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Best Practices for Shipping from Suppliers to Prep Centres

  • Prep Centre
  • Mar 20
  • 3 min read

Efficient shipping from suppliers to prep centers is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth Amazon FBA process. Delays, damaged goods, or incorrect shipments can lead to increased costs, lost sales, and compliance issues.


To streamline your supply chain and maximize efficiency, follow these best practices when shipping inventory from suppliers to FA Prep or any FBA prep service.


1. Choose the Right Shipping Method

Your shipping method depends on cost, speed, and supplier location. The main options are:

  • Air Freight – Faster but expensive; best for high-value or time-sensitive products.

  • Sea Freight – Cost-effective for bulk orders but slower (4–8 weeks).

  • Courier Services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) – Ideal for smaller shipments, quicker but costly.

  • Rail & Trucking – Suitable for domestic suppliers; a good balance of cost and speed.

💡 Tip: If shipping from China, consider DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping to avoid customs complications.

shipping containers from china to uk prep centre
Shipping Containers From China to UK

2. Work with Reliable Freight Forwarders

A good freight forwarder helps manage logistics, customs clearance, and delivery to FA Prep or another FBA prep center. Look for:

✅ Experience with Amazon FBA shipping.

✅ Competitive pricing and transit times.

✅ Reliable tracking and communication throughout the process.

💡 Tip: Use Amazon’s Partnered Carrier Program for cost-effective shipments within the UK or US.


3. Provide Accurate Shipment Details to FA Prep

Before sending inventory to FA Prep, ensure the following:

  • Correct box dimensions and weights – To avoid overage fees or rejected shipments.

  • Tracking numbers – So the prep center can monitor inbound shipments.

  • Packing list – Including SKU details, quantities, and any special prep instructions.

💡 Tip: Inform FA Prep in advance about incoming shipments to speed up processing.


4. Ensure Proper Packaging & Labeling from Suppliers

Many FBA compliance issues start at the supplier stage. To avoid costly mistakes:

  • Request supplier packaging that meets Amazon's requirements (e.g., polybags, fragile item wrapping).

  • Ensure barcodes are printed and applied correctly (FNSKU, UPC, EAN).

  • Ask for photos/videos of the packed goods before they leave the supplier.

💡 Tip: If suppliers can’t package products to Amazon’s standards, let FA Prep handle it to avoid compliance issues.


5. Avoid Customs Delays & Unexpected Duties

For international shipments, missing paperwork can cause customs delays and extra charges. Ensure your supplier provides:

  • Commercial invoice – With clear product descriptions, values, and HS codes.

  • Correct incoterms (EXW, FOB, DDP, etc.) – DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is best to ensure customs duties are paid in advance.

  • Proper import documentation – Including VAT registration where applicable.

💡 Tip: If unsure, use a customs broker or freight forwarder experienced in Amazon FBA imports.


6. Use Prep Centers for Quality Control & Compliance

Mistakes at the supplier stage can result in Amazon penalties, lost inventory, or bad reviews. A reliable FBA prep service like FA Prep will:

✅ Inspect inventory for damages or defects before sending to Amazon.

✅ Correct any labeling, packaging, or bundling issues.

✅ Store and prep products efficiently, avoiding long-term Amazon storage fees.

💡 Tip: Have FA Prep perform a thorough QC check on new suppliers before committing to bulk orders.


fa prep the amazon fba prep centre
FA Prep can help with Quality Control


7. Monitor & Optimize Your Shipping Process

Successful sellers track and improve their shipping process over time. Regularly check:

  • Transit times & costs – Adjust suppliers or shipping methods if delays occur.

  • Supplier error rates – If frequent mistakes happen, it may be time to change suppliers.

  • FA Prep processing times – Ensure quick turnaround to avoid stockouts.

💡 Tip: Set up a shipping schedule with your suppliers and FA Prep for consistent inventory flow.


Final Thoughts

Shipping from suppliers to prep centers is a crucial step in Amazon FBA success. By following these best practices, you can reduce delays, prevent compliance issues, and streamline your supply chain.

Instead of handling these logistics yourself, let FA Prep manage your inventory from inspection to prep and storage, ensuring your products reach Amazon quickly and hassle-free.


Need a reliable FBA prep service? Contact FA Prep today and simplify your supply chain!

 
 
 

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