Online marketplaces are booming. More and more B2C and B2B sellers see opportunities in these platforms and offer their products. We have known bol.com in the Netherlands for years, but Amazon is also gaining ground in Europe. This US e-commerce platform has already opened several distribution centers in Europe and continues to focus on expansion. As a seller on Amazon it is important that your stock is always sufficient, but delivering it to the distribution centers does have some feet. What you should keep in mind? You read it here!

Specific delivery criteria per distribution center

In order to supply Amazon’s distribution centers, it is important that you prepare the shipment correctly. If the shipment does not meet the specific requirements, Amazon will not accept the shipment, your stock will not be replenished and you as a seller can be fined. So it is important that you follow Amazon’s regulations carefully.

Amazon’s delivery criteria are regularly updated by the e-commerce company and vary by distribution center. It is therefore essential for you as a seller to read the manual carefully and check it regularly for changes. To help you get started we have compiled the “10 commandments from Amazon”. Here are ten points to look out for when preparing the shipment for delivery to an Amazon distribution center. We strongly advise you to consult Amazon’s specific delivery criteria yourself. These can be found via Seller Central or Vendor Central, the portal where you can view and manage all your products on Amazon.

Amazon’s Ten Commandments:

  1. 1. Make sure that your shipment is registered via your personal Amazon portal
  2. 2. Choose a ‘reusable’ Euro pallet with the correct dimensions (120x80x180 cm).
  3. 3. Adhere to the maximum weight limit (500 kg).
  4. 4. Boxes must not be strapped and should not extend beyond the pallet.
  5. 5. Only use transparent stretch film and seal the top portion as well.
  6. 6. Attach the specific Amazon labels to the shipment and ensure they are placed in the correct location.
  7. 7. Include the correct documents, known as the Bill of Lading, with all relevant information in the shipment.
  8. 8. Use neutral packaging and ensure that no unauthorized markings or promotional materials are present, other than Amazon’s branding.
  9. 9. Place any individual sellable product over 30 kg on a separate pallet and add warning labels.
  10. 10. Please notify Amazon if the shipment contains items that require special handling. This can be done via “Contact Us” in your Amazon portal.

Choose the right carrier

In addition to ensuring that your shipment is properly prepared, carriers must also comply with specific rules. For example, they must leave 30 cm of clearance at the trailer door, and they are assigned a specific time slot for delivering the shipment. If they miss this window, it could have consequences for you as the seller. Since Amazon strictly enforces its own rules, and deviations can result in hefty fines, it is wise to choose a carrier with extensive experience delivering to Amazon and who is willing to be flexible in finding the most reliable transport method.

Marketplace distribution

In order to properly carry out shipments to the distribution of marketplaces, and in particular Amazon, we will soon be launching a special product for this. Do you already want more information about distribution to marketplaces or our other possibilities in the field of European distribution and logistics? Get in touch with us!

 

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