How to Ship to Amazon FBA Warehouse

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

Are you a business owner considering using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) for the first time? Seventy-three percent of Amazon sellers use FBA to fulfill orders thanks to its many benefits. Benefits include packaging, storing, shipping, and customer service services, which make it significantly easier to sell and distribute your products. Learn more by reading the article below.

What is Amazon FBA?

Fulfillment By Amazon or FBA for short, is a service provided by Amazon to improve the seller and customer experience. For sellers FBA offers storage, packaging, and fulfillment assistance. For customers, they can order with confidence knowing that Amazon is handling the order. Products may als qualify for Amazon Prime – which some rely on. Sellers that use FBA have the ability to store products at Amazon (of course for a small fee) until they sell. When the product sells, Amazon employees then work to locate, package, and ship the product. Of the top 10,000 Amazon sellers, 66% use FBA. 

Benefits of using FBA services include access to Amazon’s 24/7 customer service for inquiries, returns, and refunds, subsidized shipping fees, quick and reliable shipping and handling of inventory, access to the Prime audience, more likelihood of winning the Buy Box, and having Amazon’s name associated with your products.

How does Amazon FBA work?

By using Amazon FBA, it’s  like having your own warehouse, pickers, and packers! The FBA process is fairly straightforward. Here’s an overview of how it works. 

  1. Sellers source and purchase products to be shipped to an Amazon warehouse.
  2. Products are received and stored at Amazon fulfillment center. Amazon profits by charging sellers a storage fee which varies depending on how much room the product takes up.
  3. When the product sells. Amazon will fulfill the order and update seller inventory, If product storage agreement expires before product sells, Amazon can make arrangements to dispose of or return inventory. 
  4. Post sale customer support and returns are handled by Amazon.
  5. Sellers can be paid out every two weeks by Amazon.

 How to ship your FBA inventory to Amazon  [ Step By Step]

If you plan to use FBA it will be your responsibility to ship the inventory to Amazon. They provide instructions, but so you know what to expect, here’s an overview of how to ship FBA inventory to Amazon. 

  1. In Seller Central, navigate to “Manage Inventory” and locate your listing.
  2. On the right-hand side of the top of the page find the drop down menu that reads “edit.” Then, click “Send/Replenish Inventory.”
  3. Now, enter your “Ship from address.” Choose between “individual products” or “case-packed products.” Click “continue to shipping plan.”
  4. Once on the shipping plan, enter the quantity of units per case and include the total number of units being shipped. After you enter this information, click Continue.
  5. If products need to be prepped for shipping protection (for example, bubble wrap) you’ll need to indicate this. Select the product that needs protection on the drop-down. Amazon has specified categories to choose from in which they will assign what kind of prep it needs. If you don’t see the product type on the menu, Amazon does not require it to have prep before being sent. You also have the option to have Amazon to do the prep for a fee of $1.00 to $2.30 per unit. 
  6. Now you choose how your products are to be labeled. Products that require an Amazon (FNSKU) barcode, can be labeled by the seller or Amazon. But of course, if you have an Amazon label, expect to pay a fee (typically $0.55 per unit).
  7. Then, you’ll find out where Amazon wants to send your inventory; this is based on national demand.
  8. In the final stretch you’ll choose your preferred shipping service and identify how items will be packed. Input package dimensions and weight and Amazon will generate a price. Then, your items will be ready for shipping. Last details include choosing a ship date and printing labels. Note that both barcodes should be visible on each box. When ready, click “complete shipment.”

How long will it take for FBA to process my shipment? 

FBA shipments normally take 2-6 days to process once they have been delivered to an FBA center. In some cases delays can occur such as seasonal delays, mistakes in the packaging process, staffing issues, and so forth. It’s important to track shipments all the way through and pay attention to notifications. Shipment errors can cause you to be low or out of a product, thus resulting in missed sales. With Amazon payout coming bi-weekly and shipping delay occurring from time-to-time, sellers may need to leverage affordable inventory funding to keep cash flow healthy. To learn more about an affordable inventory funding method, check out Kickfurther.

Does Amazon charge for shipping to warehouse FBA?

Amazon does charge for shipping to their warehouse, which is on top of FBA fees. To help sellers save money, Amazon has Partnered Carrier options. If you choose to use an Amazon-partner carrier, the carrier should provide a shipping label. Once shipments are sent to FBA, you should see the charge on your FBA account labeled “inbound transportation charge.”

Is it better to use FBA or ship your inventory yourself?

Most Amazon sellers will highly recommend taking advantage of FBA. However, there are circumstances where there may be better options. Evaluate your store location, shipping duration, and technology to determine if you can successfully fulfill orders. Some businesses that consider self-shipping ideal, include:

  • Retailers selling bigger and heavier items
  • Sellers with the staff, technology, and processes to handle customer service (pre and post sale), returns, and fast fulfillment and shipping
  • Seller with plenty storage space
  • Items with a low turnover

Some advantages of self-shipping include:

  • Sellers may enjoy having total control of inventory and the order fulfillment process. This also gives you total control over your brand.
  • Some consumers prefer items shipped by the seller directly, especially if they are known for a stellar brand experience. 
  • Frequent or large shipments through major carriers such as UPS or FedEx may qualify for discounts
  • Maintain full control over data, analytics, and sales reports
  • Take advantage of full control over pricing
  • Keep costs down with less fees and more control

Although self-shipping works for some, using FBA is more popular. But, don’t take our word for it, look at the data. In 2020, 65.3% of Amazon sellers were using FBA, compared to 28.7% using FBA + self-shipping.

Businesses consider using Amazon’s FBA ideal for:

  • Sellers with small and lightweight products with healthy profit margins
  • Turnover rate is high and or you’ve determined sales trends 
  • Sellers that pool or comingle products may benefit
  • Sellers that need more storage space should use FBA

Some advantages of using Amazon FBA include:

  • It takes the headache out of order fulfillment
  • No investment in a warehouse including staff and warehouse management systems is needed
  • Opportunity for sales 24/7, 365
  • Ease of mind because Amazon’s stellar reputation in order fulfillment
  • Shipping rates are lower than if you were self-shipping

How Kickfurther can help

Amazon sellers need plenty of inventory in such a competitive marketplace. Plus, with Amazon paying out bi-weekly, sellers may struggle with cash flow. While you can take advantage of FBA to reduce overhead costs, funding for inventory may still be a challenge, This is where Kickfurther comes in. 

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

In closing, we encourage you to start or continue down your path as an Amazon seller as it’s full of opportunity. Online marketplaces such as Amazon have created much opportunity for consumers and entrepreneurs. And, as time goes on – it only seems to get better and better. As an Amazon seller you’ll need to stay up-to-date with changes and regulations and understand the market for your products. Most importantly though, you’ll need to have enough products in stock so you never miss out on an easy sale opportunity.

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

Learn more about Amazon inventory financing options with Kickfurther.com

Meet Snowmelt

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

Have you ever been disappointed in the quality of a production run or have found it hard to convey a product idea accurately? We’ve been there too.

It’s why we created Snowmelt. An app that helps you build product specifications and purchase order agreements from the ground up so you can clearly communicate requirements to your suppliers and build in protection in case your items ship late or not on spec.

Have the confidence that your expectations are communicated to your suppliers effectively so you don’t have to worry about issues down the line, saving you time and money.

Snowmelt puts you in the driver’s seat by giving you visibility and control of your manufacturing specifications and opening the path to building a resilient and redundant supply chain.

Simply input your product information into the app and you’ll get a custom specification sheet to send directly to your manufacturer.

  • Take control of your inventory and production processes

  • Save time creating your own production specifications sheets

  • Streamline efficiency and productivity

  • Ensure your products are delivered on time and on specs

You’ll input your product info, including key product attributes, such as measurements, materials, and color. And out comes your custom specification sheet.

Additional Features

Snowmelt has the ability to create a purchase order based on decades of industry best practices. The PO template includes customizable agreement clauses meant to protect your business.

You can also connect with your own expert English speaking sourcing team in China to function as an extension of your business at a discounted rate.

Ready to take control of your supply chain? Download Snowmelt today.

Snowmelt Glossary

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

Product Specification: Product specs are blueprints that describe exactly what the product will be, what it will look like, and what function it will perform. It includes the name, description, weight, measurements, colors and materials.

Components: A uniquely identifiable material or coating (including ink or dye) that is intended to be included as a part of a finished product.

Outer Packaging: A packaging that forms the outer protection of a composite or combination packaging, and includes any absorbent material, cushioning and other components used to contain or protect inner receptacles or inner packagings

Inner Packaging: A packaging for which an outer packaging is required for transport.

Shipping Marks: An identifying word, number or symbol placed on freight to designate the consignee, destination, weight and related information.

Critical Defects: Critical defects render an item completely unstable and/or could cause harm to the user or someone in the vicinity of the product.

SDS (Safety Data Sheets): Summary document that provides information about the hazards of a product and outlines aspects of the product such as safety precautions, handling and disposal procedures. SDSs are usually written by the manufacturer or supplier of the product. An SDS is formatted to conform to the UN’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which has a specific 16 section format.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets): An MSDS is similar to an SDS, but does not necessarily conform to the UN’s GHS standard.

CE Mark: All products imported or sold in the EU must have a CE Mark. Affixing the CE Mark to a product indicates that it has been tested and meets the required Directives that apply.

Purchase Order: A purchase order (P.O. for short) is issued by the buyer or a client at the start of a business transaction. It documents the client’s expectations in regards to products or services required, the quantities in that order, and the total cost.

Invoice: An invoice is issued by the seller upon completion of the terms as outlined in the purchase order. It includes the previously agreed upon price they must pay now that the order is complete.

MOQ: Minimum order quantity. How much you have to order to secure the price from the supplier.

Deposit: Upfront cash payment required to book a production slot. Balance a cost normally payable when goods are ready FOB.

COGS: Cost of goods sold (COGS) refers to the direct costs of producing the goods sold by a company. This amount includes direct production costs including raw materials, labor to produce the product, and freight costs. It excludes indirect business expenses such as marketing and sales force costs.

FOB (Free on board): FOB indicates that the seller is responsible for getting the goods onto a ship designated by the buyer. At this point, the risk of loss passes from the seller to the buyer.

Why implement Component Testing?

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

What is component testing?

Component testing is quality assurance testing that’s conducted on an individual component of your product, prior to final assembly of a product.

Why implement?

Don’t want to build the same thing twice? Component testing can save you time and money by identifying any defects or issues within the individual components of your product, before those components are assembled into a final product.

  • Avoid product rework by validating components before they are fabricated into final consumer goods
  • Save time by identifying issues early in the supply chain
  • Save money by avoiding rework of final products
  • Eliminate duplication of testing across multiple final products that share components

What types of tests work well for component testing?

Examples include:

  • Material quality tests, such as content analysis or material strength testing
  • Testing for banned substances such as lead, cadmium, phthalates, or flame retardants
  • Environmental exposure tests such as humidity, salt corrosion or extreme temperature testing

Are there test types for which component testing is not a good fit?

  • Functional Use Testing, or any type of test that validates the functionality of the end product
  • Impact or drop testing, to validate whether a product holds its integrity after being impacted or dropped
  • Any testing that validates the safety of an electrical system

Snowmelt can help you communicate Quality Assurance requirements to stakeholders at the top of your supply chain. Get started today and download the app.

Getting Started with Test Specifications

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

Are your profit margins hampered by product returns and complaints? Mitigate some of the costs associated with product returns by implementing a basic quality assurance plan with your suppliers.

When building a quality assurance plan, it’s important to start with high level product goals, and then drill your way down to how those goals translate into specific and testable requirements.

You may have product goals that encompass higher level values like sustainability, durability, or ease of use. The trick is to figure out what these values mean in the context of your product, and create a specific test plan that reflects those values.

Some questions you might ask in order to build durability into a product:

  1. Who is the product intended for? Age group, region, market, etc.
  2. What type of usage constitutes intended use of the product? This would be usage of the product within the scope of normal, expected use.
  3. What constitutes foreseeable use or misuse of the product? This would be usage of the product that may fall outside basic functionality, but could be within the realm of functionality for the end user.
  4. What are the environments in which this product can be used? Think indoor, outdoor, wet environments, extreme hot or cold conditions, etc.
  5. Are there mechanical such as hinges, springs, latches, that the end consumer would expect to be durable for the entirety of the product life cycle?

Here’s an example of how determining the intended use of a product could be applied towards creating a test plan to help ensure the durability of a piece of oven-safe glassware:

The intended use for this piece of glassware includes cooking a wide range of food items in an oven, allowing the glassware to heat up and cool down at a rate consistent with normal oven use.

Based on the intended use, a test plan might look like this:

  • Place the test sample in an oven preheated to 500 deg. F for 3 hours
  • After 3 hours, remove sample from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature
  • After cooling, there shouldn’t be any visual evidence of breakage, pitting, darkening, or loss of functionality.


This method can be modified by different variables such as cooking different types of food or filling with water before placing it in the oven. You can also cycle the test so that you’re allowing the product to undergo repeated use. And you can drop the test sample immediately after removing it from the oven, or submerge it directly into water to mimic thermal shock. All of these variables could potentially reveal different weaknesses in the glass, and help you get a better understanding of the limits of the product’s durability.

Once your test plan reflects your product values and the needs of your customer base, the next step is to ensure that your suppliers are implementing your test plan on each production lot. It’s important to communicate your product requirements up stream.

Communicate your QA requirements to your suppliers with Snowmelt. Download Snowmelt.