If you’re launching your first product on Amazon, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is how to handle fulfillment. For most sellers, that means setting up Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Done right, FBA unlocks Prime eligibility, built-in customer service, and scalable logistics. Done wrong, it can bury you in delays, inventory issues, and unnecessary fees.
Here’s how to set up Amazon fulfillment correctly from day one — so you start selling smoothly and scale with confidence.
Step 1: Create a Professional Amazon Seller Account
To use FBA, you’ll need to register for a Professional Seller account, which costs $39.99/month. During setup, have the following ready:
- Business entity (LLC or sole prop)
- Bank account and routing details
- Tax info (EIN or SSN)
- Government-issued ID
Once verified, you’ll gain access to Amazon Seller Central, your hub for inventory, listings, and reports.
Step 2: Enroll in FBA
Now enable FBA by going to Settings > Fulfillment by Amazon inside Seller Central. Accept Amazon’s terms and confirm a U.S.-based return address.
For a full walkthrough, check Amazon’s FBA onboarding page.
Step 3: Create a Product Listing
To send products into FBA, you’ll first need a live listing.
- Go to Inventory > Add a Product
- Choose an existing ASIN or create a new one
- Fill in all required fields: title, brand, category, bullet points, description, and images
- Choose: “I want Amazon to ship and provide customer service for my items if they sell”
For optimization tips, here’s a step-by-step Amazon listing guide from Helium 10.
Step 4: Prepare and Label Inventory
Amazon has strict packaging standards for FBA. If you don’t meet them, your shipment could be rejected or charged prep fees.
Follow Amazon’s FBA prep and packaging requirements, which include:
- Each unit labeled with an FNSKU barcode
- Products bagged, boxed, or bubble-wrapped as needed
- “Sold as Set” stickers for multi-item bundles
- No mixed SKUs in the same box without clear labeling
You can apply labels yourself or pay for Amazon’s FBA Label Service.
Step 5: Create and Send Your Shipment
Next, it’s time to send your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers:
- Navigate to Inventory > Send to Amazon
- Enter the quantity and dimensions
- Amazon will assign one or more warehouse destinations
- Print the shipping labels and attach to each box
Amazon offers deeply discounted rates with partnered carriers like UPS.
Step 6: Monitor Inventory and Performance
Once received, your products become available for purchase. You should now:
- Check Manage Inventory regularly
- Monitor the Inventory Performance Index (IPI)
- Use the Restock Inventory Tool to stay in stock
Poor performance can trigger limits or fees, so it’s critical to stay on top of your inventory health.
When Should You Ask for Help?
FBA can be time-consuming — and it gets more complex as you grow. Consider working with a consultant if you’re:
- Frequently running into stranded inventory
- Unsure how to reduce storage fees
- Managing more than a few SKUs or suppliers
- Launching multiple products simultaneously
A good partner can help you navigate these challenges and stay compliant with minimal friction.
Ready to Nail Fulfillment from Day One?
At Space Command, we’ve helped brands ship tens of thousands of units to Amazon — without costly delays or setup errors. Whether you’re launching your first SKU or scaling across the U.S., we’ll help you get it right from day one.
Let’s set up your fulfillment plan →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use FBA for handmade or oversized items?
Yes, though you’ll need to meet additional requirements for Amazon Handmade or FBA oversized inventory.
What happens if my shipment is delayed or rejected?
Amazon will notify you in Seller Central. You may be charged for prep, storage, or disposal if the shipment doesn’t meet guidelines.
Can I switch a product from FBM to FBA?
Yes — simply edit the SKU to “Fulfilled by Amazon” in your listing settings and create an FBA shipment.
Do I need a warehouse or 3PL before using FBA?
No, but many sellers use prep centers to streamline shipping, especially if they source overseas.
Is FBA better than FBM for new sellers?
FBA is often the better choice if you want Prime access and less customer service overhead — but it comes with more rules and fees.