Adhering to Amazon FBA‘s rules is a must! Ignoring them can lead to rejected shipments or even permanent bans from the platform, impacting your business significantly. Today, we’ll cover three simple tips to reduce FBA shipping costs:
Keep reading for the details.
1. Save 10% on FBA shipping cost through a shipping plan
What exactly is a shipping plan?
In simple terms, it is a strategy to distribute your inventory across different fulfillment centers.
You can easily create an Amazon FBA shipping plan on the “Seller Central” portal by navigating to the “Send/replenish inventory” section.
Here is what your shipping plan should include:
- A list of products you will send to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
- The quantity of each product.
- Shipping details include your chosen freight forwarder, shipping dates, and other relevant information.
- Who will handle product preparation and labeling (you, your partner, or Amazon)?
You can read this article to learn how to create a shipping plan efficiently.
Why do you need it?
There are two prime reasons: First, Amazon needs to know what to expect when your shipments arrive at their FBA warehouses. Second, they need to provide you with the necessary shipping labels.
You should send these labels to your supplier so they can affix them to each carton—this step is essential.
How can a shipping plan save you money?
By creating a shipping plan alongside your product listing, you can anticipate potential issues like labeling, hazardous materials, or restricted goods. This foresight helps you avoid unexpected fees and allows for more efficient shipment planning.
When should you create an Amazon shipping plan?
We recommend starting the shipping plan early—ideally before production begins. Once your supplier gives you an estimated completion date, finalize and submit your plan to Amazon. It ensures you get the shipping labels to your supplier on time and have a clear understanding of the associated fees.
2. Save 20% by following Amazon FBA regulations
First, you can review the Amazon FBA Product Restrictions list to ensure the goods are eligible and won’t incur additional fees.
If your products are approved for FBA, what’s the next step?
Amazon provides a comprehensive guide for all Inbound Shipments, detailing weight and size restrictions. They’ve become increasingly stringent about shipments that don’t comply with these guidelines.
We’ve simplified these rules into a clear, easy-to-understand format. It will help you avoid unnecessary fees and protect your profit margins.
2.1. Box size and weight guidelines
- Box weight: Each box must not exceed 50 lbs. However, if the boxes contain jewelry or watches, the limit is 40 lbs per box. It is acceptable for a box containing a single oversized item that exceeds 50 lbs.
- Box Dimensions: No side of the box should be longer than 25 inches. Shipping oversized goods could result in additional fees, restricted shipping privileges, or even refusal at the fulfillment center.
2.2. Packing materials
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Bubble wrap | Shredded paper |
| Inflatable air pillows | Thermocol chips |
| Polyethylene foam sheeting | Styrofoam |
| Full sheets of paper (heavy-weight kraft paper is ideal) | Packing peanuts |
| Foam strips | |
| Crinkle wrap |
2.3. Labeling Requirements
- For a single oversized item over 50 lbs:You should attach a “Team Lift” label on the top and sides of the box.
- For a single oversized item over 100 lbs:Place a “Mechanical Lift” label on the top and sides of the package.
- For all shipments:Each box or carton must have an Amazon FBA Box ID label apart from any carrier labels.
- If you’re shipping goods on pallets, you’ll need four pallet labels—one on the top center of each side.
Examples of labels:
| Team Lift Label | Mechanical Lift Label | FBA Box ID Label |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
- Print the complete set of labels—each one is unique.
- Place labels (FBA Box ID and carrier-related) on a flat surface.
- Ensure each pallet has four pallet labels, one on the center of each side.
- Don’t photocopy or reuse labels.
- Don’t obscure the labels or place them on edges that cannot be scanned.
Additional shipping requirements may apply depending on your shipping method (e.g., small parcel, LTL, FTL, FCL). You can consult our shipping expert before packing.
3. Save up to 25% FBA shipping costs with an reliable forwarder
Even with a meticulously crafted shipping plan and adherence to all packaging requirements, your shipment might still face issues or rejected by FBA.
Why does this happen? Ultimately, it’s crucial to choose the right freight forwarder.
Ensure your freight forwarder understands the specific requirements for shipping to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. Their expertise can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and cost-effective process.
Airsupply, a trusted freight forwarder in China, can match your shipments by:
- Compliance with FBA requirements for your shipments.
- Management of FBA dock appointment procedures.
- Safe handling and transportation of class 2-9 dangerous goods.
With ASLG, you gain access to top-tier freight carriers experienced in shipping to Amazon FBA centers, all at a lower FBA shipping cost.
