Amazon FBA prep is one of the most critical steps in the selling process — and one of the most misunderstood. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential supplies, workflow, and category-specific methods to prepare products for FBA safely and correctly. Includes links to detailed prepping guides for books, shoes, fragile items, and more.
If you’ve sold on Amazon before, you know that getting inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers is only half the battle. The other half? Making sure your products meet Amazon’s strict FBA prep and packaging requirements.
A mislabeled box or an unbagged item can result in delays, extra fees, or even account warnings.
That’s why understanding how to prep your inventory correctly — whether it’s used books, shoes, fragile glassware, or bundles — is one of the most valuable skills an ecommerce seller can have.
This guide covers everything you need to know about FBA prepping, along with step-by-step category guides for every major product type.
“FBA prep” refers to the process of getting your inventory ready for storage and fulfillment by Amazon.
It includes:
Amazon enforces these standards to make sure inventory is scannable, clean, and safe to handle at scale.
👉 New to logistics? Check out our Prep Center vs. 3PL Guide to understand where FBA prep fits in the supply chain.
It’s easy to overlook how costly improper prep can be.
Proper prep keeps your inventory moving, maintains your account health, and protects your margins.
Before you start prepping, you’ll need a few core tools and materials.
Category
Example Items
Labeling
DYMO label printer, FNSKU labels, barcode scanner
Packaging
Poly bags, bubble wrap, tape guns, boxes, fragile stickers
Inspection
Scales, measuring tape, cleaning cloths, gloves
Software
Seller Central, SoStocked, Airtable, inventory spreadsheet
👉 If you’re building a dedicated operation, read our Essential Software Stack for Prep Centers for automation and tracking options.
No matter what you’re selling, every FBA prep job follows the same general pattern:
Check shipments from your supplier or manufacturer for accuracy and damage.
Ensure products meet quality standards — especially if you sell used or refurbished items.
Print and apply Amazon’s FNSKU labels. If you use manufacturer barcodes (commingled inventory), double-check your settings in Seller Central.
Bag, box, or bubble-wrap items as required. Each category (books, shoes, liquids, etc.) has its own packaging standards.
Create shipment plans in Seller Central. Label each carton or pallet and send to the designated FBA center.
👉 For deeper process guidance, visit our SOPs, Staffing, and Systems Guide.
Below are the most common categories that require special handling. Each has its own detailed guide in this series.
Category
Key Focus
Cleaning, condition grading, labeling placement
Pairing, poly-bagging, and size labeling
Bubble wrap, double-boxing, fragile warnings
“Sold as set” labeling, kitting strategy
Weight limits, packaging reinforcement
Leak-proof seals, double-bagging, hazmat notes
Folding, clear bags, size and brand labels
Battery prep, shrink wrap, compliance checks
Each guide includes supplies, step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and a prepping checklist you can download or print.
Even experienced sellers make small errors that cost them time and money.
Pro Tip: Create a prepping checklist specific to your product type. Amazon’s rules change often — always verify the current requirements in Seller Central.
Prepping can be time-consuming — especially if you sell multiple SKUs or source from several suppliers.
That’s where FBA prep centers come in. They handle:
For many sellers, outsourcing prep:
👉 See our Complete List of Prep Centers or Startup Costs Guide if you’re considering starting or using one.
Amazon updates its prep and packaging guidelines regularly. To stay compliant:
Small details — like using the wrong barcode size or skipping a poly bag — can cause big issues later.
FBA prep is the unglamorous but essential part of every successful Amazon business. Done right, it keeps your shipments moving, your customers happy, and your account in good standing.
Start small, master the basics, and refine your process over time — or partner with a prep center that already has the systems in place.
👉 Continue reading our Prepping Guides:
Amazon FBA expert and consultant with over 5 years of experience helping sellers optimize their operations and maximize profits.