Imagine spending weeks preparing inventory for what could become your best-selling product, only to discover the FBA labels were applied incorrectly. While this scenario might seem catastrophic, timely intervention can mitigate the damage. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating incorrect FBA label situations at various stages of the shipping process.
Damage Control: Stage-Specific Solutions
- Discovered before shipment: This represents the ideal scenario. Immediately halt all shipments and conduct thorough inspections of labeled products. For minor errors, manually replace the labels. For bulk errors, reprint and relabel all affected items. Verify the accuracy of FNSKU, SKU, quantity, and destination information before resuming shipments.
- In transit but not yet received: Contact Amazon Seller Central support immediately through the "Contact Us" → "Fulfillment by Amazon" channel. Provide the shipment ID, correct label PDFs, and photos of the incorrect labels. Amazon may intercept the shipment at the warehouse, allowing you to upload corrected labels for a per-item relabeling fee (typically $0.30–$1.00 per unit).
- Already received with incorrect labels: This presents the most complex situation. If the errors affect product identification or fulfillment, consider submitting an "Inventory Fix" request or opting for "Remove and Relabel." The latter offers two approaches: removal to a third-party warehouse for relabeling before returning to FBA (costing $1.50–$3.50 per unit with 1–2 month processing), or direct destruction of inventory to prevent fulfillment errors.
Financial Considerations: Relabeling Costs
Amazon's official relabeling service typically charges $0.30–$1.00 per item in the U.S. marketplace. Third-party warehouse relabeling generally ranges between $1.50–$3.50 per unit, including removal, relabeling, and return shipping. These estimates may vary based on actual service charges.
To minimize such expenses, implement pre-shipment verification protocols with secondary scanning checks. Label printing software with automated verification features can significantly reduce human error. Immediate correction upon discovery—before warehouse receipt—substantially reduces both costs and delays.
Preventive Measures: Best Practices
- Invest in professional-grade label printers to ensure scannable, high-quality output
- Conduct test prints before bulk label production
- Develop standardized labeling protocols with employee training programs
- Regularly audit label inventory for damage or expiration
FBA fulfillment demands meticulous attention to detail. Implementing these strategies can help sellers navigate labeling errors effectively while maintaining operational efficiency.