If you are thinking of buying products from Alibaba, and selling them through Amazon, you should know how to ship them to the Amazon fulfillment center.
Many Amazon sellers want to ship their products directly from Alibaba to the Amazon warehouse. Because the more efficiently you send from Alibaba to the Amazon fulfillment center, the less time and money you will waste.
But they know there are some risks too if using this method. Can I still ship directly from Alibaba to Amazon? Is there the other method?
Can I Ship Directly From Alibaba to Amazon FBA
Before we delve into the subtle art of shipping from Alibaba to Amazon, let’s get an answer to a key question first. Is it possible to directly ship from Alibaba to Amazon. It is both physically and legally possible to do so. You just need to know how to do so the right way.
There are actually two ways on how to ship from Alibaba to Amazon. These methods are:
- Directly shipping from Alibaba to Amazon
- Indirectly shipping from Alibaba to Amazon: ship from Alibaba to a third-party warehouse first, then eventually to the Amazon warehouse
While these two methods are feasible, and efficient in their own ways, there will always be some advantages and disadvantages to each option. Here are some of their pros and cons.
How to Ship Directly to Amazon FBA From Alibaba
When it comes to shipping options, shipping directly to Amazon FBA from Alibaba is very popular. Here are the key reasons why you should use this option, and tips on how to do it the right way.
When Alibaba Shipping Directly to Amazon FBA
While you already know the key advantages of shipping Alibaba products directly to Amazon, You should also know the scenarios when you should have your products shipped directly to Amazon FBA.
- If you want to save up on delivery costs.
- If you want the product to Arrive at the Amazon warehouse as quickly as possible. This is usually a good option if you are in a rush.
- If you already have a trusted manufacturer that already has rich Amazon experience.
- If you already hired a reliable third-party inspection agencythat will help you check out the quality and packaging of goods before shipping to Amazon FBA.
- If you have a professional Amazon forwarder that will help check out the quality of the goods.
Now that you know the key scenarios for having your Alibaba products shipped directly to Amazon, let’s have a quick look at the three options that you could use. These options are express, air freight, and sea freight.
Express: This option is by far the most convenient and traditional. You will use the usual courier experience and it is very efficient and easy to do. However, you will need to pay a higher price according to the size and weight of your product. The transit time for this option is usually 3 to 7 days.
Air Freight: This option has the same speed and efficiency of courier shipping, but it utilizes a far more complex and less automated methods. This option usually takes around 7 to 10 days.
Sea Freight: When it comes to pricing, this method is the cheapest. However, it is also the slowest as well. It entails having your product transported through sea freights. If you are not in a hurry and your product is not prone to damage, then you should use this option. This option takes the most time with over 25 to 40 days.
The Process of Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon
Step 1: Choose shipping methods
You can choose shipping method according to the following tabel sheet:
Step 2: Set up an amazon fba shipping plan
After choosing a shipping method, you should set up an Amazon FBA shipping plan.
First things first, you should first open the Amazon website. After that you should open your shipping queue, and then tap the Send to Amazon tab. This will allow you to open the various Amazon sending options.
There are five steps to set up a shipping plan: choose inventory to send, confirm shipping, print box labels, confirm carrier and pallet information (for pallet shipment only) and print pallet labels (for pallet shipments with partnered carrier only).
Step 3: Check the product packaging, whether meet amazon requirements
After setting up your Amazon FBA shipping plan, it is very important that you double check your product’s packaging.
Remember that Amazon is strict when it comes to this, and if you want your product to be accepted into Amazon without any setbacks, you should make sure that it is up to their standards.
Step 4: Ship from Alibaba to Amazon warehouse
After making sure that your package is up to Amazon’s requirements, it is now time to ship your product from Alibaba to the Amazon warehouse.
Depending on the kind of delivery that you choose, you should make the necessary preparations for your chosen shipping option.
For example, you chose to use sea freight . This means that you will be able to transport more products. You will also pay a lot less.
However, you should know that sea freights take a great deal more time. They could even last as long as a month and a half. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be prepared for any circumstance.
Step 5: Amazon warehouse receives the shipment:
As an Amazon seller, you should make sure to keep tabs on your products. The most effective way to do this, is to check on their inventory status on a regular basis. The inventory status is an Amazon function that allows sellers to know the whereabouts of their shipments.
This is especially important if you choose the non-express options, because they take more time to arrive at the Amazon warehouses. By keeping track of your shipment’s inventory status, you will know whether its status is still in receiving, checked in, or closed.
How to Ship Indirectly to Amazon FBA From Alibaba
Apart from directly shipping to Amazon, you could also indirectly ship to Amazon FBA from Alibaba. Here are the reasons why you should use this option, and a thorough process on how to do it properly.
When to Use a Third Party Logistics (3PL)
Aside from shipping your products directly from Alibaba to Amazon,you also have the option to use a 3rd party logistics to help you out.
What is a 3rd Party Logistics company?
It is a logistics firm that forwards your inventory to Amazon on your behalf. It is a great shipping option because it helps tp speed up the overall shipping process and helps safeguard your products as well.
Now that you know what a 3rd party logistic company is, let’s find out when should you use a 3rd party agency though?
- If you are a new Amazon seller
If you are starting out as an Amazon seller, it is always a good idea to use a 3rd party logistics company. This will allow you to inspect your products during the shipping process. You will also be able to check if your products are labeled the right way.
- If your products are delicate
You should also use a 3rd party logistics company if your products are very delicate. By using a 3PL, you will be able to ensure that your products are handled the right way. You will also have the option to check out your product as it is being transported.
- If you have insufficient stock capacity
When it comes to being a new Amazon seller, one of the biggest drawbacks is that there is a limit to the number of orders that you will be able to handle. By having a 3PL to help out, you will be able to move more products in the long run.
The Process of Using a Third Party Logistics
Step-by-step guide on how to effectively use a 3PL to Amazon warehouses.
Step 1: Choose the right shipping method for you.
If you are going to use a 3rd party logistics company, you should the right shipping method that will fit your shipping needs.
Step 2: Ship from Alibaba to the 3rd party logistics company
Now, it’s time to ship your product to the 3PL warehouse, or you can also use an Amazon prep center. No matter which one you choose, make sure they have an Amazon product label and packaging inspection service. Meanwhile, when there is something wrong, they can repackage and relabel for your products.
Step 3: Check the product packaging whether it is up to Amazon standards.
Before you ship anything to Amazon, it is important that you check your product packaging, whether is up to Amazon standards.
Remember that Amazon is very specific about its product packaging. This is a key task for all 3rd party logistics companies. They will usually ensure that your products are up to standards.
Step 4: Set up your Amazon FBA shipping plans
Now, you can set up your Amazon FBA shipping plan. Please correctly fill in all information about your product, such as product quantity, weight, number of boxes, case-packed product, or individual product.
Step 5: Amazon warehouse received the shipment (Time it takes and how to speed up the overall process)
After the 3rd party logistics warehouse getsyour shipment and set up the shipping plan, they send it directly to the related Amazon fulfillment center.
While working with a 3rd-person logistics company will speed up the shipping process, it is very important that you cover all the bases in advance. Here are some ways to speed up the overall process.
- Make sure your shipping boxes are up to Amazon requirements. Double check its size, weight, destination, and barcode. If you can’t do these by yourself, let your supplier do these.
- Provide the 3rd party company with a list of your items.
- Keep track of your FBA inventory. By keeping track of it, you’ll at least know its whereabouts.
FAQs about Shipping From Alibaba to Amazon
How to choose a reliable third-party inspection agency in china
What is a third-party inspection agency? It is an agency that checks the quality of the products that you are purchasing. This is very important because there is a chance that your products are subpar or have been damaged while it is being transported.
Here are some key tips for choosing a third-party inspection agency in China.
- Check if they are legally certified to do business
You should remember that not all 3rd party inspection agencies are created equal. There are even some 3rd party inspection agencies that may disappear overnight without a trace. By checking if they are legally certified, you can at least make sure that your products are checked by professionals.
- Visit the company in person
If you have a 3rd party inspection agency in mind, you should take the time to check out their operations in person. If they want your business, they will be transparent and give you a quick tour of their company.
- Check out their services and number of employees
It is also important that you check out their services and the number of employees that they have. Remember that their services should fit your needs. They should also have enough employees to accommodate your needs.
- Compare prices
Before you hire or pay for any service, you should make sure that you compare prices. Make sure that you ask for the prices from perspective 3rd party inspection agency. That way you’ll get the best deals.
How to Choose A Freight Forwarder
As it was discussed earlier, it is a firm that is in charge of shipping your products to FBA.
This means that you should be careful about your choice of freight forwarders. Remember that these companies are the ones in charge of your products. Here are key things to take into account when choosing freight forwarder in china.
- Check the company’s legality and business practices
If you want to keep your products as safe as possible, you should make sure that the freight forwarder is legally responsible for your products, and that they follow honest business practices.
- Ask for their full price
This is a trick that some dishonest freight forwarders sometimes use. They give you a bevy of sign up gifts, bonuses and discounts, only to surprise you with a much higher price than you first expected. As a rule, you should ask companies for their full price. This will help protect you from unforeseen expenses such as hidden charges.
- Check their insurance policies
This is very important because you will be putting your product’s safety in the hands of the freight forwarders. This means the company should be help liable in case anything happens to your products, while in their care.
- Check if they are part of an association
Yet another way you could ensure that the freight forwarder is trustworthy, is to check if they are a part of an association. If they are part of an association, this means that they will have to follow specific standards and regulations followed by association members.
Why do you need to buy cargo insurance?
Yes, you should! International shipping involves many processes and different carriers. Therefore, your goods may be damaged or even lost during transportation, regardless of whether you choose express, air freight, sea freight, or other transportation methods.
The carrier has limited liability, and compensation is often based on the cargo’s weight. Therefore, if the goods are lost or damaged, the compensation is usually much lower than the value of the goods.
Could you use both methods simultaneously? (direct and indirect to Amazon warehouse)
Yes, you can. For instance, you need to replenish quickly during peak sales season, but Amazon’s inventory capacity is limited.
In this case, you can replenish by shipping directly from Alibaba to the Amazon warehouse. Simultaneously, the remaining goods will be sent to a 3PL warehouse for storage. Then, when the inventory is insufficient again, you can quickly replenish goods from the 3PL warehouse.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you have most likely learned the finer points of shipping from Alibaba to Amazon. You will also have learned whether it is legally possible to ship from Alibaba to Amazon, and the logistics behind it all. This includes shipping from Alibaba to Amazon directly, and also doing the process indirectly.
The knowledge that you will have gotten from this article is very important especially if you are selling products from Alibaba to Amazon. If you are interested in knowing more about this process, you can always contact our team for more clarification and assistance. We are always glad to help.