Shopify vs Amazon: Which Ecommerce Platform Suits Your Business Best?
In this article
13 minutes
- Understanding Amazon FBA Prep Service Requirements
- What Are FBA Prep Services?
- The Benefits of Using FBA Prep Services
- Common Services Offered by FBA Prep Companies
- How to Choose the Right FBA Prep Service
- Understanding Amazon FBA Prep Services Pricing
- Top Amazon FBA Prep Centers for Ecommerce Fulfillment
- Amazon FBA Fulfillment Costs and Strategies
- Setting Up Your FBA Prep Service Relationship
- Potential Challenges and Solutions
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding between Shopify vs Amazon for your ecommerce business? Shopify lets you create a custom online store, while Amazon provides instant access to millions of customers. This article will compare their differences, costs, and benefits of each to help you choose the right platform in the Shopify vs Amazon debate.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify offers greater customization and branding options, allowing you to create a unique online store, while Amazon is a marketplace with a uniform design that limits individual branding.
- Setting up a store on Shopify involves a guided process, making it beginner-friendly, whereas Amazon allows quicker product listing but requires strict adherence to selling standards.
- Shopify has a more flexible pricing model without transaction fees on its payment system, while Amazon imposes referral fees that can eat into Seller profits; understanding these costs is key to choosing the right platform.
Key Differences Between Shopify and Amazon
When it comes to selling products online, both Amazon and Shopify are giants in their own right, but they serve different purposes. Shopify is an ecommerce platform that allows you to sell online and create your own online stores, providing a blank canvas for your brand. In contrast, Amazon is a vast online marketplace where multiple Sellers list their products, akin to owning a stand at a busy market. In the debate of Shopify vs Amazon, each platform has its unique strengths.
Listing products on Amazon can be a bit more cumbersome as it requires Sellers to provide documentation for account approval, which can delay the setup process. On the other hand, Shopify offers more freedom in entering product information, making it easier to get your shop up and running quickly.
Customization is another area where Shopify shines. Amazon’s layout significantly influences a merchant’s store page design, limiting how much you can personalize your shop. Shopify, however, allows for extensive branding and customization options, letting you create a cohesive brand experience that stands out. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, Shopify provides the tools to build a unique online presence.
New Amazon merchants often face challenges such as strict requirements for product descriptions and listings, which can be daunting. In contrast, Shopify offers a more flexible and supportive environment, making it a preferred choice for many online Sellers.
Ease of Setting Up Your Online Store
Setting up an online store should be as straightforward as possible, and both Shopify and Amazon offer different experiences in this regard. Shopify’s setup process includes a comprehensive 8-step guide, ensuring users receive support while customizing their online store. This guide, combined with Shopify’s user-friendly tools like the AI assistant for writing product descriptions and the drag-and-drop website builder, makes it an excellent choice for individuals without technical skills.
Amazon allows users to start listing products almost immediately after creating an account, streamlining the process significantly compared to Shopify. This immediate access to a huge customer base can be a major advantage for Sellers looking to start selling online quickly. However, selling on Amazon resembles operating a booth in a crowded market, whereas Shopify allows you to create your own branded online storefront.
Shopify’s pricing structure allows selling an unlimited number of products without incurring additional listing fees, making it a cost-effective option for growing businesses. Whether you want to build your own online store with customizable templates or leverage Amazon’s vast marketplace, understanding these differences can help you choose the best platform for your business.
Branding and Customization Options
Branding is crucial for any business, and this is where Shopify truly excels. Shopify offers extensive brand customization, allowing you to create a unique and cohesive brand experience. From customizable themes to HTML/CSS modifications, Shopify provides the tools to personalize every aspect of your online store. This means you can build your very own brand and customer experience that stands out in the crowded ecommerce space.
In contrast, Amazon’s marketplace design emphasizes uniformity, limiting individual Seller branding opportunities. While this can ensure a consistent shopping experience for customers, it restricts Sellers from fully expressing their brand identity. Selling on Shopify allows for complete ownership of your own store, providing more control over branding and pricing.
With Shopify, Sellers can build direct relationships with customers, gaining valuable information like names and emails that can be used for personalized marketing efforts. For businesses aiming to establish a strong brand presence, Shopify’s customizable templates and extensive branding tools are a major benefit. This flexibility allows you to tailor the customer experience to align with your brand values and goals.
Marketing Tools and Capabilities
Effective marketing is the key to driving traffic and sales, and Shopify and Amazon offer different ecommerce tools to help Sellers reach prospective customers. Shopify users can utilize a variety of marketing and SEO tools to enhance the visibility of their own website. From targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Meta and Google to email marketing and marketing automation tools, Shopify provides a comprehensive suite of tools to help you grow your business online.
Shopify’s SEO tools guide users on improving their search engine rankings, aiding in better visibility for their online stores. Additionally, Shopify allows users to run targeted advertising campaigns across various platforms, only charging when conversions occur. This means you can reach your prospective customers more effectively and maximize your marketing budget.
Amazon Sellers must optimize for the Amazon search engine specifically, which requires a different approach to SEO. While Amazon provides immediate access to a wide range of customers, it also means Sellers need to invest in promotions to ensure visibility.
Shopify, on the other hand, requires more active marketing efforts since it does not benefit from the same built-in traffic that Amazon has. This means businesses on Shopify need to be more proactive in their marketing strategies to drive traffic and sales.
Pricing and Fees Comparison
Understanding the pricing and fees associated with each platform is essential for making an informed decision. Different types of fees to consider when comparing Amazon and Shopify include subscription fees, transaction fees, referral fees, and fulfillment fees.
Let’s break down these fees to see how each platform stacks up.
Subscription Fees
Shopify offers four main plans: Basic Shopify at $29 per month, Shopify at $79 per month, Advanced Shopify at $299 per month, and an enterprise plan for more complex businesses called Shopify Plus, starting at $2,300 per month for 36 months. These plans cater to businesses of varying sizes, providing flexibility and scalability as your business grows. The Basic Shopify plan is perfect for new and small businesses, while the Advanced Shopify plan offers more advanced features for larger enterprises.
Amazon, on the other hand, offers a simpler pricing structure with two plans. The Individual plan is suitable for casual Sellers who don’t need advanced features, ($0.99 per item sold, separate from other fees), while the Professional plan is recommended for business owners or professional retailers ($39.99 per month). This straightforward approach can be easier for Sellers to navigate but may not provide the same level of flexibility as Shopify’s tiered pricing plans.
Transaction and Referral Fees
One of Shopify’s significant advantages is that it does not impose transaction fees when users utilize Shopify Payments; you only pay the credit card rate, which covers the cost of processing the payment. This means Sellers can keep nearly all their profits without worrying about additional costs per transaction.
Amazon’s referral fees vary by product category and can range from 6% to as high as 45% depending on the item sold, but the most common by far is 15%. Shopify does not impose referral fees, which can lead to higher profits for sellers.
Additionally, Amazon charges a per-item fee for Sellers on the Individual plan, while Shopify allows unlimited products without additional listing fees. This can lead to substantial savings for Sellers using Shopify, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Fulfillment Fees
Using Amazon FBA incurs various fulfillment fees based on the size and weight of the products, which can significantly impact overall expenses. These fees include storage and handling fees, which can add up quickly, especially for larger or heavier items.
Shopify, on the other hand, allows Sellers to manage shipping with customizable rates, weights, rules, and options to connect with third-party fulfillment services. This flexibility can help Sellers optimize their shipping process and reduce costs.
Shipping and Fulfillment Options
Shipping and fulfillment are central to any ecommerce business. Amazon FBA offers Sellers the advantage of leveraging Amazon’s extensive logistics network for handling inventory and shipping. This means businesses can benefit from Amazon’s fast and reliable shipping options, enhancing the customer experience.
Shopify provides users the flexibility to integrate with various order management systems and third-party logistics (3PL) providers for efficient fulfillment operations. Sellers on Shopify can set up shipping rates based on weight, destination, and specific conditions to customize their shipping process.
Additionally, integrating Shopify with Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) can enhance the speed of order fulfillment, allowing customers to receive their orders more quickly. Shopify Buy with Prime is also an MCF solution, but adds a special buy button to Shopify checkout pages to allow customers to choose FBA fulfillment rather than Sellers deciding for them. These integrations can reduce manual labor by outsourcing the processing of customer orders and while optimizing logistics.
Payment Options
Payment options are a fundamental part of the ecommerce experience. Shopify Payments allows users to accept payments directly through their store without additional fees for credit card processing. This integrated payment gateway simplifies the checkout process and can improve conversion rates. Moreover, Shopify users can also integrate third-party payment processors, offering more flexibility in payment acceptance, and the Shop Pay app enables a quick 1-click checkout experience for shoppers.
Amazon supports various payment methods, including gift cards, bank account transfers, and mobile payments. The primary payment gateway for Amazon is Amazon Pay, which provides a seamless and secure payment experience for customers.
While both platforms offer robust payment options, Shopify’s flexibility and lack of additional fees make it a more attractive choice for many Sellers.
SEO and Organic Sales
SEO is crucial for enhancing online visibility and reaching potential customers in ecommerce. Optimizing product pages effectively can significantly improve a Shopify store’s visibility in search results, attracting more customers. Content marketing through blogging can further increase organic traffic, helping to establish authority and relevance in your category.
Sales on Amazon often require continuous promotion, as organic visibility is not guaranteed. This means Sellers need to invest in Amazon SEO and other promotional strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
While Shopify requires more active marketing efforts, the potential for building long-term organic sales through effective SEO and content marketing can be highly rewarding.
Integrating Amazon with Shopify
Integrating Amazon with Shopify can expand your reach and enhance your sales opportunities. This integration allows you to synchronize inventory and product information between Shopify and Amazon, streamlining the management of your online store. The process can involve using a built-in Amazon app, third-party applications, or custom APIs depending on your business needs.
Once integrated, users can create Amazon offers and listings directly from their Shopify store. Onboarding for integration can vary in time, with simpler setups taking as little as 15-30 minutes. This synergy between the two platforms can significantly enhance your ecommerce results, offering the best of both worlds.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Both Platforms
Selling on both Shopify and Amazon can allow businesses to maximize their reach and conversions. Amazon provides immediate access to a wide range of customers, which is crucial for driving sales. However, competition on Amazon is intense, requiring Sellers to invest in promotions to ensure visibility to sell products.
With over 1.75 million merchants using Shopify, businesses can avoid referral fees by using this platform, offering better marketing flexibility and control. Amazon’s strict policies can lead to account bans if compliance is not maintained, adding an element of risk for Sellers. ReSellers doing wholesale or retail arbitrage may find Amazon more suitable due to its vast marketplace.
A successful online business ecommerce platform presence should ideally include both an official website and a presence on platforms like Amazon for maximum impact. Balancing the strengths of both platforms can help businesses achieve their sales and branding goals more effectively by creating their own ecommerce website.
Beyond the Basics
Beyond the basics, both Shopify and Amazon offer unique features that can enhance your ecommerce experience. Shopify Capital provides merchant cash advances and loans to eligible store owners, a financial service many people don’t associate with the platform.
Amazon’s A9 Algorithm, which differs significantly from Google’s algorithm, plays a crucial role in how products are ranked on the site. Understanding these unique features can help you leverage each platform’s full potential.
Summary
Both Shopify and Amazon offer powerful tools for selling products online, but they cater to different needs and business models. Shopify provides extensive branding and customization options, making it ideal for businesses looking to build a unique online presence. Its flexible pricing plans and lack of transaction fees further enhance its appeal. Amazon, with its vast marketplace and immediate access to millions of customers, is perfect for Sellers looking to reach a large audience quickly.
Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Amazon depends on your business goals and needs. For many Sellers, using both platforms can be the best strategy, combining the strengths of each to maximize reach and sales. By understanding the key differences and benefits of each platform, you can make an informed decision that sets your business up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both Shopify and Amazon to sell my products?
Absolutely, you can use both Shopify and Amazon to sell your products! By integrating them, you can sync your inventory and easily manage listings, giving your business the best of both worlds.
What are the main differences between Shopify and Amazon?
The main difference is that Shopify lets you build a customized online store where you control branding and customer relationships, while Amazon is a vast marketplace where many Sellers can reach a large audience, but have very little control. So, choose Shopify for brand control or Amazon for quick access to customers.
How do the fees compare between Shopify and Amazon?
Shopify generally offers more predictable and lower fees, especially if you use Shopify Payments and avoid additional transaction fees. In contrast, Amazon has varying referral fees by product category and additional fulfillment costs with FBA.
Which platform is easier to set up for a new business?
Shopify is generally easier to set up for a new business because it offers a comprehensive setup guide and user-friendly tools, perfect for those without technical skills. However, Amazon allows for immediate product listing, giving Sellers a quick start if speed is a priority.
What are the advantages of integrating Shopify with Amazon?
Integrating Shopify with Amazon expands your reach and boosts sales by synchronizing inventory and product information. This means you can easily manage your listings and improve your visibility across both platforms.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Amazon FBA Prep Services: What Sellers Need to Know
In this article
12 minutes
- Understanding Amazon FBA Prep Service Requirements
- What Are FBA Prep Services?
- The Benefits of Using FBA Prep Services
- Common Services Offered by FBA Prep Companies
- How to Choose the Right FBA Prep Service
- Understanding Amazon FBA Prep Services Pricing
- Top Amazon FBA Prep Centers for Ecommerce Fulfillment
- Amazon FBA Fulfillment Costs and Strategies
- Setting Up Your FBA Prep Service Relationship
- Potential Challenges and Solutions
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Selling on Amazon through the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program offers tremendous opportunities for ecommerce entrepreneurs. The ability to leverage Amazon’s vast fulfillment network allows sellers to focus on growing their businesses rather than handling logistics. However, before products can enter Amazon’s fulfillment centers, they must meet specific preparation requirements. This is where FBA prep services come into play, offering a crucial intermediary step that can streamline operations and prevent costly mistakes, ultimately supporting the success of your Amazon business.
Understanding Amazon FBA Prep Service Requirements
Amazon maintains strict standards for products entering their fulfillment centers. These requirements ensure efficient processing, storage, and shipping of items to customers. Typical preparation needs include proper packaging, labeling, bundling, and protection measures tailored to different product categories.
For instance, fragile items require additional cushioning, while clothing might need polybags with suffocation warnings. Electronics often require special static-free packaging, and items with expiration dates must have visible labeling. Amazon can reject improperly prepared inventory, leading to returns at the seller’s expense, storage fees, or even inventory disposal.
These requirements can become overwhelming, especially for new sellers or those expanding their product lines. Meeting Amazon’s specifications demands time, knowledge, specialized materials, and dedicated workspace. This complexity has given rise to specialized FBA prep services that bridge the gap between manufacturers and Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
What Are FBA Prep Services?
FBA prep services are third-party operations that handle the preparation of inventory according to Amazon’s guidelines before sending products to fulfillment centers. These specialized services act as intermediaries between suppliers or manufacturers and Amazon, ensuring products meet all requirements before entering the FBA ecosystem.
These services typically offer comprehensive solutions for the Amazon FBA seller, including receiving inventory from suppliers, inspecting for quality issues, preparing according to Amazon’s category-specific guidelines, labeling with Amazon barcodes, and finally shipping to designated fulfillment centers. Many also provide additional services such as photography, bundling, kitting, and removal of supplier packaging.
The primary goal of prep services is to ensure products comply with Amazon’s requirements, preventing costly rejections or penalties while saving sellers valuable time and resources.
The Benefits of Using FBA Prep Services
Outsourcing preparation tasks to specialized services offers numerous advantages for FBA sellers of all sizes.
Time savings represent one of the most significant benefits. Properly preparing inventory for Amazon can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. By delegating these tasks to professionals, sellers can redirect their energy toward strategic activities like product sourcing, marketing, and business growth.
Cost efficiency also plays a crucial role. While prep services charge fees, they often prove more economical than handling preparation in-house, especially when considering the expenses of warehouse space, packaging materials, equipment, and labor. For many sellers, the economies of scale achieved by prep services translate to lower per-unit costs.
Professional expertise is another key advantage. Established prep services stay current with Amazon’s frequently updated requirements and possess the knowledge to handle various product types correctly. Their experience minimizes the risk of costly mistakes that could lead to inventory rejections, returns, or customer dissatisfaction.
Scalability benefits become apparent as businesses grow. Using prep services eliminates the need to expand physical workspace or hire additional staff during growth phases or seasonal peaks. These services can typically accommodate fluctuating inventory volumes without requiring sellers to adjust their infrastructure.
Geographic advantages also merit consideration. Strategically located prep services can reduce shipping costs and transit times to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Some services maintain facilities near major Amazon hubs, optimizing the final delivery leg of the supply chain.
Common Services Offered by FBA Prep Companies
The scope of fulfillment services offered varies between providers, but most cover fundamental preparation needs while offering specialized options for specific requirements.
Inspection serves as the foundation of quality control. Prep services examine incoming inventory for manufacturing defects, shipping damage, or inconsistencies before proceeding with preparation, potentially saving sellers from customer returns and negative reviews.
Packaging and protection ensure products arrive at customers in perfect condition. Services apply appropriate packaging materials according to Amazon’s guidelines and product vulnerability, which may include bubble wrap, air pillows, polybags, or custom solutions.
Labeling represents a critical compliance element. Prep services print and apply Amazon-compliant FNSKU labels, ensuring proper inventory tracking within Amazon’s system. Some also handle hazmat labels, expiration dates, or country of origin markings as required.
Bundling and kitting capabilities allow sellers to create multi-product offerings without handling the assembly themselves. Prep services can combine separate items into cohesive packages according to sellers’ specifications, creating value-added product bundles.
Inventory management features often include real-time tracking systems that allow sellers to monitor their products throughout the preparation process. Many services offer online portals where sellers can view inventory status, preparation progress, and shipping confirmations.
How to Choose the Right FBA Prep Service
Selecting an Amazon prep center requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure alignment with business needs.
Location considerations should account for proximity to suppliers and Amazon fulfillment centers. Strategic positioning can minimize shipping costs and transit times, accelerating inventory availability and reducing logistics expenses.
Pricing structures vary significantly between providers. Some charge per unit, others by weight, and some use hybrid models that include storage fees or minimum monthly charges. Understanding the fee structure and comparing total costs based on your specific product profile is essential.
Service capabilities should match your product requirements. Some prep services specialize in certain categories like apparel or electronics, while others provide broader support. Confirming they can handle your specific preparation needs prevents potential complications.
Technological integration capabilities merit evaluation, particularly for high-volume sellers. Services offering integration with inventory management systems, Amazon Seller Central, or other e-commerce platforms can streamline operations and reduce manual data entry.
Reputation and reliability should be thoroughly vetted. Reading reviews, requesting references, and testing services with small shipments before committing to larger volumes can prevent costly partnerships with underperforming providers.
Understanding Amazon FBA Prep Services Pricing
Amazon FBA prep services pricing can vary widely depending on the provider and the specific services offered. Typically, these services charge either by the item or by the volume of products being prepped. Some providers may also impose storage fees if products are held at their facility before being shipped to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
When selecting an FBA prep service, it’s crucial to consider the pricing options and ensure they align with your business needs. Some providers offer discounts for bulk orders or long-term contracts, which can be beneficial for high-volume sellers. Others may charge extra for specialty services like kitting or bundling, so it’s important to understand all potential costs upfront.
To get the best value for your money, research and compare the pricing of different FBA prep services. Look for providers that offer transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and a clear breakdown of their services and costs. This due diligence can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that the prep service you choose supports your business’s financial health.
Top Amazon FBA Prep Centers for Ecommerce Fulfillment
Choosing the right Amazon FBA prep center is crucial for the success of your ecommerce business. Here are some top Amazon FBA prep centers known for their reliability and comprehensive services:
- AMZ Prep: A full-service FBA partner with a global reach, AMZ Prep offers a wide range of services including FBA prep, shipping, and storage. Their extensive network and expertise make them a strong choice for sellers looking to streamline their operations.
- ShipMonk: Known for its strong focus on customer service, ShipMonk provides services such as opening and repackaging goods, labeling, and shipping. Their attention to detail and customer-centric approach make them a popular choice among Amazon sellers.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon’s own fulfillment service offers numerous benefits, including fast and reliable shipping, customer service, and returns handling. Leveraging Amazon’s infrastructure can provide significant advantages in terms of efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Cahoot: While FBA Prep isn’t Cahoot’s primary business model, we do have an entire business unit and fully automated workflow within the Cahoot software that guides users on exactly how to request prep and forwarding to FBA fulfillment centers.
When choosing an FBA prep center, consider factors such as their experience with Amazon, understanding of FBA prep requirements, pricing, and customer service. Look for providers that offer flexible services, transparent pricing, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction to ensure a smooth and efficient fulfillment process.
Amazon FBA Fulfillment Costs and Strategies
Amazon FBA fulfillment costs can be a significant expense for ecommerce businesses, but with the right strategies, you can minimize these costs and maximize your profits. Here are some tips to help you reduce your Amazon FBA fulfillment costs:
- Optimize Your Product Packaging: Proper packaging can help reduce shipping costs and prevent damage to your products. Using the right materials and packaging techniques can also ensure compliance with Amazon’s guidelines.
- Use Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers: Amazon’s fulfillment centers are strategically located to minimize shipping costs and ensure fast delivery. By utilizing these centers, you can take advantage of Amazon’s logistics network to improve efficiency and reduce expenses.
- Take Advantage of Amazon’s Free Services: Amazon offers a range of free services, including free storage for a limited time and customer returns handling. Leveraging these services can help you save money and streamline your operations.
- Monitor Your Inventory Levels: Keeping track of your inventory levels can help you avoid additional costs for aged inventory and ensure you’re not overstocking. Regularly reviewing your inventory can also help you make informed decisions about restocking and managing your supply chain.
- Use Amazon’s Revenue Calculator: Amazon’s revenue calculator can help you estimate your FBA costs and compare them to your own fulfillment method. This tool can provide valuable insights into your cost structure and help you identify areas for improvement.
By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your Amazon FBA fulfillment costs and increase your profits, ensuring a more efficient and profitable ecommerce business.
Setting Up Your FBA Prep Service Relationship
Establishing a smooth working relationship with your chosen prep service involves several key steps.
Initial onboarding typically requires creating an account with the prep service and providing essential business information. This process often includes completing seller profiles, specifying preparation instructions, and setting up billing arrangements.
Amazon permissions must be properly configured to allow the prep service to work on your behalf. This usually involves adding them as users to your Seller Central account with appropriate permission levels or sharing specific access credentials required for inventory management. Properly configuring Amazon permissions ensures that the prep service can manage your FBA shipments efficiently and in compliance with Amazon’s standards.
Communication protocols should be clearly established, defining primary contact methods, response timeframes, and escalation procedures for urgent issues. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help optimize the partnership over time.
Standard operating procedures documentation proves invaluable for consistent operations. Developing clear instructions for how products should be handled, special preparation requirements, and quality standards ensures the prep service understands your expectations.
Performance monitoring should be ongoing, tracking key metrics like processing times, error rates, and overall cost-effectiveness. Regular performance reviews help identify improvement opportunities and ensure the service continues meeting business needs.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
While Amazon prep centers offer significant benefits, certain challenges may arise that require proactive management.
Quality control inconsistencies can occur, especially with high-volume operations or staff turnover. Establishing clear quality standards, conducting random inspections, and providing feedback on issues can help maintain consistent preparation quality.
Communication breakdowns represent another common challenge. Maintaining open channels, documenting instructions clearly, and establishing regular update mechanisms can prevent misunderstandings and ensure timely problem resolution.
Seasonal capacity constraints may affect service levels during peak periods like Q4. Planning ahead, providing volume forecasts to your prep service, and potentially distributing inventory across multiple services for critical periods can mitigate these challenges.
Conclusion
For Amazon sellers seeking to optimize their operations, FBA prep services offer a valuable solution that balances efficiency, compliance, and scalability. By understanding the range of services available, carefully selecting the right partner, and establishing clear working relationships, sellers can leverage these specialized intermediaries to streamline their supply chains and focus on strategic business growth.
Some prep services also offer multi-channel fulfillment, enabling sellers to expand their reach beyond Amazon to other platforms like Walmart and eBay. Whether you’re a new seller looking to avoid the learning curve of Amazon’s requirements or an established business seeking to scale without expanding infrastructure, the right prep service can transform your FBA operations. As with any business partnership, success depends on careful selection, clear communication, and ongoing management – but with these elements in place, prep services can become a cornerstone of an efficient, profitable Amazon selling strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amazon FBA prep?
Amazon FBA prep refers to the process of preparing products for sale on Amazon, including packaging, labeling, and shipping. This ensures that products meet Amazon’s requirements and are ready for fulfillment.
What are the benefits of using an FBA prep service?
Using an FBA prep service can help you save time, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with Amazon’s guidelines. These services handle the intricate details of preparation, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
How do I choose the right FBA prep service?
When choosing an FBA prep service, consider factors like their experience with Amazon, understanding of FBA prep requirements, pricing, and customer service. Look for providers that offer transparent pricing and flexible services tailored to your needs.
What are the costs associated with FBA prep services?
FBA prep services typically charge by the item or by the volume of products being prepped. Some providers may also charge storage fees if products are held at their facility before being shipped to Amazon. It’s important to understand all potential costs upfront.
Can I use an FBA prep service for specialty products?
Yes, many FBA prep services offer specialty services like kitting, bundling, and custom packaging for products that require special handling. These services can help ensure that your products are prepared correctly and meet Amazon’s specific requirements.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Shipping Software for Ecommerce Fulfillment: The Next Generation of Shipping Simplified
In this article
19 minutes
- What is Ecommerce Shipping Software?
- Benefits and Key Features
- Automatic Order Routing and Label Generation
- Multi-Warehouse Exception Handling with Multi-Carrier Shipping Software
- Multichannel Capabilities
- Integration With Fulfillment Networks
- Information Security and Data Protection
- The Future of Fulfillment is Here
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ecommerce has transformed the way people shop, but behind every seamless online purchase is a complex fulfillment operation. As consumer expectations for fast and affordable shipping continue to rise, merchants face increasing pressure to optimize their logistics. Managing inventory across multiple warehouses, coordinating with various carriers, and ensuring accurate, on‑time deliveries, all while keeping costs low, has become a daunting challenge.
Legacy shipping software was built for a simpler time when most businesses operated from a single warehouse and fulfilled orders through a few standardized shipping methods. But today’s ecommerce landscape is far more dynamic. Merchants must navigate multi‑channel sales, distributed fulfillment networks, and ever‑changing carrier rates, all while maintaining a smooth customer experience. Unfortunately, traditional shipping software often falls short, forcing businesses to rely on manual workarounds that are inefficient, error‑prone, and costly.
Next‑generation shipping software changes everything. By leveraging intelligent automation, real‑time decision‑making, and deep integration with fulfillment networks, modern shipping solutions eliminate the complexity of ecommerce logistics. These systems optimize order routing, reduce shipping costs, and ensure seamless fulfillment—without the need for endless configuration or constant oversight.
In this article, we’ll explore the major ways next‑generation shipping software simplifies ecommerce fulfillment, highlighting how it outperforms legacy systems in efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Whether you’re a growing merchant or an established seller looking to streamline your operations, the future of shipping is here—and it’s built for success.
What is Ecommerce Shipping Software?
Ecommerce shipping software is a specialized technology solution designed to streamline and optimize the shipping process for online businesses. Its primary purpose is to help ecommerce businesses manage their shipping operations efficiently, reduce shipping costs, and improve customer satisfaction. By integrating with ecommerce platforms, inventory management systems, and shipping carriers, ecommerce shipping software provides a seamless and automated shipping experience. This integration ensures that orders are processed quickly and accurately, inventory levels are synchronized, and customers receive their purchases on time, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
Benefits and Key Features
The benefits of using ecommerce shipping software are manyfold. Firstly, it significantly reduces shipping costs by enabling businesses to compare real-time rates from multiple carriers and choose the most cost-effective option. This not only saves money but also ensures that customers receive their orders promptly. Improved customer satisfaction is another major benefit, as the software automates many aspects of the shipping process, reducing errors and delays.
Key features of ecommerce shipping software include real-time rate comparison, which allows businesses to find the best shipping rates instantly. Automated label printing streamlines the shipping process, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. Inventory management features help keep track of stock levels across multiple warehouses, ensuring that products are always available when needed. Order tracking provides customers with real-time updates on their shipments, enhancing their shopping experience.
Additionally, ecommerce shipping software supports international shipping, making it easier for businesses to expand their reach globally. The software often provides exclusive shipping discounts, further reducing shipping expenses. Multi-carrier support and integration with multiple sales channels ensure that businesses can manage all their shipping needs from a single platform, improving efficiency and supply chain visibility.
Simplifying Operations: Making Today’s Complex Ecommerce Effortless
Based on original research we’ve conducted, a merchant seeking to cover the continental U.S. (the lower 48 states) with affordable 2‑day ground shipping requires inventory to be positioned in 4 strategically located warehouses. If they’re seeking to achieve 1‑day delivery, that number rises to 9 fulfillment centers.

As the number of sales channels and warehouses increases, the operational complexity increases exponentially. Legacy shipping software was built for the old world, where fulfilling orders from just a single warehouse location was the norm. It was never built to handle the complexities of distributed fulfillment. Too many things at the core of the software would have to change to elegantly handle distributed fulfillment. This means merchants often try to get by with complex, convoluted workarounds that keep breaking. However, effective inventory management and synchronization can be achieved through the use of advanced fulfillment software, which streamlines operations, enhances accuracy, and addresses common challenges in the fulfillment lifecycle.
Today’s multi‑warehouse, multi‑channel environment creates many problem areas for Sellers to manage:
- When inventory is spread across such a large number of warehouses, which location should each order be routed to (you can’t draw a line down the middle of a map and expect to get the best shipping rate)?
- Distributed fulfillment offers possibilities if there are problems at any one warehouse location—such as receiving orders after the cut‑off time, running out of inventory, or inclement weather. How can software make identifying such exceptions and rerouting them easier?
- How can fulfillment be handled across multiple sales channels while ensuring a consistent, cohesive experience for customers?
- Can the system natively integrate with best‑in‑class fulfillment networks to unify your logistics technology and operations?
- With ecommerce growing all the time, online shoppers are sharing more sensitive data than ever. With an increased consumer demand for privacy protection, how does your shipping software keep personal information secure?
We’ll now take a look at each of these, examining the differences in the way legacy and next‑generation ecommerce shipping software handle them.
Automatic Order Routing and Label Generation
Legacy Software – Crude and Primitive Routing
Many of today’s popular legacy software have automated order routing features. However, do not be fooled—these capabilities are limited and prone to error, especially when handling diverse shipping options.
In systems like ShipStation, a “Ship From” location can be set based on specified criteria—such as the SKU ordered or the customer’s address. However, a large number of clunky automation rules have to be written—for example, writing a rule to have all orders from West Coast customers be shipped from your California warehouse. Similar rules mapping other states to respective fulfillment locations have to be manually written. Similarly, if you have certain SKUs available only in specific locations, you need to write rules to assign orders accordingly.
Creating such a large number of automation rules is an error‑prone, painful process for many reasons. Here are a few of them:
- So much to configure. Merchants need to ensure they’ve captured every business process through a rule. If they forget to set up any rule (quite possible, given the high levels of operational complexity today), it can create problems and cost leakages. Even the simplest of workflows require rules to be defined. For example, imagine that you wish to use only certain carrier services to make deliveries to residential addresses. Even in that case, you need to define automation rules mapping the address type to appropriate services.
- You’re guessing and hoping. Because your rules are manually defined by mapping SKUs or customer addresses to fulfillment locations, there could always be cases where the rules don’t make the most optimal decision. Without doing a deep, time‑consuming manual investigation, you’ll never be able to actually tell.
- Requires constant maintenance. Rules become obsolete when carriers change or update their services. For example, when USPS introduced Ground Advantage, your rules didn’t automatically update to factor in the new service. This means you had to spend hours updating and rewriting them.
Slow process. Sellers don’t feel comfortable beginning shipping with the software until they’re confident they’ve captured all of their processes through automation rules. This delays go‑live, ultimately increasing your time to value.
Next‑Gen Software – Intelligent, Powerful Routing Technology
Cahoot’s next‑generation shipping software comes with end‑to‑end intelligent automation. When you receive an order, the system intelligently compares multiple warehouse locations, inventory levels, carriers, and shipping services to pick the cheapest label that will meet the delivery SLA committed to the customer. In this way, the Cahoot shipping management software takes the thinking and error out of the rate shopping process, always providing the optimal shipping label, and improves shipping speed because it takes actual estimated real‑time delivery date into account based on ship date and day of the week.
With our technology, you won’t face the automation problems that we’ve highlighted with legacy software. Our intelligent order routing capabilities provide Sellers with many benefits:
- Nothing to configure – it just works. You don’t need to spend time worrying whether you’ve captured all your business workflows through automation rules. You don’t have to update rules and make sure they’re all compatible when business needs change. Cahoot factors in all variables like shipping services, warehouse locations, and inventory levels to pick the optimum fulfillment location on every order automatically.
- Based on the lowest cost, no more guessing. There’s no need to worry about whether your automations have been configured correctly to truly pick the best location every time. You can rest assured knowing that the decision is in the hands of technology, which makes the right choice for every order.
- No maintenance. The system automatically factors in any changes that carriers make to their services. There are no hand‑written automation rules to update or overwrite. When new services like Ground Advantage are launched, the system factors in this additional information and continues to automatically route orders correctly.
- Ready‑to‑go. Sellers can begin shipping in days or weeks with our software, not months. There’s no need to spend time wondering whether you’ve captured workflows through elaborate automations. This means you’ll be able to go live faster and shorten your time to value.
Multi‑Warehouse Exception Handling with Multi‑Carrier Shipping Software
Legacy Software – Limited Rerouting Capability
With legacy software, it’s difficult to plan for the unexpected. Let’s imagine you have 2 warehouses—one in Chicago, and the other in Southern California. Suppose a blizzard strikes the Chicago location.
When working with legacy systems, you don’t have an easy way to temporarily suspend locations. All you’re looking for is a way to temporarily put fulfillment from your Chicago location on hold, while you wait for the weather to improve.
In legacy systems like ShipStation, each SKU is mapped to a list of warehouses from where it can be shipped. You will need to update this mapping between SKUs and fulfillment locations to stop fulfillment from one of your warehouses. This is a painful workaround that you have to perform for a very short period of time—once the weather improves, you’ll have to repeat the process to restore the original configuration.
All this adds to what is already a stressful time, making it difficult for your business to quickly adjust to, and recover from unexpected events. Robust shipping software solutions can help manage these exceptions more effectively, ensuring smoother operations and better customer service.
Next Gen Software – Agile, Flexible Order Rerouting
With Cahoot’s next‑generation shipping software, adverse events don’t have to mean disaster for your business. If one of your fulfillment locations goes down, you can quickly toggle it off. The system will automate shipping from the remaining available locations, helping you keep your customer promises and continue selling.
There are other scenarios when you might require intelligent exception management which need not be emergencies. For example, if one of your warehouse locations needs to close for a holiday, the system can exclude that location and continue to simplify shipping for you across the other active locations.
There are no automations to undo or rewrite. You don’t have to spend a lot of time restoring your system to its original state once the affected location is back up and running again—it’s just a simple toggle to flip on and off. This ensures that your business can continue operating smoothly during such events, and quickly recover from them with minimal impact.
Multichannel Capabilities
Legacy Software – Many Integrations, but of What Value?
One advantage that legacy software has by virtue of having been around for a longer time is its long list of integrations. These tools, such as ShipStation, Shipwise (formerly DesktopShipper), and ShippingEasy all have a long list of integrations with shopping cart platforms, online marketplaces, and other tools that ecommerce Sellers use.
However, while this is definitely a positive, we think this is a case of winning the battle but losing the war. In the above sections, you’ve seen some of the limitations of these tools (keep reading to see more deficiencies), and how they can hamper your productivity and hurt your costs on every single order. You might save a little time with out‑of‑the‑box integrations to more platforms, but does it really matter if these tools negatively impact your bottom line?
Next‑Gen Software – All the Integrations You’re Used To
Cahoot’s next‑generation shipping software is tightly integrated with all leading online marketplaces and shopping cart platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, eBay, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento 2). We’re also integrated with all leading shipping carriers and ecommerce tools that Sellers use today. Our ecommerce shipping solution provides robust integrations that streamline rate shopping, label creation, and order tracking, making shipping more efficient and cost effective for businesses of all sizes.

What really matters is the depth of integration between the channel and your shipping software. A simple integration may fetch orders from Shopify or Amazon into your shipping software, but fail to sync inventory or push back tracking information. With our integrations, Cahoot automatically fetches all information required to fulfill an order from the sales channel and intelligently pushes tracking information back to the channel. We also maintain an inventory sync, ensuring that you won’t accept orders on out‑of‑stock items, preventing overselling. The system also provides you with color‑coded alerts to quickly alert you to dipping inventory levels, enabling timely, proactive replenishment rather than reacting to customer frustration on canceled orders.
While our list of integrations might be comparatively smaller (but growing!), you won’t feel the difference—our API allows you to connect Cahoot with any other system you’re using. And as we’ve highlighted in the above sections (keep reading for more!), the system offers real cost savings and productivity gains on every single order.
Integration With Fulfillment Networks
Legacy Software – Cobbled Together and Disjointed
Legacy ecommerce shipping software works well if you’re fulfilling a small number of orders from your own warehouse location. However, if you’re partnering with multiple 3PLs, have a combination of in‑house and outsourced fulfillment, or are working with order fulfillment networks, cracks start to emerge. This stems from legacy software’s lack of native integration with fulfillment networks. Selecting the right shipping solution that seamlessly connects all fulfillment nodes is crucial for efficient order fulfillment and handoff to multiple carriers.
With tools like Flexport, you can’t expand nationwide coverage through their network while still running your own operations. For example—what if you wish to fulfill certain orders from your own warehouses if you have inventory and rates are cheaper? Flexport seeks to capture all volume even if it is inefficient to do so because they don’t integrate with all your fulfillment nodes. Many legacy software have a similar problem, where they find it difficult to manage a combination of in‑house and outsourced fulfillment. Rather than the system intelligently identifying which orders need to be outsourced, the Seller has to define this—which is time‑consuming and error‑prone.
Other forms of chaos can emerge when you’re trying to force a legacy shipping software and 3PL vendor (like Flexe, for example) to work together. The 3PL might require you to figure out which orders you’re going to ship with them, generate a file with all that information, and send it over to them. If you’re trying to participate in a program like Seller Fulfilled Prime, you have tight cut‑off times and very little room to maneuver. Imagine scrambling in the limited time you have between the cutoff time and the carrier pickup to collate and send over the information. You have to hope and pray that you haven’t made a mistake and that you’ve sent the information in time for your 3PL to process the shipments.
Lastly, let’s imagine a scenario where you’ve partnered with multiple 3PLs to achieve nationwide coverage. You have to either use the shipping software to print labels manually and hand that over to each of the 3PLs or share your credentials with all of them. This increases the number of parties your carrier credentials go to, increasing risk and vulnerability for your business.
If you’re experiencing some of these frustrations and want to migrate from your existing fulfillment partner, we know that it’s easier said than done. The process can be uncertain, confusing, and stressful for your business. We’ve put together a step‑by‑step guide to help you make the switch from one fulfillment partner to another, which you can read here!
Next‑Gen Software – Natively Integrated
Cahoot’s shipping software is tightly integrated with our order fulfillment network (having over 100 warehouses in the US). The system is also flexible enough to accommodate any fulfillment locations you run your own operations from—making handling scenarios where there is a combination of in‑house and outsourced fulfillment easy to manage. In such cases, the system is able to intelligently and automatically identify the orders where fulfillment is cheaper through outsourcing rather than being handled at your own warehouse. This frees up your time and ensures you’re getting the best deal on every order.
You also don’t need to spend time acting as the middleman between your shipping software and 3PL, where you drown in busy work generating files and handing them over to your fulfillment partner. With Cahoot, your fulfillment partners see all orders instantly and can print labels in one click. This agility and simplified workflow are just two of the reasons that help Sellers using our fulfillment network meet and surpass the challenging cut‑off times and demanding performance metrics that Amazon expects them to meet on Seller Fulfilled Prime.
It’s not just SFP where requirements are challenging. On the Walmart marketplace, merchants hoping to see increased conversion and sales must offer free nationwide 2‑day delivery with over 95% of orders expected to reach customers by the promised time.
And while you may scale to use many warehouses on the Cahoot network, none of our fulfillment partners know your carrier credentials—you share that only with us on the platform. This reduces risk and keeps your credentials safe while scaling nationwide fulfillment for you.
Information Security and Data Protection
Legacy Software – Poor Security and Privacy
Legacy ecommerce shipping software provides minimal data protection measures. Everything is fine if you own your own warehouses and are using these tools to fulfill orders. However, if you’re partnering with a 3PL (and they use legacy tools to process orders), you’ve handed over all your brand and customer data to them.
While you may sign agreements to prevent misuse, personally identifiable information about your customers (full name, address, email) and proprietary business data is openly available to your 3PL. While they may operate with good intentions, your confidential data is now at the mercy of their information security practices.
This increases the risk and exposure for your business, with little safeguards in place to protect sensitive information.
Next Gen Software – Robust Data Protection and Governance
With next‑generation shipping software, we ensure that only the essential information needed for order fulfillment is transmitted to Cahoot warehouses. We hold back or redact other information—for example, even on a shipping label, your fulfillment partner sees only the first initial of the customer’s last name—making it difficult for them to reconstruct personal customer data. And no data is copy/pasteable or exportable!
We also keep non‑essential customer, brand, and product information walled off and accessible only to you. This ensures that your data is secure and accessible to only one party—you.
The Future of Fulfillment is Here
Ecommerce logistics have evolved beyond the limitations of legacy shipping software. Today’s merchants need solutions that don’t just patch problems with complex rules and manual oversight but instead offer true automation, intelligence, and flexibility. The challenges of distributed fulfillment, multi‑channel sales, and increasing customer expectations demand technology that works for you—not against you.
Cahoot’s next‑generation shipping software isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a transformation. With intelligent automation, seamless integrations, and built‑in security, our system ensures that fulfillment is fast, cost‑effective, and effortlessly scalable. From real‑time order routing to automated packaging selection, every feature is designed to help you save time, reduce costs, and focus on growing your business rather than troubleshooting logistics.
The days of clunky, error‑prone software are over. The future belongs to merchants who embrace smarter, more efficient fulfillment—where technology does the heavy lifting, and businesses thrive. It’s time to leave behind outdated systems and step into a world where shipping works smarter, not harder.
Are you ready to experience the future of ecommerce fulfillment? The next generation of shipping starts now. If you’d like to learn more, check out our Next Generation Shipping Software Guide, Part 3: “Next‑Gen Warehouse Automation Software for Ecommerce: Fulfillment Efficiency”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses shipping software?
Shipping software has features that can benefit various clients, including individual Sellers, ecommerce brands, retailers, and courier service providers. Feature‑rich software like Cahoot is autonomous and makes highly intelligent and scalable fulfillment and shipping accessible to retailers and brands of all sizes.
What is fulfillment optimization?
Fulfillment optimization is the process of determining the best options for sourcing and order fulfillment, which results in more efficient use of inventory and reduced costs.
What is a shipping platform?
A shipping platform helps you ship faster and cost‑effectively by organizing orders, offering pre‑negotiated shipping rates, enabling shipping rate comparison, and managing shipping workflow.
Top 8 Amazon 3PL Shipping Companies for Reliable Fulfillment
In this article
12 minutes
- Key Takeaways
- Cahoot: Leading Amazon Fulfillment Partner
- ShipBob: Well-Rounded
- Red Stag Fulfillment: Precision and Reliability
- ShipMonk: Full-Service Fulfillment Solutions
- ShipNetwork: Flexible Logistics Options
- Shipfusion: Tech-Driven Fulfillment Services
- MyFBAPrep: Enterprise-Level Fulfillment
- AMZ Prep: Comprehensive Fulfillment Solutions
- Choosing the Right 3PL Provider for Your Amazon Business
- The Role of Technology in Modern 3PL Services
- Benefits of Using Third-Party Logistics for Amazon Sellers
- How 3PL Providers Enhance Customer Experience
- Cost Management with 3PL Services
- Ensuring Data Security and Privacy with 3PLs
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re an Amazon seller looking to improve your logistics, whether by fully outsourcing fulfillment or keeping some of it in-house, finding the right 3PL provider is essential. This article reviews the top 8 Amazon 3PL shipping companies. You’ll learn about providers that offer faster shipping, reduced costs, and specialized services to meet your fulfillment needs.
Key Takeaways
- Cahoot’s peer-to-peer order fulfillment model allows for faster and more cost-effective logistics, making it ideal for small businesses competing with larger retailers.
- Advanced technology plays a crucial role in optimizing 3PL services, enhancing order accuracy and efficiency while allowing for real-time tracking and management.
- Partnering with a 3PL provider offers significant cost management benefits, as businesses can convert fixed costs to scalable expenses and access transparent pricing models.
Cahoot: Leading Amazon Fulfillment Partner
Cahoot stands out with its innovative peer-to-peer order fulfillment model that leverages merchant-operated warehouses. This approach not only offers faster and more cost-effective fulfillment compared to traditional 3PLs but also allows businesses to tap into unused space at merchant warehouses across the country. This unique model enables Cahoot to provide ultrafast order fulfillment services, making it a game-changer for ecommerce companies. And Cahoot has demonstrated that fulfillment accuracy is unmatched when Sellers fulfill for other Sellers because they care, they “get it”, they understand the complexities and importance of performance metrics and how they impact the livelihoods of online businesses.
Small businesses benefit from Cahoot’s scalable logistics support, allowing them to compete with larger retailers. The platform integrates seamlessly with major ecommerce marketplaces and shopping carts such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and BigCommerce, making order fulfillment more efficient. Cahoot also provides nationwide 1-day and 2-day shipping through its network of over 100 fulfillment centers, enabling merchants to meet high consumer expectations.
Furthermore, Cahoot’s participation in Amazon’s Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) Program sets it apart. Partnering with Cahoot allows merchants to meet Amazon’s stringent SFP requirements, such as same-day fulfillment and weekend shipping. The advanced fulfillment technology and software provided by Cahoot enhance order accuracy, provide real-time visibility, and reduce operational costs, ensuring a smoother and more efficient fulfillment process. And with Cahoot, merchants can participate as a fulfillment warehouse from their own location, adding and removing Cahoot locations as needs change; not the case with any other 3PL.
Cahoot also supports all the expected additional services such as FBA prep, inventory barcoding and bundling, B2B fulfillment, returns management, and distribution services, among others. With exceptional customer support ratings and awards and hundreds of 5-star reviews across all the major customer confidence sites like G2, Google, Trustpilot, even Shopify and Amazon app stores, Cahoot is one of the leaders in warehousing and streamlined fulfillment services.
ShipBob: Well-Rounded
ShipBob is a solid choice for Amazon fulfillment, providing a range of services tailored for Amazon Sellers. They offer FBA prep services, which help businesses navigate Amazon’s specific requirements. Their pricing model is flexible enough to accommodate the diverse needs of Amazon businesses.
ShipBob employs advanced technology to support efficient order fulfillment and inventory management, making logistics operations straightforward. Their customer service is accessible through phone, email, and chat, providing support for logistical needs.
Overall, ShipBob is a dependable fulfillment partner for Amazon Sellers, focusing on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency without overpromising. They offer reliable services that can help streamline your logistics processes.
Red Stag Fulfillment: Precision and Reliability
Red Stag Fulfillment is a reputable choice known for its dedication to delivering precise and reliable order fulfillment, warehousing, and shipping solutions. Their pricing structure is designed to be straightforward, ensuring clients only pay for the services they actually use, which makes it a sensible option for businesses conscious of costs. While their promise of 100% order accuracy and zero loss or damage is commendable, it’s important to remember that no system is entirely foolproof.
A notable aspect of Red Stag Fulfillment is their capability to handle bulky or oversized items, which can be a significant advantage for businesses with unique logistical challenges. They offer a supportive onboarding process, helping new clients transition smoothly and establishing a fulfillment process that aligns with their specific needs.
Red Stag Fulfillment’s emphasis on precision and reliability contributes to a positive customer experience and helps streamline the fulfillment process at their centers. While they set high standards in logistics, businesses should evaluate whether their specific offerings align with their unique requirements and expectations.
ShipMonk: Full-Service Fulfillment Solutions
ShipMonk brings a variety of fulfillment services to the table, including order fulfillment, FBA prep services, and support for the Seller Fulfilled Prime program. Their pricing model is designed with Amazon Sellers in mind, aiming to provide cost-effective solutions that align with business operations.
A notable feature of ShipMonk is its swift order processing. This efficiency helps in getting orders to customers promptly, which can enhance the shopping experience. This efficiency, combined with its comprehensive fulfillment solutions, makes ShipMonk a formidable partner for ecommerce businesses looking to streamline their logistics operations.
ShipNetwork: Flexible Logistics Options
ShipNetwork offers logistics options that are adaptable to the specific needs of Amazon Sellers. Their services, which include inventory management and order shipment, are a good choice for maintaining smooth logistics and fulfillment operations. They provide customer support through various channels like phone, email, and online case submission, which can be handy when you need assistance.
One of ShipNetwork’s interesting offerings is their customized packaging solutions. These can help maintain brand identity during fulfillment, adding a personalized touch to orders. With such flexible and customer-focused services, ShipNetwork stands out as a versatile logistics partner.
Shipfusion: Tech-Driven Fulfillment Services
Shipfusion is a tech-oriented 3PL provider offering end-to-end fulfillment services, mainly for high-volume ecommerce and wholesale businesses. With locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Toronto, they provide specialized storage solutions, including temperature-controlled and cold-chain shipping, to accommodate diverse product needs. Shipfusion’s software allows for real-time tracking and management, adding a layer of control over fulfillment operations. This technology-driven approach ensures efficient and reliable operations in order fulfillment.
MyFBAPrep: Enterprise-Level Fulfillment
MyFBAPrep caters to large brands with its enterprise-level logistics services. Their extensive network of warehouses facilitates efficient distribution, aiming to position inventory for quick delivery. This setup can help reduce shipping times and costs, a crucial factor in maintaining strong margins.
Their integration with Amazon’s FBA program is a plus, as it allows Sellers to leverage Amazon’s extensive fulfillment network while maintaining control over their inventory and logistics processes through an FBA prep service and consolidated inventory visibility.
AMZ Prep: Comprehensive Fulfillment Solutions
AMZ Prep is a tech-enabled 3PL provider offering services like inventory management, warehousing, order processing, and shipping. Their solutions are crafted to be efficient and affordable while providing comprehensive solutions that cater to the diverse needs of ecommerce businesses. Their reliability makes them a valuable partner for brands aiming to optimize logistics strategies.
Choosing the Right 3PL Provider for Your Amazon Business
Selecting the right 3PL provider is a critical decision for any Amazon business. Choosing a provider with a long-term vision is crucial for overcoming current logistics challenges and preparing for future growth. Ecommerce companies should begin by analyzing their reasons for needing a 3PL, such as operational challenges or business structure changes.
Cost-efficiency plays a significant role in this decision. Businesses should seek providers offering efficient operations without hidden fees that could inflate costs. Evaluating the global reach of a 3PL is also important for powering international expansion, making advanced technology a central consideration. Providers using state-of-the-art technology can optimize logistics operations through automation, offering scalable solutions that grow with your business. This blend of cost-efficiency, global reach, and advanced technology will ensure that your chosen 3PL provider can meet your evolving needs.
The Role of Technology in Modern 3PL Services
In the modern 3PL, technology plays a pivotal role in 3PL services. Quality 3PL providers invest in advanced technology systems, and the best are proprietary warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS), that improve their competitive edge. These systems enhance order accuracy, optimize resource use, and reduce operational costs through automation and data capabilities. The savings get passed onto their clients.
Cloud-based WMS integrates with existing technologies, offering comprehensive visibility across the supply chain. This integration enables real-time data tracking, minimizes errors, and accelerates processes, allowing teams to focus on core tasks. Employing technology for warehousing and inventory management helps businesses reduce overstocking and related costs, boosting overall efficiency.
AI and ML are transforming 3PL operations by enabling smarter inventory management and route optimization. These technologies allow for predictive analytics, helping businesses anticipate demand and streamline their logistics operations. Technology’s role in 3PL services drives efficiency and innovation in the industry.
Benefits of Using Third-Party Logistics for Amazon Sellers
Collaborating with a third-party logistics provider offers numerous benefits for Amazon Sellers. Optimizing logistics operations leads to significant cost savings and improved customer service. Cahoot and ShipBob, for instance, use a nationwide network of fulfillment centers to minimize shipping times and costs, creating an exceptional customer experience.
Quick preparation times are another advantage, with some providers ensuring items are ready for fulfillment within 24 to 72 hours, and more modern solutions providing same-day fulfillment late into the day. This speed is crucial in supporting high customer satisfaction and loyalty. Likewise, automation in the picking, packing, and shipping workflow improves delivery speed and accuracy.
3PL providers also offer specialized services like kitting, subscription box fulfillment, and comprehensive returns management. These value-added services enable businesses to focus on core competencies while the 3PL manages logistics complexities, making them indispensable to ecommerce Sellers.
How 3PL Providers Enhance Customer Experience
Enhancing customer experience is a primary goal for any ecommerce business, and 3PL providers play a crucial role in achieving this. Reliable logistics providers can achieve on-time delivery rates above 97%, significantly improving customer trust and satisfaction. High order accuracy rates of 99.9%+ ensure customers receive exactly what they ordered, reducing returns and complaints.
Personalized and dedicated support from account specialists enhances customer service, making it easier to resolve issues efficiently. Effective returns management simplifies the process for customers, encouraging repeat business and loyalty. Real-time tracking and automated notifications keep customers informed about their order status, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
3PL providers also offer customized fulfillment service options, including a variety of shipping methods, ensuring that customer expectations are not just met but exceeded. By focusing on these elements, 3PL providers don’t just improve customer satisfaction – they build lasting relationships that turn shoppers into loyal fans.
Cost Management with 3PL Services
Running a successful Amazon business means keeping a keen eye on costs, and partnering with a 3PL provider can be a game-changer in this area. These providers offer a flexible cost model, allowing you to pay only for the services and space you actually use. This means you can turn fixed costs into scalable expenses, giving you the agility to adapt to changing demands effortlessly.
When it comes to shipping, negotiating costs with your 3PL can lead to significant savings, as shipping often takes a big bite out of your logistics budget. Ask for discounts on inbound container shipping, and make sure there are no hidden fees lurking in the shadows, allowing you to plan your budget with confidence.
Regular performance reviews with your 3PL ensure they are hitting those efficiency and cost-saving targets. Plus, consolidating orders into fewer shipments can further lower your shipping costs. By leveraging these cost management strategies, you can optimize your logistics operations and boost your financial performance.
Ensuring Data Security and Privacy with 3PLs
Data security and privacy are paramount when working with third-party logistics providers. Defining clear data access limits and implementing robust security measures is vital when negotiating 3PL contracts to protect sensitive information. Contract clauses should specify data ownership, access rights, and security measures such as encryption and incident response protocols.
Regular audits and compliance checks ensure 3PL providers adhere to agreed-upon data security practices. Cahoot, for instance, protects consumer data by ensuring that fulfillment partners only see the minimum information required to fulfill orders, unlike traditional logistics companies.
By prioritizing data security and privacy, businesses can maintain customer trust and protect their valuable information.
Summary
Navigating the world of third-party logistics can be challenging, but selecting the right 3PL provider is essential for the success of your business. From Cahoot’s innovative and high-quality peer-to-peer model to ShipBob’s comprehensive fulfillment services and Red Stag Fulfillment’s precision and reliability, each provider offers unique benefits tailored to different business needs. By understanding the specific strengths and offerings of these top 3PL companies, you can make informed decisions that enhance your logistics operations and drive growth.
Remember, the right 3PL provider not only streamlines your fulfillment process but also significantly impacts customer satisfaction and cost management. Partnering with a reliable and technologically advanced 3PL will be essential to staying competitive and meeting the ever-growing expectations of your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using Cahoot for Amazon fulfillment?
Using Cahoot for Amazon fulfillment provides a cost-effective and reliable solution through its peer-to-peer model, enabling low-cost 1-day and 2-day shipping nationwide, as well as easy integration with major ecommerce platforms and access to Amazon’s Seller Fulfilled Prime program. This positions your business for optimal efficiency and exceptional customer satisfaction.
How does ShipBob support Amazon Sellers?
ShipBob supports Amazon Sellers by offering fulfillment services such as FBA prep, advanced technology for efficient order processing, and dedicated customer support, all aimed at enhancing the logistics experience.
What makes Red Stag Fulfillment unique?
Red Stag Fulfillment stands out due to its expertise in managing bulky or oversized items, its commitment to 100% order accuracy with no shrinkage, and the dedicated onboarding support it provides, catering effectively to businesses with specific logistical demands.
How does technology enhance 3PL services?
Technology significantly enhances 3PL services by improving order accuracy, optimizing resource utilization, and reducing operational costs. Utilizing advanced systems such as WMS and TMS, alongside AI and machine learning, facilitates real-time data tracking and smarter inventory management.
What should businesses consider when choosing a 3PL provider?
When choosing a 3PL provider, businesses must prioritize the provider’s long-term vision, cost-efficiency, global reach, advanced technology, and scalable solutions. These factors are essential for meeting evolving logistics needs effectively.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

How To Offer Free Shipping on Your Ecommerce Store & Still Make a Profit
In this article
3 minutes
- Top 12 Shipping Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
- Top 5 Pricing Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
- Top 8 Marketing Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
- Top 7 Supply Chain Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
- Top 7 Returns Optimization Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
For any online Seller wanting to get ahead of the pack, offering fast and free shipping is a must. But shipping is not really free, is it? And it can creep into your margins. We have created THE ultimate guide on how to offer free shipping and still make a profit. Keep reading to learn nearly 40 proven ways you can offer free shipping profitably and radically improve your bottom line.
Top 12 Shipping Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
Free shipping has evolved from a bonus perk to an expectation among online shoppers. But for businesses, it presents a major challenge—how do you cover shipping costs without eating into your profit margins? The answer lies in smart logistics and strategic planning. By negotiating better rates, optimizing fulfillment processes, and leveraging hybrid shipping solutions, you can offer free shipping while still protecting your bottom line. This guide explores strategic shipping best practices for turning free shipping from a costly obligation into a competitive advantage, ensuring both customer satisfaction and long-term business sustainability.
Read more.
Top 5 Pricing Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
Pricing plays a critical role in both conversion rates and profitability, and when it comes to free shipping, it’s essential to strike the right balance. Simply absorbing shipping costs without adjusting your pricing model can lead to financial strain. Instead, businesses need to strategically incorporate shipping expenses into their pricing structure—whether through slight price adjustments, minimum order thresholds, or dynamic pricing models. This article breaks down five proven pricing strategies that help businesses recover shipping costs while remaining competitive, ensuring that free shipping enhances rather than erodes profitability.
Read more.
Top 8 Marketing Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
Free shipping is a powerful marketing tool that can boost conversions, build customer loyalty, and increase average order value. However, if not executed strategically, it can also lead to shrinking margins. The key is to use free shipping as a lever to drive sales, whether through limited-time promotions, loyalty programs, or strategic bundling. This article explores eight marketing strategies that not only make free shipping sustainable but also turn it into a growth engine for your business. If you’re looking for ways to attract customers and keep them coming back without compromising profitability, this is the guide for you.
Read more.
Top 7 Supply Chain Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
Behind every successful free shipping program is a well-optimized supply chain. Whether it’s managing inventory more efficiently, leveraging regional fulfillment centers, or adopting dropshipping as part of your operating model, businesses that refine their logistics can reduce costs and make free shipping a feasible, profitable option. This guide takes a deep dive into seven key supply chain strategies that help ecommerce sellers minimize expenses while still offering fast and affordable shipping. If you want to turn free shipping from a financial drain into a business advantage, these supply chain optimizations are a must-read.
Read more.
Top 7 Returns Optimization Strategies For Making Free Shipping Profitable
Returns are a natural part of ecommerce, but without the right strategy, they can quickly become a financial burden. The good news is that returns optimization can help businesses reduce unnecessary refunds, streamline reverse logistics, and even recover revenue. Whether it’s improving product descriptions to prevent returns, offering in-store drop-offs, or leveraging ecommerce programs, this guide outlines seven actionable strategies that make free shipping sustainable by keeping your returns program cost-effective. If returns are eating into your margins, these strategies will help you regain control.
Read more.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Amazon FBA vs 3PL Cost: Which Is More Affordable for Your Business?
Understanding whether Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or a 3PL is more affordable can help inform how you run your ecommerce business. By examining the cost structures of Amazon FBA vs a 3PL using the real-life situation puts the pros and cons of each in context. This article provides a straightforward cost comparison of both options, breaking down key expenses to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon FBA offers convenience but comes with various fees, including fulfillment, storage, and additional costs that can be challenging to manage for small businesses, especially in the critical peak holiday season.
- 3PL providers offer flexible pricing and storage solutions, allowing for better cost management and customization, which can lead to significant savings and reduced operational costs.
- The choice between Amazon FBA and 3PL depends on business size, control over branding and the customer relationship, international shipping needs, and the specific demands of the marketplace.
Understanding Amazon FBA Costs
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a popular choice for many ecommerce businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes storage, picking, packing, shipping, and even customer service. However, these conveniences come with a variety of fees that can be challenging to predict, particularly for small businesses or those with low-margin products. Understanding the key cost components (separate from the referral fees that are paid regardless of who is fulfilling the order) is essential for making an informed decision.
Fulfillment Fees
Fulfillment fees are one of the primary costs associated with Amazon FBA. These fees are calculated based on the size and weight of each product, with tiered pricing. This means that larger or heavier items will incur higher fees, which can impact your profit margins as they change through the tiers, especially if you’re selling bulky goods. The ability to manage costs effectively is job numero uno for any business owner, so many Sellers use Amazon’s Revenue Calculator to predict their expenses and plan accordingly.
One advantage of Amazon FBA’s fulfillment service is its low level of accessibility that allows even brand new businesses to compete. Outsourcing fulfillment to Amazon allows businesses to concentrate on startup operations, expanding sales channels, and improving customer satisfaction, with the assurance that orders are managed efficiently.
Despite the higher fees in some cases, the potential for quick and efficient shipping costs can be a strong motivator for many ecommerce businesses.
Storage Fees
Storage fees for Amazon FBA are another critical cost to consider. These fees are charged monthly based on the volume of inventory stored at Amazon’s fulfillment centers at the end of each month. The rates can fluctuate significantly, ranging from $0.78 to $4.28 per cubic foot, depending on the size of the product, the seasonal period, and how long the items have been in storage.
And it’s essential to be aware of long-term storage fees, (aka ‘Aged Inventory Surcharges’), which apply to inventory held for over 180 days. These storage fees can range from $0.50 to $6.90 per cubic foot, depending on the age of the inventory.
Additionally, Amazon imposes storage limits and surcharges for aged inventory to encourage timely turnover. For businesses with slow-moving products, these additional charges can add up quickly, making it crucial to manage inventory levels very carefully.
Additional Fees
In addition to basic fulfillment and storage fees, Amazon FBA has several extra costs that can surprise businesses. Examples include removal fees for unsold inventory, disposal fees per unit, and returns processing fees. These additional fees can vary based on the weight and size of the products, as well as the specific services required.
Amazon also imposes charges for necessary unplanned services they perform on a Seller’s behalf, such as labeling items that arrive without the required FNSKUs, distributing inventory across multiple warehouses (placement fees) to ensure high probability of on-time delivery to customers, inbound defect fees, among others.
By being mindful of these potential fees and ensuring that they are only billed for necessary services and storage space, businesses can better control their overall fulfillment costs.
Analyzing 3PL Cost Structure
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer an alternative to Amazon FBA, with a different approach to cost structures and services. A primary advantage of 3PL providers is their increased flexibility and control over the supply chain. These providers often offer competitive pricing and flexible terms, which can help businesses manage their fulfillment costs more effectively.
Examining Transparent Pricing, Flexible Storage Fees, and Value-Added Services reveals how 3PLs can benefit your ecommerce business.
Transparent Pricing
One of the significant benefits of working with 3PL providers is their transparent pricing models. Unlike Amazon FBA’s fixed costs, 3PLs typically offer customizable logistics solutions that can be tailored to a business’s specific needs. This flexibility allows businesses to negotiate contracts and optimize costs based on their unique requirements.
Specialized 3PL providers often offer even more transparent and flexible pricing structures, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses that need them.
Flexible Storage Fees
When it comes to storage fees, 3PL providers often have an edge over Amazon FBA due to their flexibility. They can offer personalized services that accommodate varying business sizes and seasonal demands, making it easier for businesses to manage their inventory effectively. 3PL providers can offer lower storage fees that are not punitive like FBA’s, which is particularly beneficial for long-term warehousing. This flexibility can lead to cost savings, especially for businesses with large or slow-moving inventory.
Moreover, similar to FBA, 3PLs utilize advanced technology and analytics to enhance inventory control, which helps in predicting inventory needs and preventing overstocking. This can significantly reduce storage expenses and improve overall cost management.
Offering real-time visibility into stock levels and specialty storage solutions such as climate-controlled storage, and storage for fragile items, 3PLs help businesses maintain optimal inventory levels in their ideal environments without excessive costs.
Value-Added Services
3PL providers also offer numerous value-added services that can enhance the overall efficiency of a business’s supply chain. These services include things like custom packaging, custom inserts such as thank you notes or requests for customer reviews, and supply chain management solutions. These customizable services enable 3PLs to optimize logistics operations and create significant value for businesses.
Additionally, 3PL providers support business scalability by allowing flexibility and adaptability during periods of growth.
Comparing Fulfillment Costs: Amazon FBA vs. 3PL
Having a clear understanding of the cost structures of Amazon FBA and 3PL providers allows for a direct comparison of these two options. The comparison will focus on Order Fulfillment Costs, Inventory Storage Costs, and Hidden Costs, helping you determine which option is more affordable for your business.
Order Fulfillment Costs
When it comes to order fulfillment costs, Amazon FBA offers a cost estimator tool that helps Sellers forecast their expenses based on usage. The predictable nature of the fixed pricing model can benefit small businesses in particular by allowing them to manage costs with some level of certainty. Leveraging Amazon’s vast network of warehouses, businesses can achieve quick and efficient shipping, which is crucial for Prime customer satisfaction.
On the other hand, 3PL providers offer various pricing models, including all-in rates and transactional pricing, to suit different client needs. These flexible pricing structures can be more cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating order volumes, diverse product catalogs, or items with complex fulfillment requirements.
A company handling peak season orders efficiently can easily manage a 15-fold increase in volume using 3PL services, especially when taking advantage of Amazon’s Order Handling Capacity automations. This flexibility enables businesses at any stage to scale operations and fulfillment processes without prohibitive costs, making 3PL a viable option for many types of Sellers.
Inventory Storage Costs
Inventory storage costs can vary significantly between Amazon FBA and 3PL providers. Amazon’s storage fees vary based on inventory volume and time of year, with higher rates during peak seasons. Additionally, an aged inventory surcharge is applied if items are stored for over 180 days, which can wildly impact margins and profitability. Watch out if your products are big and bulky which are penalized and accrue at an even higher rate.
In contrast, 3PL providers often offer more flexible and lower storage fees, particularly beneficial for businesses with large or long-term inventory needs. Advanced analytics and real-time visibility into stock levels allow 3PLs to help businesses manage inventory more efficiently and reduce storage expenses. In addition, the ability to procure more inventory at more favorable prices and not be penalized with aged inventory surcharges can mean a stronger bottom line.
Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can naturally impact the overall affordability of using Amazon FBA. FBA Sellers may face unplanned costs for inventory removal, automatic approval of returns and the resulting processing fees, and other unplanned service fees, which Amazon determines at their discretion and can add up over time. These unexpected fees can make it challenging for businesses to maintain profitability, especially those with lower margins.
In contrast, 3PL providers often offer clearer communication of pricing structures and flexible opt-in operational solutions, helping businesses avoid hidden costs and ensuring they understand potential expenses upfront. Sellers using 3PLs also control their customer service experience and define their own returns policies (within Amazon’s well-known guidelines). This transparency can lead to better cost management and improved profit margins.
Cost Savings Strategies with 3PL Providers
Choosing the right fulfillment partner can lead to substantial cost savings and enhanced profit margins. Fulfillment providers offer several strategies to help businesses reduce operational expenses, including negotiating contracts, optimizing inventory management, and leveraging multi-channel fulfillment.
Implementing these strategies enables businesses to optimize their supply chain, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve significant cost savings.
Negotiating Contracts
Negotiating 3PL contract terms can help businesses secure better pricing and service standards aligned with their objectives. Regular discussions with your 3PL partner can uncover new cost-saving opportunities and ensure favorable contract terms.
This proactive approach can lead to substantial cost savings and more effective fulfillment services, ultimately enhancing overall profitability.
Optimizing Inventory Management
Effective and flexible inventory management is key to containing costs and growing market share. Outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL provider allows businesses to streamline the process, reducing operational costs and enhancing efficiency. For example, 3PLs that offer deeper supply chain support can put more of the end-to-end work under one roof, allowing for improved inventory procurement and management. High-quality and efficient fulfillment strategies can drive repeat purchases and increase revenue.
Leveraging Multi-Channel Fulfillment
Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) service uses the FBA network and inventory to fulfill orders from non-Amazon channels. There are several challenges to the MCF program, from fulfillment fees that are 2.5 – 3X higher than FBA, to having lower priority than FBA (Amazon.com) orders, to shared inventory storage limits. There is a solution to the latter problem, but an expensive one. Amazon’s Capacity Manager enables Sellers to essentially bid for extra storage space. you can tell Amazon how much extra space you need and when, and how much you’re willing to pay for it (this “reservation fee” is separate from standard storage fees). So, you can get more space to cover both your FBA and MCF orders, but you’re competing with other Sellers for the space, and you have no idea what the going rate is at any given time. So if you need it, you’re going to have to bid high or it will go to someone else.
3PL capabilities for multi-channel fulfillment are much more flexible and encourage businesses to support and manage operations across various ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, B2B channels, etc., enhancing reach and flexibility. Integrating with multiple sales channels, including custom platforms, allows 3PL providers to maintain high order fulfillment efficiency, (treating all orders as important), and facilitate returns processing. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and better overall business performance, ultimately driving long-term revenue growth.
Impact on Profit Margins
Fulfillment costs (including shipping) are central to determining a business’s operational profit margin. Higher costs can significantly reduce profitability, so choosing the right fulfillment process and strategy is essential.
Both Amazon FBA and 3PL providers offer unique advantages that can impact cost efficiency and revenue growth, depending on the specific needs of the business.
Cost Efficiency
Cost efficiency is a significant factor in maintaining healthy profit margins. Optimizing supply chain processes and ensuring quick and efficient shipping help businesses achieve significant cost savings and improve overall profitability. By way of example, one Cahoot client reported a 30% reduction in fulfillment costs after transitioning to the fulfillment provider, from streamlined shipping expenses.
Revenue Growth
Effective fulfillment strategies can greatly influence revenue growth by enhancing customer satisfaction. A notable case involved a Cahoot client that grew 90% year over year in their first year with the new provider, AND saved 40 labor hours per week. Focusing on quick and efficient shipping drives repeat purchases and fosters long-term revenue growth.
Key Factors Influencing Your Decision
The choice between Amazon FBA and 3PL hinges on a business’s specific needs and objectives. Factors such as Business Size and Order Volume, Brand Control and Customization, and International Shipping Needs all play a unique role in making this decision.
Considering these factors helps businesses select the fulfillment strategy that best aligns with their goals and resources.
Business Size and Order Volume
Higher sales volumes often make Amazon FBA a more appealing choice due to its efficiency in handling large orders. However, 3PL providers offer more tailored solutions for businesses with unique inventory management requirements or seasonal fluctuations in sales.
Considering their specific needs allows businesses to choose the fulfillment center option that best suits their order volume and operational demands.
Brand Control and Customization
Brand control and customization are critical for businesses looking to establish a unique identity and enhance the customer experience. Unlike Amazon FBA, which limits branding options, 3PL providers offer extensive customization capabilities, including branded packaging and personalized unboxing experiences. This control can significantly impact customer relationships and loyalty, with over 50% of online shoppers likely to return due to positive packaging experiences.
Businesses prioritizing brand experience may find choosing a 3PL provider advantageous. 3PLs allow the use of custom packaging, inserts (e.g. handwritten notes, coupons for future purchases), and shipping materials, providing greater control over customer interactions and enhancing the overall brand experience. This emphasis on brand customization not only improves brand recognition but also fosters customer loyalty.
International Shipping Needs
International shipping is essential for businesses looking to expand their reach and serve customers globally. Amazon FBA provides integrated international shipping options, making it easier for Sellers to manage shipments and comply with customs regulations.
However, 3PL providers offer customizable international shipping solutions, (e.g. delivered with duties paid or unpaid, wider carrier selection, etc.), that can provide greater flexibility and might be more cost-effective based on specific shipping needs. Evaluating international shipping requirements helps businesses choose the fulfillment option that best supports their global expansion goals.
Summary
Both Amazon FBA and 3PL providers offer unique advantages and cost structures that can benefit ecommerce businesses in different ways. Amazon FBA provides seamless integration with Amazon’s vast customer base, quick and efficient shipping, and comprehensive (overly customer-centric) customer service. On the other hand, 3PL providers offer flexible pricing, customizable services, and greater control over the supply chain and the customer relationship. By carefully considering factors such as business size, order volume, brand control, and international shipping needs, businesses can make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and resources. Choose the fulfillment strategy that best supports your growth and profitability, and watch your business thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main costs associated with Amazon FBA?
The main costs associated with Amazon FBA are fulfillment fees, storage fees (including aged inventory surcharges), and any extra charges for removal or disposal of inventory, inventory prep such as barcoding, placement fees, inbound defect fees, and possibly others. Make sure to factor these into your pricing strategy!
How do 3PL providers offer transparent pricing?
3PL providers ensure transparent pricing by offering customizable logistics solutions and engaging in contract negotiations, which allows for clear and flexible pricing options. This way, you know exactly what you’re paying for and can budget accordingly.
What strategies can businesses use to save costs with 3PL providers?
To save costs with 3PL providers, focus on negotiating better contracts and optimizing your inventory management. Also, consider leveraging multi-channel fulfillment and inventory sourcing to streamline operations and reduce expenses by putting everything under one roof.
How do fulfillment costs impact profit margins?
Fulfillment costs (including shipping) can really eat into your profit margins, so keeping them low is essential for maintaining profitability. The more you spend on fulfillment, the less you ultimately make.
What factors should businesses consider when choosing between Amazon FBA and 3PL?
When deciding between Amazon FBA and 3PL, think about your business size, order volume, and how much control you want over your brand and shipping process. These factors will help you choose the best option for your needs.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Top 7 Best 3PL Companies for Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime in 2025
In this article
21 minutes
- Key Takeaways
- Understanding Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime
- Leading 3PL Companies for Seller Fulfilled Prime
- In-Depth Comparison of 7 Top SFP 3PL Providers
- Key Features to Look for in a 3PL Company
- The Role of Customer Service in 3PLs
- Advanced Fulfillment Solutions
- Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Success
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for the best 3PL companies to handle your Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime logistics? This article ranks the top 7 providers for 2025, highlighting their services and key features to help you make the right choice.
Key Takeaways
- Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer essential services like order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping, enabling ecommerce businesses to save time and costs while improving efficiency.
- Choosing the right 3PL provider involves evaluating their capabilities, their pricing transparency, and their ability to exceed the Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime performance metrics requirements.
- Key features of top 3PL companies include advanced technology for real-time inventory management, strong customer service, and a robust partner network that optimizes logistics and enhances customer satisfaction.
Understanding Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime
Amazon’s Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) program gives businesses a chance to combine the perks of Prime eligibility with the freedom to handle their own shipping. Introduced in the mid-2010s and revamped in 2023, SFP allows Sellers to ship directly from their warehouses or through trusted third-party logistics (3PL) providers, all while showcasing the coveted Prime badge.
This program is an excellent fit for Sellers who can meet Amazon’s tough delivery standards and want to avoid some of the restrictions and costs of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). By joining SFP, businesses gain access to millions of loyal Prime members, making it a potentially game-changing opportunity.
How Seller Fulfilled Prime Works
At its core, SFP puts Sellers in charge of the entire fulfillment process—from storage to shipping. This control comes with significant responsibilities, particularly when it comes to delivery speed. Sellers are expected to:
- Offer nationwide one-day delivery for at least 30% of their standard-size product page views, and two-day delivery for 70% of product page views.
- Meet delivery speed goals of 10% one-day page views and 45% two-day page views for oversized items. Offers for oversized items may use regional shipping templates (as opposed to the nationwide coverage requirement for standard-size products).
- Ensure extra-large products can be shipped with at least 15% of page views meeting the two-day delivery promise. Offers for extra-large items may use regional shipping templates.
Note that page view metrics must be met regardless of whether or not a purchase was made, and this simply means that the estimated delivery date displayed to the customer on your listing page was either 1 or 2 days from today if the view was before 2pm local time, or 1 or 2 days from tomorrow if the view was after 2pm local time. Amazon fully controls page views, it is out of a Seller’s hands.
To meet these expectations profitably, businesses need a well-oiled logistics setup, often involving multiple warehouses and a streamlined shipping process that ensures same-day shipping including carrier origin scans.
Program Requirements and Performance Metrics
Amazon holds SFP participants to high standards. The key metrics that Sellers must consistently meet include:
- On-Time Delivery Rate: At least 93.5% of orders should arrive as promised.
- Valid Tracking Rate: A minimum of 99% of shipments must include accurate tracking numbers using authorized carriers.
- Cancellation Rate: Sellers need to keep pre-fulfillment cancellations below 0.5%. This means no overselling which Amazon considers a bad experience.
New Sellers go through a 3-month trial, during which they must fulfill at least 100 Prime orders while meeting these benchmarks. Falling short can lead to warnings, suspension of Prime eligibility, or even removal from the program. Sellers who are removed can reapply after completing a fresh trial period.
Pros and Cons of Seller Fulfilled Prime
The SFP program offers compelling advantages. Products with the Prime badge often see a boost in visibility and sales, with some businesses reporting significant growth. Sellers also have more control over their inventory and branding, which allows for custom packaging and better alignment with their overall business strategy. By avoiding Amazon’s storage fees, especially in the punitive 4th quarter peak holiday season, they may also save substantially on costs.
However, SFP is not without its challenges. Sellers must invest heavily in logistics infrastructure and technology, especially if they need to cover nationwide delivery. Meeting Amazon’s high standards consistently requires operational excellence, and shipping costs can add up, particularly for larger or expedited orders.
The Role of 3PLs in Supporting SFP
Third-party logistics providers play a critical role in helping businesses succeed with SFP. The right 3PL partner offers the expertise, tools, and infrastructure necessary to meet Amazon’s stringent requirements. Important traits of a reliable 3PL include:
- Cutting-edge technology: Systems that support real-time inventory tracking, multi-warehouse management, and seamless integration with Amazon’s platform.
- Tailored solutions: Customized fulfillment strategies for unique products like oversized items or goods that need special handling.
- Strong shipping partnerships: Relationships with reliable carriers to ensure timely pickups origin scans, and deliveries.
- Deep understanding of Amazon policies: Knowledgeable support to help Sellers stay compliant with SFP requirements.
Companies like Cahoot, ShipMonk, and Ware2Go are well-regarded for their ability to support SFP Sellers. They provide essential services, including automated order routing and advanced tracking tools, to help businesses consistently hit their performance goals.
Leading 3PL Companies for Seller Fulfilled Prime
A third-party logistics provider can be transformative for growing ecommerce businesses. These 3PL companies offer a myriad of benefits, including time, energy, and cost savings. Moreover, they provide access to shipping discounts, data analytics, and affordable warehousing solutions, which are indispensable for scaling operations. Ecommerce businesses can focus more on their core activities while ensuring seamless logistics management by tapping into the infrastructure and expertise of a third-party logistics company.
However, with numerous third-party logistics companies in the market, ecommerce businesses often grapple with determining the best fit for their specific needs. 3PL companies provide a range of services such as order fulfillment, inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping, making them an integral part of the ecommerce ecosystem.
A 3PL partnership allows merchants to automate fulfillment processes, enhance efficiency, and deliver a superior customer experience.
In-Depth Comparison of 7 Top SFP 3PL Providers
Selecting the right 3PL provider necessitates a thorough comparison of their capabilities, services, and network reach. The top 7 3PL companies for Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime in 2025 have been selected based on their ability to meet stringent SFP requirements, provide efficient logistics services, and support business growth.
These top providers leverage a global network of fulfillment centers and supply chains, enabling strategic inventory placement for faster and cost-effective shipping. Having multiple warehouses allows inventory to be stored closer to customers, significantly enhancing delivery speed and reducing shipping costs. There’s no way to participate in nationwide Seller Fulfilled Prime without an efficient distributed inventory solution that minimizes final mile costs by shipping using economical Ground services. A minimum of 4 locations is required to support SFP, but realistically, 6 locations is what will achieve > 90% of 1 and 2-day shipping using Ground. There will always be some expensive air shipping required to deliver orders on time, but above 6 locations, we start to see diminishing returns on the additional investment in inventory (capital) and inventory management (time).
This section will dig into the unique offerings of each provider, helping you understand which third-party logistics company aligns best with your business needs.
Cahoot
Cahoot operates a peer-to-peer fulfillment network, specifically designed to meet the rigorous requirements of Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime. This innovative model allows for efficient sharing of fulfillment resources among partners within the network, optimizing logistics operations and reducing costs. Cahoot ensures compliance with Amazon SFP standards, making it a reliable choice for ecommerce businesses seeking to enhance their fulfillment processes. And, if you already have a trusted 3PL that can support SFP but just doesn’t have enough locations to support it profitably using Ground shipping, Cahoot is the only solution that will allow you to BYO3PL (Bring Your Own 3PL). We can onboard your 3PL seamlessly into the network to fulfill orders in the regions that they can support.
Partnering with Cahoot not only guarantees adherence to Amazon’s stringent criteria but also provides ecommerce merchants with the tools and infrastructure needed to streamline their logistics operations across all sales channels under one roof, so to speak. And flexible features, such as supporting branded packaging, are attractive benefits. This makes Cahoot an attractive option for businesses of just about any size.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a well-known service that allows marketplace Sellers to ship products as they are sold, leveraging Amazon’s extensive network of fulfillment centers. While FBA is primarily focused on Amazon’s platform, it also supports some other ecommerce channels under the Multi-Channel Fulfillment program, making it a versatile option for Sellers.
One of the key benefits of FBA is its support for Seller Fulfilled Prime, enabling marketplace Sellers to flag their listings for Prime two-day free delivery without being bound by FBA’s limitations. This flexibility allows Sellers to maintain control over their logistics while still providing the fast shipping options that Prime customers expect.
Ware2Go
Ware2Go offers a flexible and scalable fulfillment network designed to adapt to changing market demands. This agility makes it an excellent choice for ecommerce businesses looking to efficiently manage their logistics operations and meet customer expectations in a dynamic market environment. As a UPS company, however, be aware that the flexibility to ship using more economical services is not supported.
Staci Americas
Staci Americas supports Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime, providing real-time success insights through an easy-to-use web portal that displays order status, inventory, trend reports, and metrics. This transparency helps ecommerce businesses track their fulfillment performance and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, Staci Americas allows items to be shipped in the Seller’s branded box, enhancing brand visibility and customer experience.
One significant advantage of Staci Americas is the ability to control costs by paying predictable rates for only the space and services used, unlike FBA, which has high storage costs that can rise during the holidays. Their knowledgeable customer service is available whenever needed, offering a level of support that FBA may not provide.
Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in shipping heavy items that require special handling, catering primarily to small businesses that ship such products. With two warehouse locations in the US, Red Stag ensures efficient logistics operations for its clients, providing targeted support to American ecommerce businesses.
The company utilizes a cloud-based system and integrates with various ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. Custom integrations are also available via an API, enhancing their service offerings.
This combination of specialized services and advanced technology makes Red Stag Fulfillment a valuable partner for businesses with unique shipping needs. However, only having 2 locations limits RSF’s ability to support Seller Fulfilled Prime. Sellers must either only sell items in the Oversize and Extra Large size tiers in those two regions (regional fulfillment), or they must absorb 1 and 2-day air shipping costs to deliver orders for Standard size products to nationwide customers.
Fulfyld
Fulfyld is recognized for its cost-effective ecommerce fulfillment solutions tailored for online merchants. Founded in 2014, Fulfyld has established 8 fulfillment locations in the Southeast United States and integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento), and BigCommerce. Fulfyld meets Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) requirements, however, only having warehouses in the Southeast creates the same problem that Red Stag has. Regardless of how fast and accurately orders can be shipped, Sellers are either limited to selling large and bulky items in the Southeast only (regional fulfillment), or they must absorb 1 and 2-day air shipping costs to deliver Standard size products to nationwide customers.
In addition to its fulfillment services, Fulfyld offers FBA prep services, including quality assurance checks, barcode labeling, bundling and kitting, and various packaging options like poly-bagging and shrink wrapping. These comprehensive fulfillment service options make Fulfyld a good choice for ecommerce businesses looking for efficiency and cost savings.
ShipMonk
ShipMonk provides comprehensive multi-channel fulfillment services designed to streamline operations for ecommerce businesses. One of the notable services offered by ShipMonk is support for Seller Fulfilled Prime, allowing Sellers to manage logistics for this exceptionally rigorous program efficiently.
With an extensive network of fulfillment centers strategically located to ensure fast and efficient Ground shipping across various regions, ShipMonk can meet the demands of modern ecommerce. This makes ShipMonk a reliable partner for businesses looking to enhance their fulfillment capabilities.
Key Features to Look for in a 3PL Company
Identifying the right 3PL provider is essential for ecommerce success, as each company offers unique capabilities tailored to business needs. Most outsourced fulfillment partners can help streamline logistics processes enhancing delivery speed and accuracy, but top 3PL companies offer high-quality customer service, advanced software, and transparent pricing, avoiding hidden fees to allow for better management of your logistics costs.
Benefits of Distributed Inventory and Multi-Warehouse Fulfillment
Utilizing multiple distribution centers can significantly lower shipping expenses and enhance delivery speed to customers. Distributing inventory allows businesses to manage risks better, as alternative fulfillment options are available during emergencies. Amazon doesn’t care if an order is shipped and delivered late because of a snowstorm or other type of weather event. So, distributing inventory ensures that orders can be rerouted and fulfilled from the nearest operating distribution center to the customer.
Faster shipment through distributed inventory also leads to higher customer satisfaction and potentially increased sales. Just because Amazon says an order needs to be delivered in 2 days, doesn’t mean that it can’t be delivered in 1-day with Ground shipping. Shipping and delivering early will delight your customers and keep them coming back.
Intuitive Software and Technology
Intuitive software and technology play a vital role within the logistics industry to aid in the successful management of inventory including placement and replenishment. To support Seller Fulfilled Prime using distributed inventory, advanced order routing is required to ensure that all orders are assigned to the cheapest warehouse to fulfill and ship based on real-time rate shopping across all carriers and services. Also, easy-to-use software that natively integrates with leading ecommerce platforms and marketplaces ensures that products are correctly listed across channels and that orders make it into the fulfillment queue so they can be fulfilled accurately and on time, every time. Features like real-time updates to and from sales channels allow businesses to respond promptly to changes in inventory, shipping status, cancellations, and returns, and enable shipping and delivery confirmation messaging which adds to the overall user experience.
Advanced 3PL software makes it easy to create inbound work orders, create discounted parcel shipping labels for the inbounds, or schedule LTL or FTL pickups, container drop-offs, etc. They also provide in-depth management, data analytics, and an easy-to-understand interface for effective order management. Automated inventory management systems help reduce manual errors and enhance operational efficiency, making them indispensable tools for ecommerce businesses.
Strong Partner Network
A robust partner network enhances logistics flexibility and efficiency, enabling 3PLs to provide specialized services and innovative solutions tailored to client requirements. This network allows 3PL providers to offer a wide range of services, from warehousing solutions to freight forwarding (import/export), ensuring comprehensive logistics support.
Cahoot and Staci Americas, for instance, provide tailored solutions for Seller Fulfilled Prime, enhancing support for merchants engaged in Amazon’s fulfillment program. This kind of specialized support is a testament to the value of a strong partner network in meeting the diverse needs of ecommerce businesses.
Competitive Shipping Discounts
3PL companies often negotiate much better shipping rates than an ecommerce business can by aggregating their volume, sometimes including freight volume. This allows them to pass on the benefits of reduced costs to merchants, enhancing overall logistics cost efficiency. These negotiated shipping discounts can improve margins substantially, making these top 3PLs attractive ecommerce partners.
For example, Red Stag Fulfillment offers shipping discounts for various carriers, particularly for oversized items. Cahoot has multiple rate cards across carriers and services to optimize shipping cost for certain sizes going to certain zones at various speeds. So whether you’re shipping small and light, bulky and light, large and heavy, or somewhere in between, there’s a solution for minimizing parcel shipping cost.
It’s worth noting that Cahoot is the only fulfillment solution in this list that allows you to bring your own negotiated carrier accounts. So for example, if you only want to outsource your SFP volume to Cahoot and keep non-SFP volume in-house, you can keep all your shipping postage on your carrier accounts to maintain your rates for all seller-fulfilled orders.
The Role of Customer Service in 3PLs
Customer service is a critical component of any successful logistics partnership. A reputable 3PL provider should adapt to evolving business needs and support growth effectively. High-quality exceptional customer service ensures smooth operations, quick issue resolution, and proactive communication, positively influencing business outcomes.
Automated solutions for returns, offered by many 3PLs, streamline the process and improve customer satisfaction. A well-structured returns process can enhance customer retention and drive brand growth. Pre-vetted recommendations from a 3PL also help ecommerce businesses by providing solutions that have worked for other customers. Modern 3PLs can support newer and more profitable returns business models such as peer-to-peer solutions. Once a return is approved, it’s automatically relisted as an open-box item at a pre-determined discount. You never have to touch the return or pay for the reverse logistics. Everybody either saves money or gets a reward for their participation.
Dedicated Account Management
Having a dedicated account manager stimulates personalized communication and promotes deep understanding of a business’s specific needs. This personalized support is particularly beneficial for high-volume shippers, or those with large or complex product catalogs, or those with specialty project needs such as selling on Good Morning America or The View where advanced planning and rapid execution are required, or for those with specialized needs such as assembly of custom shipping containers for exceptionally fragile products. A dedicated account manager tailors customized services for businesses with unique needs, and Cahoot is well-known to support all of these types of clients and more.
Multi-Channel Support
Multi-channel customer support, (primarily email, live chat, and phone support), is essential for ensuring effective communication and problem resolution between businesses and their 3PL providers. Responsiveness and availability of support across different channels can positively impact customer satisfaction through efficient use of time for issue resolution.
Advanced Fulfillment Solutions
As the ecommerce fulfillment landscape becomes increasingly competitive, innovative fulfillment solutions are essential for delivering positive customer experiences. Advanced fulfillment solutions, such as same-day shipping and delivery options, and effective returns management, not only streamline logistics operations, but they’re part and parcel of the Amazon SFP program. So make sure your fulfillment partner can accommodate.
Many 3PL providers offer additional services like inventory refurbishment and refreshing damaged retail packaging so units are sellable in new condition, which increases resale opportunities, increases margins, and reduces waste. Implementing these advanced solutions allows ecommerce businesses to stay ahead of the competition.
Automated Order Fulfillment
Automation in order fulfillment operations can streamline processes and improve overall productivity within logistics operations, but more importantly, it reduces fulfillment defects which leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, and reduces return rates which increases profitability and helps to retain what could have been lost revenue.
Strategically locating inventory in multiple warehouses is crucial for achieving 1 and 2-day shipping coverage. For instance, merchants need to strategically locate inventory in four warehouses to ensure 2-day shipping coverage across the continental U.S. Achieving 1-day delivery necessitates positioning inventory in at least 6 fulfillment centers, but as many as 9 may be needed depending on the size and weight of your products.
Real-Time Inventory Management
Real-time inventory tracking enables businesses to more easily manage the supply chain and fulfill customer expectations effectively. Real-time tracking automatically updates stock levels as inventory moves, enhancing visibility and aiding in effective decision-making regarding fulfillment and procurement. Consistent and regular inventory cycle counts ensures that the accurate available quantity is known at all times.
Technology that automatically synchronizes inventory counts and prices across multiple sales channels helps eliminate listing issues that lead to overselling and pre-fulfillment cancellations (which is one of the SFP performance metrics that is closely monitored by Amazon).
Reverse Logistics and Returns Management
3PLs streamline ecommerce returns by offering an easier process, including prepaid return labels and return tracking. Effective customer support for returns includes real-time communication and transparency, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
Utilizing peer-to-peer returns can lead to significant savings on shipping expenses and a decrease in the time needed for warehouse processing. The immediate restocking of returned products upon request can drastically reduce the processing time typically required at warehouses, and thus, reduces the time to resale. This approach helps businesses manage returns efficiently and improve overall customer experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Success
Thriving in the SFP program requires a combination of smart planning and solid execution. Sellers need to position warehouses strategically, ideally near major population hubs, to optimize delivery speeds, (for example, states located in the Northeast, Southeast, North Central, South Central, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the US). Monitoring performance metrics regularly and making real-time changes to promotions to drive eyeballs (page views) is another key to success. This allows sellers to identify and address any issues or dips in metrics before they escalate. Partnering with a capable 3PL provider that offers SFP consulting is also a wise move, as their expertise can help businesses navigate challenges and adapt to Amazon’s unforgiving requirements.
Summary
Amazon’s Seller Fulfilled Prime program is a powerful way for sellers to tap into the Prime customer base while keeping control of their fulfillment process. With the right approach, businesses can use SFP to enhance their visibility, increase sales, and build a stronger connection with their customers.
Preparation is the cornerstone of success. Sellers should invest in the right technology, establish a strong logistics network, and choose 3PL partners who can support their goals. The top 7 3PL companies highlighted in this blog—Cahoot, Fulfillment by Amazon, Ware2Go, Staci Americas, Red Stag Fulfillment, Fulfyld, and ShipMonk—each offer unique capabilities that cater to different business needs. From leveraging distributed inventory and ensuring fast delivery to providing advanced software and exceptional customer service, to specialty solutions such as Cahoot’s Bring Your Own 3PL and Bring Your Own Carrier Accounts programs, these 3PL providers can help streamline your logistics operations and drive business growth. By understanding the key features and benefits of these top 3PL companies, you can make informed decisions that enhance your business and meet your customers’ expectations. For those willing to rise to the challenge, SFP offers an exciting opportunity to thrive in ecommerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of partnering with a 3PL provider for ecommerce businesses?
Partnering with a 3PL provider significantly boosts your ecommerce business by providing cost savings, scalability, and access to shipping discounts. This allows you to automate fulfillment and concentrate on what you do best—growing your business!
How does Cahoot’s peer-to-peer fulfillment network benefit Amazon SFP Sellers?
Cahoot’s peer-to-peer fulfillment network significantly benefits Amazon SFP Sellers by streamlining logistics and ensuring compliance with Amazon standards, making operations more efficient and effective. This collaborative approach helps Sellers thrive in a competitive marketplace!
What makes Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) a versatile option for Sellers?
FBA’s extensive global fulfillment network enables quick shipping, making it a flexible choice for Sellers. Additionally, it allows participation in Seller Fulfilled Prime, offering the benefits of Prime delivery while supporting orders across various ecommerce platforms using the Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) solution.
How does real-time inventory management improve supply chain operations?
Real-time inventory management greatly enhances supply chain operations by allowing businesses to quickly respond to stock levels and customer demand, preventing stockouts and fostering informed decision-making. This increased visibility and synchronization across platforms ensures that accurate stock levels are maintained, leading to improved efficiency and satisfaction.
What are the advantages of using multiple warehouses for ecommerce fulfillment?
Using multiple warehouses for ecommerce fulfillment greatly improves efficiency and customer satisfaction by lowering shipping costs and speeding up delivery times. This strategic approach also helps in better risk management, ensuring a smoother operation overall.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Adapting to Amazon’s New Order Handling Capacity Changes
Amazon made a significant change to how it manages Seller-fulfilled order volume by implementing automatic minimum thresholds for order handling capacity. Since February 24, 2025, this new system was put in place to help Sellers align their fulfillment promises with their actual capabilities. This change came with both opportunities and challenges, requiring Sellers to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Amazon’s Order Handling Capacity Now Based on Historicals
The new policy introduced an automatic minimum threshold for a Seller’s order handling capacity, based on their average daily orders over the past 30 days. Amazon recalculates this figure weekly to ensure it remains aligned with the Seller’s fulfillment capabilities. If a Seller’s handling capacity falls below the calculated minimum, Amazon automatically adjusts it to better reflect recent performance. Sellers still have the flexibility to set higher order limits if they choose.
This feature was designed to help Sellers manage realistic fulfillment expectations, preventing scenarios where an unexpected influx of orders resulted in late shipments or negative customer experiences. It applies exclusively to Standard and Free Economy shipping methods, excluding Seller Fulfilled Prime and Premium Shipping orders.
What This Means for Sellers
For Sellers, this change represents a shift in how fulfillment capacity is determined. Historically, Sellers could manually adjust their order handling limits based on their expected capabilities. Since this update, Amazon takes a more data-driven approach, automatically setting a baseline based on past performance.
For Sellers with strong fulfillment records, this can be an advantage. If they consistently meet or exceed expectations, they may find their order capacity increasing over time, allowing them to accept more orders without negatively impacting delivery promises. However, Sellers who have struggled with fulfillment issues, even temporarily, will see their capacity restricted. This will be a challenge for businesses that experience seasonal spikes or sudden demand surges that aren’t reflected in historical data.
The Pros and Cons of Amazon’s Automatic Capacity Handling
There are both advantages and potential downsides to Amazon’s automatic handling capacity adjustment.
Pros: Avoid Overpromising on Delivery Dates
One of the most notable benefits is that it helps prevent over-commitment. Sellers have more realistic fulfillment expectations set automatically, reducing the risk of late shipments and potential penalties.
Additionally, customers receive more accurate delivery estimates, improving overall satisfaction. By automatically recalibrating capacity, Amazon is attempting to create a more reliable shopping experience where buyers receive their items within the promised timeframe.
Cons: Fulfillment Setbacks Haunt Sellers Longer
However, the automated approach also introduces some challenges. Sellers who experience sudden growth or occasional high-volume periods will find their handling capacity constrained if the system doesn’t quickly recognize their increased ability to fulfill orders. Furthermore, businesses that have recently dealt with supply chain disruptions or temporary fulfillment delays may be penalized by having their capacity automatically reduced, even if their operations have since stabilized.
How Sellers Can Stay Proactive & Maintain High Performance
Sellers must stay proactive. Regularly monitoring order handling settings within Seller Central are crucial to ensure that automatic adjustments align with actual business capabilities. If a Seller notices a significant drop in their capacity limit, they should assess whether past fulfillment issues may have contributed to the change and work on improving those metrics.
Sellers can also manually increase their order handling capacity if they anticipate higher demand, such as during holiday seasons or promotional events. Since the automatic threshold is only a minimum, having the ability to set a higher limit allows Sellers to maintain control over their operations while still benefiting from the safeguards Amazon has introduced.
Another key strategy is maintaining a strong fulfillment performance record. Fast, reliable shipping, low cancellation rates, and high customer satisfaction help ensure that Amazon’s system views a Seller as capable of handling higher volumes. Partnering with a high-capacity and robust fulfillment partner (3PL) can help if meeting the expectations is challenging. Sellers who consistently meet fulfillment expectations are in a better position to scale their operations.
Summary
Amazon’s decision to implement automatic minimum thresholds for order handling capacity is a shift toward a more data-driven approach that prioritizes more accurate fulfillment capacity and better protection against over-commitment. It also places added pressure on Sellers to maintain consistent shipping and delivery performance.
Sellers should focus on improving their order fulfillment metrics, proactively managing capacity settings, and staying ahead of any potential limitations. By understanding how this works and taking the necessary steps to optimize operations, Sellers ensure they remain competitive while continuing to deliver a high-quality experience for their customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Amazon order handling requirements?
Amazon’s order handling requirements include strict guidelines for order processing times, packaging standards, and shipping methods. These guidelines aim to streamline the fulfillment process and enhance the customer experience.
How can sellers optimize their shipping methods to meet Amazon’s requirements?
Sellers can optimize their shipping methods by selecting the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options, leveraging Amazon’s shipping services such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), and ensuring that orders are shipped promptly.
What strategies can sellers use to adapt to seasonal demand fluctuations?
To adapt to seasonal demand fluctuations, sellers should plan ahead and ensure they have sufficient inventory and resources to handle increased order volumes. This may involve hiring additional staff, optimizing inventory levels, and leveraging technology to manage peak periods effectively.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Amazon’s “Frequently Returned” Item Badge: What Sellers Need to Know
Amazon regularly experiments with new tools and features to enhance the shopping experience on its webstore. For example, the Climate Pledge Friendly program allows Sellers to list a product’s sustainability certifications that help customers quickly and easily identify eco-friendly products. Another example is Amazon’s “Frequently Returned Item” badge, a feature that has sparked both concern and opportunity for Sellers. By highlighting products with higher return rates than similar products in the category, Amazon aims to improve customer satisfaction and lower the cost of e-commerce operations by reducing ecommerce return rates. But what does this badge mean for Sellers, and what do they need to know to navigate its implications effectively?
The Purpose and Mechanics of the Badge
Amazon’s Frequently Returned Item badge is a transparent signal for customers, suggesting they carefully review product details and previous customer feedback before purchasing. It is applied at the ASIN level so as not to impact product variants such as colors or sizes. It is triggered when a product’s return rate exceeds a predefined threshold relative to similar items within its category.
The return rate is calculated by comparing the number of units shipped to the number of customer-initiated returns over the trailing 3 months. Categories with inherently low return rates, such as groceries, are susceptible to changes in return rates, while categories like apparel, where returns are more common, have higher allowances. This system ensures that products are judged fairly within the context of their market norms, and suggested return rates are updated “periodically” to reflect new market conditions.
The Impact of the Badge
The display of this badge on a product listing could profoundly impact sales and, thus, revenue. Sellers tell stories in the Amazon Forums about conversion rates dropping as cautious buyers opt for alternatives without warning. Lower sales lead to even further declining sales as lower search rankings further deprioritize items associated with negative customer experiences. Sometimes, Sellers are adversely affected through no fault of the product or the listing.
For example, e-commerce return rates can fluctuate due to seasonal trends, particularly during the peak holiday season. High volumes of gift purchases typically lead to increased returns in the following months. Still, Amazon’s suggested returns rates are not adequately adjusted to compensate for the changes in buyer behavior.
Beyond immediate sales, the badge can erode customer trust in the Seller’s brand. A frequently returned product may signal poor quality and/or misleading or inaccurate product descriptions so that buyers would be more wary of that item. Over time, this perception can damage the Seller’s reputation, making it harder to build lasting customer relationships. It’s worse if the business has a small product catalog and worse yet if the small SKU catalog is closely related. Some retailers have reported going from selling well one day to nearly out of business the next, highlighting the need for Sellers to regularly and actively monitor return rates at the ASIN level.
Amazon’s Voice of the Customer dashboard offers valuable insights. It includes 3-month (short-term) and 12-month (long-term) return rate data, category-specific thresholds, and the Top Negative Customer Experience (NCX) reason. This report allows sellers to identify problematic products early and take corrective action.
When a product does “earn” the badge, it’s not permanent. Amazon continuously tracks return rates, and the badge is automatically removed once the rate falls below the threshold. Some Sellers have reported that sustained improvement alone (without staying beneath the exact target return rate) prompted the removal of the badge.
Strategies for Reducing Return Rates
Retailers cannot rely on hope, as in the last example. Crafting the perfect ecommerce returns program and following the key steps below can help them avoid the naughty list and prevent the dreaded Frequently Returned Item badge:
- Enhance Product Descriptions: Clear, correct, and detailed product information is crucial. Misleading or incomplete descriptions are among the top reasons for returns. High-quality and high-resolution images from multiple angles help set realistic expectations. Sellers should ensure their listings include precise dimensions, accurate features, color representations, and specifications. Providing thorough size charts and usage instructions can also reduce the likelihood of returns.
- Improve Quality Control: Product quality plays a significant role in customer satisfaction. Sellers should work closely with suppliers to implement rigorous quality assurance protocols to minimize manufacturing defects. Investing in durable packaging can help prevent issues like damage during shipping. Fixing common product problems or complaints at the source can also lead to lower return rates.
- Foster Customer Communication: Engaging with customers proactively can prevent many potential returns. This includes responding promptly to questions, offering detailed instructions about product use and care, and addressing any limitations upfront.
- Strengthen Customer Support: Excellent customer service can result in opportunities to prevent returns. By encouraging customers to seek assistance before initiating a return and addressing their concerns quickly and effectively, Sellers can preserve the sale and minimize the impact on the return rate.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
The Frequently Returned Item badge is not merely a penalty; it’s also a valuable feedback mechanism. Sellers who view it as an opportunity to improve their product design can emerge stronger and more competitive. By addressing the underlying issues that lead to high return rates, Sellers can enhance customer satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and build a reputation for quality and reliability. Of course, that’s a forward-looking and optimistic statement…when a Seller is in the thick of it, and sales are tanking, it’s hard to look at things optimistically.
Summary
Amazon’s introduction of the Frequently Returned Item badge reflects its ongoing commitment to its customers. Sellers who understand and take a proactive approach to return rate management will be able to navigate the rules and prevent the Negative Customer Experiences Amazon is looking to avoid.
By prioritizing product quality, transparency, and customer engagement, Sellers can avoid the badge and strengthen their position in the hyper-competitive marketplace. As reverse logistics costs are reduced, margins will also improve. The improvement journey may require effort and investment, but the rewards (or, more accurately, the lack of penalties) make it worthwhile.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost

Amazon FBA Reimbursement Changes Threaten Seller Payouts Starting March 2025
Amazon recently announced that Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees would be frozen for 2025 in the US, and no new fees would be introduced. But in classic Amazon sleight of hand, they’ve made a move that allows them to stay true to their word while still improving their bottom line.
Starting March 10, 2025, Amazon will implement changes to its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Inventory Reimbursement Policy, specifically, how they will pay out claims for lost or damaged inventory. The new plan is to start reimbursing Sellers the Manufacturing Cost for each item rather than the current reimbursement rate equal to the Amazon Sale Price. Manufacturing Cost is defined as the cost of sourcing a product from a manufacturer, wholesaler, or reseller, excluding expenses like shipping, handling, and customs duties. Some estimate that this change could slash reimbursements by as much as 60% on average, posing a substantial loss for FBA Sellers that rely on their new condition inventory to make new sales and earn new customers. The policy page will be updated to reflect the changes after the policy goes into effect in March.
Unfortunately, there is little that can be done other than to take prompt action between now and the transition date to maximize the reimbursements owed under the current policy.
The New Calculation
Amazon offers two ways to determine Manufacturing Costs:
- Amazon Estimates: Amazon will determine cost based on a comprehensive evaluation of comparable products sold by Amazon and competitive Sellers.
- Seller-Provided Costs: Starting January 2025, sellers can configure their manufacturing costs through a new “Manage Your Manufacturing Cost” page in the Inventory Defect and Reimbursement Portal. Amazon reserves the right to ask for proof to validate the amount.
It’s worth noting that the new payout rate applies to items that are lost or damaged before the item is sold on Amazon’s store. Items that are lost or damaged after a customer places an order will continue to be reimbursed at the Amazon Sales Price minus applicable fees.
While Amazon now offers automatic reimbursements for eligible items to save Sellers the time it takes to submit a claim, this new payout rate represents a substantial financial change. Thus, keep a keen eye on inventory status and submit claims promptly, or risk losing the opportunity to collect reimbursement at the current 2024 rate and safeguard entitled revenue.
The Losses Add Up
Some reports estimate that reimbursements can account for 1 – 3% of most Sellers’ revenue. With payouts dropping by 60% or more, even smaller Sellers stand to lose tens of thousands of dollars annually—more if they sell in high-value categories or products prone to pre-fulfillment damage.
New Administrative Burden
Sellers must now provide (and continuously manage) accurate manufacturing costs on new Seller Central screens to avoid discrepancies and limit inevitable disputes with Amazon. The alternative is accepting Amazon’s determination of value, which will not likely be a favorable number.
Time-Sensitive Claims
Reimbursement claims for lost or damaged items must be filed within 60 days of the reported loss or damage. Delays in filing claims could result in missed reimbursements.
To maximize recaptured value, Sellers should take the following steps:
- File Claims Before the Deadline: Sellers must prioritize filing eligible claims ahead of the March 10 deadline to receive reimbursements based on the Amazon Sale Price.
- Use Tools and Technology: Advanced auditing tools, such as those provided by GETIDA, can automate most identification and submission work. They can also help identify overlooked claims, ensure compliance, and maximize reimbursements.
Optimize Manufacturing Cost Reporting
Starting January 2025, Sellers should:
- Use the “Manage Your Manufacturing Cost” page to input accurate costs.
- Regularly review and update cost data to reflect market changes.
- Prepare necessary documentation to support cost claims to expedite the reporting updates.
Summary
Whether you’re a veteran at this and have ample experience regularly submitting claims or haven’t gotten around to it yet, Amazon’s upcoming FBA Inventory Reimbursement Policy changes will hurt Sellers through reduced payout amounts–to tens of thousands of dollars on average. We shouldn’t be surprised that Amazon announces no FBA fee increases for 2025 but then reduces payouts that will dramatically affect the bottom line of its third-party Sellers. Different sides of the same coin. But predictable. And there’s no shortage of stories going further back.
All e-commerce retailers should diversify their fulfillment strategies and have FBA alternatives in place when Amazon exercises its whim and throws its “partners” under the bus again. It’s a matter of when, not if.
Learn more about Cahoot e-commerce order fulfillment services to protect your business from monopolies like Amazon.

Up to 64% Lower Returns Processing Cost
