Key takeaways
- Availability and rates vary by country.
- Compare total delivered cost and performance.
- Reliable tracking supports performance metrics.
- Use carriers by weight band where sensible.
What the options are
Depending on your marketplace, Amazon may provide a carrier service and tools to buy shipping labels inside Seller Central, often with carrier rates available to sellers. Services, coverage and rates differ by country and change over time, so check the current options for each marketplace where you sell.
Why sellers consider these tools
Buying labels in Seller Central can automatically upload tracking information to the order, simplify label printing and sometimes offer competitive rates. Using such tools may also support meeting shipping performance targets, because tracking is consistent.
These benefits should be weighed against price, coverage and service levels.
Compare against your current carriers
Collect a sample of your recent shipments by weight, size and destination, and compare total delivered cost and delivery times across options. Include surcharges, pickup arrangements and claims processes. The cheapest label is not always the cheapest overall once failures are counted.
Tracking and performance
Valid tracking, on-time delivery and accurate handling times are central to FBM performance. Ensure whichever option you choose delivers reliable tracking and that you upload it promptly when you are not using automatic upload.
- On-time delivery and late shipment rates
- Valid tracking rate
- Damage and loss claims experience
- Cost per delivered order
Claims and protection
Understand what protection applies if packages are lost or damaged, how to file a claim and what evidence is needed. Packaging quality and accurate declared values influence the outcome.
Operational set-up
Set up printers, packing stations and carrier pickup. Train staff in selecting services and printing labels. Agree cut-off times so orders placed late in the day are shipped within your handling time.
A worked example
A seller who ships mostly small parcels compares two carriers and Amazon's label tool over a month. The tool offers lower rates for the lightest parcels while the existing carrier performs better for heavier items. The seller uses both according to weight bands, with a simple rule in the packing guide.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes include relying on a single carrier without comparison, ignoring surcharges, shipping with the wrong service level for the promise made to the customer and failing to monitor performance by carrier. Review carrier results quarterly.
Questions to ask before switching carriers
Before moving volume, ask what happens when something goes wrong. Who handles claims, how long do they take and what proof is needed? Check pickup and drop-off options, cut-off times and weekend service. Ask whether rates are fixed or change with fuel and surcharges.
Test with a limited share of orders for a few weeks, and compare delivery performance and customer messages with your existing carrier before making a final decision.
Your next three steps
Test shipping options with your own data.
- Collect a month of orders by weight, size and destination.
- Quote each carrier and label tool for the same sample.
- Use the winner for each weight band and review quarterly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon's shipping service available everywhere?
No. Check the options available in each marketplace.
Do I have to use Amazon's labels for FBM orders?
Not necessarily. Requirements vary by program and category, so check current rules.
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.