Why this matters
Inbound mistakes cause delayed check-in, extra fees, stranded stock or rejected shipments. If a service that used to handle labels or prep is no longer available to you, someone else must do that work correctly before the goods leave for the warehouse.
Audit your current process
- List every product and its prep needs: bagging, bubble wrap, labelling, bundling or sets.
- Mark which steps are done by Amazon today, by your supplier, by a 3PL or by you.
- Check the latest requirements for each product type in Seller Central.
- Find any steps that would fall to you if a service changed.
Your options
- Ask your supplier to apply labels and prep at the factory, with a clear specification and photo proof.
- Use a prep centre or 3PL near your inbound point that follows the marketplace’s standards.
- Do prep yourself for low volume, with a checklist and photos.
- Compare cost per unit, turnaround and error rates across options.
Barcode and label basics
- Decide which barcode type your product will use and apply it consistently.
- Make sure labels are scannable, correctly placed and cover old barcodes where required.
- Keep a record of the barcode used for each SKU so inventory does not mix.
Quality checks that save money
- Send a small test batch to confirm the process works.
- Check receiving reports for discrepancies as soon as the shipment lands.
- Keep photos of packed cartons before shipment.
- Resolve mismatches quickly and update the supplier instructions.
Budget for the change
Add prep and labelling cost to your landed cost per unit. A few cents per unit can matter on thin-margin products, so reprice or drop products that no longer make sense.
Communicate clearly with partners
Write simple instructions with pictures. Share the same instructions with every supplier and 3PL, and ask them to confirm they have read them.
A prep checklist you can give your supplier
- Product name and SKU, with the barcode type and number.
- Label size, placement and what to cover on the carton or product.
- Packaging type and any bagging, wrapping or bundling requirement.
- Photos of one correctly prepared unit.
- Carton labelling, weight limits and quantity per carton.
- Instructions for what to do if a unit is damaged or missing a part.
Cost per unit comparison template
- Option A: supplier prep: add cost per unit, extra lead time and risk of errors.
- Option B: prep centre or 3PL: add handling fee per unit, receiving fee and transit.
- Option C: in-house: add labour time, supplies and storage space.
Fill in real quotes for each option and compare total landed cost per unit, not only the prep fee.
Monitor after the change
For the first few shipments, check receiving status, discrepancy notices and any fees charged. Adjust instructions quickly. Small errors repeated across many units add up.
How we can help
Our FBA Shipment Setup and Account Audit services check your inbound process, labels and barcodes and coordinate with suppliers or prep partners. We follow the marketplace’s current rules and do not guarantee fee savings.
