The answer to the marketplace or self-fulfillment debate could invite different answers and experiences from online sellers. Fact remains that marketplace fulfillment could be the better of the two for some, but it is not without its share of thorns.
To an extent, these can be kept at bay with some preparation. Seller ABC (name withheld on request) shared with us about the 10-15 trips he had to make in October alone, to Amazon’s fulfillment centre in Chennai due to skyrocketing sales. He emphasized on the importance of appointment and documentation when dealing with Amazon’s FBA service.
Despite taking appointments, courier boys may not turn up on the agreed date to delivery products. For instance, a seller from Coimbatore had taken an appointment for 28th October at the Chennai fulfillment centre and sent his products via local courier accordingly. However, the delivery was made by 31st October only and the centre rejected the shipment due to the difference in the agreed date.
Another instance was when a seller forgot to stick carton label as provided by the Amazon seller panel. He had to take back his shipment following rejection due to the absence of the label.
For the above instance, and similar ones, a Help Desk at the fulfillment centre will be a big help for both sides to ensure the boxes and packages meet the requirements of Amazon before getting accepted and shipped out. Instead of sending back the entire shipment, the Help Desk could just stick the label and complete the processing.
Editor team is specialized in introducing the marketplace content targeting the Indian online sellers. They plan and coordinate to bring the appealing content for the small businesses on how to partner with the e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart and strategies for improving their online business.
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