FBA Prep vs. 3PL Fulfillment: Which Do You Need?
The difference between FBA prep and 3PL fulfillment, when each fits and how to use both with one stock.
Key takeaways
- FBA prep readies stock for Amazon; a 3PL ships orders for any channel.
- Many brands need both.
- One provider avoids moving stock twice.
- Compare cost per unit and per order.
On this page
FBA prep and 3PL fulfillment solve different problems. FBA prep gets your products ready to send into Amazon’s warehouses. A 3PL stores your stock and ships orders to customers from many channels. Many brands need both. This guide shows the difference and how to choose.
Side-by-side
| FBA prep | 3PL fulfillment | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prepare stock for Amazon fulfillment centers | Store and ship orders to customers |
| Typical tasks | Labeling, bagging, bundling, carton packing, shipping to Amazon | Receiving, storage, pick and pack, shipping, returns |
| Channels | Amazon only | Any channel |
| Where stock ends up | In Amazon’s network | In the 3PL’s warehouse |
When FBA prep is enough
- You sell mostly on Amazon and send stock to Amazon.
- You need labels, polybags or bundles done to Amazon’s rules.
- You want inbound shipments checked before they leave.
See our Amazon FBA prep services.
When you need a 3PL
- You sell on your own store and other marketplaces too.
- You want a backup if Amazon limits inventory.
- You need returns, kitting or custom packaging.
Read what a 3PL is and omnichannel fulfillment.
Using both
- Send stock to one warehouseOne receipt for all channels.
- Split by channelSome units prepared for Amazon.
- Ship the restDirect to customers from the same stock.
One provider that does both avoids moving stock twice. See Amazon FBA fees to compare costs.
Typical FBA prep tasks
| Task | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| FNSKU labeling | Amazon identifies each unit by its label |
| Polybagging or bubble wrap | Protection and compliance for certain items |
| Bundling and bagging sets | Sets must be sold and scanned as one unit |
| Carton packing and shipment labels | Cartons must meet Amazon’s receiving rules |
| Inspection and relabeling | Catches damaged or wrongly labeled units before they reach Amazon |
Check Amazon’s current requirements in Seller Central before each shipment, because they change. See our Amazon FBA prep services.
Decision checklist
- Do you sell only on Amazon? FBA prep may be enough.
- Do you sell on your own store or other marketplaces? Add a 3PL.
- Do you want a backup if Amazon limits inventory? Keep stock outside Amazon.
- Do you need returns, kitting or custom packaging? A 3PL covers them.
Frequently asked questions
What is FBA prep?
Preparing products to Amazon’s requirements: labels, packaging and carton packing before shipping to an Amazon warehouse.
Is FBA prep the same as 3PL?
No. Prep serves the Amazon channel; a 3PL stores and ships orders for any channel.
Can one provider do both?
Yes, and it simplifies inventory and costs.
Do I need prep if I use a 3PL?
Only for products going into Amazon’s network.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on volume and channels. Compare cost per unit and per order.
Anton Kashirin
Anton founded EcomAutomation, the company behind EcomAutoPrep. He works with Amazon FBA sellers and DTC brands on receiving, prep, kitting and shipping, and reviews the guides on this blog against how orders move through the warehouse.
