Selling on Amazon is a great opportunity to reach millions of customers worldwide. But in order to fully exploit the potential of this platform, you have to meet a lot of requirements, especially when it comes to packaging and shipping products. So this is where the role of the printer becomes crucial. It is the quality of the packaging, the labels and the overall preparation of the goods that determines whether your products reach the customer intact or whether you expose yourself to negative feedback and a drop in your position on Amazon. Here are five of the most common mistakes print shop customers make when preparing a shipment for Amazon, and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Incorrect labelling – a basic mistake with great consequences
Labels are not just a piece of paper with a barcode – they are a key element in Amazon’s logistics process. We have to label every product that arrives in Amazon’s warehouses according to their strict guidelines. If your labels are illegible, have errors or are misplaced, this can cause serious problems.
One of the most common mistakes is printing labels at the wrong resolution, making the barcodes unreadable to scanners in Amazon warehouses. Another problem is poorly sized labels, which can cause them to adhere poorly to packaging. An improperly applied label can peel off in transit, and without it, the product will not register correctly in Amazon’s system. The result? The product may be lost or rejected, and you will incur costs and lose valuable customer feedback.
How to avoid this? Make sure your principal prints labels according to Amazon’s specifications. Any professional print shop will easily support you in this. Ensure that they are made from high-quality materials that will survive the hardships of transport and storage.
2. Fragile packaging – a logistical nightmare
No matter how brilliantly designed and visually appealing your product is, if it arrives damaged, you can be sure there will be negative feedback. Amazon requires all products to be protected from damage in transit. This means you need to ensure the quality of your packaging.
Boxes that are too fragile and made of poor-quality cardboard can become crushed, soaked or torn during transit. Such damage can not only damage the product, but also affect the customer’s perception of your brand. Amazon takes the safety of goods very seriously, so too much damage can result not only in the loss of customers, but also in financial penalties or even the blocking of a seller’s account.
How to avoid this? Choose packaging made of sturdy materials that meet Amazon’s standards. Invest in sturdy boxes made of corrugated cardboard or other durable materials. A professional print shop can help you choose the right type of packaging to keep your products safe during transit.
3. Failure of packaging to comply with shipment to Amazon FBA requirements
Amazon has very strict packaging requirements in its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) programme. Every product must have packaging that meets these requirements. If the packaging doesn’t comply with FBA guidelines, Amazon’s warehouses may reject your goods, leading to additional costs and delays.
A common mistake is to ship products in packaging that does not meet the standards for size or packaging materials. For example: irregularly shaped products require special packaging to prevent them from moving around inside the box. If you do not ensure this, your products may be damaged or rejected by Amazon.
How do you avoid this? Consult with a printer who is familiar with Amazon FBA requirements before you have your packaging produced. Make sure all packaging conforms to Amazon’s guidelines, both in terms of size and materials used.
4. Skipping pre-shipment package testing
Many retailers forget one key step – testing the packaging before shipping. Even if the packaging looks robust and compliant, it is worth carrying out tests to confirm its strength under realistic shipping conditions. Skipping this step can lead to unpleasant surprises when products arrive to customers damaged.
An example? An electronics retailer decided to order elegant but fragile boxes from a print shop that offered attractive prices and fast turnaround times. At first glance, everything looked great – the boxes were aesthetically pleasing and looked good on the shelf. Unfortunately, when the first shipments arrived, they discovered that the packaging couldn’t withstand the shocks of transport, causing damage to some of the products. As a result, negative feedback came in an instant, which drastically affected sales.
Concerned by the situation, the retailer approached our print shop for help. After careful analysis, we offered him more robust packaging – better suited to his products and more able to withstand the hardships of transport. In addition, we recommended endurance tests before deciding on full production. The new packaging passed the tests successfully and since then the problems of damage and negative feedback have disappeared.
How do you avoid this? If you have doubts about the quality of the packaging you have received from another print shop, don’t take any risks. By working with our print shop, you will receive professional advice and assistance in selecting the right materials. We always recommend that you test your packaging in real-life conditions before you start mass production – this will help you avoid surprises and ensure that your products reach your customers in perfect condition.
5. Inappropriate use of packaging space
A common mistake is the inappropriate use of the space inside the packaging. Products that move freely in the box are distroyed . On the other hand, too tight packaging can lead to crushed or deformed products.
Shipment to Amazon requires not only robust outer packaging, but also adequate filling inside the box. Often sellers skimp on this element, which can result in negative customer feedback when products arrive damaged or deformed.
How to avoid this? Consult with your printer about the fillers that You can use inside the packaging. Fillers such as foam, kraft paper or air cushions will help protect products from movement and damage. A well-designed interior of the packaging can significantly increase the chances of the product reaching the customer intact.
Summary – Proper shipment to Amazon
Preparing a shipment to Amazon is a process that requires care and attention to detail. That’s why, as a print customer, you need to make sure your packaging and labels meet all of Amazon’s requirements to avoid costly mistakes that can affect your ratings and standing on the platform. Packaging that is too fragile, inadequate labels, lack of testing or inappropriate use of space are all mistakes that can cost you not only money but also result in lost customers. That’s why it’s worth investing in robust packaging that will keep your products safe and help you maintain high ratings on Amazon. With the help of a professional print shop, you have the chance to avoid these problems and enjoy success on this global platform.