Making the most of multi-channel fulfillment

Note: This is another installment in my ongoing Amazon Fundamentals series. -JD

What is Multi-Channel Fulfillment?

Are you an Amazon FBA seller? Do you sell through other venues, like e-Bay or your own website? Are you listing the same inventory items all over the Internet? If so, then you should really look into Multi-Channel Fulfillment. This service allows you to ship your FBA inventory to customers who order through other sales channels.

How do I Use Multi-Channel Fulfillment?

Just log in to your Seller CentralAmazon Seller Central is a portal or a h... More account and create a shipment using the Inventory Amazon Fulfills form. Select “Create Fulfillment Order.” Any item (or combination of items) in your inventory can be shipped this way.

Be aware that you can also only use Multi-Channel Fulfillment for shipments within the United States. In addition, your orders will be shipped in Amazon branded packaging, which may be a turn-off for many sellers who work hard to build their online identity.

Comparing the Cost of Fulfillment Options

For the chart below, I assumed a single non-media, non-oversized item with a shipping weight of 5lbs., being sent from Portland, Oregon to New York, New York. All prices are in US dollars ($USD).

*$11.35 represents the cost of a flat-rate box, always a good option to consider when using USPS. The higher USPS prices are for Priority Mail packages. Media items and items that can fit into a padded envelope may be significantly cheaper. Also note that Amazon’s rate includes all boxes and packaging materials.

Refer to this chart to see how the cost of a shipment is calculated. And don’t worry, when creating a shipment for Multi-Channel Fulfillment you’ll see the actual cost calculated for you before you commit to anything.

When Should I Use Multi-Channel Fulfillment?

The most common way to take advantage of Multi-Channel Fulfillment is for shipping orders that you receive through your website, e-Bay or any other online venue in which you sell. You can also use it as a really attractive value-add. Second Day or even Next Day service for a small fee (or even free!) is a great incentive for many buyers!

I really recommend using Multi-Channel Fulfillment to solve customer service issues. Imagine that a customer receives a product (from any sales channel) that was damaged en route or that you accidentally shipped the wrong item. Just create a Multi-Channel Fulfillment order to send a replacement right away, while they return the damaged or incorrect item.

Sure, the shipping and fulfillment will come out of your pocket, but customers love the responsiveness! If your margins allow you to do this once in awhile, it can be a great customer service tool! Especially for when you make a mistake (it happens to everyone!)