Are you ready to turn your Alibaba finds into bestsellers on Amazon, but aren’t sure how to get your products from one platform to the other? Shipping from Alibaba directly to Amazon FBA can feel overwhelming, especially for new sellers eager to get started fast and avoid costly mistakes.
Understanding this process is crucial for smooth operations, avoiding delays, and staying profitable.
In this article, you’ll discover a simple, step-by-step guide to shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA, plus expert tips to ensure your products arrive safely and on time.
Related Video
How to Ship from Alibaba to Amazon FBA: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Shipping products from Alibaba directly to Amazon FBA is a popular choice for many ecommerce entrepreneurs. It allows you to source affordable products from manufacturers and send them seamlessly to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where Amazon takes care of storage, packing, and shipping to customers. If you’re new to this process, it can seem overwhelming – but with the right steps and some expert tips, you can navigate it confidently. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand and streamline your Alibaba-to-Amazon FBA shipping journey.
What Does Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA Mean?
Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA means you buy products from a supplier on Alibaba (usually in China) and arrange for those products to be shipped directly to an Amazon Fulfillment Center (FBA warehouse). Once the goods arrive, Amazon stores your inventory and handles customer orders, shipping, and returns.
This approach saves you time, reduces double shipping costs, and helps you scale your Amazon business faster.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship from Alibaba to Amazon FBA
Let’s break down the steps you need to follow to get your products from Alibaba to Amazon FBA efficiently.
1. Research Your Product and Find a Reliable Supplier
- Use Alibaba’s search and filtering tools to find products that fit your niche and budget.
- Check supplier ratings, trade assurance, transaction history, and customer reviews.
- Request product samples before making a large order.
- Communicate clearly with your supplier about requirements and confirm they can ship directly to Amazon FBA.
2. Finalize Your Product and Order Details
- Confirm product specifications (size, color, packaging).
- Clarify pricing, including possible extra costs (customization, packaging, logo printing).
- Decide on the order quantity. Ordering more may reduce per-item costs but increases upfront investment.
3. Prepare for Amazon FBA Requirements
Amazon has strict requirements for products entering its FBA warehouses:
- Products must be properly labeled with FNSKU (Amazon barcode).
- Boxes must display the correct Amazon shipment labels.
- Cartons must comply with Amazon’s weight and box size limits.
- Packaging should protect items from damage during transit.
Share these guidelines with your supplier or freight forwarder. Many suppliers are familiar with FBA requirements and can assist with correct labeling and packaging.
4. Decide Shipping Incoterms
Incoterms, or International Commercial Terms, define who’s responsible for what during shipment. The most common for Amazon sellers are:
- EXW (Ex Works): Buyer arranges all transportation from the supplier’s door.
- FOB (Free on Board): Supplier pays for transport to port and loading. Buyer handles shipping, insurance, import.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Supplier manages all shipping and import duties, delivering goods to your Amazon warehouse.
For beginners, DDP is hassle-free but often more expensive. FOB is popular for those working with freight forwarders.
5. Create a Shipment Plan in Amazon Seller Central
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central.
- Create a “Send to Amazon” shipment plan, specifying:
- Which products are shipping
- Quantity per SKU
- Dimensions and weight
- Amazon will provide FBA warehouse addresses and shipping labels.
Share shipment details and labels with your supplier or freight forwarder.
6. Arrange Shipping with Your Supplier or Freight Forwarder
You have two main options:
Ship by Air
-
Express Air (e.g., DHL, FedEx):
- Fast (3-10 days).
- Higher cost per unit.
- Best for small or urgent shipments.
-
Air Freight:
- Lower cost than express, slower (5-15 days).
- Good for moderate-sized shipments.
Ship by Sea
- Sea Freight:
- Cheapest for large volumes.
- Slowest (approx. 30-45 days port-to-door).
- More paperwork and customs, but lower costs for large, heavy shipments.
Using a Freight Forwarder
Freight forwarders specialize in handling complex logistics, including customs, sea/air arrangements, and compliance. Many sellers find them invaluable for international shipments to Amazon FBA.
7. Customs, Duties, and Clearing Goods into the US
- Provide your freight forwarder with all required paperwork: invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, and any import permits.
- You (or your forwarder) will need to provide a tax identification number (like an EIN) for US customs clearance.
- Pay any import duties or taxes as applicable (costs depend on your product category).
8. Amazon FBA Receiving and Inventory Check
- Once Amazon receives your goods, they’ll check-in your inventory over 1–7 days. During busy seasons, this can take longer.
- You can monitor inventory status in Amazon Seller Central.
Key Benefits of Shipping Direct from Alibaba to Amazon FBA
- Saves Time and Money: Avoids double shipping (e.g., China → your home → Amazon).
- Reduces Hands-On Work: No need to handle products yourself.
- Scales Faster: Streamlined logistics help you restock efficiently.
Challenges to Watch Out For
Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA has its hurdles. Here’s what to watch for:
- Language and Communication Barriers: Be clear and thorough with your instructions.
- Quality Control: Use third-party inspection services to confirm product quality before shipping.
- Compliance: All products must meet US regulations (e.g., FCC, FDA, CPSIA depending on the product).
- Labeling Errors: Incorrect FNSKU or shipment labels can result in costly delays or rejections.
- Supply Chain Delays: Factor in potential supply chain disruptions, especially during holidays.
Cost-Saving Tips for Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA
- Optimize Order Sizes: Bigger shipments by sea save money per unit, but don’t overstock unless confident in sales.
- Compare Forwarding Quotes: Get multiple quotes from freight forwarders for the best rates.
- Use DDP for Simple Startup: Though pricier upfront, DDP removes customs confusion for first-timers.
- Negotiate with Suppliers: Request free labeling, better rates, or included packaging; suppliers often oblige.
- Bundle Shipments: If sourcing from multiple suppliers, consider using a China-based prep service to combine shipments.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Request Product Photos/Videos: Before shipping, ask for images or live video to verify packaging and labeling.
- Double-Check FBA Requirements: Use Amazon’s checklist to avoid shipment rejections.
- Use Inspections: Hire a third-party inspection service in China to check product quality and packaging before goods leave the factory.
- Stay in Communication: Stay updated with your supplier, forwarder, and monitor Amazon shipment status.
- Plan for Lead Times: Allow for 1–2 months from order to FBA delivery, especially with sea freight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to Communicate Amazon FBA Requirements
- Always explain Amazon’s barcode and carton labeling needs to your supplier.
- Skipping Product Inspection
- Unchecked goods can lead to poor customer reviews if there are product defects.
- Improper Incoterms
- Not understanding who pays for shipping stages can lead to surprise costs.
- Underestimating Customs and Import Duties
- Factor these into your calculations to avoid budget overruns.
- Poor Inventory Planning
- Running out of stock or over-ordering can hurt your Amazon business.
Shipping Methods Explained: When to Choose Air vs Sea
Air Shipping
- Pros: Fast, reliable, little paperwork, better for high-value/low-weight items.
- Cons: Expensive, not economical for large or heavy items.
Sea Shipping
- Pros: Cost-effective for big and heavy shipments.
- Cons: Slow, complex documentation, risk of port delays.
Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
- Best for: Small and valuable shipments, urgent re-stocking.
Amazon Preferred Carriers
Some forwarders and couriers are “Amazon-partnered,” which can expedite delivery to FBA warehouses.
Final Checklist: Before Shipping
- [ ] Supplier understands FBA labeling and packaging.
- [ ] Product inspected for quality.
- [ ] Correct shipping labels (FNSKU, carton, destination) applied.
- [ ] Chosen Incoterms are clear (FOB/DDP).
- [ ] Shipment plan created in Amazon Seller Central.
- [ ] Freight forwarder details confirmed.
- [ ] Customs paperwork complete.
- [ ] Track your shipment and inventory check-in with Amazon.
Conclusion
Shipping products from Alibaba directly to Amazon FBA is a proven, lucrative path for aspiring and experienced Amazon sellers. While the process can seem daunting, staying organized and following these structured steps makes it manageable. Working with reliable suppliers, understanding shipping options, and complying with Amazon’s requirements are crucial for smooth deliveries.
Stay proactive, communicate clearly, and invest time into planning your supply chain. By mastering this process, you can unlock larger profits and scale your Amazon business with less hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA usually take?
Shipping time depends on the chosen method. Express air can take 3–10 days, while air freight takes around 5–15 days. Sea freight is slower, often 30–45 days port-to-door. Always plan for additional days for customs and Amazon check-in.
Can my Alibaba supplier handle all Amazon FBA labeling and packaging?
Most reputable suppliers can label products and cartons to meet Amazon’s FBA requirements, but you should confirm their experience and provide detailed instructions. Alternatively, you can use third-party prep services in China.
Do I need a freight forwarder, or can the supplier ship directly to Amazon?
While some suppliers offer full-service shipping, using a freight forwarder provides added security, especially for customs clearance and handling FBA requirements. For large or complex shipments, a forwarder is recommended.
What is the cheapest way to ship from Alibaba to Amazon FBA?
For large shipments, sea freight is almost always the cheapest per unit. For small shipments, express couriers might be more affordable. Always weigh speed, reliability, and total costs (including possible storage fees at Amazon).
What if my products get rejected at Amazon FBA?
Rejection usually happens due to labeling, packaging, or compliance issues. If this occurs, products may be returned to sender or disposed of by Amazon. To avoid this, double-check all requirements and consider third-party inspection services before shipping.
