Amazon Seller Shipping Options | Choose the Best One

Amazon seller shipping made simple—discover the best way to ship your products hassle-free.

Whether you are a new or established Amazon seller, understanding the different shipping methods can help you optimize your logistics and profit margins.

However, there are so many new and old Amazon seller shipping options that choosing the best one can be a bit difficult.

In today’s guide, we explore the different options to help you choose the one that best streamlines your e-commerce business by improving efficiency and increasing customer satisfaction.

TL;DR – Amazon Seller Shipping Options

One of the best things about Amazon is its multiple shipping options, making it easier for sellers to get their products to customers.

Whether you are researching how to ship through Amazon or use your own delivery options, here are some handy Amazon seller shipping options to consider:

FBA Onsite
Amazon Shipping
Third-party logistics service providers
Dropshipping
Amazon Seller Central

Before we explore these options further, it’s worth noting that some require working with freight forwarders.

As a digital freight forwarder, Ship4wd can ship your products to Amazon Seller Central.

We can help you move your merchandise from your manufacturing premises to Amazon’s fulfillment centers or warehouses. We offer inland transportation by trucks, domestic and cross-border ocean freight, or air transportation.

Whichever option you choose, we can help you optimize your shipments to Amazon. Create a free Ship4wd account to start shipping to Amazon efficiently and cost-effectively.

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How Does Amazon Seller Shipping Work?

Amazon seller shipping basically involves you sending your products to Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers for them to pack and deliver to your customers (FBA).

Alternatively, you can manage deliveries yourself (FBM).

As such, the way Amazon seller shipping works depends on the shipping method you choose or use.

How Amazon FBA Seller Shipping Works

Here’s what the Amazon FBA shipping process looks like:

You move your products to Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers.
When a customer buys from you, Amazon collects, packs, and delivers the order.
Amazon handles any returns and refunds.

How Amazon FBM Seller Shipping Works

Here’s what the shipping process looks like if you use Amazon FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant):

Once a customer buys your product, Amazon sends you a pre-shipment notification with the shipping deadline and order details.
Amazon notifies you when the customer pays for the order.
The order status changes to “unshipped” once payment is made.
You deliver the order package to your preferred carrier and provide tracking details.
The buyer receives the package from the carrier.

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Shipping Method Amazon Sellers Can Use

Let’s now discuss in greater detail the different shipping methods Amazon sellers can use:

1. FBA Onsite

As one of the newest Amazon shipping options, FBA Onsite is currently available to only a few sellers.

Being an offshoot of Amazon FBA, FBA Onsite allows you to bypass storage fees when using FBA. You can store and package your products yourself.

Amazon then picks up orders from your warehouse or manufacturing premises and chooses the best way to deliver them to your customers.

FBA Onsite offers two key benefits. First, you are still eligible for Prime, which offers prime shipping options that can attract more customers who prefer faster shipping.

Secondly, you have more control over storage and inventory. Your storage costs can be even lower if you don’t need a third-party warehousing solution.

However, you have to handle returns and customer support yourself.

2. Amazon Shipping

Like FBA Onsite, Amazon Shipping is not yet available to many sellers. In this method, Amazon handles all orders placed on the platform.

Pickups and deliveries happen seven days a week, with no residential surcharge or weekend delivery fees. Buyers can receive their orders in 2-5 days.

Amazon Shipping has several advantages. Besides Amazon orders, it also handles orders placed on your e-commerce website or other sales channels.

The service also offers round-the-clock shipper support and 24/7 warehouse-to-door shipment tracking.

However, you have to buy or make shipping labels and schedule pickups from your warehouse.

3. Third-Party Logistics Service Providers

You can outsource shipping Amazon orders to a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider.

The main advantage of 3PLs is that they typically provide a wide range of services. In addition to transportation, they can help with inventory management, kitting and assembly, storage, and return management.

Warehouse workers loading a wooden crate onto a truck using a forklift.

4. Dropshipping

With dropshipping or direct order fulfillment, you can ship orders directly to consumers from your production site (for handmade products, for example) or the manufacturer.

You, the manufacturer, or your third-party supplier produce, store, and deliver products to the consumer.

Dropshipping is quite popular with print-on-demand businesses.

Note: When you use this model, you must follow Amazon’s dropshipping policy.

5. Amazon Seller Central

If your business or brand sells items you manufacture yourself, you can use Amazon Seller Central to reach customers.

The invitation-only Amazon Seller Central program allows you to become a supplier to Amazon. You’ll provide them with wholesale products in bulk, and they will do the listing and order fulfillment.

However, you must deliver the inventory to their warehouses.

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Amazon Fulfillment Options

Let’s start this section by clarifying that the options we’ll discuss here are more suitably called fulfillment options.

However, they are also fit to be called shipping options, and as such, they can be placed under the above section as Amazon shipping methods.

Here are the three Amazon fulfillment options you can use:

1. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

Amazon FBA is the most preferred shipping method for Amazon sellers. You ship goods to Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers, and Amazon delivers the orders made through your selling account.

The option also allows for multi-channel fulfillment, which means you can have Amazon deliver orders made not only from Amazon but also from your other sales channels.

FBA automatically allows you to enroll for and offer the famous free two-day shipping through Prime. With this service, you can attract more buyers who like faster shipping.

Besides picking, packing, and shipping orders, Amazon handles returns and customer service for you.

Amazon FBA is best for small or new businesses, especially when selling high-volume, high-margin products. Outsourcing storage and shipping to Amazon can lower your Amazon seller shipping costs.

You don’t incur any shipping costs from Amazon to the buyer, but you have to pay for shipping from your manufacturer or supplier to Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers.

You must also pay various FBA fees, including monthly or long-term storage costs.

You must also follow Amazon’s strict packing, shipping, and routing requirements.

2. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)

When you use Amazon FBM, you either handle all the shipping and handling of Amazon sales yourself or with the help of a 3PL provider.

FBM is ideal in the following situations:

If your product has low profit margins
If your product is exclusive and has low demand and a low turnaround rate
If your product can be shipped at a lower cost than Amazon FBA

3. Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)

Initially discontinued due to quality concerns, the Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime program reopened in 2024. You can enroll on the wait-list, especially if you are an experienced, high-volume seller.

SFP requires high performance standards and passing a trial period, after which you can show the Prime badge in your Amazon listings. (You are eligible for Prime by application, not automatically.)

This method offers the following benefits:

SFP lets you offer Prime shipping without using Amazon’s warehouses. You can store inventory in your own warehouse or a 3PL provider’s.
Amazon shipping rates for sellers using SFP can be lower than FBA costs.
SFP offers more control over stock levels, fulfillment, and shipping.
You can enjoy access to Amazon’s customer service.
You can choose your own preferred carriers.

A warehouse worker organizing inventory on metal shelves.

Amazon Shipping Preferences and Customization

Regardless of the shipping method you choose, you have the freedom to decide how you would prefer your customers to receive their orders.

The best thing is that you can offer them multiple options, which can spread your risks.

Here are some common Amazon shipping preferences and customizations to consider as a seller:

1. Shipping Rates

Your shipping rates can influence customers’ purchases or cause them to abandon your store for more favorable sellers.

Consider the following ways of determining the ideal rates:

Standard Shipping: This is the most economical way, but takes longer. Customers who don’t mind waiting can use this option.

Expedited Shipping: Customers who want to get orders shipped sooner can use expedited shipping services. The option is ideal for attracting more customers, but it can be costly and could eat a lot into your profits.

Flat Rate Shipping: You can charge the same shipping cost for all orders regardless of distance and the product size, weight, and value. While this option is easy for you and your customers, it’s not always the best option for longer distances or bulkier products.

Calculated Shipping: You can rely on Amazon’s shipping calculator to charge customers based on the destination, product dimensions, and weight. The method is popular because it’s more accurate and transparent.

2. Shipping Regions

You can indicate whether you’ll offer domestic or international shipping or both.

For domestic shipping, you have to show the regions in the country where you wish to ship. In cross-border trade, you must indicate the countries to which you wish to ship.

3. Handling Time

Setting shorter default handling times can increase customer satisfaction as customers receive their products sooner.

You’ll want to choose longer handling times for items that require more due to their complexity, size, or weight.

Stacked cargo containers in various colors at a shipping dock.

4. Estimated Delivery Date

For each shipping you offer, set an estimated transit time—the time between order pickup and the customer receiving it.

You should also mention your cut-off times for processing orders on the same day.

For example, if you set it at 3 PM, any orders placed before this will be processed on the same day. Those done later roll over to the next business day.

5. Monitor and Iterate Shipping Settings

Customize your shipping processes further by checking and adjusting them often to maintain customer-friendliness and operational efficiency.

Here’s how:

Use Amazon analytics tools to check shipping performance on metrics such as delivery times, customer feedback, and order cancellations.
Identify areas for improvement, such as high shipping costs or shipping delays.
Test new shipping methods and strategies.

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Amazon Shipping Rates for Sellers

The costs for shipping and handling Amazon orders vary depending on several factors. These include package weight and size, type of Amazon seller account, destination, type and number of items, and delivery speed.

For example, FBA fulfillment fees for items other than apparel fall into the ranges below:

$3.06 for small standard orders weighing two ounces or less
$3.65 for small standard orders weighing 14+ to 16 ounces
$3.68 for large standard orders weighing four ounces or less
$6.62 for large standard orders weighing 44+ to 48 ounces.

When shipping dangerous goods, you can expect fulfillment fees such as:

$4.03 for small standard orders weighing two ounces or less
$7.08 for large standard orders weighing 44+ to 48 ounces.

Desktop workspace with a laptop, calculator, colorful files, and a hand holding a pen.

How to Ship Through Amazon – The Best Way for Your Business

When it comes to shipping through Amazon, the best option for your business can depend on various factors.

For example, Amazon FBA is the most practical solution for getting Prime status for your products.

If you are a brand looking to keep things in-house while maintaining the Prime badge on your listings, it’s best to use Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime.

In any case, you will need help delivering goods to Amazon FBA, FBM, and Amazon Seller Central. At Ship4wd, we can help you deliver your products to these three options for smoother Amazon shipping.

For example, we can help you ship products from China to Amazon FBA or from Alibaba to Amazon FBA.

Logistics worker making notes on a clipboard with a delivery box being carried in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s end today’s guide with answers to common questions about Amazon seller shipping options:

How Can I Reduce My Amazon Seller Shipping Costs?

You can reduce Amazon shipping costs through strategies such as:

Leveraging Amazon Buy Shipping Services, a program that usually offers shipping discounts for Amazon sellers who buy fulfillment labels from the platform.
Using Amazon’s shipping programs like FBA and SFP.
Selling and shipping products in bundles or bulk.
Negotiating better rates with carriers.
Optimizing packaging to manage weight and dimensions.
Passing on some shipping costs to customers by letting them choose their preferred shipping method.

What Shipping Method Should Amazon Sellers Choose for Fast Delivery?

For fast delivery, Amazon sellers can choose any Amazon shipping program that incorporates Prime and allows Prime shipping options, such as free two-day shipping.

FBA and SFP are excellent options.

How Do I Complete the Amazon FBM Sign-Up Process?

Here’s how to complete the Amazon FBM sign up process:

Log in to Seller Central or sign up for a professional Amazon selling account.
List your products.
Choose your shipping and returns settings, such as seller-fulfilled shipping and seller-fulfilled returns.

Once you complete these steps, you are ready to manage your inventory and fulfill orders.

Conclusion

You have a lot of leeway when it comes to Amazon seller shipping options. You can choose from newer options like FBA Onsite to earlier options like 3PL providers. You can also choose fulfillment options such as FBA, FBM, or SFP.

Depending on the option you choose, you might need help getting your inventory to your premises or Amazon fulfillment centers and warehouses.

You can choose Ship4wd to help you ship goods to Amazon FBA or even from your manufacturer or supplier to your FBM storage.