If you’re new to selling on Amazon, you might be grappling with the decision between Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). This choice can significantly impact your profitability, shipping fees, and the learning curve you’ll face. So, let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of FBA and FBM to help you make an informed decision.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): The Pros and Cons

Pros:

 

  • Ease of Use: Amazon handles everything from storage to shipping, allowing you to focus on sourcing and listing your products.
  • Prime Eligibility: FBA products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost your sales.
  • Customer Service: Amazon handles customer service and returns for FBA sellers, saving you time and hassle.
  • Feedback Protection: If a customer leaves negative feedback about delivery, Amazon will remove it from your account as they are responsible for the delivery.
  • Next-Day Delivery in the UK: With FBA, you can offer next-day delivery to your customers in the UK, which could be much more expensive using Royal Mail or other couriers.

Cons:

 

  1. Cost: FBA can be expensive. You’ll need to pay for storage and fulfilment fees, which can affect your profits. To help you calculate these costs, Amazon provides a handy FBA Revenue Calculator.
  2. Inventory Risks: If your products sell slowly, you could avoid long-term storage fees. You risk losing inventory due to damage or loss in Amazon’s warehouse.

Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM): The Pros and Cons

With FBM, you’re in charge of storing, packing, and shipping your products. It’s more hands-on, but it also gives you more control.

Pros:

 
  1. Control: You have full control over your inventory and shipping processes.
  2. Cost Savings: If you can manage your shipping and storage efficiently, FBM can be more profitable than FBA.

Cons:

 

  1. Time and Effort: FBM requires a significant amount of time and effort. You’ll need to handle everything from packing orders to handling returns.
  2. Strict Shipping Requirements: Amazon is very strict about shipping on time and providing tracking information. Any delays can lead to a reduction in your seller score.
  3. No Prime Eligibility: FBM products aren’t automatically eligible for Amazon Prime, which could impact your sales. To keep the Prime badge, you should be able to ship your orders during the weekend.

FBA vs FBM: Which is Better for Your Amazon Business?

The choice between FBA and FBM depends on your business model, resources, and personal preferences. If you value convenience and have the budget for it, FBA might be the way to go. But if you prefer to have control over your operations and can handle the logistics, FBM could be a better fit.


Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about finding what works best for your Amazon business. So, weigh the pros and cons, crunch the numbers, and make the choice that suits your business needs and goals.

Conclusion: Your Path to Amazon Selling Success

Whether you choose FBA or FBM, success on Amazon comes down to understanding the platform, optimizing your listings, and providing excellent customer service. So, equip yourself with the proper knowledge, stay adaptable, and keep your customers at the heart of your business.

Now, go forth and conquer the Amazon marketplace!