Amazon FBA has strict requirements that sellers must comply with to guarantee their product is approved for storage by Amazon. These requirements apply particularly to the labeling, packaging, and shipping of these products.
For labeling, the products must have an Amazon barcode known as the FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label which gives each product a unique means of identification within Amazon’s fulfillment network.
When it comes to packaging, sellers are required to make sure that their products are securely packaged with the standard packaging items approved by Amazon which includes; poly bags, bubble wraps, cartons, and the likes.
During shipping, sellers are required to follow Amazon’s shipping guidelines, which include creating shipping plans in Seller Central, meeting delivery schedules, and shipping with the required packaging.
These requirements usually result in the sellers making some common mistakes like; using incorrect shipping labels, non-compliance with Amazon’s carrier and delivery requirements, wrong packaging, and using the wrong barcode for the products. There are various solutions to preventing these mistakes.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
One important step to take if you’re trying to prevent shipment problems is to choose the right shipping method. The shipment method you select should be based on factors like the urgency of the shipment, size, cost, and speed of dispatch.
One of the quickest ways to transport is by air freight. Although it is usually more expensive, it might be a good option for smaller, more valuable, or urgent products. It’s not so suitable for bulk shipments because of the limits in volume that can be shipped at a time.
Sea freight often delivers more slowly than air freight, but it is often less expensive, particularly for big, heavy, or bulky cargo. It has far more volume and weight capacity.
The quickest and most costly shipping option is express shipping, which covers door-to-door delivery and customs processing at no additional expense. But it’s not the best option for large or heavy shipments.
Finding and Working with a Reliable Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder helps manage the delivery of shipped products from one location to another, so it’s important to get one that is reliable and would handle your products well. Their broad understanding of shipping guidelines, documents, and customs processes will guarantee that your products are compliant and that the shipment is effective.
Experienced forwarders establish relationships with carriers which give them the leverage to negotiate for better shipping rates for your products. Generally, getting a good freight forwarder can make it easier to handle whatever unexpected issue that may arise during shipment.
Handling Documentation and Customs Clearance
To ensure flawless execution and fulfillment of Amazon’s rules and foreign shipping regulations, there are some necessary documents you must ensure are appropriately completed and available during the shipment.
Some of the documents needed are;
(1) A commercial invoice gives information on the goods being sent, including how valuable they are, the quantity, and other important information required for customs clearance.(2) A packing list helps the staff in Amazon’s warehouse process your inventory. It lets them know the content of each package in your shipment.
(3) Bill of Lading/Airway Bill is particularly needed when using a freight forwarder to transport your goods to Amazon’s fulfillment centers or if you’re managing your own shipping.
(4) Certificate of origin gives clarity on where your shipment is coming from, and its final destination.
The most common challenges that are faced during documentation are usually delays in customs clearance, incorrect documentation, and sometimes missing documentation. To prevent these, you should make sure that all your documents are double-checked, that you work with experienced customs brokers, and that you’re constantly up-to-date with all information or the latest changes in customs regulations.
Managing Shipping Costs
If you want to have an excellent supply chain operation, you should learn more about every cost that may arise during the shipping.
The common cost-related issues that come up during shipment are usually hidden fees unplanned charges, and fluctuations in shipping rates.
To prevent these extra costs, there are a number of things you can do;
(1) Try negotiating with freight forwarders so they can help you get the best deals and reduce shipping costs.(2) Asses your packaging to be sure it’s the most cost-effective option in terms of shipping weight and volume.
(3) Ship in bulk. Consolidating your shipments helps you save on costs.
Dealing with Delays and Unexpected Issues
There are various issues that can cause shipment delays, some are usually not controllable, but it’s important to prepare ahead for these challenges so that quick action can be taken to mitigate them. Shipment delays can be caused by;
Custom hold-ups:
This is especially common in international shipments as inspections could take longer than usual, and there may be some documentation errors or other issues that need to be corrected.
Weather Conditions:
Some unfavorable weather conditions could arise at any moment which could cause a disruption in the transport network and delay the shipments.
Logistical issues:
An equipment or vehicle could break down, or there could be heavy traffic that could delay the transit of the products.
Whatever issue may arise, it’s possible to properly mitigate them by;
(1) Creating a backup or contingency plan that would involve a buffer period to extend your delivery period in case of delays.(2) Being in regular communication with all people involved so you can identify problems on time and address them quickly.
(3) Looking out for other shipping alternatives, transportation options, or routes to speed up your product delivery.
Ensuring Quality Control
When it comes to quality control, damage may be done to the product from improper and careless handling or packing, and errors in shipment either from incorrect or missing items could occur leaving the customers dissatisfied.
As a seller, you can prevent these from happening by putting in place strict quality control systems, carefully examining the products before they are shipped, and making use of reputable Chinese inspection services.
Conclusion
There are a lot of challenges that could arise when shipping from China to USA Amazon warehouses, but it’s very possible to tackle these obstacles.
You just need to optimize your shipment process by knowing what Amazon requires, selecting the best shipping options for your business, dealing with reputable freight forwarders, managing your cost effectively, preparing ahead for any form of delay, having the correct shipment documents, and ensuring that you maintain top-notch quality control.
By putting these solutions into practice, your shipping will go more smoothly, and you’ll be able to compete successfully in the Amazon marketplace.