From your Amazon Seller Central account, go to the “Inventory” drop-down menu.
   • Click “Manage FBA Inventory.” Select the inventory items you wish to send and click on the “Action” button, then select “Send/Replenish Inventory.”
2. Setting Up Shipment:
   • This option will guide you to a step-by-step process to create a shipment. Amazon will prompt you to enter the quantity of each item you are sending. After entering the quantities, click “Continue.”
3. Choosing a Shipment Method:
   Amazon offers the flexibility to ship your products by carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.) or you can choose to have them pick up the shipment from your location.
   • For Small Parcel Deliveries (SPD), you will typically send your items in individual boxes.
   • For Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments (usually for bulk or pallets), Amazon will provide a more detailed process.
4. Preparing Shipment Labels:
   • After you set up your shipment, you will receive shipment labels that must be affixed to each box being sent to the fulfillment center.
   • Print these shipment labels and ensure each box has an individual label as instructed by Amazon.
5. Finalizing Shipment:
   • Confirm the shipping plan and package dimensions. Amazon will provide you with the proper shipment addresses to send your products.
   • Need to review everything: item quantities, shipment address, and labels.
6. Ship Your Inventory:
   • After you have packed your items in the boxes, it’s time to dispatch your shipment to the Amazon fulfillment center as instructed. Ensure that you keep track of your shipment using carrier tracking services.

Managing Shipments

Once your shipment has been created, you can monitor its progress on Seller Central.

1. Track Your Shipment:
   • After shipping your items, continually check the status on your Seller Central Dashboard under “Manage FBA Shipments.” Amazon updates the status as they receive your products at their fulfillment centers.
2. Handle Exceptions:
   • Sometimes you may face issues like delays, damaged goods, or misplaced shipments. Be in touch with Amazon support to solve these issues quickly. They may request receipts or proof of shipment.
3. Inventory Management:
   • After your products are received, it is crucial to manage your inventory levels.
   • Monitor your inventory performance, sales, and restock needs frequently using the “Fulfillment Reports” found in Seller Central.

Best Practices for FBA Shipments

• Batch Shipments: Group similar products to save on shipping costs and streamline the creation process.
• Use Amazon’s Partner Carriers: Amazon has partnered with various carriers that may offer discounts on shipping rates specifically for FBA sellers. Utilize these partnerships to reduce shipping costs.
• Frequent Monitoring: Keep a regular check on your inventory settings, shipment statuses, and sales metrics to adapt your strategy as required.
• Understand Amazon Policies: Be aware of Amazon’s policies regarding shipping and FBA operations to avoid penalties or account suspensions.

Creating FBA shipments for your Amazon inventory enables you to expand your business and enhance customer satisfaction. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide—ranging from preparing your inventory and creating shipments to managing them—you can effectively utilize Amazon’s resources to enable your business growth.

Incorporating best practices and maintaining an understanding of Amazon’s processes will further streamline your operations, ensuring your journey in the world of Amazon FBA is successful and profitable. With this knowledge, you are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of FBA and optimize your e-commerce presence