Private Label FBA Logistics: Factory to Amazon
Building a successful private label Amazon business requires mastering the logistics chain from factory to fulfillment center.
The Private Label Supply Chain
| Stage | Timeline | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | 2–4 weeks | Find factory, negotiate terms |
| Sampling | 1–2 weeks | Review samples, approve production |
| Production | 2–6 weeks | Manufacturing, quality control |
| Inspection | 3–5 days | Third-party inspection at factory |
| Shipping | 3–6 weeks | Ocean freight to US port |
| Customs | 1–5 days | Entry filing, duties, clearance |
| Prep | 3–5 days | Labeling, poly bagging, inspection |
| FBA Delivery | 1–5 days | Ship to fulfillment centers |
| Check-in | 1–7 days | Amazon receives and stocks |
| Total | 10–18 weeks | Factory to live on Amazon |
Shipping Options by Order Size
| Order Value | Units | Best Shipping Method |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | <500 | Air freight or express |
| $5,000–$20,000 | 500–3,000 | Ocean LCL |
| $20,000–$50,000 | 3,000–10,000 | Ocean FCL (20') |
| $50,000+ | 10,000+ | Ocean FCL (40'/40'HC) |
Factory Prep vs US Prep
Have your factory do:
- Individual poly bagging
- FNSKU labeling (provide labels)
- Inner carton packing
- Master carton labeling
Have your US prep center do:
- Quality inspection (check factory work)
- Bundle assembly
- Additional labeling if needed
- Pallet building for FBA
Reducing Total Landed Cost
Your total landed cost includes:
- Product cost (FOB price)
- Freight (ocean + drayage + FBA delivery)
- Customs duties (based on HS code)
- Prep center fees
- Amazon FBA fees
Optimization strategies:
- Negotiate FOB terms with factory
- Use FCL instead of LCL when volume justifies
- Work with Indray for competitive drayage and domestic rates
- Classify products correctly to minimize duties
- Bundle items to reduce per-unit FBA fulfillment fees
Timeline Management
The biggest risk in private label is running out of stock. Plan your reorders:
- Reorder point: Current inventory ÷ daily sales = days of stock remaining
- Reorder trigger: When days remaining = total lead time + 14 days buffer
- Lead time: Production (21–42 days) + Shipping (21–42 days) + Prep (5 days) + FC check-in (3–7 days)
Full-Service Private Label Logistics
Indray manages the entire logistics chain for private label Amazon sellers — from customs clearance at the port to FBA delivery. Get a comprehensive quote.
