Lexi Webster
Amazon FBA, or Fulfillment by Amazon, is an order fulfilment service provided by Amazon to sellers on its marketplace. It allows sellers to store their products in an Amazon fulfilment centre, and when a customer makes a purchase, Amazon takes care of the entire shipment process. FBA is currently available in Australia, with fulfilment centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane. In this article, we will discuss the process of shipping to Amazon FBA from Australia, including the specific guidelines and rules that Amazon has for shipping to their fulfilment centres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping from outside Australia | You cannot ship inventory from an Amazon warehouse outside the country it is located. You will have to pay for removal to an address in the same country, then pay for a third party to ship it to Australia. |
| Shipping within Australia | You can organise a carrier to take your shipment to the designated Amazon warehouse. If you have 15 parcels or fewer, your shipment can be dropped off at any time. More than that, and your boxes will need to be on pallets and delivered by appointment. |
| Shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses in Australia | Amazon-partnered carriers are not yet available for Amazon Australia, so SPD (Small Parcel Delivery) and LTL (Less than Truckload) options are not available. Your shipment will be directly delivered from a partnered warehouse to the FBA warehouse. |
| Shipping costs | There are removal fees which are charged per item. |
| Shipping process | Amazon has staff on standby who prep, package, and ship items to the buyer. |
| Shipping guidelines | Each box should have its unique FBA shipment label attached. Each box should only contain items related to one shipment ID. The merchant SKU, FNSKU, condition, quantity and packing option of the shipment should match the shipment details in your Amazon seller account. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Register as an Amazon seller
To register as an Amazon seller, you must complete the seller identity verification process. This involves providing proof of a residential business address from the last 180 days, such as a bank or credit card statement. You will also need to verify your identity as the primary contact for your business. To do this, you can either take a photo of your face and government-issued ID or complete a video screening verification process with Amazon and its third-party service provider, Persona. Make sure that the documents you upload are high-quality colour scans or photos that show all four corners and have legible text.
Next, you will need to select the country where your business is registered. If you are operating as an individual or your business is not incorporated, select the country where you are doing business from. Then, choose the option that best describes your business type, whether it is public, private, or state-owned. If you are operating as an individual or your business is not incorporated, select "None, I am an individual".
Enter the exact name used to register your business with the relevant government office, as well as your company registration number. This can be your Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). You will also need to provide your phone number, including the country code.
Once you have provided this information, you will be able to create your selling account. If you already have an Amazon customer account, you can use the same email address and password to create your selling account. Otherwise, click "Create your Amazon account" and enter your first and last name, email address, and password on the next page.
After you have created your selling account, you can start creating product listings in each store, unless the store requires additional information.
Australian Dollars: 9 Pounds Conversion Mystery Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pack according to FBA guidelines
When selling products through Amazon’s Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program, adhering to the platform’s packaging requirements is vital. If you do not package and prep your products according to Amazon’s guidelines, they can refuse or return your inventory, and you may be subject to extra fees or even lose the ability to ship to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Firstly, ensure that each unit sent to an Amazon fulfillment center has a scannable barcode that links the product to your seller account. Amazon uses two types of barcodes to track inventory: the manufacturer barcode and the Amazon barcode (FNSKU). You can either print and apply the barcodes yourself, have your supplier print the barcode on the product packaging, or pay Amazon to label your products.
Secondly, the type of packaging you use depends on the type of product. Each unit sent to Amazon must be contained in a single, secure package. If your product does not come in a box, it must be bagged or secured with easy-to-remove tape. The barcode must be scannable without removing any tape or bags.
Footwear must be packaged with no shoe material exposed, either in shoe boxes or poly bags with a suffocation warning. Clothing, such as shirts or pants, should also be secured in a polybag to prevent damage. Poly bags with a 5-inch opening or larger (measured when flat) must have a suffocation warning, either printed on the bag or attached as a label.
Thirdly, each box should contain identical items with matching SKUs and conditions. Each item must have its own FNSKU label. Boxes should not exceed 25 inches on any side or weigh more than 50 pounds. Attach one FBA box ID label and one shipping label to the side of each box, ensuring they are away from the edges and seams.
Finally, if you are shipping pallets, use high-quality wooden pallets that meet Amazon’s standards. Wrap them securely in clear plastic to ensure barcodes are visible and attach four pallet labels (one on each side). After your shipment is packaged, print the shipping labels Amazon provides and attach them to your boxes or pallets.
Barium Deposits in Australia: Where and How Much?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attach unique FBA shipment labels
To ensure a seamless FBA experience, accurate labelling is essential. FBA labels are specialised tags that support the accurate processing and handling of products within Amazon's fulfilment centres. Each FBA shipping label contains crucial information, including a unique barcode that allows Amazon to track and manage inventory.
When attaching unique FBA shipment labels, it is important to place them on the top or side of the box so that they are easily reachable and scannable without having to open the box. Avoid placing the label on box corners, folds, or areas where packages are frequently handled, as this can cause issues with legibility. Each box in a shipment must have its own unique FBA shipment label, and it is important not to duplicate labels across multiple boxes to prevent confusion and errors in the fulfilment process.
The Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) label is Amazon's unique identifier for products in their FBA system. Each product in the FBA program must have an FNSKU, allowing Amazon to distinguish your items from those of other sellers. This unique code is assigned through your Seller Central account and should be placed on the packaging or directly on the product.
When creating your FBA labels in Seller Central, follow these steps: Log into Seller Central and go to the "Manage Inventory" tab. Select the products you want to label, then click on "Print Item Labels" to generate a PDF of your FBA labels. Customise the label settings by choosing the appropriate label dimensions based on your printer and product size. Finally, download and print the PDF on adhesive paper using a laser printer to ensure durability and scannability.
It is also recommended to attach carrier labels alongside FBA shipment labels for quicker check-in and scanning.
Cardarine: Australia's Ban on the Controversial Drug
You may want to see also
Choose a carrier that meets Amazon's standards
When choosing a carrier to ship your goods to Amazon FBA from Australia, it's important to ensure they meet Amazon's standards to avoid any issues or delays with your shipment. Here are some key considerations:
Firstly, it's worth noting that Amazon-partnered carriers are not yet available for Amazon Australia, so you will need to choose a non-partner carrier. This means you must submit the tracking code for your shipment to Amazon. Make sure your chosen carrier provides tracking information, as this is a requirement for all Amazon FBA shipments.
Next, consider the size of your shipment. Amazon accepts two types of deliveries: Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) and Less Than Truckload/Full Truck Load (LTL/FTL). SPD is suitable for individual boxes or packages of products, while LTL/FTL is for larger shipments. The size of your shipment will impact the labelling requirements, as larger shipments require more labels. For example, each pallet in an LTL/FTL shipment must have four labels.
Amazon has specific requirements for the placement and format of labels. Labels should be placed on a flat surface, with barcodes remaining uncovered and scannable. For small parcel shipments, Amazon recommends a label size of 4 inches by 6 inches, although they allow for slight variations. Labels should be placed at least 1/4" from the edge of the box and not over seams, edges, or corners. Amazon also recommends using thermal or laser printers instead of inkjets to avoid smearing or fading.
In addition to labelling, consider the carrier's ability to meet Amazon's packaging requirements. These requirements include box size, weight limits, and proper warehouse labelling. Each unit must be labelled with a scannable barcode, FNSKU number, item name, and condition. Larger items may have specific labelling requirements, such as indicating "Team Lift" or "Mechanical Lift" for items over certain weight thresholds.
Finally, consider the cost of shipping with different carriers. Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program (PCP) offers pre-negotiated rates for sending inventory to FBA, which can help you save on shipping costs. Additionally, Amazon FBA itself can be a cost-effective option, as shipping with FBA costs 70% less per unit than comparable premium options offered by other major US carriers. Shipping costs also depend on the products you sell and the exact services you use.
By considering these factors, you can choose a carrier that meets Amazon's standards and ensures a smooth and efficient shipping process for your FBA business in Australia.
Aldi Products: Australian-Made or Not?
You may want to see also
Track your shipment
Tracking your shipment to Amazon FBA from Australia involves several steps and considerations. Firstly, it is important to understand that Amazon has specific guidelines and rules for shipping products to their fulfilment centres. These guidelines cover various aspects, such as packing requirements and shipping plan confirmation. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure your items are packaged correctly and avoid any unnecessary fees or rejections.
When shipping to Amazon FBA from Australia, it is essential to engage a carrier to transport your goods to the designated Amazon warehouse. Ensure that your shipment adheres to Amazon's standards, rules, and processes for carriers. Keep in mind that Amazon only permits professional carriers to deliver to their fulfilment centres. If you have 15 parcels or fewer, you can drop them off at any time. However, for a higher number of parcels, they will need to be palletized and delivered by appointment.
To facilitate shipment tracking, consider sharing limited Amazon Seller Central access with your operations team. This access enables them to download FBA and pallet labels and input necessary information to expedite the shipping process. Remember that sharing access is exclusively available with a professional Seller Central account. Utilize the PRO# number on the trucking bill of lading to conveniently track your shipment on the carrier's website.
Additionally, be mindful of the origin of your inventory. Amazon does not allow shipping inventory from an Amazon warehouse outside the country where it is currently located. If you intend to ship inventory from another country, you will need to pay for removal to an address within that country and then engage a third party to ship it to Australia. Customs agents can provide guidance on any applicable customs duties and related queries.
Australian Dollars to Euros: How Much Is That?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
First, you need to register as an Amazon seller and create your product listings on Seller Central. Then, pack your products according to the FBA guidelines and attach a unique FBA shipment label to each box. Finally, organise a professional carrier to deliver your shipment to the designated Amazon warehouse.
You can register as an Amazon seller using their online registration system. Once registered, you can log into Seller Central to start listing your FBA products.
Each box should only contain items related to one shipment ID. The merchant SKU, FNSKU, condition, quantity and packing option should match the shipment details in your Amazon seller account.
Amazon only allows professional carriers to deliver to their fulfilment centres. They must follow the set standards, rules and processes outlined in the carrier manual.
You will need to pay for removal to an address in the US, and then pay for a third party to ship it to Australia. A customs agent should be able to advise on any customs duty that may be payable.
