Amazon’s Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) – Managed by Prolog
The key priority for any eCommerce brand is ensuring that their products arrive in the right place, at the right time. Choosing to sell with Amazon provides peace of mind on that point, as well as offering excellent opportunities to get your product into the largest marketplace in the world. You will, however, need to decide whether Amazon FBM, or FBA is preferable for your business.
Choosing Between Amazon FBM and FBA
If you choose to be an FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) seller, Amazon will store picker-ready goods, pick and pack items as required, and ship them. In some instances a 3PL can store stock and deliver in bulk to Amazon Distribution Centres with the necessary labelling and ensuring goods are picker-ready.
FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) sellers use Amazon to list their items, but the merchant will manage the storage, processing and shipping themselves.
For many new eCommerce retailers, the comprehensive service offered by FBA is a perfect fit. There are, however, a sizeable number of brands that prefer to list their goods on Amazon, whilst maintaining full control of the fulfilment process. Holding on to your brand and fulfilment standards does, however, involve organising storage, picking & packing and delivery to end customer. Which is why a number of eCommerce retailers decide that Amazon FBM, managed by a 3pl, serves them better.
5 Reasons to Use a 3pl for Amazon FBM
FBM sellers ship products to their customers directly from their in-house stock holding, or via a 3pl that will handle the fulfilment process from goods in, to returns management. Prolog works with a number of eCommerce clients to deliver Amazon FBM, and we see 5 clear benefits to the arrangement:
1. A Personalised Fulfilment Process
Amazon’s success is based on its standardisation. This means that there are a number of rules and regulations imposed on FBA sellers in order to maintain Amazon’s profitable practices. Working with a 3pl, offers eCommerce retailers, who have chosen Amazon FBM, the opportunity to set their own standards and personalise their fulfilment process.
2. FBM, Managed by Prolog Increases Your Options For Selling
Choosing FBA means exclusivity; Amazon fulfils solely for Amazon. Whereas a 3pl will provide fulfilment services for a range of channels. At Prolog we fulfil orders for Amazon (including Prime), web-based eCommerce, B2B and B2C as well as a range of platforms such as Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, 3dcart, and Prestashop.
3. Customise Your Brand
One very recognisable aspect of Amazon’s standardisation processes are the brown cardboard cartons in which all their products arrive. If you’re an eCommerce brand that sells exclusive goods, or you’re dependent upon a unique ‘look and feel’ for your brand, you’ll fare better with a 3pl that’s able to offer value-adds such as customised packaging, hand-assembly kitting, and print-on-demand.
4. Scale Your Business
3pls have a different business model to Amazon; they work as partners to eCommerce brands, with a shared commitment to growth. The brands that Prolog works with are assured of dedicated account support, guaranteeing:
- Supply chain guidance.
- Continuous improvement.
- Ongoing investment in the infrastructure.
- Quarterly business reviews.
- Data-driven opportunities for new business.
5. Excellent Customer Service
FBA sellers are required to self-manage. If there’s a problem with an order, a case needs to be logged and will be dealt with via the standard channels. 3pls will normally offer a far more hands-on approach. Prolog eCommerce clients have dedicated account support which guarantees an immediate focus on issues through to a speedy resolution.
Prolog Fulfilment Partners Amazon Preferred Carriers
Amazon Preferred Carriers specialise in international shipping via road, sea, and air:
- All deliveries are managed from the supplier or manufacturer, port to port, and then on to the 3pl or warehouse.
- Containers can be tracked in transit, including information on delays and ETA.
- Customs clearance is completed prior to docking in UK, for stress-free customs clearance.
- Freight charges invoices to customers, including special terms (Deferred VAT, for example)
About Prolog Fulfilment
At Prolog we work alongside our FBM partners to ensure that they receive a cost-effective fulfilment process, bespoke to their requirements. If you are weighing up whether Amazon FBM is right for you, we’d be delighted to talk to you. Prolog has an established fulfilment centre, located at the heart of the UK, with flexible warehousing and a trained, highly motivated workforce.
Prolog doesn’t just offer the basics; at every stage of the order fulfilment process, we provide a personalised service, tailored to your brand. We’re designed to deliver great service to you and your customers.
