Hundreds of companies whose turnover touch the millions of dollars rely on China for importing products. They sell those imported products from China on Amazon. Though the products are cheap and they reap good profits, these companies find it hard to control the quality. Out of a product consignment, around 3% pieces are found defective for consumer goods made in China. 3% of bad products in every shipment of yours is not too bad.
Most buyers set 2.5% Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) for major limits and 4% for minor defects. In practice, the tolerance band is higher because the underlying standard limits the risk of the producer more than the consumer’s risk. Even a small mistake on Amazon can be a disaster for businessmen. The disappointed customers would definitely complain which might prevent your sales.
Some Amazon FBA sellers choose suppliers based on the sample, price and their budget. They run the standard QC inspections afterward. The supplier ships the consignment of product directly to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Sometimes, it is good, but at the same time, it’s risky also.
If you noticed that you send an inspector before shipment, there is a process of making a detailed report. Do you have enough time to read the report? What if the reports point out some serious issues in the products? Then, what will you do? Ask the supplier to stop shipment. You also would not have enough time to find a new supplier and get product manufactured.
Damage Control Mode of Buyers
When the above-stated problem arises, most of the buyers do damage control and ask the supplier to get things fixed. After the supplier fixes the things, they call the inspector to recheck the quality. You need to decide whether you go for re-inspect or re-work again. It depends on the supplier whether he would do it or not.
There are a lot of dangers if a product is defective, the danger level varies with the positioning of the product and its category. If a product is premium and is high in price, the customer will complain whenever they found the defective product. In case of cheap products, the consumers are not going to complain that if few defective pieces are inside a pack of cheap accessories.
Amazon will definitely notice a lot of returns if your 3% products that cost too much and don’t work. You need to ensure that all the products should get fixed before it leaves China. You can’t inspect the shipment when it is delivered to Amazon fulfillment centers. You can avoid all these problems of quality control by hiring a pre-shipment inspection company. Amazon also fines the company for defected products while it is a less expensive option to get inspected your products. A pre-shipment allows you to fulfill all Amazon FBA requirements from packing to barcode labeling, and for the same, you should not be dependent on the suppliers.
Following are some of the common problems of Amazon Sellers
Poor Product Quality
When the customer pays for something they expect it to be good. But if he or she does not find it the way they have expected. They took to Amazon to express their dissatisfaction with the product give it bad reviews which might cancel your Amazon account.
Inappropriate Packing and Labeling
Amazon refuses the damaged product and the cartons which have inappropriate labeling and packing.
Wrong Logistics Provider
Late delivery, VAT fees, and some additional unexpected costs because of the logistics provider.
What are the options of Shipping from China to Amazon FBA
When it comes to sourcing products for your Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) business, China is often a top choice for many sellers due to its vast manufacturing capabilities and cost-effectiveness. However, once you’ve found your ideal products, you face the crucial task of getting them from the factories in China to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. The shipping process can be complex, and making the right choice can significantly impact your business’s success.
You can either Shipping directly from China to Amazon FBA or ship products to a middleman or yourself. you can then forward then to Amazon FBA warehouses.
Pros & Cons of Shipping directly to Amazon FBA
- Accelerated Transit: Significant reduction in the time taken for your products to arrive at Amazon’s warehouses, enabling faster product availability for sale on Amazon.
- Cost Savings: Elimination of middleman expenses, saving you both money and the complexities associated with product inspection services.
Cons – Navigating the Challenges:
- Amazon’s Multi-Warehouse Requirement: Amazon often necessitates shipping products to multiple warehouses, not a single centralized location, which can complicate logistics.
- Upfront Freight and Duty Payments: Obligation to pay freight and duties before products reach Amazon can affect cash flow and financial planning.
- Strict Amazon Standards: Adherence to Amazon’s stringent shipping, packaging, and quality standards is imperative, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
Things to know before first China Sourcing
Is China still a viable sourcing option in 2022? Despite the presence of alternative manufacturing locations, China remains the global leader in manufacturing and continues to be the primary choice for many Amazon FBA sellers. While other countries can also produce goods, China continues to dominate the manufacturing landscape worldwide. It is important to have an amazon FBA business plan.
Identifying dependable suppliers is pivotal for establishing a thriving eCommerce venture. These suppliers are essentially your partners in crafting top-quality, 5-star products that form the foundation of your business. Amazon PPC experts often emphasize that the core of effective campaign optimization and growth starts with having an excellent product. Hence, your first step is to secure a trustworthy supplier for that product.
However, given the evolving landscape, you might be pondering: What strategies are no longer effective?
Traditionally, one of the most favored methods for sourcing products from China involved physically visiting the country, touring the factory, meeting factory personnel, and witnessing the production process firsthand. But in light of recent changes, this approach may not be as practical or effective as it once was.
How can GIM help in fulfilling Amazon FBA shipping requirements?
Global Inspection Managing plays a crucial role in meeting the exacting shipping requirements of Amazon FBA, ensuring that products adhere to the platform’s rigorous standards. This process is essential for maintaining the quality of goods, adhering to labeling accuracy, and complying with Amazon’s packaging guidelines. Here’s how Global Inspection Managing contributes to fulfilling Amazon FBA shipping requirements:
- Quality Assurance: Inspection services verify the overall quality of products, identifying and addressing any issues before they reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Labeling Accuracy: Global Inspection Managing ensures that product labels are accurate and comply with Amazon’s specific requirements, preventing potential issues with mislabeled items.
- Packaging Compliance: By conducting inspections at manufacturing or distribution sites, the process helps guarantee that packaging meets Amazon’s guidelines, reducing the risk of rejections or delays.
- Proactive Issue Resolution: Identifying and rectifying potential issues early in the supply chain helps prevent shipping delays, customer dissatisfaction, and potential penalties.
- Efficient FBA Process: GIM acts as a strategic quality control measure, enhancing the overall efficiency of Amazon’s FBA services and contributing to a seamless customer experience.