Before inventory goes to Amazon FBA, sellers need to make sure products are counted, labeled, packed, and prepared according to the current requirements for their product and shipment. A good FBA prep process helps reduce delays, relabeling work, and receiving problems once inventory reaches Amazon. Use this checklist to organize the main prep steps before your next shipment.
Note: Amazon requirements can change. Always confirm current Amazon rules for your product, shipment type, and destination before sending inventory.
1. Confirm your product and shipment details
- Product name and SKU
- ASIN/FNSKU requirements
- Unit count
- Case pack vs individual units
- Carton count
- Destination or shipment plan
- Any special labeling or packaging requirements
2. Count and verify inventory before prep
- Count units before labeling or carton work
- Verify SKU counts against purchase orders or inbound plans
- Separate damaged, missing, or questionable units
- Avoid sending mixed or unclear cartons into prep
- ShipDepot’s receiving process can support count and verify workflows
3. Check labeling requirements
- FNSKU labeling when required
- UPC/barcode considerations
- Label placement
- Scannability
- Avoid covering important product information
- Use barcode-driven workflows where applicable
Not every product requires FNSKU labels. Labeling requirements depend on the product, listing, and shipment.
4. Review packaging and poly bag requirements
- Product packaging condition
- Poly bags where required
- Suffocation warnings where required
- Bubble wrap or protection when needed
- Bundled products
- Set labels when applicable
- Fragile items or leak prevention only if applicable
5. Prepare cartons correctly
- Carton contents should match the shipment plan
- Cartons should be labeled clearly
- Case packs should be consistent where required
- Avoid mixed SKU cartons unless allowed and clearly prepared
- Carton weight and size should be checked against Amazon requirements
- Pallet/LTL prep may be needed for larger shipments
6. Decide whether inventory needs rework before Amazon
- Relabeling
- Repacking
- Case packing
- Reboxing
- Recounting
- Removing old labels
- Sorting mixed cartons
- Fixing inventory from removals
If you are working through returned or removed stock, see our guide on what to do with Amazon removal inventory and our Amazon Removals services.
7. Choose the right shipping method
- UPS/parcel
- LTL
- Amazon AWD when applicable
- Carrier coordination
- Shipment timing
- Larger shipments may need pallet and freight support
8. Keep visibility after inventory leaves your warehouse
- Track what was sent
- Keep records of carton counts and SKU counts
- Save labels and shipment references
- Monitor Amazon receiving
- Have a plan if quantities do not match
How ShipDepot helps with Amazon FBA prep
- ShipDepot receives inventory
- Counts and verifies inventory
- Preps according to seller/Amazon requirements
- Supports labeling, carton work, case packing, rework, and shipping support when the project is a fit
- Supports UPS, LTL, or AWD depending on client need
- 12+ years of Amazon operational experience
- Southern California warehouse
- Extensiv WMS
- Barcode-driven workflows using UPC, FNSKU, and custom barcodes where applicable
- Email/Slack support
Amazon FBA prep checklist
- Product/SKU list confirmed
- Unit counts verified
- FNSKU/UPC requirements checked
- Labels printed and scannable
- Packaging requirements reviewed
- Poly bags or warnings added where required
- Bundles/sets labeled where required
- Carton contents matched to shipment plan
- Carton labels applied
- Carton weight and size checked
- Pallet/LTL requirements reviewed if applicable
- Shipment plan and carrier method confirmed
- Records saved for inventory visibility
Amazon FBA prep FAQs
What is Amazon FBA prep?
Amazon FBA prep is the process of preparing products before they are sent to Amazon fulfillment centers. It can include counting inventory, labeling units, packaging products, preparing cartons, case packing, and organizing shipment details.
Do all Amazon products need FNSKU labels?
Not always. Labeling requirements depend on the product, listing, barcode setup, and Amazon’s current requirements. Sellers should confirm whether FNSKU labels, UPCs, or other labels are required before shipping.
Can ShipDepot relabel or rework Amazon inventory?
Yes, when the project is a good fit, ShipDepot can help with relabeling, rework, case packing, repacking, and prep work for Amazon inventory.
Can removed Amazon inventory be prepped and sent back to Amazon?
Sometimes. Removed inventory may need to be counted, inspected, relabeled, repacked, or case packed before moving back into Amazon. Sellers should confirm current Amazon requirements before reshipping.
What does ShipDepot need to quote FBA prep?
ShipDepot needs expected unit count, SKU count, product type, labeling requirements, carton or pallet volume, shipment method, timeline, and any rework or special prep needs.
Related resources
- Amazon Removals
- What To Do With Amazon Removal Inventory
- Ecommerce Fulfillment
- Case Studies
- Get an Amazon FBA prep quote
Need help with Amazon FBA prep?
Tell us what you are shipping, how many units you have, and what Amazon prep work is needed. ShipDepot will review your inventory, labeling, carton, and shipping requirements and recommend the right setup.