🚫 Top 10 Common FBA Inbound Shipment Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

By SnappyCrate | Updated July 2025

Amazon FBA is a powerful way to scale your e-commerce business—but only if you get your inbound shipments right. Even small mistakes can lead to costly delays, rejected shipments, and penalties. At SnappyCrate, we specialize in prepping and shipping inventory to FBA the correct way, every time. Here are the 10 most common mistakes sellers make—and how to avoid them.

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1. Incorrect or Missing Product Labels

Amazon requires every unit to be labeled with a scannable FNSKU barcode. Common errors include using UPCs instead, poor placement, or blurry printing.

✅ How to Avoid: Always use Amazon-generated FNSKU labels and cover any manufacturer barcodes. SnappyCrate prints and applies compliant labels for you.

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2. Failing to Provide Box Content Information

Not submitting box content information in Seller Central can lead to manual receiving fees or delayed check-ins.

✅ How to Avoid: Upload box content info or use 2D barcode labels on cartons. We handle this automatically for all shipments we prep.

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3. Overweight or Oversized Boxes

Boxes over Amazon’s 50 lb limit (or 30 lbs for certain products) can be rejected or split apart.

✅ How to Avoid: Distribute inventory properly and use compliant cartons. SnappyCrate weighs and inspects every box before labeling.

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4. Non-Compliant Palletizing

Improperly stacked or oversized pallets are a major cause of Amazon rejections.

✅ How to Avoid: Stick to 40×48 standard pallets, max 72” height, with secure shrink wrap. We build Amazon-compliant pallets in-house.

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5. Using Unsupported Carriers

Amazon requires approved carriers for LTL and SPD shipments. Unapproved carriers can’t book delivery appointments.

✅ How to Avoid: Use Amazon-partnered carriers or let SnappyCrate handle freight booking and appointments.

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6. Poor Packaging and Prep

Unprotected products can arrive damaged and get flagged.

✅ How to Avoid: Use bubble wrap, poly bags with suffocation warnings, and sturdy cartons. SnappyCrate offers full prep services to ensure compliance.

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7. Ignoring Hazmat (Dangerous Goods) Requirements

Products flagged as Hazmat require special labeling, paperwork, and approval.

✅ How to Avoid: Verify Hazmat status in Seller Central early. We guide clients through Hazmat prep and approvals.

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8. Missing or Damaged Box Labels

Each box needs a correct Amazon shipment ID label. Missing or unreadable labels delay check-in.

✅ How to Avoid: Print fresh labels and attach them to flat, visible surfaces. We apply labels securely after final QC.

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9. Late Appointment Scheduling (LTL)

Amazon FCs have limited dock availability. Missed appointments = refusals.

✅ How to Avoid: Book early or let SnappyCrate handle Carrier Central scheduling.

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10. Overlooking Amazon’s Latest Policy Updates

Amazon frequently updates inbound requirements, such as new capacity limits and non-compliance fees.

✅ How to Avoid: Partner with a 3PL like SnappyCrate that monitors Amazon policy changes daily.

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👉 Final Thoughts

Inbound shipment mistakes cost time, money, and ranking. The easiest way to avoid them? Work with an Amazon-specialized 3PL. At SnappyCrate, we handle inspection, labeling, prep, palletizing, and shipping—so your inventory gets into FBA faster and without errors.

Ready to ship smarter? Send us a message