10 Common Tasks Handled by Amazon Prep Services
- Dollan Prep Center
- Jun 2
- 7 min read
Selling on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) offers the promise of scalability, streamlined fulfillment, and access to millions of customers. However, ensuring that inventory meets Amazon’s strict inbound requirements can be complex, time-consuming, and error-prone.
The concrete solution lies in using Amazon prep services—specialized providers like us who handle essential preparation tasks to ensure sellers’ products comply with FBA requirements, reducing errors, saving time, and minimizing the risk of inventory rejection.
According to a 2024 survey of U.S. e-commerce sellers, over 65% of FBA merchants reported using third-party prep services to handle key tasks like labeling, bundling, and inspection, and nearly 40% cited a reduction in operational errors by at least 25% after outsourcing these tasks.
1. Inspection and Quality Control
Tasks handled by Amazon prep services demand that every unit in an FBA shipment is in pristine condition and accurately matches the seller’s shipment plan. This starts with a thorough inspection and quality control process. Prep services meticulously examine each product, checking for physical damage such as scratches, dents, or broken parts.
They also verify that the quantity matches the shipment plan to prevent shortages or overages. For items with expiration dates, prep services confirm dates are current and meet Amazon’s shelf-life requirements.
In addition to physical checks, prep services review compliance with Amazon’s rules for packaging, labeling, and category-specific requirements.
This layer of scrutiny dramatically reduces the likelihood of receiving rejections at Amazon fulfillment centers. A 2023 report found that 12% of rejected FBA shipments resulted from unnoticed defects or discrepancies, underscoring the importance of thorough inspection.
Task | Details |
|---|---|
Visual Inspection | Check for defects, damage, and missing parts |
Quantity Verification | Compare with the shipment plan or the PO |
Compliance Check | Verify packaging, labels, and category requirements |
Expiration Verification | Ensure dates meet FBA shelf-life requirements |
2. Labeling Tasks Handled by Amazon Prep Services
Each product sent to Amazon must have a unique FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) barcode, which identifies it as belonging to a specific seller’s inventory.
Prep services handle the printing and accurate application of these labels, ensuring the FNSKU is visible and placed according to Amazon’s scanability requirements.
The process involves covering or replacing manufacturer barcodes, which can cause errors if scanned by Amazon instead of the FNSKU.
Mislabeled or unlabeled products can cause delays, misplacements, or even rejection at the fulfillment center.
In 2024, a review from Apps Connect found that of 1,000+ FBA shipments found that 9% of delays were due to incorrect or missing labels, a costly and preventable issue.
Prep services eliminate this risk by maintaining precise control over the labeling process, often using high-speed printers and quality-control steps to double-check accuracy.
Label Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
FNSKU | Required for every unit; links to seller’s inventory |
Manufacturer Barcode | Must be covered or replaced to avoid confusion |
Placement | Must follow Amazon’s scanning guidelines |
Quality Assurance | Double-check print clarity and placement accuracy |
3. Polybagging
Certain products require polybagging to protect them from dirt, moisture, or damage during storage and shipping. Amazon mandates polybagging for loose items, clothing, plush toys, and any product that might become separated from its packaging.
Additionally, polybags must meet specific standards for thickness, seal quality, and suffocation warnings, especially for bags with an opening of 5 inches or more.
Prep services expertly handle polybagging by selecting the appropriate bag size and material, sealing it securely, and applying the mandatory suffocation warning label.
A 2023 compliance audit from Marketplace Ops found that 18% of FBA sellers failed to meet polybagging standards, resulting in product rejections, rework fees, and delayed listings. Professional prep services help avoid these pitfalls by maintaining compliance and protecting product quality.
Polybag Feature | Amazon Requirement |
|---|---|
Material Thickness | Minimum 1.5 mil |
Sealing Quality | Must be fully sealed to prevent contamination |
Suffocation Warning | Required if bthe ag opening exceeds 5 inches |
Transparency | The product must remain visible through the polybag |
4. Bundling and Kitting
Bundling involves combining multiple SKUs into a single package for sale, while kitting assembles components that together form a sellable product (like sets or multipacks).
Amazon has strict rules for bundles and kits: they must be marked as "Sold as Set," must not separate during shipping, and must comply with labeling and packaging standards.
Prep services specialize in creating secure, attractive bundles that not only meet Amazon’s requirements but also enhance customer satisfaction.
Proper bundling can significantly boost sales—Seller Dynamics’ 2024 report revealed that FBA sellers offering product bundles saw a 15% higher conversion rate compared to single-product listings. Prep services handle the design, assembly, packaging, and labeling, ensuring that each bundle arrives at the fulfillment center ready for sale.
Bundling Step | Details |
|---|---|
Secure Assembly | Prevents bundle separation during transit |
Clear Labeling | Marked as “Sold as Set” or similar language |
Custom Packaging | Designed for protection and customer appeal |
Compliance Review | Meets FBA packaging and labeling standards |
5. Repackaging
Sometimes, original packaging doesn’t meet Amazon’s standards or is damaged during shipping. Prep services repackage items into compliant, durable, and attractive packaging.
This includes replacing outer boxes, resealing polybags, or reboxing items that arrive in bulk packaging. They also ensure repackaged items have correct FNSKU labels and meet Amazon’s sizing and weight specifications.
A 2023 study by Logistics Solutions Weekly found that repackaging reduces returns by up to 12% and improves customer satisfaction, as products arrive in perfect condition and compliance with expectations. Proper repackaging prevents costly rejections or repacking fees at Amazon fulfillment centers.
Repackaging Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
Protective Packaging | Strong enough to prevent transit damage |
Clean Presentation | No dirt, damage, or unattractive elements |
Accurate Sizing | Meets Amazon’s cubic and weight specifications |
Labeling Compliance | Includes correct FNSKU and shipping labels |
6. Sticker Removal and Re-sticking
Amazon prohibits the inclusion of non-Amazon stickers, such as manufacturer price tags, promotional labels, or competitor branding.
Prep services remove these stickers and replace them with Amazon-compliant FNSKU labels.
This task is especially critical for retail arbitrage or wholesale sellers who source items with pre-existing labels.
According to Amazon’s 2024 compliance report, incorrect sticker placement or failure to remove unauthorized stickers is among the top 10 causes of shipment delays. Prep services ensure stickers are removed cleanly, and new labels are applied accurately and securely.
Sticker Task | Details |
|---|---|
Removal | Remove price tags, competitor branding, etc. |
Label Reapplication | Apply FNSKU over any manufacturer ID |
Placement Accuracy | Labels must not cover important product details |
Quality Control | Ensure adhesive security and scanability |
7. Inventory Counting and Reconciliation
A critical prep task is precise inventory counting and reconciliation.
Prep services meticulously count units against the seller’s shipment plan, ensuring there are no shortages or overages that could result in discrepancies or shipment rejections.
They often use barcode scanners and digital tools to enhance accuracy.
This helps avoid potential fees or delays from mismatched shipments. This step is essential for maintaining accurate inventory records and preventing issues at Amazon’s receiving docks.
Inventory Task | Details |
|---|---|
Physical Count | Tally units accurately |
Reconciliation | Compare with the shipment plan or invoice |
Error Reporting | Flag issues before shipping |
Record Keeping | Maintain documentation for verification |
8. Box Content Labeling
Amazon requires each shipment box to include a box content label, detailing the SKUs and quantities within.
These labels ensure efficient processing at fulfillment centers and prevent delays. Missing or incorrect labels can result in manual unpacking, slowing down the shipment’s processing.
In 2024, over 10% of FBA shipments were delayed due to missing or inaccurate box content labels.
Prep services generate precise labels that align with the shipment’s contents, apply them securely, and double-check for accuracy.
Label Feature | Amazon Standard |
|---|---|
Content Accuracy | Matches actual box contents |
Label Placement | Visible on the box’s exterior |
Barcode Quality | Scan-ready, high-resolution printing |
Compliance | Meets Amazon’s requirements for box contents |
9. Packaging and Sealing
Proper packaging and sealing are essential to protect inventory in transit. Amazon requires boxes to be sturdy, properly sealed, and correctly sized for their contents.
Prep services select the right box types, ensure items are packed to avoid shifting, and seal them securely with durable tape.
According to a 2023 logistics analysis, secure packaging reduces in-transit damage by 20%, which can prevent negative customer feedback and unnecessary returns. Prep services ensure boxes meet Amazon’s cubic and weight standards while also ensuring optimal protection.
Packaging Element | Amazon Requirement |
|---|---|
Box Quality | Corrugated material, strong structure |
Sealing Quality | Durable tape, fully sealed seams |
Load Distribution | Evenly packed to prevent damage |
Cubic and Weight Limits | Complies with FBA maximums |
10. Shipping Preparation
Once items are prepped, the final stage involves preparing them for shipment. Prep services weigh, measure, and label each carton accurately, generating the necessary shipment labels using Amazon’s platform.
They also schedule carrier pickups, ensuring the shipment reaches the correct fulfillment center on time.
A survey found that 8% of inbound shipments were delayed due to incorrect weight or label issues, highlighting the importance of precision at this stage.
Prep services’ attention to detail ensures smooth delivery and reduces the risk of fees or delays.
Shipping Task | Details |
|---|---|
Weigh and Measure Boxes | Accurate box dimensions and weight |
Generate Shipping Labels | Amazon-approved, scan-ready labels |
Schedule Carrier Pickup | Arrange delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers |
Compliance Verification | Final check before shipment dispatch |
Final Words
Selling through Amazon FBA can open up incredible opportunities, but only if your products meet the platform’s strict preparation standards.
As we’ve seen, prep services take on the crucial work of inspection, labeling, polybagging, and more, ensuring your inventory is fully compliant and ready for Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
By handling these detailed tasks, prep services help reduce costly errors, speed up processing, and improve the customer experience.
For sellers looking to scale efficiently and maintain high performance, partnering with a reliable prep service is more than just a convenience—it’s a smart business move.
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