Selling on Amazon FBA can feel overwhelming especially when your inventory gets rejected, delayed, or hit with unexpected fees. Most of these issues don’t come from bad products; they come from poor preparation.
That’s why having a clear Amazon FBA prep checklist isn’t optional yet it’s essential.
Here you’ll find a complete Amazon FBA preparation checklist that walks you through everything Amazon expects before your products ever reach a fulfillment center. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seller scaling your operations, this checklist will help you avoid mistakes, reduce costs, and speed up approvals.
Table of Contents
What Is an Amazon FBA Prep Checklist?
An Amazon FBA prep checklist is a step-by-step list of tasks sellers must complete to prepare products according to Amazon’s fulfillment, packaging, and labeling rules before sending inventory to FBA warehouses.
It ensures:
- Correct labeling (FNSKU compliance)
- Proper packaging and poly bagging
- Shipment acceptance without delays
- Avoidance of Amazon prep and relabeling fees
Why You Need an Amazon FBA Prep Checklist
A proper Amazon FBA prep checklist helps you:
- Prevent shipment rejections
- Avoid unnecessary Amazon prep fees
- Reduce storage and handling issues
- Maintain high seller performance metrics
- Scale faster without operational chaos
Without a checklist, sellers often lose money on mistakes that could have been avoided in minutes.
Amazon FBA Prep Checklist for Sellers (Step-by-Step)
Below is the complete Amazon FBA preparation checklist, broken into actionable steps.
1. Confirm Product Eligibility for Amazon FBA
Before prepping anything, make sure your product is allowed in Amazon FBA.
Check the following:
- Product category approval (ungated vs gated)
- Brand authorization (if applicable)
- Restricted or hazardous material status
- Meltable product restrictions
- Size and weight limits
Failing this step can lead to inventory being destroyed or returned at your expense.
2. Inspect Every Unit Thoroughly
Product inspection is a non-negotiable step in the Amazon seller prep checklist.
Inspect for:
- Physical damage
- Manufacturing defects
- Incorrect quantities
- Missing components
- Broken seals
- Expired or near-expiry dates
Amazon does not inspect your products for quality. If customers complain, your account health suffers.
3. Remove Non-Amazon Barcodes
Amazon only wants one scannable barcode per unit.
Remove or cover:
- Manufacturer UPCs
- EANs
- Old FNSKU labels
- Warehouse stickers
Leaving extra barcodes is one of the most common reasons shipments get delayed.
4. Apply FNSKU Labels Correctly (Amazon FBA Labeling Requirements)
One of the most critical steps in the Amazon FBA labeling requirements.
Labeling rules:
- Each unit must have one FNSKU
- Labels must be scannable and clear
- Place labels on flat, visible surfaces
- Do not place labels over seams or curves
- Labels must not be removable
If labels peel off, Amazon may relabel your items and charge you.
5. Follow Amazon FBA Packaging Guidelines
Your packaging must protect the product through shipping, handling, and storage.
Amazon FBA prep guidelines for packaging:
- Products must survive a 3-foot drop test
- No loose parts
- No exposed sharp edges
- Secure closures (tape, heat seal, glue)
If packaging fails, Amazon may repackage your item—at your cost.
6. Poly Bagging Checklist (When Required)
Poly bagging is mandatory for certain products.
Products that require poly bags:
- Apparel and textiles
- Plush toys
- Powdered or liquid items
- Items with loose pieces
- Products vulnerable to dust or moisture
Poly bag requirements:
- Minimum thickness: 1.5 mil
- Transparent material
- Clear suffocation warning (if opening ≥ 5 inches)
- Barcode visible or labeled outside
This step is often missed in an incomplete FBA packaging checklist.
7. Bubble Wrapping & Fragile Item Prep
If your product can break, Amazon expects proper cushioning.
Fragile item prep rules:
- Full bubble wrap coverage
- Taped securely (not shrink wrap alone)
- Shake test: nothing should move inside
- Label as “Fragile” if needed
Amazon won’t compensate you for breakage caused by poor prep.
8. Set Prep Instructions in Seller Central
Amazon allows sellers to choose who preps the inventory.
Options:
- Merchant prep (you or your prep center)
- Amazon prep (additional fees apply)
Make sure your settings in Seller Central match your actual prep method, or Amazon may override your instructions.
9. Bundle Products Correctly
Bundles must be physically inseparable.
Amazon FBA prep guidelines for bundles:
- Use shrink wrap, boxes, or poly bags
- Label clearly as “Sold as Set”
- One FNSKU for the entire bundle
- No individual unit barcodes visible
Failure here can cause Amazon to split your bundles.
10. Carton Packing Requirements (FBA Packaging Checklist)
Carton prep is often ignored but heavily enforced.
Carton rules:
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs (unless oversized)
- Use strong, double-walled boxes
- No damaged or reused cartons
- Uniform weight distribution
- No protruding items
Incorrect cartons lead to warehouse delays or refusals.
11. Apply Box Labels Properly
Every carton must have a unique Amazon box label.
Box label checklist:
- Place on flat surfaces
- Avoid seams and edges
- One label per side (recommended)
- Do not cover existing labels
- Labels must be scannable
Amazon scans cartons before opening them—poor labeling slows everything down.
12. Create and Review Your Shipping Plan
Before sending inventory, review your shipping plan carefully.
Double-check:
- Correct ASINs
- Accurate quantities
- Correct prep ownership
- Shipping destinations
- Carrier details
Mistakes here can create reconciliation nightmares.
13. Choose the Right Shipping Method
You can ship via:
- Amazon Partnered Carrier
- Non-partnered carrier
- Small Parcel Delivery (SPD)
- Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
- Full Truckload (FTL)
Choose based on volume, cost, and speed.
14. Track Shipments Until Check-In
Your responsibility doesn’t end when inventory leaves your warehouse.
Track until:
- Shipment delivered
- Inventory checked in
- Units marked “Available”
If inventory goes missing, you’ll need tracking proof for reimbursement.
Common Amazon FBA Prep Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these costly errors:
- Skipping inspection
- Misplaced FNSKU labels
- Ignoring poly bag rules
- Overweight cartons
- Loose bundles
- Missing suffocation warnings
- Incorrect shipping plans
A proper Amazon seller prep checklist prevents all of these.
Should You Use an Amazon FBA Prep Service?
As your business grows, prep can become time-consuming.
Prep services help with:
- Inspection
- Labeling
- Poly bagging
- Bundling
- Carton prep
- Direct shipping to Amazon
For high-volume sellers, outsourcing prep ensures consistency and compliance. You can Contact Us Now and ship your products quickly with ease.
Final Amazon FBA Prep Checklist Summary
Here’s a quick recap of your Amazon FBA prep checklist:
- ✔ Product eligibility verified
- ✔ Units inspected
- ✔ Extra barcodes removed
- ✔ FNSKU labels applied
- ✔ Packaging compliant
- ✔ Poly bags used where required
- ✔ Fragile items protected
- ✔ Bundles secured
- ✔ Cartons within limits
- ✔ Box labels attached
- ✔ Shipping plan reviewed
Following this Amazon FBA preparation checklist keeps your inventory moving smoothly and protects your seller account.
FAQs About FBA Prep Checklist
1. What happens if I don’t follow Amazon FBA prep guidelines?
Amazon may relabel, repackage, delay, return, or destroy your inventory—and charge additional fees.
2. Can Amazon prep my inventory for me?
Yes, but Amazon charges per-unit prep fees, which add up quickly at scale.
3. Do all products need FNSKU labels?
Most do. Exceptions include stickerless inventory for eligible brands.
4. Is poly bagging mandatory for all products?
No, only for specific categories like apparel, plush items, and products exposed to dust or moisture.
5. Is using an FBA prep service worth it?
For high-volume or private-label sellers, prep services often save time, reduce errors, and lower long-term costs.
