Amazon FBA from China
In the rapidly growing world of e-commerce, Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service has emerged as a revolutionary platform for sellers worldwide. It empowers sellers by taking care of storage, packaging, shipping, customer service, and returns, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses. For those sourcing products from China, understanding the ins and outs of shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses is critical. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about Amazon FBA and shipping from China – from choosing the right and best shipping method, understanding costs and transit times, preparing necessary documents, to selecting the best Incoterms for shipping. We will also delve into why you might need a Chinese forwarder, the importance of quality inspection, package and label requirements, freight insurance, tracking your shipment, and how courier services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS can benefit your FBA venture. We aim to equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to maximize your success with Amazon FBA and make your shipping experience from China seamless and efficient.
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DDPCH offers expedited shipping options for Amazon FBA sellers from China, ensuring swift delivery of goods to fulfill your Amazon orders.
DDPCH's global reach ensures your goods reach any Amazon FBA warehouse worldwide, expanding your customer reach and growth potential.
DDPCH's global reach ensures your goods reach any Amazon FBA warehouse worldwide, expanding your customer reach and growth potential.
With DDPCH, you'll have peace of mind as we ensure a secure shipping process, protecting your goods from loss or damage during transit.
Our comprehensive door to door service simplifies logistics for Amazon FBA sellers, from pickup in China to delivery at Amazon's doorstep.
DDPCH offers free warehousing in China, providing Amazon FBA sellers with flexible storage options before shipping to Amazon warehouses.
Leverage DDPCH's robust pickup network in China, ensuring smooth collection of your goods, no matter where your suppliers are located.
Stay updated with real time shipment progress with our online tracking system, providing transparency in your Amazon FBA shipments.
DDPCH's dedicated customer support is available round-the-clock to assist with any queries or concerns related to your Amazon FBA shipments.
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What is Amazon FBA?
Fulfillment by Amazon, or Amazon FBA, is a service provided by Amazon that allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping of products, handles returns and refunds, and offers 24/7 customer service on behalf of the sellers. When a customer places an order, Amazon FBA picks, packs, and ships the product on the seller’s behalf.
Amazon FBA can be a game-changer for businesses that are looking to scale quickly as it offers a flexible and straightforward way for sellers to manage their goods. There are a variety of benefits that come with using Amazon FBA. The most significant benefits are that it can help businesses save time, increase their sales, and reach more customers.
Now, let’s discuss the context of Amazon FBA service from China.
Many sellers source their products from China due to cost-effective manufacturing. These goods are then shipped to Amazon’s fulfillment centers using freight forwarders or shipping companies, like DDPCH. DDPCH is a China-based freight forwarding company that offers various logistics solutions, including air, sea, and rail freight, express courier services, and door to door shipping.
DDPCH provides Amazon FBA shipping service from China to all Amazon sites. Their service includes picking up goods from the manufacturer’s location, shipping the goods to the designated Amazon warehouse, and taking care of customs clearance and other formalities.
DDPCH, as a reliable and experienced freight forwarder, provides solutions tailored to the seller’s specific needs, considering various factors such as the product type, the urgency of the delivery, the budget, and more. They can deliver goods through different shipping modes (air, sea, rail, or express courier) depending on these factors.
DDPCH takes pride in their customer service, aiming to make the shipping process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for Amazon FBA sellers. With their strong logistics network and a deep understanding of the Amazon FBA requirements, DDPCH can handle the complete shipping process, allowing Amazon FBA sellers to focus more on their product development and marketing strategies.
To summarize, Amazon FBA service is a valuable tool for sellers aiming to scale up their businesses, and shipping companies like DDPCH play a crucial role in streamlining the process of moving goods from China to Amazon’s warehouses worldwide.
Why sellers use Amazon FBA service?
Sellers opt for Amazon FBA service for a variety of reasons, especially when importing goods from a country like China. Here are some of the main reasons:
Ease of Operations: Amazon FBA takes care of the storage, packaging, and shipping of products. This simplifies operations for sellers, especially those who lack the resources to handle these tasks themselves.
Global Reach: Amazon’s extensive network allows sellers to reach a global audience. This is especially beneficial for sellers sourcing products from China who want to sell to customers around the world.
Customer Service and Returns: Amazon handles customer service and returns on behalf of sellers. This is particularly useful for sellers who do not have the capacity to manage these areas themselves.
Prime Eligibility: Products that are fulfilled by Amazon become eligible for Amazon Prime, which can boost sales due to the popularity of this service among Amazon customers.
Trust and Credibility: Amazon is a trusted brand worldwide. By using FBA, sellers can leverage this trust and credibility, making customers more likely to buy their products.
When buying or shipping something from China, Amazon FBA becomes particularly handy. Logistics, including inventory storage, shipping, customer service, and handling returns, can be complex and time-consuming when dealing with international trade. By using Amazon FBA, sellers can effectively outsource these aspects to Amazon, allowing them to focus on sourcing quality products and scaling their business.
Moreover, shipping companies like DDPCH make the process even more seamless. They take care of picking up the goods from the manufacturer in China, shipping them to the designated Amazon warehouse, and handling customs clearance and other formalities. This service removes the headache of dealing with multiple logistics partners and navigating complicated import regulations, making it even more appealing for sellers to use the Amazon FBA service.
here is a table listing the advantages of using Amazon’s FBA service, particularly beneficial for people looking to open a shop on Amazon:
Keep in mind that while Amazon FBA offers many advantages, it also comes with its own costs and requirements, such as FBA fees and adhering to Amazon’s specific guidelines for product preparation, labeling, and shipping. These factors should be considered when deciding whether to use Amazon FBA.
How Amazon FBA can help sellers save cost and time
Amazon FBA can help sellers save cost and time in several ways:
- Efficient Fulfillment: Amazon has an established, efficient system for warehousing, order fulfillment, and delivery. This means sellers do not need to invest in their own warehouse space, packing materials, and delivery methods. This can significantly reduce overhead costs and allow sellers to focus their time on other aspects of their business.
- Bulk Shipping Discounts: Amazon’s vast logistics network allows them to negotiate bulk shipping rates, which can be much lower than what a small business could secure on their own. This benefit is transferred to the sellers and can save them a significant amount in shipping costs.
- Consolidated Returns Management: Managing returns can be a time-consuming process. Amazon FBA handles returns and customer service on behalf of sellers, which saves them a significant amount of time.
- Access to Prime Customers: Products fulfilled by Amazon are eligible for Amazon Prime. This exposes the products to a vast audience of loyal, frequent shoppers, potentially increasing sales and profits without additional marketing efforts.
- Storage Space: By using Amazon’s fulfillment centers for storage, sellers can save on the costs and responsibilities associated with maintaining a warehouse, such as rent, utilities, and employees. This is particularly beneficial during peak periods when more storage space is needed.
- 24/7 Customer Service: Amazon provides round-the-clock customer service, saving sellers from having to provide this service themselves, which can be both costly and time consuming.
- Multi Channel Fulfillment: Sellers can fulfill orders from various sales channels using the inventory stored in Amazon FBA centers, saving time and resources on managing separate inventories for each sales channel.
Remember, while Amazon FBA can help save time and cost, there are also fees associated with the service. These include storage fees and fulfillment fees, among others. Therefore, it’s essential for sellers to analyze these costs and factor them into their pricing and profitability calculations.
Major Amazon FBA warehouse around the world
Amazon has numerous fulfillment centers around the world. Below are some of the major ones, but please note that Amazon continues to expand its operations, and new fulfillment centers may have been established since my last training update.
These locations are a mix of sortation centers, fulfillment centers, and delivery stations. The exact role and size of each location can vary, and not all are open for public tours or direct delivery from third-party sellers. For the most accurate and up to date information on Amazon fulfillment center locations, it’s best to visit Amazon’s official website or contact their seller support.
How can I ship directly to Amazon FBA from China?
Shipping directly to Amazon FBA from China involves several steps and careful planning. Here’s a basic outline of the process:
- Sourcing Products: The first step is to find a reliable supplier or manufacturer in China that produces the products you want to sell. This involves research, requesting samples, negotiating prices, and possibly visiting factories.
- Create an Amazon Seller Account and List Products: If you haven’t already, create an Amazon Seller Account and list your products. This involves providing detailed information about the products you’re selling, including category, price, and product details.
- Preparing Your Products: Amazon FBA has strict rules about how products should be prepared and packaged. Make sure your supplier understands these requirements and adheres to them. This includes proper labelling (FNSKU label or EAN/UPC), poly bagging if necessary, bubble wrap for fragile items, etc.
- Create a Shipment Plan in Seller Central: Before sending anything to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, you need to create a shipment plan in Seller Central. This tells Amazon what products you’re sending, how many, and to which fulfillment center they should be sent.
- Select a Freight Forwarder: To ship your goods from China to Amazon FBA, you will need to work with a reliable freight forwarder who understands the ins and outs of international shipping and customs procedures. They will handle the process of transporting your goods from the factory to Amazon’s fulfillment center. Companies like DDPCH can help facilitate this process.
- Customs Duty and Freight Charges: Your freight forwarder will work with you to ensure all necessary customs duties are paid and shipping charges are covered. They will arrange for your goods to be transported either by sea, air, or rail, depending on your preferences and budget.
- Deliver to Amazon Fulfillment Center: Your freight forwarder will arrange for the delivery of your goods to the Amazon fulfillment center assigned during the shipment plan creation. The products should be delivered in compliance with Amazon’s delivery requirements.
- Amazon Receives the Shipment: Once Amazon receives your shipment, it checks the items into inventory. You can monitor this process through your Seller Central account.
Keep in mind, shipping directly to Amazon FBA from China is a complex process and there’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re not familiar with it. You should thoroughly understand Amazon’s FBA requirements and work with experienced suppliers and freight forwarders. It may also be worthwhile to consult with a customs broker or an import/export expert to ensure you’re following all relevant laws and regulations.
Here’s a summary of the steps to ship directly from China to Amazon FBA in table format:
Keep in mind this is a high level summary, and each step involves detailed processes that need careful attention and understanding. Also, regulations, requirements, and processes can change over time, so it’s important to keep up to date with Amazon’s FBA guidelines.
Choose the best shipping method for Amazon FBA
Choosing the right shipping method from China to an Amazon FBA warehouse will depend on several factors including the weight and size of your shipment, the nature of your products, your budget, and your timeline. Here’s a comparison of the three methods:
Air Shipping:
- Speed: Air shipping is the fastest method. It usually takes around 3-5 days.
- Cost: It’s also the most expensive due to the high cost of air freight.
Best for: Urgent shipments, lightweight or small items, high-value items that need to be transported quickly and safely. - Example: If you’re selling seasonal items for a holiday and you’re behind schedule, air shipping would be a good choice despite the higher cost.
Sea Shipping:
- Speed: Sea shipping is slow. It usually takes about 30-45 days.
Cost: It’s the most cost effective method for large shipments. - Best for: Large, heavy shipments that aren’t time sensitive.
- Example: If you’re selling furniture, which is bulky and not urgent, sea shipping would likely be your best bet.
Rail Shipping:
- Speed: Rail shipping is slower than air but faster than sea. It usually takes around 18-20 days.
- Cost: It’s more expensive than sea shipping but cheaper than air shipping.
- Best for: When you need a balance between cost and speed. This can be a good option for transporting goods to Europe via the China-Europe rail network.
- Example: If you’re selling fitness equipment, which is fairly bulky but still somewhat time sensitive, rail shipping could be a good compromise.
Remember that there are other factors to consider as well, such as customs clearance and duties, local delivery to the Amazon warehouse, and Amazon’s inventory processing times. Additionally, certain products may have restrictions on how they can be shipped. For instance, some hazardous materials may not be allowed on airplanes.
Before making a decision, it can be beneficial to consult with a freight forwarding company with experience in shipping from China to Amazon FBA, such as DDPCH. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.
Here’s a comparative table of the three main shipping methods:
Each of these shipping methods has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specifics of your situation including the nature of your goods, your budget, and your timeline. Always consider consulting with a freight forwarder for the most suitable shipping method for your business.
Shipping cost and transit time for shipping from China to by Amazon FBA
In general, air freight from China to an Amazon FBA facility can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the specific locations and the level of service selected. The cost can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the weight and volume of the shipment, among other factors.
For the most accurate and up to date information, I recommend contacting a freight forwarding company or shipping agent with experience in shipping from China to Amazon FBA facilities, such as DDPCH. They can provide you with a detailed quotation based on the specifics of your shipment.
Necessary documents for an Amazon FBA quotation
When obtaining a quotation for shipping to an Amazon FBA facility from China, you’ll need several pieces of information and possibly a few documents to ensure accuracy. These include:
- Product Details: You will need to provide details about the products you’re shipping, including what they are, their value, their Harmonized System (HS) codes, and whether there are any special handling requirements.
- Package Details: You’ll need to provide information about the shipment itself, including the number of packages, their weight and dimensions, and whether they are palletized.
- Origin and Destination: You’ll need to specify the pick-up location in China and the Amazon FBA facility where the goods are to be delivered.
- Shipping Method: Specify whether you want to ship by air, sea, or rail.
- Delivery Terms: Specify the incoterm (International Commercial Term) that applies to the shipment, such as FOB (Free On Board), EXW (Ex Works), DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), etc.
- Invoice and Packing List: These are required documents for customs clearance. They should list in detail the contents of your shipment, their value, and other necessary details.
Here’s a summary table:
Please note that requirements can vary based on the specific circumstances of the shipment, so it’s always a good idea to check with your freight forwarder or shipping agent to ensure you have all the necessary information and documents.
Amazon FBA service with Air freight
The Amazon FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon) service is incredibly convenient for sellers around the world. It involves shipping your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where they store your inventory, pack and ship your orders, and provide customer service for these orders.
When using air freight from China to ship your products to an Amazon FBA facility, it’s important to understand the time, costs, and route involved.
- Time: Air freight is the fastest shipping method available. Transit times can range from 3-5 days depending on the origin and destination. However, these are just transit times and don’t include time for customs clearance, local delivery, and Amazon’s inventory processing, which can add additional days or even weeks to the overall timeframe.
- Cost: Air freight is also the most expensive shipping method due to the high cost of air transport. The cost can vary greatly depending on the weight and volume of the shipment, the specific origin and destination, and the level of service chosen. It’s important to factor in all costs, including customs duties and local delivery fees, when calculating the total cost.
- Route: The route will depend on the specific origin and destination. Generally, the shipment will go from the factory in China to an airport in China, then be flown to an airport in the destination country, and finally be delivered to the Amazon FBA facility. Depending on the specifics, there may also be additional steps such as consolidation/deconsolidation or transshipment.
DDPCH is a shipping company that specializes in shipping from China to various destinations around the world, including Amazon FBA facilities. They offer a range of shipping methods, including air freight. They have experience with the Amazon FBA process and can assist with all aspects of the shipment, including product preparation, customs clearance, and local delivery to the Amazon FBA facility.
By working with a company like DDPCH, you can potentially save time and reduce the stress associated with navigating the complexities of international shipping and the Amazon FBA process. However, it’s always a good idea to obtain quotes from multiple shipping companies and compare them to ensure you’re getting the best value for your needs.
Remember that while air freight has numerous advantages, it also tends to be more expensive than other forms of shipping, like sea or rail freight. Therefore, it’s essential to balance the costs against these advantages when deciding whether to use air freight.
Amazon FBA service with Sea freight
Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service is a popular choice for sellers due to its convenience and efficiency. Sellers ship their products to Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes over the storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service for these orders.
When using sea freight from China to transport your goods to an Amazon FBA warehouse, understanding the time, costs, and route is important.
- Time: Sea freight is the slowest method of transport, usually taking around 30-45 days from port to port. However, this doesn’t include the time needed for customs clearance, delivery from the port to the Amazon FBA warehouse, or the time Amazon takes to process your inventory. When you factor in these additional steps, the total time can extend beyond 60 days.
- Cost: Despite being slower, sea freight is the most cost-effective method for large or heavy shipments. The cost will vary depending on the weight and volume of the goods, as well as the departure and destination ports. Keep in mind that the total cost should also include customs duties, port charges, and delivery fees to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
- Route: Generally, your goods will be transported from the factory in China to a Chinese seaport. From there, they’ll be loaded onto a cargo ship and transported to the seaport in the destination country. Finally, the goods are delivered to the Amazon FBA warehouse. There may be additional steps depending on the specific circumstances, such as consolidation or deconsolidation, and transshipment if there’s no direct sea route available.
DDPCH is a shipping company that offers services tailored to Amazon FBA sellers, including sea freight from China. They’re experienced in navigating the intricacies of the FBA process and can handle tasks like product preparation, customs clearance, and local delivery to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
Working with a company like DDPCH can make the shipping process less complicated and time-consuming, leaving you more time to focus on growing your business. It’s always advisable to obtain quotes from multiple shipping companies and compare them to ensure you’re receiving the best service for your needs.
Best incoterms shipping by Amazon FBA from China
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts. They are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are widely used in international commercial transactions. When shipping to an Amazon FBA facility from China, the most commonly used incoterms are EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free On Board), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).
Here’s a summary of these incoterms:
While DDP seems to be the most convenient for the Amazon FBA seller because they don’t have to handle any part of the shipping process, it’s essential to remember that the supplier or freight forwarder may include their additional charges in the total cost. On the other hand, while EXW and FOB require more involvement from the buyer, they may offer more control and potential cost savings if the buyer is familiar with the shipping process and has reliable contacts for the necessary services.
It’s advisable to consult with a reputable shipping company like DDPCH that is well-versed in these incoterms and can provide guidance on the best choice for your specific needs. They can also handle the shipping process under whichever incoterm you choose, ensuring your goods get delivered to the Amazon FBA facility in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
Why need a Chinese forwarder for the Amazon FBA shipping service?
A Chinese freight forwarder plays a crucial role in managing the logistics and complexities of shipping goods from China to Amazon’s FBA warehouses globally. While it’s not absolutely necessary to use a freight forwarder, doing so can offer several advantages:
- Expertise and Experience: Chinese freight forwarders have extensive knowledge of the shipping process, including familiarity with shipping routes, costs, customs regulations, and documentation requirements. They can provide guidance on the best shipping methods, help prevent delays, and avoid common pitfalls.
- Cost Savings: Freight forwarders can often negotiate better shipping rates due to their volume of business. They can also help optimize shipping methods and routes to further reduce costs.
- Time Savings: By handling all aspects of the shipping process, a freight forwarder can save you considerable time and effort, allowing you to focus more on your business.
- Customs Clearance: Dealing with customs can be complex and time-consuming. A Chinese freight forwarder can handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure that your goods clear customs without any problems.
- Local Presence: Having a local presence in China can be beneficial in dealing with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. A Chinese freight forwarder can act as your representative, handling any local issues that may arise.
- Risk Management: A freight forwarder can help manage risks by providing insurance services and assisting in the event of a shipment problem or dispute.
- Complete Solution: Many Chinese freight forwarders offer a range of services including product sourcing, quality control, packaging, labeling, and preparation for Amazon FBA requirements.
In summary, while you can manage the shipping process yourself, using a Chinese freight forwarder can make the process much smoother and more efficient. They can handle the complexities of international shipping and help ensure that your goods arrive at the Amazon FBA warehouse on time and in good condition.
Quality inspection in Amazon FBA
Quality inspection is an important part of the process when selling goods on Amazon, especially when you’re sourcing products from overseas such as China. Amazon has stringent rules for the products sold on their platform, and poor quality or non compliant goods can lead to negative reviews, returns, and even account suspension. Therefore, it’s important to conduct a quality inspection before the goods are shipped to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
Quality inspection for Amazon FBA usually involves the following steps:
- Pre Production Inspection: This is an inspection that takes place before the production process begins. It involves checking the raw materials and components that will be used in production to ensure they meet the required standards.
- During Production Inspection: This is an inspection carried out during the manufacturing process, typically when 20-50% of the goods have been produced. It can help to catch any defects or issues early on so that they can be rectified before the completion of the production.
- Pre Shipment Inspection: This is the most common type of inspection, conducted when at least 80% of the goods have been produced and packaged for shipment. It involves a detailed inspection of the finished products to ensure they meet the required quality standards and comply with the buyer’s specifications.
- Loading Inspection: This is an inspection that takes place while the goods are being loaded for shipment. It ensures that the right products are loaded correctly and safely and helps to verify the quantity of goods being shipped.
- Amazon FBA Requirements Compliance: In addition to the standard quality checks, the products also need to be inspected for compliance with Amazon FBA’s specific requirements. These could include things like packaging, labelling, and preparation.
When conducting quality inspections, it’s important to use a reputable inspection service. Many freight forwarders and third-party logistics providers offer inspection services, or you can hire a specialized inspection company. Using an inspection service in China can help ensure that any issues are caught before the goods are shipped, potentially saving you a lot of time and money.
Package and Label in Amazon FBA
Packaging and labeling are important aspects of Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. Amazon has strict requirements for both, and failure to comply can lead to your inventory being rejected at the Amazon warehouse, incurring additional costs, or your account may be suspended. Here are the basic details:
Packaging:
Your products must be prepared and packaged in a way that protects them from damage during transportation and storage in Amazon’s warehouses.
- Each unit must be contained within a single, secure package.
- Fragile items must be packaged with enough padding to protect them from breaking.
- Products with sharp edges should be packaged so that they don’t harm warehouse workers or damage other items.
- Any product that could leak must be sealed in plastic bags.
Amazon has specific packaging requirements for different categories of products (for example, baby products, jewelry, and media). You should review Amazon’s product preparation requirements for more detailed information.
Labeling:
Each product that you send to an Amazon fulfillment center requires a unique identifier or barcode so that it can be tracked accurately. This can be a manufacturer’s barcode (eligible for Stickerless, Commingled Inventory) or an Amazon barcode.
If you choose to use Amazon barcodes:
- You need to print out the Amazon barcodes using Amazon’s “Print Labels” feature and stick them on each unit yourself.
- The barcodes must be easily scannable and not obscured or damaged.
- The product’s original UPC or EAN barcode must be completely covered by the Amazon barcode.
If you don’t want to label your products yourself, you can enroll in the FBA Stickerless Commingled Inventory program, or you can use Amazon’s FBA Label Service, for which there is a per item fee.
Complying with Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements ensures your products move smoothly through the fulfillment process, from the moment they arrive at the Amazon fulfillment center until they land in the hands of your customer. Always double-check that your products are properly prepared and labeled before shipping them to Amazon to avoid any potential issues or delays.
Freight insurance in Amazon FBA
Freight insurance, also known as cargo insurance, covers the loss or damage of goods during transportation. When you’re shipping goods to an Amazon FBA warehouse, it’s advisable to have freight insurance, as it provides financial protection against the potential risks involved in shipping.
Amazon does not insure inventory stored in their FBA warehouses. While they may reimburse sellers for inventory that is damaged by Amazon in their fulfillment centers or during delivery to customers, they don’t cover inventory that is lost or damaged during transit to the warehouse. Hence, it falls on the seller or the freight forwarder to ensure appropriate freight insurance coverage is in place.
There are several types of cargo insurance policies available, and the level of coverage can vary greatly:
- All Risk Coverage: This is the broadest form of coverage and protects against all physical loss or damage from any external cause, except for those specifically excluded (common exclusions include war, strikes, riots, and certain types of improper packing).
- Named Perils Coverage: This covers loss or damage from perils specifically named in the policy, such as fire, sinking, collision, etc.
- Total Loss Coverage: This only covers a total loss of the entire shipment, not partial loss or damage.
- Free of Particular Average (FPA) Coverage: This is a limited form of coverage that typically only covers losses from major incidents, like a ship sinking.
In terms of cost, freight insurance is typically a percentage of the total value of the goods being shipped. The rate will depend on several factors, including the type of goods, the shipping method, the route, and the level of coverage.
You can purchase freight insurance through your freight forwarder or a separate insurance company that specializes in cargo insurance. Make sure to carefully review the terms of the insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered, and consider seeking advice from an insurance professional if you’re unsure.
In summary, while freight insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s a wise precaution to protect your business from the potential financial impact of lost or damaged goods. It’s another piece of the puzzle to ensure a smooth and successful Amazon FBA experience.
Track shipment in Amazon FBA service
Once you’ve shipped your inventory to Amazon’s Fulfillment centers, you’ll want to keep track of your shipment’s status. This tracking process ensures your products have been safely delivered and received by Amazon. Here are the steps to track your FBA shipment:
- Create a Shipment in Seller Central: Before shipping your products to Amazon, you’ll need to create a shipment in Amazon Seller Central. During this process, you’ll provide information about your products and select the Amazon Fulfillment center(s) to which you’re shipping.
- Ship Your Products: After preparing your products according to Amazon’s guidelines, you can ship your products. If you’re using a freight forwarder or courier, they will usually provide a tracking number or ID for the shipment.
- Track Your Shipment: You can track the progress of your shipment in Seller Central. Go to “Inventory” > “Manage FBA Shipments” and click on the “Track Shipment” button next to the shipment you want to track. You can see when your shipment has been dispatched, in transit, out for delivery, or delivered.
- Monitor Shipment Status: After the shipment has been delivered to Amazon, its status will change to “Delivered” in Seller Central. Amazon will then check in the shipment, which can take up to a few days, and its status will change to “Checked-In”. After Amazon processes the shipment, its status will change to “Receiving” and then to “Closed” once all the units have been received or reconciled.
Remember, it’s essential to keep all documentation related to the shipment, including tracking numbers and courier details, in case of any issues or discrepancies.
Additionally, most shipping services, including couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, and freight forwarders offer online tracking services. You can enter your tracking number on their website to get real-time updates about your shipment’s location and status.
In case you face any issues, you can reach out to Amazon Seller Support or your courier/freight forwarder to help resolve them. Remember, maintaining an accurate inventory count is critical to managing your Amazon FBA business efficiently and effectively.
Why use DHL, Fedex, UPS for Amazon FBA service
DHL, FedEx, and UPS are among the leading international shipping carriers, and they offer comprehensive shipping services suitable for Amazon FBA sellers. There are several reasons why these services are commonly used and trusted:
- Reliability: These carriers are known for their reliable service. They offer dependable pickup and delivery times, which can be crucial for keeping your inventory levels consistent.
- Speed: All three companies offer various service levels, including express options that can deliver your inventory to Amazon FBA warehouses very quickly, often within a few days.
- Global Reach: These carriers operate worldwide, making them a great choice no matter where your suppliers are located or to which Amazon FBA warehouses you’re shipping.
- Tracking: They provide robust tracking systems that allow you to monitor your shipment’s progress in real-time. This transparency can help you plan and manage your inventory more effectively.
- Customer Service: DHL, FedEx, and UPS have extensive customer service operations that can assist you with any issues or questions that may arise during the shipping process.
- Insurance Options: They offer optional insurance coverage for your shipments, providing additional financial protection in case of loss or damage.
- Integration with Amazon: Amazon’s system integrates well with these carriers, making it easier to create shipping plans and print labels.
- Additional Services: These carriers offer a range of additional services, such as packaging, customs brokerage, and freight services, which can simplify the shipping process.
However, while there are many benefits to using these carriers, it’s important to consider the cost, as their services can be more expensive than other shipping options. It’s also crucial to ensure you’re following all of Amazon’s FBA shipping requirements when using these carriers. Always compare services, rates, and terms before choosing a shipping carrier for your Amazon FBA business.
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service provided by Amazon where sellers store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping of products, as well as customer service and returns.
Amazon FBA provides numerous benefits such as access to Amazon’s customer base, saving time and effort in packing and shipping, handling customer service, and more.
Amazon FBA takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping, freeing sellers from these logistics. It also handles customer service and returns, allowing sellers to focus on other aspects of their business.
You can ship directly from China to an Amazon FBA warehouse by choosing a freight forwarder, preparing the necessary documentation, ensuring product compliance, preparing your shipment, and arranging for the shipping.
The best shipping method depends on your specific needs. Air freight is fastest but most expensive, sea freight is slower but cheaper and suitable for larger quantities, and rail freight is a balance between the two.
Necessary documents include commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and any product-specific certifications.
These carriers provide reliable, fast, and worldwide service, robust tracking systems, excellent customer service, insurance options, and good integration with Amazon.
Freight insurance, also known as cargo insurance, covers the loss or damage of goods during transportation. Amazon does not insure inventory stored in their FBA warehouses, so it falls on the seller to ensure appropriate freight insurance coverage is in place.
You can track the progress of your shipment in Amazon Seller Central. Additionally, most shipping services, like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, offer online tracking services.
Chinese forwarders have local knowledge and connections, which can result in smoother customs clearance, lower shipping costs, and faster transit times. They also help with necessary paperwork and communication with Chinese suppliers.
Quality inspection ensures that your products meet Amazon’s product and packaging requirements and prevents any issues with product quality or compliance before your inventory is shipped to Amazon.
Products need to be prepared and packed according to Amazon’s FBA product preparation requirements, and labels need to be visible and scannable.
The best Incoterms depend on the specific needs and preferences of the seller. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is often used for Amazon FBA shipments as it includes all costs up to delivery at the destination.