Amazon FBA Prep Essentials: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started

One of the key benefits of selling on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is that Amazon handles most of the heavy lifting—storage, shipping, and customer service. However, before your products can land in Amazon’s warehouses and be sold to eager customers, there’s a crucial step you can’t overlook: prep work.

Prepping your products for Amazon FBA is essential to ensure compliance with Amazon’s requirements, avoid fees, and deliver a positive customer experience. This guide will walk you through all the Amazon FBA prep essentials you need to succeed.

Amazon FBA Prep Checklist

Prepping Your Products: Step-by-Step

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Hiring a Prep Center: Is It Worth It?

Why Product Preparation Matters

Amazon has strict standards for inventory received at its fulfillment centers. Properly prepped products:

• Prevent Rejection: Non-compliant shipments can be rejected or incur penalties.

• Protect Inventory: Damaged or mislabeled items can result in customer complaints or costly returns.

• Streamline Fulfillment: Proper preparation ensures your products are quickly processed, listed, and available for sale.

Amazon FBA Prep Checklist

1. Packaging Materials

Having the right materials ensures your products are protected during transit and storage. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Poly Bags: Use these for small, loose, bundles or liquids. Make sure they’re clear, resealable, and include a suffocation warning label.

• Bubble Wrap: Ideal for fragile items like glassware or electronics. It helps protect against breakage during shipping.

• Boxes: Sturdy cardboard boxes are essential for packing your shipments. Use high-quality boxes that can handle the weight of your inventory. (No side of the box should exceed 63.5cm)

• Packing Tape: Secure your boxes with strong, durable tape to prevent them from opening during transit.

  
  

2. Labelling Supplies

Labels are critical for Amazon to identify and manage your products accurately. Ensure you have:

• FNSKU Labels: These barcodes are specific to your product and are generated in Seller Central. Print and attach one to each unit.

• Shipping Labels: These labels go on the outside of your boxes and include details like the destination fulfillment center.

• Label Printer: A thermal printer is recommended for printing high-quality FNSKU and shipping labels.

  
  

3. Protective Equipment

Amazon has specific requirements for items that need extra protection. Examples include:

• Opaque Poly Bags: For adult items or products that require additional privacy.

• Shrink Wrap: Ideal for bundling multiple items together.

  
  

4. Scales

Invest in a digital shipping scale to weigh your boxes accurately. This helps avoid overcharging for shipping or exceeding Amazon’s box weight limit of 23kg (50 lbs).

5. Tools for Prep and Packing

• Box Cutter/Scissors: To quickly cut packaging materials.

• Tape Gun: Speeds up the process of sealing boxes.

• Measuring Tape: Helps ensure boxes meet Amazon’s size restrictions.

Prepping Your Products: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Inspect Your Inventory

Check all items for damage or defects before shipping them to Amazon. Damaged goods not only harm your reputation but also waste time and money.

Step 2: Label Your Products

Every product must have an FNSKU barcode label. You can:

• Print and apply the labels yourself.

• Use Amazon’s labelling service for a small fee (currently £0.15/item).

  
  

Step 3: Prep for Specific Product Types

Different products require specific prep methods. Here’s a breakdown:

• Fragile Items: Wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in poly bags or small boxes for added protection.

• Loose Items and liquids: Use poly bags to keep items secure. Bags must be sealed and at least 1.5 mil thick.

• Multipacks or Bundles: Label them as “Sold as Set” or “Do Not Separate” to avoid confusion at the warehouse.

  
  

Step 4: Pack Your Shipment

• Group items by SKU and ensure they match the quantities listed in your shipping plan.

• Distribute weight evenly in each box.

• Include a packing slip (generated by Seller Central) in each box.

  
  

Step 5: Weigh, Measure, and Label Boxes

• Weigh your box and ensure it does not exceed 23kg (50 lbs) and no side exceeds 63.5cm.

• Use a measuring tape to confirm the box size meets Amazon’s maximum dimensions.

• Affix your shipping label to the top of the box, ensuring it’s easily scannable.

  
  

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Ignoring Amazon's Prep Requirements: Always check the latest prep requirements in Seller Central for your product category.

2. Poor Labeling: Ensure FNSKU labels are scannable and cover any manufacturer barcodes to prevent errors.

3. Overpacking Boxes: Exceeding size or weight limits can lead to penalties or rejected shipments.

4. Missing Deadlines: Delayed shipments can result in out-of-stock situations, leading to lost sales.

   
   

Hiring a Prep Center: Is It Worth It?

If you’re short on time or don’t want to handle the prep process yourself, consider outsourcing to an FBA prep center. These third-party services:

• Inspect, label, and pack your products according to Amazon’s standards.

• Save you time, especially for high-volume shipments.

• Cost between £0.50-£2 per unit, depending on the services required.

While it’s an additional expense, the convenience can be worth it—especially for sellers scaling their businesses.

Final Thoughts

Proper preparation is the backbone of a successful Amazon FBA business. By investing in the right tools, understanding Amazon’s requirements, and following a consistent prep process, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and streamline your path to profitability.

Whether you handle the prep yourself or outsource to a prep center, taking the time to get it right will set the foundation for a smooth and successful FBA journey.