For amazon sellers
FBA Prep Cost Estimator
Project Amazon FBA prep-center fees per unit and per shipment before you send inventory in.
Key takeaways
- Prep fees stack up per unit (labeling, poly-bagging, bundling) plus per-shipment receiving.
- Small per-unit fees add up fast at FBA volumes, so estimate all-in before you commit.
- Confirm what counts as one unit and which prep services are actually required for your products.
Prep-center pricing varies by provider and service. Use this to compare quotes, confirm exact per-unit and minimum fees with your prep center.
Typical FBA prep fees
Prep centers usually charge a per-unit fee for FNSKU labeling and polybagging, extra for bundling or kitting, plus a receiving fee per shipment and optional box-forwarding or freight. Compare quotes on the all-in per-unit cost, not just the headline labeling rate.
How to use the FBA Prep Cost Estimator
- 1Enter your unit count and the prep services you need (labeling, poly-bagging, bundling).
- 2Add the per-unit and per-shipment fees your prep center charges.
- 3See total prep cost and the effective cost per unit.
Estimates are for planning only. Confirm rates, accessorials, minimums, and service details directly with providers.
What to do next
Once you've estimated prep costs, compare FBA prep centers by per-unit pricing, turnaround time, and location relative to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
How much does FBA prep cost?
It's usually a per-unit fee plus receiving and optional forwarding, and it varies with prep type and volume. Compare quotes on the all-in per-unit cost and confirm with providers before committing.
What does FBA prep include?
Standard prep covers FNSKU labeling, polybagging, and bubble or suffocation-warning requirements, with add-ons for bundling, kitting, and inspection. Receiving your inbound shipment and forwarding cartons to Amazon are usually billed separately.
What is an FNSKU label?
The FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is Amazon's barcode that ties a unit to your seller account. Prep centers apply it over the manufacturer barcode so Amazon routes and credits the inventory to you correctly.
Should I use a prep center or prep in-house?
In-house prep saves the per-unit fee but costs your time and space; a prep center adds cost but scales with volume and handles compliance. The break-even depends on your order volume, so compare the estimator's per-unit total against your own labor cost.
Why does prep-center location matter?
A prep center near your port of entry cuts drayage and inbound freight, and one near the assigned Amazon fulfillment centers can lower forwarding cost and transit time. Location often affects your all-in cost more than the labeling rate alone.
What is carton forwarding?
Carton forwarding is when the prep center ships your prepped, labeled boxes on to Amazon fulfillment centers under your inbound plan. It is typically billed per box or by freight weight and is separate from the per-unit prep fee.