FBA Prep Services in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Amazon Compliance

FBA Prep is an essential process for every Amazon seller looking to succeed in the competitive ecommerce marketplace. As Amazon continues to grow, the need for accurate, compliant, and efficient FBA preparation becomes even more critical in 2025. Without proper preparation, sellers risk shipment delays, product rejections, and even suspension from the Amazon marketplace.

At Best Prep, we specialise in expert FBA prep services for UK-based and international Amazon sellers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what FBA prep involves, why it matters, Amazon’s specific requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and how partnering with a trusted fulfilment provider like Best Prep can make all the difference.

What is FBA Prep?

FBA prep, or Fulfilment by Amazon preparation, refers to the process of readying your products for delivery to Amazon’s fulfilment centres. This includes:

• Inspecting product quality

• Applying Amazon-compliant labels (FNSKU or UPC)

• Packaging according to Amazon standards

• Bundling or multi-packing items when needed

• Creating shipments via Seller Central

Amazon’s fulfilment centres are designed for speed and accuracy, but only if your products are prepared correctly. Amazon does not repackage or relabel your items if they're non-compliant—they will either be rejected, returned at your cost, or incur penalty fees. That’s why getting your FBA prep right from the start is critical to your success.

Why FBA Prep is Crucial in 2025

FBA prep isn’t just an admin task—it directly impacts:

• Customer satisfaction: Damaged or incorrect products lead to negative reviews and returns.

• Seller metrics: Poor performance metrics affect your chances of winning the Buy Box.

• Inventory processing times: Non-compliant shipments face delays or rejections.

• Amazon fees: You may incur additional fees for prep done incorrectly or left incomplete.

By ensuring your products are properly prepared, you protect your brand reputation and ensure faster, smoother fulfilment.

Step-by-Step FBA Prep Process

Here’s a breakdown of the FBA prep process every seller must follow in 2025:

1. Product Inspection

Before prepping, inspect every unit for:

• Damage or manufacturer defects

• Product accuracy (correct variation, size, colour, etc.)

• Packaging integrity

A single damaged or incorrect product can trigger a customer return, affecting your seller rating.

2. Product Labelling

Each item needs a FNSKU barcode to be scanned and tracked by Amazon. Label requirements include:

• Scannable FNSKU on a flat, visible surface

• Labels placed outside poly bags

• Manufacturer barcodes (e.g. UPCs) covered if not used

Best Prep uses high-grade printers and precision labelling to ensure 100% compliance.

3. Packaging

Packaging materials must protect the product throughout storage and transit. Common Amazon-approved materials include:

• Bubble wrap

• Poly bags (with suffocation warnings)

• Air pillows

• Strong, undamaged cardboard boxes

Incorrect packaging is one of the top causes of rejected shipments and damaged goods.

4. Bundling & Multipacks

Products sold as a set or bundle must be securely packaged and labelled as:

• “Sold as set”

• “Do not separate”

• “This is a set”

Amazon will treat unlabelled bundles as separate items, leading to fulfilment errors.

5. Shipment Preparation

After prepping, products must be boxed, labelled, and shipped with:

• Box weight/dimensions within Amazon’s limits

• Amazon shipping labels (not obscured or folded)

• Clear inventory documentation in Seller Central

At Best Prep, we handle the full shipping process—including creating your shipment plans in Amazon Seller Central—so you don’t have to.

Amazon FBA Prep Requirements by Product Type

Amazon’s guidelines are strict—and different for each product type. Here's how to prep based on item category:

Fragile Products

• Wrap with bubble wrap or foam

• Use “Fragile” stickers

• May require double boxing

Liquids

• Double-sealed to prevent leaks

• Placed in poly bags with suffocation warnings

Perishables

• Clearly marked expiry dates

• Must follow cold-chain storage or expedited shipping

Apparel, Textiles & Soft Toys

• Must be in a clear poly bag

• Include a suffocation warning label

• Prevent dust, moisture, and tearing

Battery-Operated Devices

• Package securely to prevent activation

• Follow lithium battery regulations (UN/DOT labelling)

Sharp or Hazardous Items

• Secure sharp points with plastic or padding

• Use durable boxes to prevent punctures

  
  

Common FBA Prep Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes in FBA prep can cost sellers dearly. Here are the most common errors:

❌ Incorrect Labelling

Wrong or missing labels can cause items to be rejected or misdirected. Always double-check FNSKUs and use high-quality thermal printers.

❌ Inadequate Packaging

Thin boxes or insufficient cushioning lead to breakage and customer complaints. Use sturdy, Amazon-approved materials.

❌ Ignoring Amazon Category Rules

Each category has its own rules. Don't assume what works for one product will work for another. Always check the latest Amazon guidelines or ask Best Prep for help.

❌ Skipping Quality Checks

Items arriving with defects or damage are returned or reviewed negatively—hurting your seller performance.

Consequences of Poor FBA Prep

Poorly prepared shipments can result in:

• Amazon rejecting your inventory

• Delayed product listings

• Increased return and refund rates

• Account health issues

• Extra fees for re-labelling or re-packaging

Avoiding these issues is easy when you work with a professional FBA prep partner like Best Prep.

How to Optimise Your FBA Prep in 2025

To ensure smooth, scalable Amazon operations, follow these best practices:

✅ Standardise Your Prep Process

Develop internal SOPs for inspection, packaging, labelling, and shipping. Consistency prevents human error.

✅ Use Checklists

Create checklists for each shipment to confirm steps like labelling, boxing, and barcode placement have been followed correctly.

✅ Train Your Staff

FBA policies change often. Ongoing team training ensures everyone is aligned with Amazon’s latest requirements.

✅ Leverage Fulfilment Technology

Use inventory management software that integrates with Amazon to track units, automate labelling, and manage stock efficiently.

✅ Outsource to a Trusted FBA Prep Centre

Working with a third-party FBA prep service like Best Prep saves time, reduces costs, and ensures 100% compliance—freeing you to focus on selling.

Why Choose Best Prep for FBA Prep Services?

At Best Prep, we are committed to helping Amazon sellers succeed by providing expert, compliant, and scalable FBA prep services. Our team of fulfilment professionals ensures your products are:

• Inspected for quality and consistency

• Labelled to Amazon specifications

• Packaged securely with approved materials

• Shipped according to Amazon's requirements

Whether you're shipping 50 units or 50,000, we scale with your business.

Best Prep FBA Services Include:

• Product inspection and damage checks

• FNSKU and barcode labelling

• Poly-bagging, bubble wrapping, and bundling

• Amazon Seller Central shipment management

• Fast turnaround with next-day despatch available

• Secure warehouse storage in the UK

We work with UK-based and international Amazon sellers across a variety of product categories. Our team stays ahead of Amazon’s ever-evolving rules—so you don’t have to.

Ready to Simplify Your FBA Prep?

The future of ecommerce is faster and more competitive than ever. Don’t let poor FBA prep hold your business back. Whether you're a new Amazon seller or a growing brand managing hundreds of SKUs, Best Prep is here to help.

Let us take care of your fulfilment—so you can focus on scaling your business.

👉 Get in touch with Best Prep today for a free consultation and quote.