Countdown is On: What Amazon Sellers Need to Know Before Jan 1, 2026

Bottom line up front: Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon will stop offering all FBA prep services, including labeling, bagging, and bundling. Brands must be 100% ready with alternative solutions or risk shipment rejections, delays, and lost sales.

For thousands of Amazon sellers, January 1, 2026, marks the end of an era. Amazon will permanently discontinue all Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep and labeling services for U.S. inbound shipments, including inventory shipped directly or through Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), Amazon SEND, or via the Supply Chain Portal.

This is a fundamental shift that will impact millions of marketplace sellers who have relied on Amazon to handle the final steps before inventory becomes FBA-ready.

What’s changing exactly?

After January 1, 2026, any new FBA shipment must arrive fully prepped and labeled. All units must arrive ready to go—barcoded, bagged, bundled, or wrapped as needed. The services being eliminated include:

  • FNSKU barcode labeling
  • Poly-bagging and bubble-wrapping
  • Product bundling and kitting
  • Stickering and safety label application
  • Any other prep work Amazon previously handled

There will be a brief grace period: shipments created before January 1, 2026, will still be eligible for prep services, even if they arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers in early 2026. But once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, sellers are on their own.

Why Amazon made this move

Amazon said it initially introduced prep services, which include labeling, bubble-wrapping, stickering, and bagging items, to help protect products and avoid damage during the shipping process. Over time, sellers’ packaging capabilities have improved, reducing the need for Amazon’s prep offerings.

The reality is more strategic. Amazon’s fulfillment centers are increasingly automated. Manual services like labeling and poly bagging are incompatible with the company’s push for scalable, robotics-driven fulfillment. With an estimated 300+ prep centers now operating in the U.S. and 500+ globally, Amazon sees an opportunity to streamline operations while pushing prep responsibilities back to sellers and their partners.

The impact on your business

This change creates both immediate operational challenges and long-term strategic considerations:

Immediate operational impact

  • Full prep responsibility: You’ll need to handle all labeling, bagging, bundling, and compliance requirements
  • Higher complexity: Compliance risk increases, and any lapse in prep puts inventory at risk for rejection, delays, or added fees
  • Cost considerations: Whether handling prep in-house or outsourcing, you’ll need to budget for new labor and material costs

Strategic implications

  • Operational agility becomes critical: The brands that can adapt quickest will maintain a competitive advantage
  • Supply chain maturity: This change aligns with larger brands’ existing workflows but requires smaller sellers to upgrade their operations
  • Cash flow planning: Inventory financing becomes even more important when prep delays can derail your sales velocity

The 3 best options moving forward

Amazon recommends three approaches: sellers can take full control by packaging and labeling goods before shipping, outsource to vetted third-party FBA prep services, or enroll in Amazon’s SIPP program to ship products in ready-to-ship packaging directly to customers.

Option 1: Bring prep in-house

Taking full control means investing in:

  • Staff training on Amazon’s detailed prep requirements
  • Equipment for labeling, bagging, and bundling
  • Quality control processes to ensure compliance
  • Workspace setup for prep operations

Option 2: Partner with third-party prep centers (MOST POPULAR)

The most popular choice among experienced sellers involves outsourcing to specialized 3PLs that:

  • Understand Amazon’s requirements inside and out
  • Offer quick turnaround times
  • Have nationwide facilities for faster delivery
  • Provide dedicated account management

 

Kickfurther can help! We have an extensive network of partners who can help you with outsourcing. Contact partnerships@kickfurther.com if you’d like to be connected to one of them.

 

Option 3: Leverage SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging)

For eligible products, enrolling in Amazon’s SIPP program allows you to ship directly to customers without additional prep, potentially avoiding prep requirements entirely.

Why this makes inventory financing more critical than ever

This change amplifies the importance of having sufficient working capital to maintain smooth operations. Here’s why:

  • Prep delays = Cash flow disruption: Any hiccup in your new prep process can delay inventory reaching FBA, directly impacting your sales velocity and cash generation.
  • Higher upfront costs: Whether you’re setting up in-house prep or paying a 3PL, you’ll have new costs that hit before your inventory starts generating revenue.
  • Seasonal vulnerability: The brands most at risk are those that struggle to fund large inventory purchases ahead of peak seasons. If prep delays compound cash flow challenges, you could miss your most profitable selling windows.
  • Inventory financing as insurance: Having access to inventory financing through platforms like Kickfurther ensures you can maintain adequate stock levels even when facing operational disruptions or higher prep costs.

The sellers who thrive through this transition will be those who plan ahead, secure reliable prep solutions, and maintain the financial flexibility to invest in inventory without cash flow constraints.

Action plan: What to do starting TODAY

Q3 2025 – Today
✅ Audit your SKUs: Identify which products currently rely on Amazon prep
✅ Research solutions: Evaluate in-house capabilities vs. outsourcing options
✅ Budget for changes: Factor new costs into your financial planning

Q4 2025
✅ Secure partnerships: Demand for prep services will surge—book capacity early
✅ Run test shipments: Work out operational kinks before the deadline
✅ Plan for peak season: Ensure your new process can handle holiday volumes

Q1 2026 and beyond
✅ Maintain compliance: Stay updated on Amazon’s evolving requirements
✅ Monitor performance: Track how prep changes affect your operational metrics
✅ Optimize costs: Continuously refine your prep strategy for efficiency

The bottom line

While it may seem daunting, this change is also an opportunity. The brands that move fastest and put best-in-class processes in place now are the ones most likely to succeed in 2026 and beyond. The sellers who treat this as a chance to build more resilient, efficient operations will emerge stronger.

The countdown to January 1, 2026, is on! Will you be ready to turn a potential disruption into a competitive advantage?

Need help making sure your inventory financing can support you through this transition? Check out Kickfurther’s funding solutions built specifically for Amazon sellers like you.

Continuing the Prime Day Momentum: Five Tips for Sustained Success

Prime Day is a significant event for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to boost sales and attract new customers. However, the real challenge lies in sustaining this momentum long after the event has ended. In a previous blog post from August 2022, we discussed the strategies to maximize your Prime Day success.

Now, by leveraging the insights gained during Prime Day, businesses can continue to thrive and grow. In this blog post, we will explore more tips to help you maintain your Prime Day success and ensure long-term growth. From utilizing data and analytics to enhancing customer experience, these strategies will provide you with the tools you need to keep the momentum going.

 Leverage Data and Analytics

Utilize the data gathered during Prime Day to understand customer behavior and preferences. This information can help you tailor your marketing strategies and product offerings to meet customer demands. According to Momentum Commerce, the extended four-day Prime Day event in 2025 saw a 4.9% growth in total sales compared to the previous year. Analyzing such data can provide valuable insights for future campaigns.

Engage Customers with Personalized Marketing

Personalized marketing can significantly enhance customer engagement. Use the data from Prime Day to create personalized email campaigns, product recommendations, and targeted ads. This approach can help maintain the excitement and interest generated during Prime Day.

Offer Exclusive Deals and Promotions

Keep the momentum going by offering exclusive deals and promotions throughout the year. This can include limited-time offers, flash sales, and special discounts for Prime members. Momentum Commerce observed that 25.6% of products on Amazon US featured discounts during Prime Day 2025, representing an 8% increase from the previous year. Continuing to offer attractive deals can keep customers coming back.

 Enhance Customer Experience

Focus on improving the overall customer experience. This includes fast shipping, easy returns, and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience can lead to repeat purchases and long-term loyalty. Amazon’s strategic decision to extend the Prime Day event to four days was aimed at enhancing the shopping experience and driving overall growth.

Expand Your Product Range

Diversifying your product offerings can attract a broader audience and increase sales. Consider adding new products or expanding into new categories that align with customer interests. This can help maintain the momentum and drive continuous growth.

By implementing these strategies, you can continue to build on the success of Prime Day and maintain strong sales and customer engagement through the end of the year.

Interested in learning more about using Amazon inventory funding for your business? Create a business account today at Kickfurther.com to see a funding offer tailored to your business.

10 Amazon SEO Tips to Boost Your Sales & Revenue

Understanding how Amazon SEO works requires ongoing research to stay ahead of your competitors and to trigger Amazon’s current algorithm. When you do, you will be able to optimize your listings successfully and increase your rankings and sales.

If you want your Amazon products to appear when a potential buyer selects search filters, you need to add as much information to your listing as possible. Amazon analyzes if your product is relevant to a buyer’s search. The algorithm leads customers your way by using the ranking system, relevance, keywords and filters along with the buyer’s past purchases and preferences.

What is Amazon SEO and why is it important?

The goal of Amazon seller SEO is to enhance sales. Amazon SEO is important because it helps your products get discovered by potential customers while they are searching Amazon. You want your products to rank higher in searches because it increases the likelihood of products benign clicked on and purchased. The higher your product ranking, the more visible it will be which results in more traffic, more sales and more revenue for you.

How does Amazon SEO work? 

When more shoppers can find and buy your products, you earn more sales because your product ranks higher in search results. Optimizing your listings can increase sales opportunities. To trigger the Amazon algorithm, use Amazon SEO to optimize your product listings and titles. Using relevant keywords or search terms in a product listing’s title, uploading high quality product photos and setting competitive pricing are some ways to spark the algorithm.

How does Amazon’s search algorithm work?

Amazon decides which product listings are relevant to a shopper’s search by using its ranking algorithm. If you want your Amazon products to appear when a potential buyer selects their search filters, you need to add as much information to your listing as possible. Amazon analyzes if your product is relevant to a buyer’s search. The algorithm steers customers your way by using the ranking system, relevance, keywords and filters along with the buyer’s past purchases and preferences. 

What factors influence product rankings  and improve SEO on Amazon?

    • Optimized  product listing titles using relevant search terms and keywords
    • High-quality photos of your products
    • Detailed product descriptions and features that are updated
    • Positive authentic reviews without incentives.
    • Price
    • Stock Supply
    • Sales History
    • Click-through and conversion rates

Top Amazon SEO Tips to Boosting Your Revenue

Master Amazon SEO Basics

When you’re looking for ways to boost  your Amazon sales, start with optimizing your title and product description. Your title, product description and images  are what persuades potential customers to click “Add to Cart.” To appear at the top of search results, your title needs to be both catchy and full of relevant keywords.

Conduct Thorough Keyword Research

Search for and use relevant keywords in your description so that potential Amazon shoppers can easily find your product when they search. Research and use primary keywords with the most searches and use hIdden keywords. Amazon can’t rank your product for keywords that are not in your product description or title.. Check your competitor’s listing to see what products they are selling, which keywords they use and their pricing. 

Optimize Product Descriptions

Your product description should tell a story about your products to your prospective buyers. Your content needs to do more than just list product features. You can boost your product in Amazon search rankings when you write persuasive content for your listing. Make your product descriptions clear and easy to read. Use bullet points for emphasis and avoid jargon or technical terms.  

Encourage Positive Reviews and Ratings

Amazon looks at customer reviews when ranking  products. When you deliver an Amazon  product quickly,  you increase the chance of motivating shoppers to leave a positive review which can increase your ranking.

Use high quality images

High-quality photos are essential for driving sales on Amazon. Potential customers need to be able to see what they’re buying. Your product will look bad and won’t attract buyers if you use poor quality photographs. Make sure your products are well-lit to show details. Use a simple, plain background to enhance your product so it is the main focus of the photo. Use a variety of angles to show the product from different perspectives. Buyers may get confused by poor quality images which could lead to lower sales. Using  detailed image enlargements can give customers a closer view of your product.

Implement Competitive Pricing Strategies

The price of your product will affect whether a customer buys from you or another seller. Research competitive prices for comparable products on Amazon so you can set a realistic price.

Leverage Sponsored Product Ads

To increase your sales on Amazon, some sellers use  Amazon sponsored advertising. Since sponsored products are a form of pay-per-click advertising, sellers can bid on keywords to get sponsored product placement. Then these products are displayed through Amazon search results to increase visibility.

By targeting relevant keywords and phrases, you can ensure that your product is displayed to  potential buyers who are already interested in what you’re selling. With Amazon’s impressive data and analytics tools  you can refine your campaigns and improve your rankings and sales. You can be sure you are  getting a good return on your investment because you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.

Unlock Growth Potential with Inventory Financing

Inventory financing for amazon sellers can provide numerous benefits for growth. With additional funds to purchase inventory, businesses can increase their product selection and meet higher product demand without having to limit their own capital.

With Kickfurther you can fund up to 100% of your inventory costs on flexible payment terms. If you sell a product with over $400, ooo through Amazon, inventory financing can provide a number of benefits for your business. Businesses can increase their product line to meet a higher demand without needing to tie up their own capital, while increasing revenue.

Use social media to drive more traffic

Social media platforms allow you to target audiences while customizing your message to them. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat can help you reach potential customers and increase your product sales.  Using relevant hashtags with your social media posts can increase visibility and drive traffic to your Amazon products. Leveraging influencers can help you reach a larger audience to generate more Amazon sales.  Participating in social media group discussions can help you build credibility and increase visibility which leads to more clicks and sales. By targeting and running social media ads, you can offer exclusive discounts and promotions to increase your sales driving traffic to your Amazon store.

Understand the benefits of inventory financing for Amazon sellers.

  • Competitive advantage: Amazon sellers can use inventory financing to maintain stock levels and stay competitive in the marketplace because their products are available.
  • Cash flow: By providing the funds needed to purchase inventory, inventory financing improves cash flow without depleting cash reserves or assuming debt.
  • Increased capital: Using inventory financing, Amazon sellers can access new capital to grow their businesses so they can take advantage of new opportunities.
  • Reduced risk:  inventory financing reduces the risk of holding excess inventory which can lead to lost sales and revenue.
  • Convenience: Some inventory financing providers offer a streamlined process, which makes it quicker and easier for Amazon sellers to get the financing they need.

Leverage inventory financing to scale operations, increase inventory levels, and expand marketing efforts.

By leveraging inventory financing you will ensure you have plenty of inventory so that you never have to miss a sales opportunity. You will have the capital to expand and implement your marketing plans and the ability to scale operations and increase growth.

How Kickfurther can help

Kickfurther funds up to 100% of your inventory costs on flexible payment terms that you customize and control. With Kickfurther, you can fund your entire order(s) each time you need more inventory and put your existing capital to work growing your business without adding debt or giving up equity.

Why Kickfurther?

  • No immediate repayments: You don’t pay back until your new inventory order begins selling. You set your repayment schedule based on what works best for your cash flow.
  • Non-dilutive: Kickfurther doesn’t take equity in exchange for funding.
  • Not a debt: Kickfurther is not a loan, so it does not put debt on your books. Debt financing options can sometimes further constrain your working capital and access to capital, or even lower your business’s valuation if you are looking at venture capital or a sale.
  • Quick access: You need capital when your supplier payments are due. Kickfurther can fund your entire order(s) each time you need more inventory.
  • Kickfurther puts you in control of your business while delivering the costliest asset for most CPG brands. And by funding your largest expense (inventory), you can free up existing capital to grow your business wherever you need it – product development, advertising, adding headcount, etc.

Closing thoughts

By using Amazon SEO, you can increase your Amazon product sales, spark the Amazon algorithm and stay ahead of your competition while increasing product sales. Combined with the convenient use of inventory financing, you will see your  Amazon business grow and flourish. Reach out to us to get started funding your inventory at Kickstarter and increase your competitive advantage.

Best Amazon Inventory Management Tools

As an Amazon seller, inventory and reviews are the heart of your sales and success. Therefore, properly managing inventory is key, especially as you grow. Below we will review some of the best Amazon inventory management tools that will set you up for success.

In addition to these tools, Kickfurther is another great resource that can help ensure sellers avoid stockouts and maintain adequate inventory levels. Kickfurther is a funding platform that can help Amazon sellers with their inventory financing needs. As you’re selling inventory faster than you are getting paid for it, it can present a major cash flow dilemma and hinder your ability to replenish your inventory. By covering up to 100% of your inventory with no immediate repayment, Kickfurther can free up both the capital and invaluable time that allows you to focus on growing your business.

Why inventory management is important for Amazon sellers

Effective inventory management is essential for Amazon sellers to succeed on the platform and achieve their business goals. Inventory management does require investment – but one that is likely to pay off in the long run. As a small business owner it can be easy to focus on the now, and try to find shortcuts as cash flow can be tight. However, the best advice we can give you is do things the right way. The foundation you lay now will be what your business builds off as it grows.

Here are just a few basic reasons why inventory management is important for Amazon sellers:

Stock enough inventory, always: The key word here is enough. You don’t want to overstock inventory as this can tie up space and cash flow and you also don’t want to understock and risk losing a sale. Proper inventory management can help you understand how much inventory you need at all times, even during seasonal demand changes. Use this information to know when to order inventory.

Maximize efficiency: Inventory management tools can help you get products to customers, faster. Plus, by stocking just the right amount of inventory you can save on storage space, thus maximizing efficiency. Inventory management tools can help sellers know exactly where products are and how to ship them fastest.

Improve cash flow: Inventory is one of your biggest expenses, so you’ll want to be responsible with it. Utilize inventory management tools to maintain healthy inventory levels and free up cash. Plus, with the ability to ship items faster, you can get paid sooner, which will also help with cash flow.

Be a super Amazon seller: Amazon has strict requirements for inventory management, including maintaining a certain level of inventory to meet customer demand, complying with expiration dates, and ensuring accurate inventory data. Failing to meet these requirements can result in penalties or account suspension.

What are inventory management tools?

Inventory management tools are software applications that help businesses manage and track their inventory levels. At the core, inventory management tools should help businesses streamline their operations, improve their inventory accuracy, and make better-informed decisions.

If you aren’t already aware – there’s plenty of options available when it comes to inventory management tools. As you begin exploring, consider the following features, as inventory management tools should provide them.

  • Inventory tracking
  • Stock alerts
  • Order management
  • Forecasting
  • Barcode scanning
  • Reporting

Top Amazon Inventory Management Tools

Here are some of the top Amazon inventory management tools along with their pros and cons and pricing information:

#1. Sellbrite

Pros:

  • Easy to use interface
  • Integration with multiple marketplaces
  • Advanced inventory management features
  • Multi-channel order management

Cons:

  • Limited reporting capabilities
  • Pricing can be expensive for larger businesses

Pricing: Starts at $49/month for up to 100 orders per month. Higher plans available for larger businesses.

#2. Skubana

Pros:

  • Advanced inventory management features
  • Multi-channel order management
  • Automated purchasing and replenishment
  • Real-time analytics and reporting

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Can be expensive for smaller businesses

Pricing: Pricing available upon request.

#3. TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce)

Pros:

  • Integration with multiple marketplaces
  • Advanced inventory management features
  • Multi-currency support
  • Real-time analytics and reporting

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Pricing can be expensive for larger businesses

Pricing: Starts at $39/month for up to 100 products. Higher plans available for larger businesses.

#4. Ecomdash

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • Multi-channel order management
  • User-friendly interface
  • Customizable reporting

Cons:

  • Limited inventory forecasting capabilities
  • Can be slow to load for larger businesses

Pricing: Starts at $60/month for up to 100 orders per month. Higher plans available for larger businesses.

#5. Orderhive

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • Multi-channel order management
  • Easy to use interface
  • Advanced shipping management features

Cons:

  • Limited reporting capabilities
  • No real-time inventory tracking

Pricing: Starts at $49.99/month for up to 100 orders per month. Higher plans available for larger businesses.

Key features that Amazon sellers should look for in an inventory management tool

As you start exploring inventory management tools – prepared to be mind blown. They are so incredibly capable and powerful, or at least most of them are. Do your homework and choose an inventory management tool that truly empowers and improves your business. Be mindful that inventory management tools can encompass the following features:

  • Multi-channel support: Amazon sellers should look for inventory management tools that support multiple channels and marketplaces, as this can help streamline their operations and save time.
  • Inventory tracking: Ever heard the term sell what you see? With inventory tracking you can track inventory in real-time. There’s nothing more efficient than that.
  • Order management: Advanced inventory tracking will allow Amazon sellers to receive automatic inventory updates as sales are made and orders are fulfilled and everything in between.
  • Reordering and purchasing: Inventory management tools are your friend when it comes to knowing when it’s time to reorder inventory. From showing statistics on how long it will take to replace the inventory and how long it will take to sell out of inventory, you can stay up to date at all times.
  • Forecasting and analytics: If you’re not a lover of data and forecasting yet – learn to be. It’s incredibly powerful in making informed decisions. Use inventory management tools for advanced inventory forecasting and analytics.
  • Reporting: Advanced inventory management should allow you to create customized reports to help you get a snapshot of business activity ad-hoc. From what’s selling to what’s not you can use these reports to make important business decisions.
  • Integration with shipping carriers: Inventory management tools can help you determine the best shipping and fulfillment methods. As a result, they can help improve customer satisfaction.
  • User-friendly interface: Technology can be confusing. As you compare Amazon inventory management tools, make sure they are user-friendly. They should make running your business easier, not harder.
  • Customization: Amazon inventory management tools should allow you to customize them based on your specific needs.
  • Mobile support: As a business owner, you’re likely always on-the-go. Make sure the inventory management tool of your choice has mobile integration so you can access it anywhere.

How to Choose the Right Amazon Inventory Management Tool

When making any business decision, consider your business and your goals. There are several elements that can impact your decision so do your best to make equal comparisons, take advantage of demos, and consider the following factors when making the right decision for your business.

  • Features: As you explore Amazon inventory management tools, you will learn just how capable they are. Compare tools on features and consider how the features can be customized to support your operations.
  • Integration: Amazon inventory management tools will need to communicate with other systems. Consider existing systems and ensure the tool of your choice is compatible.
  • Ease of use:  The tool you choose should be intuitive and user-friendly. While these tools are built on incredibly complex technology, you need to know how to use the tool to get the most from it.
  • Support: From customization to troubleshooting, you’ll want a partner you can count on. Consider the support offered and if possible, speak to existing customers for real feedback.
  • Pricing: Price matters – always, but not to the point that you choose a cheaper tool with less benefit. Shop for value and be aware of any hidden costs or fees, and make sure you understand the pricing structure.
  • Reviews: Try to find real reviews online or find ways to connect with customers such as via social media sites, forums, or networking with other business owners.
  • Scalability: Be optimistic and confident that your business will grow – especially with upgrades like inventory management tools. Can the tool grow with your business? What can it support?

Closing thoughts

Effective inventory management is crucial for Amazon sellers to ensure they have enough stock on hand to meet customer demand while avoiding overstocks and stockouts. These tools offer features such as inventory tracking, order management, and shipping automation to help sellers streamline their inventory management processes. While there are many different tools available, choosing the right inventory management tools and strategies for your Amazon business will depend on your specific needs and goals. By prioritizing inventory management and utilizing the right tools, Amazon sellers can set themselves up for success and drive growth in their business.

How Kickfurther can help

While inventory management tools provide analytics to track inventory levels and data, inventory financing for Amazon sellers can alleviate the burden of exhausting capital to replenish inventory. Kickfurther is an inventory funding platform that prices itself in being up to 30% cheaper than other options. With our flexible repayment terms that put you in control, you can fund your entire order as inventory is needed and focus your capital on growing your business – all without giving up equity or taking on debt!

Interested in getting funded at Kickfurther? Here are 3 easy steps to get started:

  • #1. Create a free business account
  • #2. Complete the online application
  • #3. Review a potential deal with one of our account reps & get funded in minutes