Amazon FBA shipment setup requires the use of the Send to Amazon workflow within your Seller Central account. This process allows you to generate shipping and box labels while ensuring your products arrive at the correct fulfillment centers. By following the standard procedures for prep and labeling, you maintain account health and avoid unnecessary delays during the intake process at the warehouse. This guide outlines the practical steps required to send your inventory to Amazon efficiently.
What is the Send to Amazon Workflow?
The Send to Amazon workflow is the primary interface for managing your inventory replenishment within Seller Central. It replaces older shipping plan methods by providing a consolidated view of your shipment requirements. When you initiate a new shipment, the platform guides you through selecting your SKUs, defining the pack details, and confirming the destination warehouse. This system is designed to handle both individual units and case-packed items, giving you flexibility based on how your supplier delivers your goods.
A key aspect of this workflow is the automated generation of labels. Once you confirm your quantities, the system creates the necessary FBA box labels and shipping labels that carriers require. Without these specific identifiers, Amazon fulfillment centers cannot process your inventory upon arrival. Therefore, you must ensure that every box is marked correctly before it leaves your warehouse or your supplier’s facility. Consistent use of this tool reduces errors and helps you keep track of your stock levels.
Preparing Your Inventory for Shipment
Before you begin the shipment creation process, your inventory must meet specific prep and barcode requirements. Every item sent to an Amazon facility needs a unique barcode, which can be an Amazon FBA label or an existing manufacturer barcode like a UPC or EAN. If your products do not have scannable barcodes, Amazon will charge a fee to label them for you. Always verify your product settings in Seller Central to confirm whether your items qualify for manufacturer barcode tracking or if they require FBA-specific labels.
Beyond labeling, you must consider the physical condition of your products. Amazon expects items to be ready for the end customer, meaning they should be cleaned, protected, and properly packaged. If you are shipping fragile goods, bubble wrap or individual boxes are necessary to prevent damage during transit. The workflow will prompt you to select the appropriate prep category for each SKU, such as ‘Polybagging’ or ‘Bubble wrap’, so that the fulfillment team knows how to handle your stock safely.
Should You Use Individual or Case-Packed Items?
Deciding between individual units and case-packed items is a standard part of the Amazon FBA shipment setup. Individual units are products with different SKUs or quantities that you pack into a single box. Case-packed items are boxes that contain only one type of SKU, all with the same quantity. Choosing the right method depends on how your inventory is organized at your storage location and how your supplier provides the goods to you. Making the wrong selection here can lead to discrepancies during the receiving process.
| Packing Type | Best Use Case | Labeling Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Units | Mixed inventory batches | Each unit needs barcode |
| Case-Packed | Uniform product boxes | Case label is sufficient |
| Mixed Case | Small varied shipments | All items must be labeled |
How Does Alien Road Apply FBA Processes?
At Alien Road, we assist our clients by integrating their inventory management systems with the Amazon FBA workflow. In a typical account, we begin by reviewing the product catalog to ensure all barcodes are correctly mapped to the appropriate FBA labels. We audit the prep requirements to minimize potential fees and ensure that shipments are structured to avoid split-shipment scenarios where possible. By centralizing the data, we help brands maintain a constant flow of inventory without manual entry errors.
We also focus on the auditing phase of the shipment setup. After a shipment is created, we verify that the box contents match the physical inventory packed. This prevents discrepancies that occur when a warehouse worker counts fewer units than expected. By keeping detailed records of these shipments, we can effectively address any issues that arise during the receiving process at the fulfillment center, such as missing units or miscounted stock. This disciplined approach ensures your products are available for sale faster.
How Do You Generate Shipping Labels?
Once you have entered your box quantities and weight, the Send to Amazon workflow will generate your shipping labels. These labels are crucial as they contain the tracking information and warehouse destination data required by carriers like UPS or FedEx. You must print these labels on standard adhesive paper and ensure they are clearly visible on the exterior of your shipping boxes. Avoid placing them over the seams of the box, as this can make scanning difficult for the warehouse team.
If you are using Amazon’s partnered carrier program, the shipping labels will be generated automatically as part of the shipment finalization. You pay for the shipping costs directly through your Amazon account, which is often more cost-effective for small to medium-sized shipments. Once you print the labels, simply attach them and schedule a pickup or drop off the boxes at a local carrier hub. Always track your shipment status in Seller Central until it is marked as ‘Delivered’ or ‘Checked In’.
Common Mistakes During Shipment Setup
- Neglecting to remove old labels from reused shipping boxes.
- Providing incorrect box dimensions or weights, which leads to shipping fee adjustments.
- Failing to confirm the contents of each box before finalizing the shipment in the portal.
- Ignoring the prep requirements, resulting in unplanned prep fees charged by Amazon.
- Waiting too long to ship items after creating the workflow, which can cause inventory data synchronization issues.
What Are the Steps for Finalizing a Shipment?
- Log into Seller Central and navigate to the ‘Inventory’ tab, then select ‘Shipments’.
- Click on the ‘Send to Amazon’ button to open the workflow interface.
- Select the products you wish to send and input the number of units or cases.
- Choose your label type—either Amazon-provided or manufacturer-provided.
- Review the shipping charges and confirm the carrier details.
- Print all labels and attach them securely to your boxes.
Where to Start This Week
Start by auditing your current inventory levels in Seller Central to identify which items are low. Once you know what needs to be restocked, gather your product barcodes and verify that your prep materials are ready. Create a test shipment in the Send to Amazon workflow, but do not finalize it until you have all your box weights and dimensions ready. By performing this walkthrough, you will become comfortable with the steps and avoid common issues when it comes time to ship your actual inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my shipment after it is finalized?
Once you have finalized a shipment and generated the tracking numbers, you generally cannot modify the contents. If you discover a discrepancy before the carrier picks up the boxes, you may need to cancel the shipment and create a new one. This ensures that the documentation in Seller Central remains accurate, preventing issues during the receiving process at the Amazon fulfillment center.
Do I have to use Amazon’s partnered carriers?
No, you are not required to use Amazon’s partnered carriers. You can use any carrier you prefer, such as UPS, FedEx, or USPS. However, using Amazon’s partnered carriers often allows for better tracking within the portal and may offer discounted shipping rates. If you choose an outside carrier, you must still provide the tracking information in the workflow to keep your shipment status updated.
What happens if my shipment arrives damaged?
If your shipment arrives damaged, the Amazon fulfillment center will record the issue and notify you through the shipment tracking section in Seller Central. If you purchased insurance through your carrier, you will need to file a claim with them directly. Amazon’s role is limited to receiving the goods as provided, so proper packaging remains the responsibility of the seller.
How long does it take for inventory to be available?
After your shipment is delivered, it can take several days for the fulfillment center to scan and process the individual items. You can monitor this progress in your shipment summary page under the ‘Contents’ tab. Once the items are checked in and scanned, they will become available for purchase on your product listing. Always check your dashboard for updates during this window.
Are there weight limits for shipping boxes?
Yes, Amazon has strict weight and dimension limits for standard shipping boxes. Typically, a box should not exceed 50 pounds unless it contains a single oversized item. If a box exceeds 50 pounds, you must label it as ‘Team Lift’ or ‘Mech Lift’. Always check the current help pages for exact weight thresholds to avoid penalties or refusal of your shipment at the warehouse dock.