Shipping From Alibaba to Amazon FBA

Are you struggling with shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA because of the hectic process?

Don’t worry!

We know it’s TIME-CONSUMING that you can invest in Expansion. Our Alibaba shipping expert has compiled this guidebook.

After reading this, you automate your whole Alibaba shipping process. This COVERS everything from the Freight forwarder’s search to the right shipping method. 

KEEP READING to know more about Amazon FBA shipping options. So you make better shipping decisions.

What is Amazon FBA?

Amazon is the leading B2C marketplace. There are two ways to fulfill your orders. FBA or FBM. In FBM, you FULFILL customers’ orders on your own. Yet they have warehouses around the US. They fulfill your orders. They pack, ship, and deliver orders. This is FBA or Fulfillment by AMAZON. 

In FBA, you ship your inventory to Amazon warehouses. Amazon STORE, SHIP, and DELIVER your items. It is the best way for automation. Your supplier ships items directly to Amazon FBA warehouses.

3 Solutions to ship from Alibaba to Amazon FBA

Solution 1: Direct Shipment from reputable Suppliers to Amazon warehouse

Contact supplier and request direct shipment to the Amazon FBA warehouse. He arranges shipping or hires an agent. A most convenient way of shipping. Your supplier did all inspections and required Paperwork.

Pros:

• Convenient and fast method. No involvement of so many people. Simple as it SOUNDS.
• Cheap and COST-EFFECTIVE. You are not paying too much for shipping because they are ready-made solutions. 

Cons: 

• Inspection and Branding are low quality. Costs you money and causes reputation DAMAGE with bad reviews. 
• Not a good option for FRAGILE and sensitive items. Damaging experience for the items without extra protective layers. 

Solution 2: Get inventory first and ship to Amazon warehouses by yourself.

You first get your inventory at home. You store it at your house. You INSPECT or do branding. No need to hire any third-party seller service. You filter out damaged products by yourself. Then you ship to Amazon warehouses. 

Pros:

• You get to TEST and INSPECT your product by yourself. Saves you from bad reviews.
• Saves costs on inspection and branding services. You do it by yourself. 

Cons:

• You get double the transportation cost. FIRST to your house, then from your house to Amazon warehouses. Better to go with a nearby warehouse. 
• You need more STORAGE space at home for bulky items. Better for small shipments.

Solution 3: Third-party preparation center for Amazon warehouses

You hire a third-party preparation center. They COLLECT your shipment from suppliers. They inspect, merge and repack your shipment. They add branding and customs labels. They deliver to Amazon WAREHOUSES. 

Pros:

• Convenient and automated process. No need to worry about the shipping PROCESS. 
• Skilled staff does INSPECTION and branding. Experts look after your inventory.

Cons:

• It is an EXPENSIVE option, and better to go with a good profit margin in product costs.

Alibaba shipping methods to Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA needs direct shipment to warehouses. Before FINAL transportation, you need shipment with other shipping methods. Here are Alibaba’s Shipping practices for Amazon FBA:

1. Express Shipping

This is the fastest shipping method but for small packages. You send up to 150 pounds depending on different carrier services. Well, TRANSIT TIME is 2 to 5 days. Shipping services have different express shipping categories. Only Use Express shipping in emergency cases or for very time-sensitive items.  

2. Sea Freight

Sea shipping is a cost-effective and best option for LARGE and BULK purchases. It is the most popular method for shipping products worldwide.

You get two shipping options:

• FCL (Full container load)
• LCL (Less than container load)  

In FCL, you get the entire container for shipment. Both 20ft and 40 ft containers have different costs and spaces. No limitations on size and weight! Yet, LCL is for small shipments. Many small SHIPMENTS share the same container, which is cost-effective for them.

Sea freight takes 15 to 30 days for China to US shipping. The best option if you are planning bulk quantities.

3. Air Freight

Air shipping is a fast and expensive way of shipping. It takes 6 to 10 days for China to US shipping. Best for TIME-SENSITIVE, fragile and lightweight items. It is not the best option for you if you don’t have good profit margins.

It is a flexible shipping option and can do Air shipping urgently. You get charged on shipment SIZE and WEIGHT. Better to go with shipment optimization, like shipping pallets, to save shipping costs.

Choosing the shipping method is up to you. Every shipping method has PROS and CONS. Air shipping is an expensive option. Only favorable if you have time-sensitive items with good profit margins. 

On the other hand, Sea freight is a CHEAP but slow option. Sea freight is the best option if you are not in a hurry and are tight on budget. 

Discuss your shipping requirements with the freight forwarding COMPANY. They give you sincere advice.  

How do you find an Alibaba freight forwarder for Amazon FBA delivery?

Shipping agents process your whole shipment. Your agent or freight forwarder must be credible and experienced. So, Here are two ways to find an Alibaba freight forwarder.

Personal recommendations:

You ask fellow sellers about their freight forwarders. Western sellers share their experiences in online communities. Get RECOMMENDATIONS from there. Better to check the credibility of freight forwarders. Check their website and social media ACCOUNTS. 

See their FREIGHT work history and get quotes for an idea about pricing. Start discussing shipping strategy and what services they offer. Check rates for extra services like storage, inspection, and branding. 

Discuss your agreement and pay through third-party payment services that offer a refund. You REQUEST a refund in case of an issue. 

Through the Alibaba website:

Search freight forwarders in the search bar of Alibaba. Search with your criteria. Check their INFORMATION page and previous reviews. Their rating and feedback show their credibility. Work with only a verified supplier or agent. Check their specialty in Amazon FBA. 

Start contacting different freight forwarders. Compare their pricing and shipping plans. Ask about Extra services. Make sure they know Amazon packaging requirements. 

Discuss every SINGLE detail before agreeing. So you avoid Hidden shipping fees. Pay with Alibaba trade assurance. It deducts a 3% commission, but it ASSURES you a refund in case of an issue.

How to package products for Amazon FBA?

Here is how to pack a product for Amazon FBA

1. Appropriate box:

Use an appropriate six-sided box. Make sure to use quality control boxes. Boxes are REUSABLE and RECYCLED. But keep in mind there should be no previous information. Use a box with proper dimensions.

2. Properly label the box: 

Labeling is the most important factor. Mention clear Address details with Return policies. LABEL the box from each side. 

3. Packing products carefully:

Pack your private-label Products with care. Pack products with a SEPARATE bubble sheet. Make sure items shouldn’t shake when the box shakes. Get box product samples and test high-quality samples. Use PROPER sealing tapes to secure the sealing of the box.

4. Use a secure box and protect items:

Use a good-quality HARD BOX that can bear a little pressure during shipping. Use strong shipping tape so items should remain safe. 

Don’t use shredded paper, crinkle wraps, and foam. They are not able to protect the items. Use bubble sheets and wrap them twice, and many other options to SECURE your items.

How to ship products directly from Alibaba to Amazon FBA?

There are two ways to ship direct to the Amazon fulfillment center. The main priority is automation and no involvement by yourself. So here is how you do it. 

1. Requesting your Alibaba supplier

First, find suppliers on Alibaba. Choose one and make sure he has worked with several Amazon sellers. After the manufacturing process, REQUEST to ship your completed inventory. Provide your branding and packaging requirements. 

Make sure he INSPECTS products before packaging. Provide your Amazon seller account information (Not credentials) with the warehouse address. You should track the shipment. Ensure Amazon receives your items with Amazon seller central. Now start selling products. 

2. Third-party logistics

You hire a shipping AGENT on Alibaba. Share your shipping requirements and product details. Negotiate and finalize the charges. Then he collects your shipment from the supplier. He inspects, rebrands, and repacks your items. 

Share your custom shipping labels and BRANDING material requirements. He manages all the shipments from Supplier to the Amazon warehouse. It is more of a professional service and better for brand building. 

He ships the shipment to Amazon WAREHOUSES with your information. Check your inventory status in the online store. They are ready to sell products after getting received.

FAQs about Amazon FBA Alibaba 

What’s Next

Amazon FBA is a good online business model where you have to handle a few things. Sourcing, Shipping, and Marketing. Shipping is an important process in Amazon business. Late shipment can cost your whole business. 

You need a fast and reliable shipping partner. Finding a RELIABLE freight forwarder is difficult but look no More! 

Contact us! We have been handling Amazon FBA shipping for years. You get a direct shipment with complete branding and PACKAGING.