Why Fragile Products Need Extra Care
Glassware, ceramics, collectibles, candles, and other breakable items can be highly profitable on Amazon FBA — but they’re also the most likely to get damaged in transit.
A cracked mug or shattered candle doesn’t just cost you one sale; it can hurt your metrics and brand reputation.
Amazon’s FBA system handles millions of units daily, so your packaging must survive conveyor belts, stacking, and long-distance shipping. The right prep ensures every unit reaches customers safely — and keeps you compliant with Amazon’s strict packaging rules.
👉 This article is part of our Complete FBA Prepping Guide (2025 Edition).
FBA Requirements for Fragile Items
Amazon defines fragile items as anything that can break, leak, or crush under normal handling conditions.
Key requirements:
- Each fragile item must be individually wrapped in protective material (bubble wrap, foam, or paper).
- A “Fragile” or “Handle With Care” label must appear on the outer packaging.
- Contents must withstand a 3-foot drop onto a hard surface without breaking.
- Liquids or powders must be leak-proof sealed and bagged to prevent contamination.
- Sharp items (glass shards, blades) must be fully covered.
- Keep total shipment box weight under 50 lbs.
⚠️ Amazon may reject, repackage, or dispose of inventory that doesn’t pass the drop-test standard.
Required Supplies
Purpose
Recommended Supplies
Padding
Small / large bubble wrap, foam sheets, kraft paper
Containment
Poly bags with suffocation warnings, zip bags for powders
Labeling
“Fragile” stickers, orientation arrows, FNSKU labels
Adhesives
Packing tape (heavy-duty), stretch film
Boxes
Double-wall shipping boxes, partition boxes for glass sets
Tools
Scissors, tape gun, weighing scale
Step-by-Step Prep Workflow
1. Receiving
- Open shipments carefully to avoid internal damage.
- Inspect for existing cracks or chips.
- Sort by SKU and fragility level (“delicate,” “medium,” “reinforced”).
2. Inspection
Each item must be free of:
- Cracks, chips, or hairline fractures.
- Excessive dust or fingerprints (on glass).
- Defective seals for liquids or candles.
Discard or return any items that show damage — Amazon does not reimburse for pre-existing defects.
3. Cleaning & Conditioning
- Wipe down with a microfiber cloth to remove dust or oils.
- For glass and metal, use isopropyl alcohol for a streak-free finish.
- Ensure items are 100% dry before wrapping to prevent mildew.
4. Labeling
- Apply FNSKU labels directly on the outer wrap or poly bag — never on bare glass or porous materials.
- If the item has a manufacturer barcode, cover it completely.
- For multi-piece sets, apply a single FNSKU and mark “Sold as Set – Do Not Separate.”
👉 Automation tip: see The Essential Software Stack for Running a Prep Center.
5. Bagging / Wrapping
Individual Items
- Wrap each piece in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap.
- Secure with tape — no loose ends.
- Place inside a poly bag or foam pouch.
- Add a suffocation warning if bag opening > 5 inches.
Multi-Piece Sets
- Wrap each item individually.
- Bundle together with stretch wrap or tape.
- Insert dividers between items in the box.
- Label as “Set – Do Not Separate.”
Liquids or Candles
- Ensure a tight screw cap or seal.
- Double-bag with absorbent paper between layers.
- Use upright arrows on the outer carton.
6. Final Packaging
- Use double-wall corrugated boxes for heavy or glass items.
- Fill void spaces with air pillows, kraft paper, or foam peanuts.
- Avoid mixing fragile and non-fragile products in one carton.
- Mark outer boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”
- Stay under the 50 lb weight limit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little padding → breakage during drop test.
- Labeling directly on glass → scanning issues.
- Combining fragile and heavy items in one box.
- Skipping suffocation warnings on large bags.
- Not testing packaging stability before shipping.
Pro Tip: Do a shake test — if you hear movement, add more fill material.
Recommended Tools & Materials
- Bubble Wrap: Heavy-duty 3/16" or 5/16" grade.
- Foam Sheets: ⅛" thickness for fine china or glassware.
- Boxes: Uline S-series double-wall or similar.
- Tape: 3-inch reinforced packing tape.
- Labels: Pre-printed “Fragile” and “Handle With Care.”
- Software: InventoryLab or SoStocked for SKU tracking and label printing.
Shipping & Storage Tips
- Store fragile inventory on shelves, not floors.
- Avoid temperature swings for glass or candles.
- Stack light to heavy (top to bottom).
- When shipping pallets, label all four sides with “Fragile.”
- Keep extra supplies on hand for repacking returns.
When to Outsource
Fragile prep can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. If you routinely handle ceramics, candles, or glass home goods, consider a professional prep center to reduce breakage and claims.
Prep centers offer:
- Bubble wrap and padding at scale.
- Quality control and drop-test verification.
- Bulk labeling and box assembly.
This lets you focus on sourcing and product research while they handle compliance.
Quick Reference Checklist
Task
Done
Inspect each item for cracks or leaks
☐
Clean and dry before wrapping
☐
Apply FNSKU on outer wrap
☐
Add bubble wrap / foam layers
☐
Use suffocation warning on bags
☐
Mark boxes “Fragile” and “This Side Up”
☐
Confirm weight < 50 lbs
☐
Wrap It Right, Win Every Time
FBA prep is the unseen work that keeps your business running smoothly. For fragile items, attention to detail pays off in fewer returns, happier customers, and stronger seller metrics.
Every layer of bubble wrap is insurance. Test your packaging, refine your workflow, and build systems that protect your brand — or let a prep center handle the breakables so you can focus on growth.
👉 Continue reading our Prepping Guides:
References
- Amazon Seller Central – FBA Product Preparation Requirements (Fragile Items & Glass)
- Amazon Seller Central – Packaging and Shipment Guidelines
- Amazon Seller University – How to Prep Fragile Items for FBA