Amazon FBA Preparation: From Chinese Factory to Fulfilment Centre

6 min read

Confirm the product can be sold before printing labels

Review category and brand restrictions in the exact marketplace and seller account. Create or match the correct listing and confirm the product identifier requirements. A GTIN identifies a trade item; an ASIN identifies an Amazon catalogue entry; a seller SKU is your own inventory identifier. The required barcode method varies by product and account settings.

Make sure the packaging, warnings and instructions satisfy applicable product laws as well as Amazon’s policies. Passing an Amazon listing check does not establish legal compliance.

Give the factory SKU-level preparation instructions

Create a preparation sheet for every SKU and variant. Include product photos, packaging, required barcode, placement, quantity per carton, any protective bagging, set labelling and special handling. Verify that scannable barcodes are clear and that irrelevant barcodes are covered when Amazon requires it.

Use the approved physical sample and carton layout to test the workflow before bulk production. If a prep centre will receive the inventory first, agree inspection, discrepancy handling, labelling and dispatch responsibilities.

Create the inbound shipment with real packing details

Use the current Send to Amazon workflow in Seller Central for the relevant marketplace. Confirm ship-from address, SKUs, quantities, packing configuration, shipment destination and required labels. The box contents must reflect what is actually packed. Different carton and pallet rules may apply.

Do not reuse an old shipment label or send units to a warehouse merely because it received your last order. Coordinate the final transport booking with the assigned destination and any appointment requirements.

Reconcile receiving and manage exceptions

Record factory quantity, shipment quantity, carton count, customs release, delivery evidence and Amazon receiving status. A delivered shipment is not necessarily fully received or sellable. Review discrepancies, rejected units and stranded inventory using the current account workflow.

Keep a stock buffer based on realistic production, inspection, transit, clearance and receiving variability. Consider the downside of sending all inventory into one location before validating demand.

Example: preparing two variants without mixing labels

A brand orders blue and grey versions of the same product. Each SKU needs its own correct identifier and preparation instructions. Create a packing sheet with a photo of each variant, the SKU, the barcode method specified by Seller Central and the approved carton count. Verify a sample label by scanning it before production packaging begins.

When the shipment is received, compare each variant separately against the shipment plan. If cartons arrive with mixed labels or incorrect quantities, pause dispatch and reconcile the actual contents before sending to Amazon. Maintain photos and inspection records for any discrepancy investigation.

FBA or merchant fulfilment?

FBA can simplify consumer-order fulfilment, while FBM keeps storage and dispatch under your control or your logistics partner’s. Compare delivery promises, product dimensions, eligibility, returns, inventory control and operational capacity. Some businesses use both.

If you are using FBM or your own store, our existing ecommerce order guide covers picking, packing, carrier handover and returns in more detail.

• Listing and product eligibility checked
• Preparation and labels verified against current instructions
• Box contents and shipment plan match
• Delivery and receiving records reconciled

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