Learn the basics of Amazon Merchant Fulfilled and start selling Now.
This post will cover many topics, so I’ve included a guide to specific areas of this post. Enjoy!
- Why Merchant Fulfilled?
- What is Amazon Merchant Fulfilled (FBM)?
- FBA vs. FBM – The Key Differences You Need to Know
- Supplies Needed
- Related Videos
- Final Thoughts + Tips
Why Merchant Fulfilled?
Since switching to FBM, sales have been surging. At the end of March, a majority of inventory was converted to FBM and the results speak for themselves.
What is Amazon Merchant Fulfilled?
As a seller on Amazon’s platform, there are two options when it comes to selling your products. Either Merchant Fulfilled (FBM) or Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA).
The less talked about is Merchant Fulfilled and this is because of the manual aspect of fulfilling orders, as the name suggests. This is more of an eBay (or other marketplace) feel where the seller is in charge of shipping, customer service, and the storage of products.
The Key Differences With FBA & FBM
Let’s start with FBA. Orders are fulfilled and returns are handled automatically by Amazon. For the most part the customer service is also handled by Amazon with few exceptions. One of the more attractive features of FBA is that inventory is handled by Amazon, which reduces the need for storage.
While FBA is a great way to sell online with little overhead, a lot of control is put in Amazon’s hands. During this pandemic, Amazon has been flooded with orders which has led to less than desirable shipping times. This is where Merchant Fulfillment steps up to bat. Being able to directly fulfill orders from your home or office can reduce shipment delays.
In the past, customers have been more inclined to purchase from the “Buy Box” only. Now that shipping delays are obvious, buyers are getting more comfortable with selecting 3rd party sellers AND picking a merchant fulfill option. This seems to have a good future impact, especially during Q4 of 2020.
What MF-ing Supplies do I need?
The supplies I used in this video on “How to Merchant Fulfill on Amazon” are included below. These used alongside the other supplies and tools already mentioned HERE.
Printer – Dymo 4XL
Labels – 4×6 Thermal Labels
Tape Gun (The Best) – Uline H-150
Shipping Boxes – USPS provides Free Priority Rate Boxes when using their shipping service. I tend to purchase locally from either Walmart Home Depot because of price and availability. Whenever possible, I try and recycle boxes I get from online orders.
Poly Mailers – 18×18 Polymailers
Related Videos
If you haven’t seen the videos showing how to list and ship with FBM, they are included below.
Final Thoughts + Tips
Moving forward, I will be adding more Merchant Fulfillment options to my inventory. This has proven to be a viable option to help expand sales and reach.
Tip #1 – Buy Light, Profit Heavy
Being able to buy items that can ship for less than 1 lb can be a huge help in boosting profits. This allows First Class shipping which is a max for $5.50 to ship anywhere in the USA. Not only is the shipping cheap, the speed is on-par with Priority Mail, the customers LOVE this.
Tip #2 – Free USPS Pickups
When shipping with USPS, you have the option for FREE Package Pickup – Link Here. This must be scheduled for normal delivery times but still, its FREE.
Tip #3 – Personalize Your Package
Unlike with FBA, the seller is in full control of the shipping process. Including a personal touch, like a handwritten note, can dramatically improve feedback and increase the amount positive feedback received. This leads to more trust which equals more orders. Please follow Amazon’s guidelines when including things to the order.
