If you appreciate streamlined processes and low shipping costs, Fulfillment by Amazon is an ideal way to sell online. And even though most of the sales process is taken care of, Amazon FBA labels are one of those small details you can’t ignore.
To take advantage of the FBA program, you need to get your packages to an Amazon fulfilment centre. Before you can do this, however, you need to print your labels and barcodes.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about Amazon FBA labels, including where you should place them and what to print on them.
There are two Amazon FBA labels for us to consider in this article, the first is the individual product labels (FNSKU), and the second is the FBA shipping labels.
Amazon FBA Label Requirements
Let’s start with the individual product labels (FNSKU).
Individual Product Labels
Amazon’s FNSKU labels have three main requirements;
- Product name
- Product condition
- FNSKU
FNSKUs are unique to each product and seller and are an essential part of the label.
The FNSKU is a unique product identifier that Amazon applies to every single product sold through their FBA Network.
If you are struggling to understand the different Amazon barcodes, you should take the time to read this article.
You might be wondering why you should create new labels when the existing product labels already have an SKU.
The reason why Amazon has specific label requirements is that it fits in with a standardised system that each warehouse uses.
Because some merchants might end up selling the same products as you, a standard SKU won’t work.
As soon as you add a new product to your catalogue, Amazon will automatically generate an FNSKU. You can keep track of all FNSKUs under your Inventory tab in Seller Central.
The FNSKU is the combination of letters and numbers at the bottom of the barcode.
A completed FBA product label would look like this:
The above FNSKU label needs to go on each of your products; we do this by using a sticker on a polybag or include the FNSKU label on the actual packaging design of the product.
The FNSKU label placement will depend on your product and packaging; either way, you’ll need it on there somewhere.
Amazon FBA Shipping Labels
These Amazon labels are essential; without them, you won’t be able to send your products into Amazon.
You have two options here; you can prepare and send in the products yourself, or you can ask your supplier (or third party preparation company) to do it.
When you send goods into Amazon, you’ll either send it via an SPD (small parcel delivery) or an LTL/FTL (Less than Truckload/ Full Truckload).
Either way, you’ll be packing your products into individual boxes/cartons.
Each of these boxes or cartons will need an Amazon FBA shipping label; you can see an example of one of these below.
(Source: sellercentral.amazon.com)
Each box in your shipment must have it’s own Amazon FBA shipping label, this is so Amazon can identify your products.
Read here for complete details on Amazon’s shipment label requirements.
If you are interested in watching us prepare our own products for Amazon FBA, check out the video below.
Anywa, let’s get back to it.
Printing Amazon FBA Labels
Ok, let’s start with the FNSKU product labels again.
How To Print Your FNSKU Labels
Once your labels are finalized, you can print them by logging in to your Seller Central account.
Click on the Inventory tab to find the products you want to print labels for.
Next, click Edit on the right of the product and find the option to Print Item Labels in the dropdown menu.
You can now decide how many labels you want to print and the sticker type.
These are the label options Amazon will give you:
- 21 labels per page (63.5 mm x 38.1 mm on A4)
- 24 labels per page (63.5 mm x 33.9 mm on A4, 63.5 mm x 38.1 mm on A4, 64.6 mm x 33.8 mm on A4, 66.0 mm x 33.9 mm on A4, 70.0 mm x 36.0 mm on A4, 70.0 mm x 37.0 mm on A4)
- 27 labels per page (63.5 mm x 29.6 mm on A4)
- 30 labels per page (1-inch x 2 5/8 inches on US Letter)
- 40 labels per page (52.5 mm x 29.7 mm on A4)
- 44 labels per page (48.5 mm x 25.4 mm on A4)
Once you confirm your preferences, Amazon will generate the label for you.
There are also a few printing requirements to adhere to:
- Inkjet printers are not recommended. Only use thermal or laser printers to print your Amazon FBA labels.
- Set the printer scaling to 100% or None.
- Set the print resolution to 300 DPI or more.
- Only use white, non-reflective label paper and black ink for printing.
If you want to make the process of creating and printing labels even easier, I suggest you read through my Inventory Lab review. With the help of an app, you can print and attach labels as you go.
The above process assumes that you are labelling each of the products yourself; if like me, you are into private label it might make sense for you to have your supplier label each of the products.
As mentioned previously, you can have them label each product, or include the FNSKU on the packaging design of the box, this article covers everything you need to know.
How To Print Your Amazon FBA Shipping Labels
When setting up a shipment inside amazon seller central, you are given the option to create and print the shipment labels at the end of the process.
Either you or your supplier can then apply these labels to each of your boxes.
It’s a straightforward process; once you have created your labels, you can either save them or print them directly there and then.
Something useful to note, if your box weighs over 15 kg you’ll also need to apply a Heavy Warning Label.
Placing Your Amazon FBA Label
Once each relevant label is ready, you’ll need to ensure they are placed in the right way.
The labels can’t just go anywhere – Amazon has specific requirements for this.
Amazon ensures that it is as convenient as possible for their teams to scan and process packages.
When affixing a label, you need to adhere to these guidelines:
- Labels need to be placed on a flat surface, not the curves or corners of the box.
- If any other labels are present on the box, make sure the new label covers it entirely.
- When sending your products in a case, each item requires a barcode.
- Ensure there is at least a 0.60cm space between the edge of the box and your label.
I also recommend taking your time with this process. If you happen to affix the wrong labels to products, you will end up paying two fulfilment centre shipping fees.
I obviously want you to avoid wasting money if you want a full overview of the fees that Amazon charges – read this guide.
In Closing
The hands-off approach to FBA is what attracts most sellers to this program.
It might well feel hands off to you but as you can now see it’s actually a very complex and well-organised operation.
I hope that this article has helped explain the important parts of the process.
If you have any additional questions, please ask away below.
Until next time…
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