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I tend to write most posts on this blog around more nuanced and insightful topics - such as long-term vinyl record investing analysis, ecommerce autocheckout software and even investor behavior.
However, sometimes we need the meat and potatoes of our meal before we can get to the more exciting dessert.
See, while some of you are clearing $10k, $20k or even $100k months in sales, others are elated to be off to the races and chasing their first of (hopefully) many.
But, for the uninitiated, the dopamine hit of refreshing the eBay or Amazon seller app and seeing sales pouring in for the first time comes with some logistical hurdles. The first of many such hurdles is this:
So what now? I just sold this item for $40 profit, but how do I make sure I handle shipping/filling the order correctly?
Not to fear!
Here is a guide on exactly how to ship the items you’ve sold, broken down by the marketplace you’ve sold them on.
Let’s Start With Some General Tips:
Below is a list of best practices. Some of these are necessary for ensuring a safe and compliant delivery (using bubble wrap, when necessary, to make sure the item doesn’t arrive in a thousand tiny pieces). Others are more optional, to ensure peace of mind (paying for insurance or taking photos of the box before shipping it out).
When in doubt, do all these things. However, as you become more experienced, you will get a better handle on what items or orders call for these “additional measures”. I personally do not pay for additional insurance for every single item I sell, but I do pay for certain orders. The longer you are in this game, the better a handle you will get on it.
So, without further ado, here are some general guidelines for ensuring safe and proper shipment of the items you sell.
Choose appropriate packaging materials: Select packaging materials that are sturdy and provide adequate protection for your items. Consider using corrugated cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, air pillows, foam inserts, or other suitable materials based on the nature of the item you're shipping. If you are selling shoes, you cannot simply put a shipping label on the shoe box. You have to put the shoes inside the shoe box and then put that shoebox inside a larger shipping box.
Wrap items individually: Wrap each item individually with protective materials such as bubble wrap or foam to prevent damage during transit. This is especially important for fragile or delicate items.
Use appropriate box sizes: Choose a box size that fits the item snugly without excessive empty space. If there is too much room inside the box, the item may shift during transit and become damaged.
Reinforce the box: Reinforce the box by using packing tape to seal all edges and seams. This prevents the box from accidentally opening during shipping.
Protect against moisture: Consider using polybags for items that may be susceptible to moisture damage. This is particularly important when shipping to locations with unpredictable weather conditions.
Secure small parts and loose items: For items with small parts or loose components, ensure they are securely fastened or placed in a separate bag to prevent them from getting lost or causing damage to the main item.
Provide proper cushioning: Fill the empty spaces inside the box with appropriate cushioning materials like packing peanuts, air pillows, or crumpled paper to provide additional protection and prevent movement.
Label fragile items: Clearly label boxes containing fragile items with the word "Fragile" or similar instructions to alert shipping carriers to handle the package with care.
Insure valuable items: Consider purchasing shipping insurance, especially for valuable or delicate items. This protects you financially in case of loss, damage, or theft during transit.
Double-check addresses: Ensure that you have the correct and complete shipping address, including the recipient's name, street address, city, state, and postal code. Double-check the information to avoid delivery issues.
Choose a reputable shipping carrier: Select a reliable shipping carrier that offers tracking services, insurance options, and a good track record for safe and timely deliveries. Compare rates and services to find the best fit for your needs.
Properly label and document: Attach clear and legible shipping labels to the package. Include both the sender's and recipient's addresses and contact information. Consider including a packing slip or invoice inside the package for easy identification.
Take photographs: Before sealing the package, take clear photographs of the item and the packaging. This serves as evidence of the item's condition and the packaging's quality in case of a shipping dispute or damage claim.
Test the package: Before shipping a new or fragile item, test the packaging by shaking it gently. If you can feel the item moving or hear any noises, add additional cushioning or secure the item more effectively.
Track and communicate: Keep track of the package's progress using the shipping carrier's tracking service. Notify the buyer with the tracking number and estimated delivery date. Encourage open communication throughout the shipping process.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your items are safely and securely packaged for online shipping, minimizing the risk of damage and maximizing customer satisfaction.
Supplies List
Naturally, you can’t just hand a sold item to a carrier pigeon and have them drop the sale off on the customer’s doorstep. To fill an order, you will need some supplies.
Some of this supplies is mandatory (a shipping box), while other is optional and typically used for bigger sellers (thermal label printer).
I’ve linked some of this supplies below, but feel free to shop around if the price is daunting or quality doesn’t meet your standards.
Just a heads-up that some of these links may be affiliate links for which KickFlips receives compensation if you purchase the item. This compensation comes from the retailer and does not cost you a cent. However, we want to be up front about it.
The tools I use to ship orders:
Some Form of Padding (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing paper)
Printer (if just starting)
Thermal Printer (if doing higher volume)
There are some other basic things like paper, polybags, labels, etc. you may need, but these are the basics.
How To Fulfill Amazon Orders
The below guidelines are only for how to fill Amazon FBM orders.
Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) is the Amazon selling format in which you, the seller, are responsible for filling the order.
Conversely, Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) is where you send your items to an Amazon warehouse and they are the ones who do all the work to pack and ship the order for you.
Does that sound pretty good?
If so, you need The FBA Roadmap. Scroll to the top of this post to learn more and to get started!
Here is how to fill an Amazon FBM Order:
Sign in to your Amazon Seller Central account: Visit sellercentral.amazon.com and enter your seller credentials to access your account.
Navigate to the "Manage Orders" page: Once you're logged in, hover over the "Orders" tab in the top navigation menu and click on "Manage Orders" from the drop-down menu. This will take you to the order management page.
View your orders: On the "Manage Orders" page, you'll see a list of all your orders. You can filter and search for specific orders using various parameters like order date, status, or buyer's name.
Identify the order to fulfill: Locate the order you want to fulfill by scrolling through the list or using the search filters.
Review order details: Click on the order number or the buyer's name to access the order details page. Review the buyer's shipping address, payment information, and any special instructions provided by the buyer.
Prepare the item for shipping: Gather the item(s) included in the order and ensure they are in the expected condition. If necessary, package the item(s) securely following the best practices mentioned in the previous response.
Print out the Packing Slip by clicking “print packing slip” next to the order. This acts as an invoice for the buyer, to show them what item they bought, how many they bought and the price they paid.
Purchase shipping. You can purchase shipping directly on Amazon by clicking “buy shipping label”. Alternatively, you can compare shipping rates online. While Amazon often has the lowest rates, you may sometimes find competitive rates at PirateShip as well.
Update order status: This only applies if you did NOT purchase shipping on Amazon. On the order details page, click on the "Confirm Shipment" button. This will allow you to update the order status and enter shipping details. If you're using a shipping service integrated with Amazon, this will automatically populate.
Enter shipping details: This only applies if you did NOT purchase shipping on Amazon. Enter the shipping carrier, shipment date, and tracking number in the provided fields. If you're using a shipping service integrated with Amazon, this will automatically populate.
Confirm shipment: Once you've entered the shipping details, click on the "Confirm Shipment" button to confirm the shipment and mark the order as shipped. This will trigger an email notification to the buyer with the tracking information. If you're using a shipping service integrated with Amazon, this will automatically populate.
Track the shipment: Monitor the progress of the shipment by visiting the "Manage Orders" page and clicking on the tracking number or using the shipping carrier's tracking service. Keep an eye on the delivery status to ensure timely delivery.
Handle customer inquiries: If the buyer contacts you with any questions or concerns about the order, promptly respond and provide assistance. Address any issues, such as delays or damaged packages, professionally and promptly.
Confirm delivery and resolve issues: Once the order is delivered, update the order status on the "Manage Orders" page by clicking on the "Confirm Delivery" button. If any issues arise, work with the buyer to resolve them, including returns, refunds, or replacements.
By following these steps, you can efficiently fulfill Amazon FBM orders and provide a positive buying experience for your customers. Remember to regularly check your Seller Central account for new orders and keep track of your inventory to ensure a smooth fulfillment process.
How To Fulfill eBay Orders
Filling an eBay order is very similar to filling an Amazon FBM order, simply with a different dashboard to navigate. In fact, they are so similar that you will likely notice that I copied and pasted numerous elements from the Amazon FBM tutorial here.
If you can sell on Amazon, you can sell on eBay and vice versa. That’s why, in my opinion, there’s no reason not to explore both!
Here is how to fill an eBay order:
Log in to your eBay seller account: Go to ebay.com and enter your seller credentials to access your account.
Access your Seller Hub: Once logged in, click on the "My eBay" link at the top-right corner of the page. From the drop-down menu, select "Seller Hub." This will take you to your Seller Hub dashboard.
Navigate to the "Orders" section: In the Seller Hub dashboard, click on the "Orders" tab located on the left-hand side. This will display a summary of your recent orders.
Find the order to fulfill: Scroll through the list or use the search filters to locate the specific order you want to fulfill. You can search by order number, buyer's name, or item details.
Review order details: Click on the order to access the order details page. Review the buyer's shipping address, payment information, and any additional instructions provided by the buyer.
Prepare the item for shipping: Gather the item(s) included in the order and ensure they are in the expected condition. Package the item(s) securely, using appropriate packaging materials to protect the contents during transit.
Select a shipping method: Choose a shipping method that suits your needs and is acceptable to the buyer. eBay provides shipping options such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Select the appropriate shipping service and package size. Alternatively, you can compare shipping rates online. While eBay often has the lowest rates, you may sometimes find competitive rates at PirateShip as well.
Enter shipping details: On the order details page, click on the "Print Shipping Label" button. This will take you to a new page where you can enter the shipping details, including the shipping carrier, package weight, and dimensions.
Purchase and print the shipping label: After entering the shipping details, review the shipping costs, select any additional services if required (such as insurance or signature confirmation), and click on the "Purchase and Print Label" button. Pay for the label using your preferred payment method, and then print the shipping label.
Prepare the package for shipment: Affix the printed shipping label to the package securely, making sure it is clear and readable. Include any necessary customs forms or international documentation if shipping internationally.
Mark the item as shipped: Return to the order details page and click on the "Mark as Shipped" button. Enter the tracking number associated with the shipment. This will update the order status and provide the buyer with tracking information.
Monitor the shipment: Keep an eye on the shipment's progress by using the tracking number provided. You can view the tracking details on the order details page or through the shipping carrier's website.
Handle customer inquiries: If the buyer contacts you with any questions or concerns about the order, respond promptly and provide assistance. Address any issues, such as delays or damaged packages, professionally and promptly.
Confirm delivery and resolve issues: Once the order is delivered, eBay will typically update the status automatically. However, if needed, you can manually update the order status on the order details page. If any issues arise, work with the buyer to resolve them, including returns, refunds, or replacements, following eBay's guidelines.
By following these steps, you can efficiently fulfill eBay orders and provide a positive buying experience for your customers. Regularly check your Seller Hub for new orders, communicate effectively with buyers, and ensure timely shipment and delivery.
Other Platforms
Nowadays, there are a million different platforms to sell items on. However, eBay and Amazon are (by far) my two favorite.
That being said, there are some honorable mentions:
Mercari
Poshmark
StockX
Goat
… among many others.
While there may be some differences between these platforms, all 4 of the above platforms will actually email you a shipping label once the item has sold on their marketplace. You simply have to follow the packing guidelines from the first section of this post and utilize their provided label when mailing.
Conclusion
If the shipping/fulfilling aspect of reselling has been holding you back from diving in, I hope you see how truly easy it is.
While I offered many tips and tricks here, it literally is as easy as putting the order in a box, buying a shipping label online (NEVER buy one at the post office/UPS/Fedex. You’ll be paying FAR too much), and shipping it out.
That being said, those familiar with me will know that I rarely ever do this at all.
That’s right - I hardly ever ship out my own items.
It’s significantly more fun for me to buy and item, never see it, have someone else ship it for me and I make the money off the sale.
If you want to read more about that, I wrote an entire post about it here.