Key takeaways
- Plan quantity and timing before packing.
- Match packed contents to the shipment plan.
- Monitor receiving, not just delivery.
- Compare received to sent and escalate with evidence.
Start with a plan, not a box
Before packing anything, decide what you are sending, how many units, to which marketplace and by when. Check current stock cover so the shipment arrives before you run out, remembering that receiving can take time after delivery.
Align the plan with your purchasing and production schedule so inbound dates are realistic.
Confirm listings and prep requirements
Make sure each item has an FBA-eligible listing with correct identifiers and dimensions, and that you know the prep and labeling requirements for the product category. Items that need bagging, bubble wrap or special labeling must be prepared before they ship.
Create the shipment plan
Use the current inbound tools in Seller Central to enter quantities and packing details and to see how Amazon proposes to split the inventory across destinations. Review the plan carefully, including packing method, destinations and any associated fees shown, before confirming.
Label and pack correctly
Apply product labels where required and shipment or carton labels as generated by the tool. Pack securely, use the carton details you declared and keep a packing list. Mismatches between declared and actual contents are a leading source of receiving discrepancies.
- Product labels where required
- Carton labels matching the shipment plan
- Declared quantities equal packed quantities
- Secure outer packaging for the route
Choose and book the carrier
Select a carrier option suited to the shipment size, whether small parcel or pallet-based freight. Book collection and keep tracking references. Provide delivery appointments if the process requires them.
Track and monitor receiving
After dispatch, track the shipment and monitor the receiving status in Seller Central. Receiving may be partial, and units can appear over several days. Investigate lags and discrepancies promptly while records are fresh.
Close the loop
Compare received quantities with sent. Open a case with evidence for any difference, update your inventory plan and record lessons from the shipment, such as carrier performance and prep problems.
A worked example
A seller sends several cartons of a product to Amazon. On checking, two cartons contain a different pack count from the shipment plan because the factory changed packaging. They update the plan before dispatch, which avoids a receiving mismatch. They also record the change in their supplier checklist.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes include outdated product dimensions, label placement errors, mixing products in cartons not allowed by the plan and ignoring appointment rules. Another is not checking the shipment status for days after delivery.
Your next three steps
Create a checklist for your next shipment.
- Confirm quantity, date needed and prep requirements for every item.
- Compare packed contents with the shipment plan before dispatch.
- Track receiving until the final quantity is confirmed.
Key terms
A few terms used above, in plain language.
- Inbound: inventory on its way to Amazon.
- Shipment plan: the proposal for how items are sent and split.
- Receiving: Amazon's check-in of delivered units.
Frequently asked questions
How long does receiving take?
It varies by location and period. Monitor the status in Seller Central rather than assuming a fixed time.
What if received units are fewer than sent?
Compare against your packing list and tracking, then open a case with evidence.
This guide is general information. Amazon's fees, policies and program rules change and vary by marketplace, so confirm current details in Seller Central and, for tax or legal questions, with a qualified adviser.