Dreaming of launching your own product on Amazon, but unsure how to get your goods from the factory floor to Amazon’s warehouses? You’re not alone—navigating this journey is a key step for any successful seller.
Understanding how to ship from manufacturer to Amazon is crucial for saving money, avoiding delays, and ensuring your inventory arrives in perfect shape. Done right, it sets you up for smooth sales and rave customer reviews.
In this article, we’ll break down the entire shipping process, share actionable steps, and offer practical tips to help you ship smarter and more confidently. Let’s get started!
How to Ship from Manufacturer to Amazon: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Shipping your products from a manufacturer directly to Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers (FBA) is one of the smartest ways to streamline your e-commerce business. Taking this route saves time, reduces shipping costs, and lets you scale your operation efficiently. But the process requires careful planning, coordination, and attention to Amazon’s specific requirements.
Whether you’re sourcing products from overseas suppliers or working with domestic manufacturers, this guide will walk you through the entire process—breaking down each critical step and giving you practical tips to help you succeed.
Why Ship Directly from Manufacturer to Amazon FBA?
Shipping directly from your manufacturer to Amazon’s FBA warehouses offers several advantages:
- Save Time: Your products reach Amazon’s warehouses faster, speeding up the process of listing and selling.
- Reduce Costs: By consolidating shipments and cutting out middle steps, you save on handling and extra logistics fees.
- Streamline Workflow: You avoid warehousing products yourself and let Amazon handle storage, packing, and shipping.
- Enable Scalability: Quickly increase your order volume without worrying about logistics bottlenecks.
Despite these benefits, shipping directly also introduces complexities—so preparation is key.
Step-by-Step Process to Ship from Manufacturer to Amazon
Below is a comprehensive walkthrough of the shipping process, from the moment you place your order with a manufacturer to your products being available for sale on Amazon.
1. Prepare Your Amazon FBA Listings
Before products can be sent to Amazon, you need active, properly set up FBA listings.
- Create Product Listings: If you haven’t already, create your product listings in Seller Central.
- Choose FBA as Fulfillment Method: Select “Fulfilled by Amazon” to ensure your products will be handled by FBA.
- Enter Product Details: Ensure all information is correct—dimensions, weights, variations, and compliance markings.
2. Plan Your Shipment in Seller Central
Once your listings are ready:
- Go to “Send to Amazon” Workflow:
-
Use this tool to create shipments and generate shipment plans.
-
Enter Ship-From Address:
- Input your manufacturer’s address if shipping direct.
-
Check this with your manufacturer for accuracy.
-
Select Products and Quantities:
-
Choose which SKUs and how many of each you’re shipping.
-
Label Preferences:
- Decide if your manufacturer will label, you will label, or if you’ll use Amazon’s FBA Label Service (for a fee).
3. Communicate Amazon’s Prep and Packaging Requirements
Amazon has strict packaging, labeling, and preparation rules. Share these with your manufacturer upfront:
- Individual packing: Each item may need to be poly-bagged or bubble-wrapped.
- Carton requirements: Carton label placement, max weight, and size restrictions.
- Barcode labels: Each unit must have a scannable FNSKU label.
- Prohibited packaging: Avoid materials or packaging Amazon does not permit.
Tip: Clear communication with your supplier avoids costly errors and shipment rejections.
4. Generate and Send Labels
After entering shipment details in Seller Central:
- Print and Send Product Labels: Download the FNSKU labels provided by Amazon and email them to your manufacturer for printing and application.
- Download Carton Labels: Amazon also generates box labels (for each carton). Send these to your manufacturer to attach before shipment.
5. Arrange Freight and Logistics
Decide how you’ll move your products from the manufacturer to Amazon:
Shipping Options
- Air Freight:
- Fast (good for urgent or smaller shipments)
- More expensive
- Sea Freight:
- Cost-effective (ideal for large or heavy shipments)
-
Longer transit times
-
Express Couriers:
- Quicker and easier for smaller shipments (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
- Higher per-unit cost
Handling Customs & Import
- If Shipping Internationally (e.g., from China):
- Choose between shipping DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) or DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid).
- Make sure you have the right import permits and documentation.
- Work with a reputable freight forwarder if necessary.
6. Coordinate with Amazon’s Receiving Centers
Amazon will assign specific fulfillment centers for your shipment.
- Split Shipments: Sometimes, Amazon requires sending your products to multiple warehouses based on inventory distribution needs.
- Check Amazon’s Locations: Instruct your manufacturer or freight forwarder on the delivery locations and any scheduling requirements for truck appointments.
7. Confirm Shipment and Monitor Status
After shipping, use Seller Central to:
- Mark Shipment as Shipped: Enter tracking information if available.
- Track Delivery Status: Keep an eye on inbound shipments and receiving progress.
- Address Issues Promptly: Respond quickly to any warnings about shipment problems or inventory issues.
Key Benefits of Shipping Direct to FBA
- Faster Turnaround: Your products are available for sale sooner.
- Inventory Efficiency: Reduces the risk of double-handling and damaged goods.
- Cost Savings: Decreases costs tied to double-handling, storage, and extra shipments.
- Scalability: Easily expand your business without having to handle logistics yourself.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While this process is efficient, there are a few obstacles to navigate:
1. Compliance with Amazon’s Requirements
- Failing to follow Amazon’s strict rules can result in delays, fees, or product rejections.
- Solution: Share Amazon’s latest FBA packaging and labeling guidelines in detail with your manufacturer or agent.
2. Customs and Import Complications
- International shipments can get held up or incur unexpected costs.
- Solution: Hire a reputable freight forwarder or customs broker experienced with Amazon FBA shipments.
3. Miscommunication with Manufacturers
- Errors in product prep or labeling can be costly.
- Solution: Provide step-by-step written instructions (with photos if possible) and confirm understanding.
4. Split Shipments
- Amazon sometimes asks for multiple shipments to various warehouses, which may confuse new exporters.
- Solution: Prepare your manufacturer or freight partner for the possibility of split shipments and multiple shipping labels.
Best Practices for Smooth Direct-to-Amazon Shipping
- Build Strong Relationships with Suppliers
- Work with manufacturers who understand Amazon FBA requirements.
-
Visit factories or select partners with proven experience in FBA prep.
-
Use Checklists
-
Create and use detailed checklists for every shipment stage—including product prep, labeling, documentation, and logistics.
-
Leverage Freight Forwarders
-
Choose a freight forwarder familiar with Amazon deliveries. They can provide door-to-door (DDP) service and manage customs documentation.
-
Monitor Shipments Closely
-
Regularly update tracking on Seller Central and communicate with your transporter.
-
Keep Learning
- Stay updated on Amazon’s policies—requirements can change yearly.
Tips for Success from Real-World Sellers
- Order Product Samples: Get samples shipped to yourself before making a big order, to ensure prep and quality standards are met.
- Request Photos: Have your manufacturer send images of prepped and labeled products and cartons before shipping.
- Test Small Shipments: Start with a test batch to learn the process, then scale up as you gain confidence.
- Automate Where Possible: Use software tools to help manage inventory, shipments, and communication between you, your supplier, and your freight forwarder.
- Document Everything: Keep thorough records of instructions, shipping docs, and email communications.
Conclusion
Shipping directly from your manufacturer to Amazon FBA can transform your e-commerce business. By reducing costs, saving time, and streamlining your workflow, you set yourself up for faster scaling and greater profitability. The process may seem detailed and overwhelming at first, but with careful planning, clear communication, and the right partners, you’ll master it in no time.
Remember: Always double-check Amazon’s requirements, build trusted relationships with reliable suppliers, and keep improving your process. Soon, you’ll be shipping like a pro, setting your products up for FBA sales success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I ensure my manufacturer prepares my products to Amazon’s standards?
Share Amazon’s FBA prep, packaging, and labeling requirements directly with your manufacturer before the order is produced. Provide written checklists, instructions, and reference images. Consider working with suppliers who have experience shipping to Amazon FBA, and always ask for photos to confirm compliance before the shipment leaves their facility.
What are the most common mistakes when shipping directly to Amazon?
Some frequent errors include missing or incorrect FNSKU labels, using prohibited packaging materials, not following carton weight/size restrictions, and failing to provide proper customs documents (for international shipments). These issues can lead to product rejection, extra fees, or delays.
Can I use my own freight forwarder, or does Amazon provide shipping solutions?
You control the shipping process. Choose your own freight forwarder or logistics provider, but make sure they’re experienced with Amazon FBA deliveries. Amazon does not arrange pickups from overseas manufacturers or handle international imports on your behalf.
What documents are needed for international shipments to Amazon FBA?
Typical documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and the required Amazon shipment labels. Some products may also require certifications or compliance papers depending on their category, material, or destination country.
How do I track my shipment once it’s on the way to Amazon?
After your shipment is dispatched, add the tracking number into Seller Central’s “Manage FBA Shipments” area. You can then monitor your shipment’s progress towards the warehouse. Stay in contact with your freight forwarder or manufacturer to receive updates and handle any delivery issues promptly.
Shipping to Amazon FBA directly from your manufacturer can be a game-changer. Mastering this process gives you a true competitive advantage—making your business leaner, more efficient, and ready for the next big sales spike!
