Quick answer: before shipping to FBA, every SKU needs clear separation, barcode labels, carton marks, packaging checks, quantity confirmation, and a freight plan that matches your launch date.
1. Start with FBA prep before production ends
Ask suppliers for carton size, gross weight, inner packing, SKU count, and whether each unit already has a scannable barcode. If your products come from several Yiwu suppliers, collect all packing details before you book freight.
A local agent can receive goods in one warehouse, check each supplier shipment, and prepare the cartons for FBA instead of letting every supplier send goods separately.
2. Labels and carton marks must be correct
Amazon warehouses are strict about identification. Common tasks include FNSKU labels, carton labels, SKU separation, carton numbering, suffocation warning labels for poly bags, and pallet labels when required by the shipping plan.
Small mistakes can cause receiving delays or extra handling charges. YiwuGo Agent can print and apply labels locally, then send photos before dispatch.
3. Inspect before goods leave China
FBA buyers often discover quality problems too late because Amazon receives sealed cartons. Before shipping, check visible defects, quantity, color mix, packaging damage, wrong labels, weak cartons, and product consistency with approved samples.
For low-MOQ product tests, even a small defect rate can damage listing reviews. A simple pre-shipment check is cheaper than returns, removals, and replacement stock.
4. Choose sea, air, or express by margin
Air and express freight are faster for launches and small batches, but they can destroy profit on bulky low-value items. Sea freight is better for replenishment and larger volumes. Many sellers use air freight for the first test batch, then sea freight after they validate demand.
For mixed products, consolidation is often the biggest savings lever. One combined shipment is usually easier to manage than multiple small supplier parcels.
| Shipping method | Typical use case | Buyer advantage | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express courier | Samples, urgent launches, small lightweight cartons | Fastest and easiest tracking | High cost for bulky low-value products |
| Air freight | Restocking profitable SKUs or seasonal items | Good balance of speed and cost for medium batches | Needs accurate weight, volume, and customs data |
| Sea freight | Larger replenishment orders and heavy cartons | Lowest cost per unit for stable products | Longer timeline; plan inventory earlier |
5. Practical timeline from Yiwu to FBA
- 1-3 days: supplier delivery to Yiwu warehouse and receiving photos.
- 1-2 days: quantity check, label printing, carton mark review, and repacking if needed.
- 3-10 days: air or express freight for urgent replenishment.
- 25-45 days: sea freight depending on destination, routing, and customs clearance.
Need FBA prep in Yiwu?
Send your product list, Amazon shipment requirements, SKU labels, and destination marketplace. We can help prepare cartons before export.
Ask about FBA prep