What Is Amazon FBM and When to Use It

📝 Blog2 min read

Amazon FBM vs FBA Decision Guide

Answer the questions below to see which fulfillment method fits your Amazon business best.

Are your profit margins thin (under 15%)?

Are your products large or heavy (over 10 lbs)?

Do you sell high volume (100+ orders/month)?

Do you already have storage and shipping infrastructure?

Is Prime eligibility critical for your sales?

Do you want full control over packaging and branding?

Do you sell internationally or plan to?

Are your products custom, made-to-order, or perishable?

Do you sell on multiple platforms besides Amazon?

Do you want to scale quickly without hiring fulfillment staff?

What Is Amazon FBM and When to Use It

Amazon FBM, or Fulfillment by Merchant, means you store, pack, and ship your own products. What is amazon fbm and when to use it is a common question for new sellers deciding between control and convenience. Our what is amazon fbm and when to use it guide covers FBM basics, costs, pros and cons, and how it compares to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).

What Is Amazon FBM?

With FBM, you handle every step after the sale: - Store inventory in your own warehouse or home - Pick, pack, and ship orders to customers - Handle customer service and returns - Set your own shipping rates and policies - Manage your own shipping carrier accounts

FBM vs FBA Comparison

FactorFBMFBA
StorageYour locationAmazon warehouse
Packing & shippingYouAmazon
Customer serviceYouAmazon
FeesLower variable costsHigher variable costs
ControlFull controlLess control
Prime eligibilityManual or Seller Fulfilled PrimeAutomatic
ScalabilityLimited by your capacityHighly scalable

When to Use FBM

When to Use FBA Instead

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Frequently Asked Questions

FBM can be worth it for new sellers with low margins, large items, or existing storage infrastructure. However, FBA offers easier scaling and Prime eligibility for most new sellers.

FBM costs include storage (if any), packaging materials, shipping supplies, carrier shipping costs, and your time. There is no Amazon fulfillment fee, but you pay referral fees and variable closing fees like any Amazon sale.

Yes. You can list some SKUs as FBM and others as FBA, and you can switch individual SKUs between models. Many sellers use a hybrid approach.

SFP allows FBM sellers to display the Prime badge if they meet strict shipping and customer service standards. It combines FBM control with Prime visibility, but requires meeting Amazon's delivery metrics.

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