Amazon FBA packaging, prep, and labeling requirements

Summary

This video provides an overview of Amazon's packaging, barcode, and labeling requirements for products fulfilled by Amazon (FBA). It covers barcode types, including manufacturer, Amazon, and transparency barcodes, and details how to properly label products for efficient processing and shipping. The video explains packaging guidelines for individual and case-packed products, highlights the importance of using scannable barcodes, and discusses the correct methods for securing items to prevent damage during fulfillment. It also offers tips on prepping various product types, such as apparel, liquids, and fragile items, and directs viewers to additional resources for more detailed instructions.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Amazon uses scannable barcodes to identify and track products during the Fulfillment process.
• 🏷️ There are three types of barcodes: Manufacturer, Amazon, and Transparency barcodes.
• 📦 Manufacturer barcodes are used by default unless the seller changes the setting or enrolls in Amazon Brand Registry.
• 🚫 Non-brand registered sellers must apply Amazon barcodes to products that don't meet virtual tracking eligibility.
• 🛑 Transparency codes are used for item-level authentication to protect against counterfeiting.
• 📄 Sellers must print and apply barcode labels correctly, ensuring they are scannable and clearly visible.
• 📦 Products sent to Amazon must be properly labeled and packaged to avoid delays or refusal at fulfillment centers.
• 📦 Individual and case packaged products have different labeling and packaging requirements.
• 📦 Loose products and multi-volume sets must be securely contained within a single package.
• 📦 Footwear must be packaged with no material exposed and should be in shoe boxes or poly bags with a suffocation warning.
• 📦 Products must be prepared to avoid damage during shipping and storage, following specific guidelines for certain products.

Q & A

What are the three types of barcodes used by Amazon for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)?

Amazon uses three types of barcodes for FBA: manufacturer barcodes, Amazon barcodes, and transparency barcodes.

What happens when multiple sellers have inventory with the same manufacturer barcode?

If multiple sellers have inventory with the same manufacturer barcode, Amazon may fulfill orders with inventory stored closest to the customer for faster delivery.

Under what conditions must Amazon barcodes be applied to products?

Amazon barcodes must be applied if products are not tracked via the manufacturer barcode, are in used condition, lack scannable UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN codes, are media products, restricted or dangerous goods, or consumables/topical products like baby or infant products.

What tools are recommended for printing Amazon barcode labels?

Amazon recommends using correctly sized blank mailing labels, a laser printer, and printing at 300 DPI using black ink on non-reflective adhesive paper.

What is the difference between individual and case packaged products?

Individual products differ in quantity, condition, or SKUs and are sold separately but shipped in the same box, while case packaged products have matching SKUs, conditions, and quantities and are typically packaged by the manufacturer as a set.

How should products requiring extra packaging be labeled?

Products requiring extra packaging, such as those in bubble wrap, must have labels placed on the outside of the packaging to ensure the barcode is easily scannable.

What must sellers do to ensure barcodes are not accidentally scanned during the receiving process?

Sellers must remove, cover, or render unscannable any existing barcodes on the outside of shipping boxes by covering them with opaque tape or using a black felt-tip marker.

What are the general requirements for labeling products sold as sets?

Products sold as sets must be packaged together and clearly marked with labels stating 'Sold as Set,' 'Ready to Ship,' or 'This is a Set. Do Not Separate.'

What should be done with footwear to meet Amazon's packaging requirements?

All footwear must be packaged with no exposed material, either in shoe boxes or in poly bags with a suffocation warning.

What are the guidelines for packaging products made of fragile materials like glass or ceramics?

Fragile items, such as those made of glass or ceramics, should be fully bubble-wrapped, and the barcode label should be placed on the outside of the bubble wrap for easy scanning.