How to choose an Amazon FBA prep center in California
Updated
California has dozens of FBA prep centers, from one-room operations to large 3PLs. Most look alike on their websites. These are the things that actually separate them, especially if you ship from outside the U.S.
Location: ports and drive times
If your freight arrives by ocean on the West Coast, it most likely lands at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. A prep center in Los Angeles or Orange County keeps delivery from the terminal short. Prep centers in San Diego or Northern California can be good choices too, but the extra miles show up in delivery cost and time. See FBA prep near the ports.
Who the prep center is built for
Many prep centers are built for U.S. online arbitrage and wholesale sellers: small parcels from retailers, many SKUs, fast turnaround on small lots. Importers have different needs: containers and pallets, customs coordination, buffer storage, forwarding to channels other than Amazon, and support outside U.S. business hours. Ask which customers the center is set up for.
Pricing: what's actually included
Compare prices on the same basis. A $0.99 prep price that excludes the poly bag can cost more than a $1.20 price that includes it. Ask whether receiving, inspection, the FNSKU label, the bag and short-term storage are included, and whether there are setup fees or monthly minimums. Abanro publishes starting prices with what each includes.
Receiving, damage and liability
Ask how discrepancies are reported, whether damaged cartons are photographed before opening, and what the center's liability is if goods are lost or damaged in its care. Many warehouse terms limit liability, and most recommend you carry your own cargo and inventory insurance. Read the terms before you ship.
Support and response times
If you're in Asia or Europe, a prep center that answers only during California business hours will answer you a day late. Ask when they respond, through which channels, and who you'll be talking to. Abanro's support is 24/7 and we respond within 6 hours.
What happens beyond Amazon
Many sellers end up shipping part of each import to distributors, retailers or their own warehouse. A prep center that also does storage, kitting and forwarding saves you a second vendor later.
Questions to ask before you ship
- Where exactly are you, and how far from the port my freight uses?
- What does your per-unit prep price include?
- Are there setup fees or monthly minimums?
- How do you report short shipments and damage?
- What is your liability for goods in your care, and what insurance do you recommend?
- Do you coordinate with customs brokers?
- When and how do you respond to messages from my time zone?
- Can you store and forward to destinations other than Amazon?