Amazon Direct Shipping-A Complete Guide

Virginia Miller
Virginia Miller
June 5, 2024
In this article

When the Amazon sellers dispatch free merchandise to consumers in person, that means the order is not placed on the platform of Amazon, instead of managed straightaway between the consumers and seller. Subsequently, this product is delivered from the warehouse of Amazon at the consumer's door. You have to understand that it is not Amazon that sends you the free item. Instead, you would get such stuff from an independent seller and producer employing the platform of Amazon and its inventory stored in the warehouse. 

Fulfillment-by-Amazon (FBA) is an advanced network worldwide, and thereby one can store his or her inventory in Amazon's fulfillment warehouses. Those products are picked, packed, and shipped with the customer service at Amazon's center. The FBA helps measure your business and get at the further consumers. 

After carrying out a thorough investigation, tracing a suitable item, and deciding about the private label product with the supplier, the sellers come across a couple of choices. They can have their merchandise shipped directly to the warehouse of Amazon from suppliers or shift them to another place before shipping to Amazon. Many wonders as to why these products are not sent directly to Amazon by the suppliers. The supplier always wants to carry out a Satwant story examination of these merchandise themselves. They only sent less inventory to the warehouse of Amazon to manage costs in respect of FBA storage in addition to a few other factors. 

Related: How to Get Free Samples on Amazon?

Send Inventory to Amazon FBA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sending inventory to Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) for the first time can seem complicated, but with this guide you'll be an expert in no time.

The Old Method vs. The New "Send to Amazon" Method

Amazon recently introduced a new "Send to Amazon" software to simplify the FBA shipment process. This new method allows you to create shipments for case-packed items only. For shipments with individual items or multiple SKUs, you still need to use the old method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending FBA Inventory

Step 1: Go to "Manage Inventory" in Seller Central

In your Seller Central account, click on "Inventory" and then "Manage Inventory" to access your product list. This shows important details like fees, pricing, and lets you edit inventory.

Step 2: Select "Send/Replenish Inventory"

Click "Edit" on the product you want to ship, then select "Send/Replenish Inventory" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Enter Your Shipping Address

Select "Ship from address" and enter the location your inventory is shipping from. Then choose "case-packed" or individual items. Click "Continue to shipping plan".

Step 4: Add Product Details

Enter the number of units per case and total cases you're shipping. Click "Continue" when finished.

Step 5: Select Product Type and Preparation

Choose your product type and if Amazon preparation services are needed. Non-hazardous products likely don't need prep.

Step 6: Choose Labeling Method

Decide if you or Amazon will apply FNSKU labels. Use your barcodes if they start with "X00". Use Amazon's barcodes if they start with "B00".

Step 7: Adjust FBA Settings (Optional)

You can change default distributed inventory placement in "Settings">"Fulfillment by Amazon">"Inbound settings" if desired.

Step 8: Select Packing and Shipping

Once dimensions and weights are entered, Amazon provides shipping rates to get your products delivered fast.

Creating Shipments with "Send to Amazon"

The new "Send to Amazon" workflow:

  1. After choosing "Continue to send to Amazon", select "Send to Amazon". This is only for case-packed shipments.
  2. Create packaging patterns to save details for future shipments.
  3. Confirm shipping and rates.
  4. Print shipping labels with barcode visible.
  5. Schedule carrier pickup.

Understanding both methods allows you to successfully ship FBA orders.

Recommended: Dropshipping Versus Third-Party fulfillment

FAQs

How long does it take Amazon to receive my FBA shipment?

It typically takes 1-2 business days for Amazon to receive and process your FBA shipment once you send it.

Can I ship products from multiple addresses to FBA?

Yes, you can have inventory shipped from multiple addresses to Amazon fulfillment centers.

Does Amazon charge prep fees?

If you use Amazon's prep services for labeling, packaging, etc there are fees per unit. Prep is optional.

Can I divide my shipment between FBA warehouses?

Yes, you can choose to split inventory between fulfillment centers or ship all units to one location.

Do my products need to be pre-packaged?

Products should be packaged ready to ship unless you pay Amazon to label and prep them.

What if I need to ship individual items, not cases?

Use the original FBA shipment method if you need to ship individual units across multiple SKUs.

How much does it cost to ship to Amazon FBA?

Shipping rates vary based on carrier, delivery speed, shipment size and more. Amazon provides estimated rates.