10 FBA Prep Best Practices That Save Time and Money

Amazon FBA can be incredibly profitable, but only if you master the preparation requirements. Poor FBA prep leads to rejected shipments, additional fees, and frustrated customers. Here are the essential best practices that separate successful FBA sellers from the rest.

1. Perfect Your Product Labeling

Proper labeling is non-negotiable in FBA prep. Amazon's requirements are strict, and violations can result in your entire shipment being rejected.

Label Requirements Checklist:

• Use thermal transfer printers for durability
• Ensure labels are scannable and not wrinkled
• Place labels on flat surfaces, avoid curves
• Never place labels over existing barcodes
• Use white background with black text/bars only

2. Master Case-Packed vs Individual Items

Understanding when to send case-packed items versus individual units can significantly impact your prep efficiency and Amazon's receiving speed.

3. Packaging That Protects and Complies

Amazon's packaging requirements exist to protect your products during the fulfillment process. Proper packaging reduces damage and returns.

Packaging Best Practices:

• Use poly bags for items over 5" on any side
• Include suffocation warnings on all poly bags
• Bubble wrap fragile items individually
• Use original manufacturer packaging when possible
• Avoid overpacking—it increases costs and disposal fees

4. Optimize Your Shipment Planning

Strategic shipment planning can save significant time and money in your FBA operations.

5. Handle Expiration Dates Properly

Products with expiration dates require special attention in FBA prep:

• Must have 50+ days remaining when received by Amazon
• Group by expiration date—never mix dates in shipments
• Use YYYY-MM-DD format for date labels
• Apply expiration date labels to each individual unit

6. Streamline Your Prep Workflow

Efficiency in prep translates directly to profitability. Develop standardized workflows:

7. Avoid Common Prep Mistakes

These mistakes can result in rejected shipments and additional fees:

• Mixed SKUs in boxes: Each box should contain only one SKU
• Incorrect shipment contents: What you ship must match your plan
• Missing required prep: Polybag, labeling, or packaging requirements
• Poor box selection: Oversized boxes increase costs and damage risk

8. Leverage Technology

The right tools can dramatically improve your FBA prep efficiency:

• Label printers: Thermal transfer for durability
• Inventory management: Track prep requirements by SKU
• Batch processing: Group similar prep requirements
• Quality control: Checklists and inspection processes

9. Monitor Performance Metrics

Track these KPIs to optimize your FBA prep:

10. Consider Professional Prep Services

As your business scales, professional FBA prep services can offer significant advantages:

Mastering FBA prep is essential for long-term success on Amazon. By following these best practices and continuously optimizing your processes, you'll build a profitable, scalable FBA business that delivers results for both you and your customers.