Many companies today are using FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) as a means to better handle their fulfillment needs. It has the potential to reduce some of their costs and the level of work they have to do in-house.
With this service, Amazon will take care of warehousing the inventory, picking, packing, and sending out the orders. Of course, the shipments need to be prepared properly, and this is where FBA prep services can help.
What is FBA Prep?
FBA prep services help to get inventory ready to send to Amazon. This can focus on things like the packaging and labeling of items. In some cases, it might also include the inspection of items. FBA often has strict packing conditions, so it is important to choose a good FBA prep service that can meet all of those requirements. You have the option of choosing who will do the FBA prep services for you.
Essentially, you will have three choices when it comes to prepping services for FBA. You can do it all yourself. You can also pay Amazon for the FBA prep services, or you could opt to outsource it to third-party FBA prep services.
Although some might want to attempt to do it on their own, there are some disadvantages to this. As mentioned, Amazon has strict requirements for prepping, and if you don’t meet those requirements, they might not take your items.
For example, Amazon requires that each unit has its own barcode that is easily accessed and scannable. The FNSKU used on each product needs to be unique and can correspond to only one product. You can’t have barcodes on the exterior of shipping boxes. Amazon won’t accept products that need to be assembled in order to be sold either. These are just some of the requirements.
Why Outsource FBA Prep Services?
Prepping can be time-consuming, and you likely have other things that you could be doing for your business. If you have a small business where you only have to prep a few boxes here and there, it might not be much of an issue. However, if you are prepping hundreds or thousands of items, it’s not something you will likely want to do on your own. It would take hiring more people just to get it done, and you still have to worry about the requirements Amazon enforces.
The better option is to outsource to a third party that can handle this for you. It’s possible to find skilled companies that can offer the FBA prep services your company needs. You can save time, money, and frustration. Spend time working on other aspects of your business rather than worrying about packing and shipping to Amazon, so they can warehouse and fulfill your orders. Let a qualified 3PL handle it for you.
Common Complaints with Fulfillment by Amazon
Third-party logistics (3PL) companies can provide you with a wide range of different types of services for eCommerce logistics processes. These processes can include; inventory management, warehousing, order processing, packaging, labeling, shipping, and returns. It can make FBA prep services much easier, as well.
If you were to use Amazon FBA prep services, you might run into some issues. Below are a few of the most common complaints that ecommerce sellers like you have regarding FBA.
High Costs
3PL can make the process easier, and it could help to reduce costs. Unlike Amazon’s prep services, you will find that there is just one simple cost with no hidden fees. Furthermore, 3PL companies can manage the labeling, as well. Great 3PLs will even provide you with the customer service your buyers might need when inquiring about their orders.
Forced Free Shipping
Companies don’t like to be forced to offer free shipping for their products.
However, a 3PL can handle all Amazon orders. This will ultimately make things far easier for ecommerce businesses like yours. You can find solutions that will work well for your needs and your budget.
Poses Challenges with Receiving Returns
Amazon can sometimes make it more difficult to receive returns.
3PL companies can ensure your customers have an easy time making returns. After the item has been shipped back to the warehouse, it can be checked for damage. The 3PL can determine whether the item can be returned to inventory or disposed of, so it doesn’t go to another customer.
Delays or Lost Products
Because a 3PL can provide inventory management and tracking, it means that there is less likely to be a delay in getting packages to the customers. It also means that there will likely be fewer lost products.
This helps to ensure better service for you and your customers.
Poor Resources and Customer Management
If there aren’t enough resources allocated to your products and your customers, it’s likely to start turning customers away.
Amazon doesn’t always provide the level of service that you would like your customers to have or that you would want to have for your company. Services provided by 3PL s for FBA prep can improve your customer management and support.
Partnering with Print Bind Ship for FBA Prep Services
You want to have your products on Amazon and available for sale. However, you don’t want to go through the hassle of getting them prepped on your own, and you don’t want to pay Amazon a big fee for subpar service. Therefore, you should opt to use a third-party company like Print Bind Ship.
Print Bind Ship is a team of experts that can provide the quality FBA prep services you need in terms of quality checking, packaging, warehousing, inventory management, and much more.
You can get in touch with us now for a 15-minute consultation on our FBA prep services. We look forward to hearing from you and helping your company succeed.