Being a successful Amazon reseller requires a lot of hard work. At times, all you need is a good reputation, and that reputation comes from giving a quality product, unmatched customer support, and timely delivery of goods.
Did you know that the number one complaint of customers on any eCommerce site has to do something about their products not being delivered on time?
Since Amazon FBA fulfillment program allows you to send your products to fulfillment centers at Amazon so the eCommerce giant can ship the products on your behalf, you need a good courier company or freight forwarder to make sure your products get there on time.
When starting out on Amazon, a courier company is enough to have your products shipped to fulfillment centers, but when you start selling a lot, this option becomes expensive. This is when a freight forwarder comes in.
It is a freight forwarder duty to get your product packaged and sent to Amazon fulfillment centers on time, and thus you need to have a reliable service if you want to keep your reputation intact.
The problem is, not every freight forwarder is worth hanging on to. Some of these companies are inexpensive and unprofessional who nothing but ruin your business for you. The last thing you want is a freight forwarder destroying your Amazon FBA status.
Since Amazon has a very strict policy against receiving goods, a freight forwarder should be able to properly prep the product and ship it to fulfillment center according to Amazon requirements, otherwise, your status may be canceled.
Here are some general tips to help you pick an Amazon freight forwarder that you can depend on.
Where do they deliver – when you sign on with Amazon FBA, the eCommerce site provides you with a fulfillment center destination. This could be anywhere in the United States or even outside of the U.S. The ideal freight forwarder should be able to ship your products to the destination you require. Double check with them before signing up a deal.
Insurance – make sure your Amazon FBA freight forwarder provides you with basic insurance that covers light damage and loss. If your product is fragile or expensive in nature, double check how the freight forwarder handles such consignments.
Networking – openly ask your freight forwarder if they have an extended network outside of their origin country. Sometimes products can get stuck in customs in the U.S and in other countries, this is where a freight forwarders network comes in handy.
Support and tracking – a freight forwarder should provide you with enough information so you can track your package online, whenever you want. They should also be able to communicate with you via telephone or emails. Avoid companies that depend on automated replies.
With so many Amazon FBA freight forwarders available on the internet, it can often get confusing. With these simple checks mentioned above, you should easily be able to find a reliable company that will eventually become an extension of your Amazon eCommerce business.
