Amazon Prep
The concept of Amazon Prep refers to preparing inventory units so they can be safely and efficiently stored, managed, and delivered to customers through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) network. This preparation acts as a bridge between the product’s sourcing stage and its final acceptance into the Amazon fulfillment centers. The primary purpose of prep is twofold: to protect the product from damage during transit and storage, and to ensure inventory can be identified quickly by the automated fulfillment system.
Amazon mandates these requirements to standardize the receiving process across its numerous fulfillment centers. Standardization ensures that every package arriving at a warehouse can be processed and put into scannable inventory without confusion or delay. Proper preparation prevents issues like spills or separation of components, which could lead to customer complaints or returns. A correctly prepped item is instantly ready for sale and shipment, minimizing the time it spends in the receiving queue.
Essential Labeling Requirements
All products destined for FBA require precise identification to be tracked correctly. The Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) label is the primary identifier for each unit of inventory, distinct from the manufacturer’s standard UPC or EAN. The FNSKU links the physical product directly to a specific seller’s account, ensuring the correct seller is credited for the sale, even if multiple sellers offer the identical product.
The label must be printed clearly in black ink on white, non-reflective labels. Placement is important, requiring the label to be affixed to a flat surface on the product packaging where it remains fully scannable. Any existing barcodes, such as the manufacturer’s UPC, must be completely covered by the FNSKU label to prevent mis-scanning during fulfillment. Shipments also require specific box labels, generated during the shipping plan creation, which identify the contents of the carton and the destination facility.
Common Physical Product Preparation Methods
Poly Bagging
Poly bagging is required for loose items, products with exposed components, and textiles, protecting the unit from dust, dirt, and separation. The bag must be transparent and fully enclose the item, sealing securely with a permanent adhesive strip or heat seal. A minimum thickness of 1.5 mil is required for the poly material to ensure durability during handling.
A suffocation warning label is mandatory for any poly bag with an opening that measures 5 inches or larger when laid flat. This warning must be prominently displayed and clearly legible, whether printed directly on the bag or applied as a label.
Bubble Wrapping
Fragile items, such as those made of glass or ceramics, require bubble wrap to prevent damage. The item must be completely encased, ensuring it can withstand a three-foot drop test onto a hard surface without breaking. The wrapped unit must be secured with tape to prevent the bubble wrap from unwrapping during transit or storage.
The bubble wrap must be applied tightly so the product does not shift within its protective layer, yet it must not obscure the FNSKU barcode. This protection is necessary for containers susceptible to crushing or cracking, or items lacking robust packaging.
Taping and Securing
Taping is used to secure products that risk opening or spilling during handling, particularly liquids, powders, or items with multiple loose parts. For containers with screw-on lids or removable caps, the lid must be secured with tape to prevent accidental opening. This measure prevents leakage that could damage inventory or the fulfillment center environment.
Tape should be applied cleanly, often over the lid and down the sides of the container, to create a secure seal. Care must be taken to ensure the tape does not cover necessary information, such as the FNSKU label, expiration dates, or safety warnings.
Set Bundling and Kitting
When multiple individual items are sold as a single set, they must be bundled together. The items must be physically secured using shrink wrap, a box, or a poly bag to prevent separation during fulfillment. This ensures the customer receives all components of the advertised set and that warehouse staff processes the correct number of units.
The exterior of the bundled set must have a label that explicitly states “Sold as Set” or “Do Not Separate.” This label prevents the warehouse from scanning and selling individual components separately, maintaining inventory accuracy. The FNSKU label for the entire set must be applied to the outside of the final bundle, making the individual components’ barcodes inaccessible.
Special Preparation for Specific Product Categories
Certain types of inventory require specialized preparation that goes beyond standard labeling and bagging. Liquids, for example, must be tightly sealed and often require a double seal, such as an inner safety seal combined with a secure outer cap. If a liquid container lacks a double seal, it must be placed into a sealed, transparent poly bag to contain potential leaks.
Products with sharp edges, such as scissors or tools, must have the hazardous points fully capped or protected to prevent injury to warehouse personnel or damage to other products. Apparel and textiles must be packaged in a way that allows the FNSKU to be scanned without opening the garment. Any product with an expiration date, including food or cosmetics, must have the date clearly visible on the exterior packaging.
Deciding Who Handles Product Preparation
Sellers have three primary options for managing the preparation of their inventory, each involving a trade-off between control, cost, and time.
Self-Prep
This option involves the seller or their team handling all labeling, bagging, and securing of the products. Self-prep offers the highest level of quality control and the lowest out-of-pocket cost per unit. However, it is time-consuming and can become a logistical bottleneck as a business scales.
Amazon Prep Service
This utilizes Amazon personnel to apply required materials and labels upon arrival at the fulfillment center. This is the most convenient choice, eliminating the seller’s need for labor and materials. It is typically the most expensive option, incurring a per-unit fee for each service performed, such as labeling or bubble wrapping.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Prep Center
A 3PL prep center is a specialized facility that prepares inventory before it is shipped to Amazon. This option provides a balance of cost-effectiveness and scalability. Sellers can outsource the labor-intensive process while often maintaining better per-unit pricing than Amazon’s service.
Consequences of Non-Compliance and Best Practices
Failing to meet Amazon’s preparation guidelines can result in financial consequences and operational delays. The most immediate risk is the refusal of the entire shipment at the fulfillment center dock, requiring the seller to pay for the shipment to be returned or rerouted. If Amazon accepts non-compliant units, they will perform the necessary preparation themselves, resulting in unexpected per-unit service fees charged back to the seller.
Improperly prepped inventory causes delays in the product being checked in and made available for sale, resulting in missed sales opportunities. Inadequately protected products, such as fragile items without bubble wrap, may arrive damaged, leading to negative customer reviews and costly returns. To mitigate these risks, sellers should create a standardized operating procedure (SOP) for every product, ensuring all preparation steps are consistently executed and double-checked before shipment.