Unlike FBA, Amazon doesn’t prep or scan your FBM inventory. The label, tracking, and packing slip are entirely on you, and getting them wrong can hit your seller metrics directly.
At Shiprep, our FBM prep and shipping follow Amazon’s exact requirements, so labels scan correctly the first time. Learn more about our warehouse prep services.
3 Common Mistakes
1. Missing or unconfirmed tracking. Amazon requires valid tracking on 95%+ of FBM orders.
Fix: Use Amazon’s Buy Shipping, or confirm third-party tracking syncs to Seller Central before shipping.
2. No packing slip in the box. Increases buyer confusion and support contacts.
Fix: Print it from Seller Central → Orders, every time.
3. Wrong label size or format. A stretched or off-center label causes scan failures, with no Amazon warehouse step to catch it.
Fix: Print in 4×6 thermal format, one label per file.
On the Buy Shipping page, click “Label print orientation.”
Choose option 1 (4 in x 6 in PNG) or 3 (4 in x 6 in PDF with Packing Slip)
Why It Matters
| Metric | Requirement |
|---|---|
| On-time shipping | 90%+ |
| Valid tracking rate | 95%+ |
| Late shipment rate | Under 4% |
| Pre-fulfillment cancel rate | Under 2.5% |
A pattern of label errors moves these numbers down, risking Buy Box eligibility and account standing.
2026 Update: Prepaid Return Labels
Since February 8, 2026, prepaid return labels are mandatory for all US FBM orders. Make sure every eligible return gets a prepaid label. Amazon’s Buy Shipping can generate it for you.
Quick Checklist
| Check | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Label format | 4×6 thermal, one per file | Letter-size PDF, multiple per sheet |
| Tracking | Valid, uploaded | Missing/unconfirmed |
| Packing slip | Included every time | Left out |
| Return label | Prepaid, within 7 days | Delayed or address-only |
FAQs
Does Amazon require a specific carrier for FBM?
No, but valid tracking and on-time delivery are required regardless of carrier.
What if my tracking number never updates?
It counts as invalid tracking against your metrics, even if delivered correctly.
Is a packing slip required?
Expected in every box; enforcement varies, but it avoids buyer confusion.
Get the format, tracking, and packing slip right, and your metrics take care of themselves. Check Amazon’s Seller Central shipping policy for the latest rules, or send a sample label to Shiprep and we’ll confirm it before your next shipment.