How to Use Send to Amazon: Choosing and Preparing Inventory for FBA Shipments
Covers the first step of Amazon's Send to Amazon workflow where sellers choose FBA inventory to ship, set pack types, and create case pack or pallet templates. Essential knowledge for any seller using Fulfillment by Amazon.
Overview
The Send to Amazon workflow is the primary method sellers use to create shipments of inventory destined for Amazon's fulfillment centers. The first and most critical step in this multi-stage process is selecting which products you want to send, specifying quantities, and defining how those items are packed. Getting this step right sets the foundation for a smooth inbound experience and helps avoid costly errors, delays, or rejected shipments.
Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know
- Send to Amazon is a multi-step workflow — It guides sellers through choosing inventory, confirming shipping details, printing box labels, and arranging carrier pickup or delivery across five to six sequential steps.
- Two methods to add inventory — Sellers can either browse and select from their existing FBA SKU catalog directly within Seller Central, or upload SKUs in bulk using a spreadsheet template for larger shipments.
- Pack type matters — Every SKU must be assigned a pack type: individual units, case-packed products, or single-SKU pallets. The pack type you choose determines labeling requirements and downstream workflow steps.
- Templates save time — Case pack and single-SKU pallet templates can be created and saved so sellers don't have to re-enter box dimensions, unit counts, and weight information every time they ship the same product.
- Pallet shipments have extra steps — If you're shipping on pallets, you'll encounter additional workflow steps for carrier and pallet information, plus pallet label generation when using an Amazon-partnered carrier.
How the Workflow Is Structured
The Send to Amazon workflow is divided into a series of sequential steps. Step one focuses on choosing the inventory you want to send, including quantities and pack configurations. Step two covers shipping details such as ship-from address and shipping mode. Step three generates the box content labels you'll need to affix to each carton. For sellers shipping palletized freight, step four handles carrier selection and pallet specifications, and step five provides pallet labels when using an Amazon-partnered carrier. Sellers using non-partnered carriers for either small parcel or pallet shipments will see a final step for entering tracking and delivery details. Each step must be completed before advancing to the next.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Every FBA seller must use the Send to Amazon workflow to restock inventory. Understanding pack types, bulk uploads, and template creation helps sellers ship faster and avoid costly receiving errors at fulfillment centers.
Key Takeaways
- Sellers can add inventory manually by browsing SKUs or in bulk via spreadsheet template upload
- Every SKU requires a pack type designation: individual units, case-packed, or single-SKU pallets
- Reusable case pack and pallet templates save significant time on repeat shipments
- Pallet shipments involve additional workflow steps for carrier info and pallet labels
Recommended Actions
- →Create and save case pack templates for your frequently shipped SKUs to speed up future shipments
- →Use the bulk upload template for shipments with more than a handful of SKUs
- →Double-check quantities and pack type classifications before advancing past step one to avoid receiving delays
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