For e-commerce sellers navigating OZON's marketplace, the rFBS (remote Fulfillment by Seller) model presents a compelling opportunity to take control of cross-border logistics while maximizing profit margins. However, proper warehouse configuration remains a critical yet often misunderstood component of this strategy.
I. Warehouse Creation: Establishing Your Operational Foundation
The rFBS model empowers sellers to manage international shipping independently. The initial setup requires careful attention to these key steps (all information must be entered in English or Russian):
- Access Seller Center: Navigate to the "Logistics" section, select "Warehouses and Methods," then click "Add Warehouse." Multiple warehouses may be created to accommodate business needs.
- Complete Warehouse Details: For this virtual warehouse, all address fields must be completed in English or Russian. Note that the "Select Address on Map" feature remains unavailable for cross-border stores.
- Configure Operating Schedule: Designate business days (highlighted in blue) with a recommended 5-day processing window. This buffer prevents canceled orders from affecting performance metrics while maintaining operational flexibility.
- Return Address Setup: Sellers may either use the warehouse address for returns or specify a logistics provider's Russian return center if available. The recipient field should match either the company name or an alternative designated receiver.
II. Warehouse Management: Optimizing Daily Operations
Effective warehouse administration requires ongoing attention to these operational aspects:
- Information Updates: Modify warehouse details as needed through the "Edit Warehouse" function in the Logistics section.
- Archive Inactive Warehouses: While OZON's system doesn't permit complete deletion, sellers can archive unused warehouses to maintain organizational clarity.
III. Operational Considerations
Several practical factors merit attention when implementing rFBS:
- The manual address entry requirement for cross-border sellers stems from current platform limitations.
- The 5-day processing recommendation balances operational needs with customer expectations.
- Multiple warehouse configurations enable geographic or product-specific logistics strategies.
Proper implementation of these warehouse management practices enables sellers to leverage OZON's marketplace effectively while maintaining control over international fulfillment operations.