Frequently asked questions

Amazon FBA is a service where sellers send inventory to Amazon warehouses, and Amazon handles storage, order fulfillment, shipping, customer service, and returns for sales made on the Amazon marketplace.

A 3PL is an independent company that manages fulfillment, storage, shipping, and logistics for ecommerce sellers across multiple sales channels—including Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and more.

FBM means merchants handle storage, packaging, and shipping themselves or via a chosen 3PL, rather than outsourcing to Amazon FBA.

FBA is tightly integrated with Amazon and offers Prime eligibility, fast nationwide shipping, and Amazon-branded packaging. A 3PL offers more customization, flexible costs, multi-channel fulfillment, and branded packaging.

Amazon FBA charges fulfillment and storage fees (including penalties for aged inventory). 3PLs typically bill for receiving, storage, pick & pack, and shipping, often with more transparent and customizable pricing.

Yes, many sellers use FBA for fast-moving or Prime SKUs and a 3PL for multi-channel fulfillment, slow-moving inventory, or products needing custom packaging.

To switch, move your inventory to the 3PL, set up integrations for sales channels, and configure your shipping and return policies. Many 3PLs offer onboarding support for the transition.

Common triggers include expanding beyond Amazon, managing high storage fees, seeking control over branding and packaging, and improving customer experience across channels.

SFP allows sellers to earn the Prime badge and offer fast shipping while fulfilling orders themselves or via a 3PL (after meeting strict Amazon criteria).

Amazon FBA uses standardized, Amazon-branded packaging. 3PLs offer custom and branded packaging options, including inserts and gift wrapping to enhance brand identity.

Yes, many 3PLs provide FBA prep (labeling, packaging, bundling, compliance checks), especially as Amazon phases out some prep services in 2026.

FBA provides global Prime reach but has higher import fees and limited flexibility. A 3PL often offers lower costs, more flexibility, and multi-channel global shipping.

For businesses selling mainly on Amazon with high-volume SKUs, FBA can be cost-effective due to scale. If selling across channels or needing flexible storage, a 3PL is often more economical.

Search for “3PL near me” or “fulfillment center near me.” Most 3PLs have nationwide or regional networks and will offer location-specific storage and fulfillment options.

FBA provides Amazon-specific visibility but limited flexibility post-inbound. 3PLs usually offer real-time dashboards and more granular management over inventory, bundling, and reordering.

A 3PL enables branded, personalized packaging and inserts for all sales channels, which is not possible using Amazon’s FBA service.

Yes, 3PLs specialize in multi-channel fulfillment, supporting Amazon plus other marketplaces and your own website.

A 3PL can automate time-consuming logistics, reduce stress from managing shipping and returns, and free up founders to focus on growth and marketing.

Choose based on your location, channel mix, volume, and need for FBA prep. Look for providers with experience supporting Amazon sellers and offering custom integrations.

Sellers often consider an exit or transition when they face rising FBA fees, policy changes, or plan to diversify sales across channels. 3PLs can support the transition and continuity during a sale.