Ready to start your Amazon selling journey? With years of experience supporting Fulfiled by Merchant (FBM) sellers, our Amazon Fulfilment team knows what it takes to help businesses succeed. We’ve honed the processes that keep shipping efficient and performance metrics on point, so we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re turning your side hustle into something bigger or launching a brand-new venture, our checklist will walk you through everything you need to know about how to ship your own products on Amazon.
1. Set Up Your Seller Central Account Properly
Amazon Seller Central is the control centre for your business. It’s your hub for listing products, processing orders, managing inventory, and monitoring performance metrics.
Let’s start by setting up your Amazon Seller Central account so you are ready to receive orders. By doing this groundwork right from the beginning, everything else will be much easier.
Set Up Your Shipping Templates
- Research and select your preferred carriers.
- Compare shipping rates. Take into account reliability - the cheapest isn't always the best!
- Choose shipping and delivery methods that suit your product types, e.g. time-sensitive or perishable items might need next-day delivery to arrive fresh and on time.
Tip: Use multiple carriers so if there’s an issue with one, you can always use another.
Add Your Return Address
- Create a dedicated returns address to handle your own returns.
- Update this address to be the same on all of your eCommerce platforms (e.g. Amazon, eBay, etc) so there's no confusion.
Tip: Consider a PO box or business address for privacy rather than your home address.
Be Honest About Handling Times
- Factor in your current fulfilment capacity. Calculating your fill rate will give you data on how well you're keeping up with customer demands.
- Forecast customer demand fluctuations to avoid being caught off guard by sales spikes and running out of stock.
- Build in a small buffer for unexpected challenges (i.e. bad weather delays or peak shopping seasons).
Tip: Set expectations that you can consistently meet. It’s better to overestimate handling and a product arrive earlier than expected, than arrive late and have a poor fill rate.
2. Organise Your Storage Space
As you scale your business, you need to invest in your inventory and shipping space to stay organised and efficient. You might not need a full-blown warehouse of your own yet, but creating a dedicated area for storing and shipping orders is a must. Having an organised setup makes it so much easier to manage stock and get orders out the door quickly, helping you stay on top of things as demand increases.
Create A Dedicated Packing and Shipping Station
- Designate a specific area for order fulfilment to help you avoid errors, stay top of orders and reduce stress.
- Make sure you have good lighting and a comfortable working space.
- Keep essential packing tools and materials within easy reach.
Invest in eCommerce Inventory Management
- Use digital systems with tracking numbers so every unit is accounted for.
- Maintain real-time stock accuracy to prevent certain products from overselling or stockouts.
- Manage inventory with software like Sellbrite or InventoryLab that integrates with Amazon and gives detailed reporting and analytics.
Use Consistent, Clear Labelling
- Create a consistent labelling system.
- Use clear, durable labels that won't peel off or blur if they get wet.
- Colour-code your labels for quick identification if you sell products with similar packaging.
Stock Essential Packaging Materials
As well as keeping a healthy stock of the products you’re selling on Amazon, you’ll need a good supply of packaging materials too. And bonus points if you can integrate sustainability into your eCommerce fulfilment with eco-friendly packaging!
You’ll need to buy these products in bulk:
- Various box sizes to suit different products.
- Bubble wrap or a sustainable alternative.
- Packing tape.
- Cushioning materials.
- Labels and printer supplies.
3. Create Your Product Listings
Nailing your product listings can mean the difference between a customer scrolling past or hitting “Add to Basket.” A clear, compelling, and accurate product listing grabs attention and makes buyers feel confident about their purchase, giving you a much better shot at sealing the deal.
- Use keywords and the brand name in the product title.
- Take high-quality photos of the item from multiple angles.
- Upload a video of how to use the product.
- Write detailed product descriptions that are easy to read.
- Add accurate product weights and dimensions. This is particularly helpful for oversized products or furniture and homeware fulfilment.
- Include any special shipping information, like international shipment limitations.
4. Process Incoming Orders
- Check orders daily. When orders are flying in, you may need to do this multiple times a day.
- Download and print shipping labels. Make sure that barcodes are clear and scannable to avoid packages being misrouted or delayed.
- Verify delivery addresses and double-check for typos or incomplete details.
- Group orders by shipping method to achieve faster packing and dispatch.
5. Pack Orders Like a Pro
- Choose suitable packaging materials. Include documents like invoices, packing slips, or customs forms.
- For a personal touch, add branded inserts or thank-you notes.
- Add in a quality control step, and double-check the contents against order details before sealing.
- Print the labels and apply carefully to the packages so they are fully visible.
Tip: Shipping can be costly, but resolving an upset customer who has received a damaged product will also cost time and money. Find a balance between using enough packaging to protect the items throughout the shipping process without the parcel becoming overly heavy or bulky.
6. Ship Your Products
- Book courier collections in advance to avoid delays.
- Update the customer with tracking information directly through Amazon.
Tip: Stick to promised delivery windows to maintain performance standards.
7. Monitor Performance Data
- Keep an eye on your Amazon Seller Central metrics like on-time delivery and defect rates.
- Regularly check for reviews and address any complaints. A prompt and friendly reply can help turn a negative review around.
- Sort out delays or missing packages quickly to avoid customer frustration.
Tip: Amazon has tough performance standards, and falling short can lead to penalties like losing the Buy Box or even having your account suspended. Staying on top of your metrics helps you avoid these headaches and keeps your seller rating in great shape.
8. Handle Returns Efficiently
- Process returns according to Amazon’s timeframes, which is usually 30 days from the delivery date.
- Look at returned items to check for damage or signs of use before restocking.
- Update your stock levels as the returned items go back on the shelf.
- Send refunds quickly to keep customers happy.
Aiming for Seller Fulfilled Prime?
For FBM sellers, joining the Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) programme means you can offer the sought-after Prime badge on your products while still managing your storage, packing, and shipping in-house. With SFP, you’ll gain access to millions of Prime customers who actively seek out Prime-eligible products, giving your listings a competitive edge.
However, joining the SFP programme comes with responsibilities. Amazon sets even stricter standards for fast and reliable shipping than regular FBM selling. To keep your Prime status, you’ll need to consistently meet their delivery time requirements, maintain accurate tracking, and ensure smooth operations. This can be demanding, especially if your logistics setup is just you or a small team.
Shipping Best Practices: Tips for Smooth Sailing as an Amazon FBM Seller
Shipping might not be the most glamorous part of being an Amazon FBM seller, but it’s one of the most important. Efficient, reliable shipping keeps customers happy and protects your seller rating, which is crucial for building trust and maintaining visibility on the platform. A strong rating not only attracts more buyers but also helps you stay competitive, making it easier to grow your business and achieve long-term success.
Take Out eCommerce Shipping Insurance
Ever had that moment of pure panic when a package goes missing? Even with the best packing and logistics, things can go wrong. Packages can get lost, damaged, or delayed, and when they do, you’ll be glad you’ve got insurance.
eCommerce shipping insurance protects your business from financial loss and keeps your customers happy when you can replace their orders quickly. It’s peace of mind for you and your bottom line.
Pay Attention to Your Customer Service
Good customer service is all about creating a positive experience from start to finish during the transaction. Make sure you reply quickly to queries about shipping delays, tracking issues, or returns, as a little empathy and professionalism go a long way in turning a potential complaint into a glowing review.
Partner with a 3PL
Feeling like you’re drowning in orders? Or feeling stressed by the thought of needing to keep up with Amazon’s expectations? That’s where a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, like Delta Fulfilment, comes in. Our Amazon FBM Services handle everything from storage to packing and shipping, letting you focus on growing your business.
As a trusted UK-based fulfilment company, we’re here to support Amazon FBM sellers like you every step of the way. We offer secure storage solutions to keep your products safe and ready to ship at a moment’s notice. Our fast, reliable order processing means your customers get their deliveries on time, helping you keep those all-important Amazon metrics in check. We’re partnered with a wide range of couriers, which means we can negotiate shipping discounts and switch your deliveries to another courier if one is experiencing delays.
Want FBM Without the Faff? Partner with Delta Fulfilment Today
Managing your own fulfilment can be a rewarding way to take control of your business, but let’s face it, it’s also a lot of work. From organising storage to handling returns, the day-to-day logistics can start to feel overwhelming.
Our ability to tailor our services to your needs sets us apart. Whether you require branded packaging for a professional touch or need shipping options customised to your specific requirements, we’ve got you covered. Partnering with Delta Fulfilment is about gaining a team that’s genuinely invested in your success.
If you’re ready to streamline your operations and take the stress out of FBM, get a quote today, and we’ll get the ball rolling.
Shipping Your Own Products FAQS
Can I use custom packaging?
One of the advantages of FBM is the freedom to create a branded experience. Adding thoughtful extras, like thank-you notes, discount coupons, or small freebies, can further boost customer satisfaction and build loyalty. These personalised touches show customers that you value their business and go the extra mile to make their experience special.
Just remember, while customisation is key, it’s equally important to make sure your packaging is secure and compliant with shipping regulations. A beautifully branded package won’t mean much if the product arrives damaged or delayed due to improper shipping.
Should I consider dropshipping or becoming an FBM seller?
Dropshipping is ideal if you want to minimise upfront investment and inventory management. However, you’ll have less control over quality and delivery times.
FBM Selling is best if you want full control over inventory, packaging, customer experience, logistics and storage.