Learn how to create a shipment plan on Amazon FBA step-by-step. This 2025 guide for Virtual Assistants covers printing FNSKU & box labels, managing suppliers, and coordinating freight for smooth Amazon delivery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Shipment Plan on Amazon FBA
Complete Guide for Virtual Assistants Introduction
Once product research
is complete, suppliers are confirmed, and your Amazon listing is live, the next
critical phase is logistics—specifically, creating and managing a shipment
plan. TThis guide provides Virtual Assistants (VAs) with a step-by-step walkthrough
for creating shipment plans in Amazon Seller Central, printing product and
carton labels, and working with suppliers. and freight forwarders, and
preparing for smooth FBA delivery.
By mastering these
steps, VAs can ensure shipments are properly documented, tracked, and delivered
to Amazon’s fulfillment centers without delays or compliance issues.
What Is an Amazon FBA Shipment Plan
In Seller Central, a
shipment plan tells Amazon what you're sending and includes details like
• Origin: Where the shipment is coming
from (usually the supplier’s factory or warehouse).
• Contents: Which products and how many
units.
• Packaging: How the products are packed
within boxes.
The plan helps Amazon
assign a warehouse destination, generate the necessary shipping labels, and
integrate seamlessly with the logistics chain.
Step-by-Step Process to Create a Shipment Plan
Step 1: Print Item Labels
Every unit sent to
Amazon requires an item label (FNSKU barcode). Here’s how to prepare:
1. Log into Seller Central.
2. Go to Inventory → Manage Inventory.
3. Find your listing and choose "Print
Item Labels" from the dropdown.
4. Enter the total number of units (e.g.,
500).
5. Click "Print" to download a PDF
file.
Tip for VAs: Send the
PDF to your supplier and explain how to apply the labels—one per unit, over the
original barcode but not covering any product information.
Step 2: Create a New Shipment Plan
1 Navigate to Inventory → Send/Replenish
Inventory.
2 Click “Create a new shipping plan.”
3 In the Ship From section, enter the
supplier’s address (complete with postal code, contact name, and phone number).
4 Indicate "Case-packed products"
if every case holds identical units.
5 Click Continue.
Step 3: Enter Shipment Contents
On the shipment
contents screen:
• Enter units per case (e.g., 50).
• Input the number of cases (e.g., 10).
• Ensure total units (50 x 10 = 500) are
accurate.
• Click Continue.
Step 4: Labeling Service Selection
Choose who will
prepare and label the products:
• Merchant: Your supplier will handle
label application using the label files you've sent them.
• Amazon: Amazon will label your units
(fee applies).
For merchant labeling,
select it and click to generate all necessary unit labels.
Step 5: Name and Approve the Shipment
• Assign a clear shipment ID (e.g.,
OversinkRack_July2025).
• Click Approve, then Work on Shipment to
proceed to packing.
Step 6: Provide Shipping Details
• Confirm Ship From address (supplier).
• Ship To is auto-generated based on
Amazon’s fulfillment network.
• Share these details with your freight
forwarder.
Step 7: Add Box-Level Information
Amazon requires you to
define box packaging by:
1. Selecting either "Multiple
Boxes" or "Case-packed single box."
2. Entering:
o Units per box (e.g., 50)
o Total boxes (e.g., 10)
o Box weight (kg or lbs)
o Box dimensions (cm or inches)
Ask your supplier for
accurate measurements to ensure compliance.
Step 8: Print Box Labels
After verifying packaging details:
• Click "Print Box Labels"
• Download the label PDF
• Send it to your freight forwarderEnsure
that each shipping box is labeled correctly according to Amazon’s FBA
guidelines
Each shipping carton
must display the correct box label in accordance with Amazon's requirements
Additional Tips for VAs
1. Case-packed vs Individual products
Use case-packed if
boxes contain identical items. It simplifies the shipment and fee structure.
2. Clear Communication
Maintain a logistics
tracker (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets) containing:
o Supplier shipping email
o Freight forwarder contacts and details
o Tracking numbers
o Estimated departure and arrival dates
3. Pre-Send Labels
Before shipment
packing, ensure your supplier has both item and box labels to avoid labeling
bottlenecks later.
4. Coordinate with Freight Forwarder
Discuss:
o Freight Incoterms (DDP, EXW, FOB)
o Pick-up and delivery day estimates
o Required customs documentation
o Final delivery to Amazon warehouse
5.Understanding Fees
Use Amazon’s FBA
Revenue Calculator to anticipate:
o FBA fulfillment fees
o Storage costs
o Calculate ideal landed cost per unit
(product + shipping + fees)
Deep Dive: Shipment Planning Best Practices
Supplier Coordination
• Reinforce the importance of accurate
labeling at least a week before final packaging.
• Ask suppliers to send sample photos of
labeled units and boxes.
• Track production progress and request
updates at least two weeks before shipping.
Shipment Method Comparisons
Method Pros Cons
DDP (Delivered Duty
Paid) Less work for you/VA Higher cost; difficult to negotiate
origin terms
Indian Freight (Ex
Works) More control; often cheaper Need to manage logistics, customs, and
clearances
FOB/CIF via China Bulk savings, known routes Still need freight forwarder and
customs clearance
Choose the method
based on product value, volume, urgency, and cost structure.
Post-Shipment: Monitoring and Receiving
• Provide both the Air Waybill (AWB) and
Bill of Lading (BOL) to Amazon and your freight forwarder.
• Use Amazon’s Shipment Cases page and
freight tracker for updates.
• When Amazon confirms receiving,
reconcile unit counts and check for damages.
• Prepare to offer refunds or replacements
for accounting.
Virtual Assistant Best Practices
• Develop detailed shipment Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs), outlining each step along with key reminders and
action triggers
• Set alerts for shipment events (e.g.,
label generation, shipment complete, delivery).
• Record all shipment data in a shared
document for transparency.
• Help clients calculate ROI and forecast
restock needs based on sales velocity.
What’s Next?
Following this
shipment guide, upcoming sessions will include:
1. How to choose and manage freight
forwarders
2. Negotiating customs documentation and
duties
3. Managing Amazon storage and inventory
tracking
4. Launching replenishment strategies and
reordering logistics
