Amazon prep service refers to the process of preparing products to meet Amazon’s specific requirements before they are sent to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Here’s what an Amazon prep service typically does:
- Receiving and Inspecting Products: The prep service receives products from the seller or directly from the supplier. They then inspect these products to ensure they are in good condition and match the seller’s descriptions.
- Labeling and Barcoding: Amazon has strict guidelines on labeling. The prep service applies the necessary Amazon-specific labels and barcodes to each product. This can include SKU labels, FNSKU labels, and any other required identification.
- Packaging: Products must be packaged according to Amazon’s standards. This includes using the right kind of packaging materials, ensuring that the products are secure and protected during shipping and storage, and that the packaging complies with Amazon’s size and weight specifications.
- Bundling and Assembling: If products are to be sold in bundles (multiple items sold as one product), the prep service assembles these bundles. They ensure that all components of the bundle are correctly packaged together.
- Prepping Specific Items: Some items require special preparation, like poly bagging, bubble wrapping, or taping. For example, items with sharp edges may need to be bubble wrapped, while loose products might need to be bagged.
- Quality Control: The service performs a final quality check to ensure that each item is prepped correctly and is ready to be sent to Amazon.
Shipping to Amazon: Finally, the prep service arranges for the shipment of these prepped items to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, adhering to Amazon’s shipping and routing requirements.
By using an Amazon prep service, sellers can save time and ensure that their products comply with Amazon’s stringent requirements, reducing the risk of inventory rejections or delays at Amazon’s fulfillment centers. This service is particularly valuable for sellers who either don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to prep items themselves.