Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) allows you to display the coveted Prime badge on your listings while fulfilling orders from your own warehouse. It’s a powerful way to boost sales and compete with FBA sellers, but it requires meeting Amazon’s strict performance standards. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve SFP:
1. Meet the Prerequisites:
- Professional Selling Plan: You need to be on Amazon’s Professional selling plan.
- Domestic Shipping Address: Have a US-based shipping address.
- Outstanding Performance Metrics: Maintain excellent seller performance with high on-time delivery rates, valid tracking information, and low cancellation rates.
2. Enroll in the SFP Program:
- Navigate to SFP: In your Seller Central account, go to “Shipping Settings” and then “Seller Fulfilled Prime.”
- Start the Trial: Amazon will assess your eligibility. If you qualify, you’ll be enrolled in a trial period.
3. Succeed in the Trial Period:
- Meet Performance Targets: During the trial, you must consistently meet SFP’s rigorous performance requirements, including:
- On-time Shipping: Ship over 99% of orders on time.
- Use Buy Shipping Services: Purchase shipping labels through Amazon for at least 99% of orders.
- Valid Tracking: Provide valid tracking information for 99% of orders.
- One-Day and Two-Day Delivery: Meet Amazon’s speed requirements for Prime deliveries.
- Weekend Delivery and Pickup: Use shipping carriers that offer weekend delivery and pickup services.
- Nationwide Coverage: Offer nationwide delivery for standard-size products.
- Zero-Day Handling Time: Process and ship orders the same day they are received.
- Uphold Amazon’s Returns Policy: Adhere to Amazon’s return policy and provide excellent customer service.
4. Maintain SFP Status:
- Consistent Performance: Continuously meet the performance requirements even after the trial period ends.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your performance metrics to ensure you’re meeting targets.
- Adapt and Improve: Be prepared to adjust your fulfillment processes to maintain compliance with SFP requirements.
Tips for SFP Success:
- Reliable Warehouse Operations: Ensure efficient picking, packing, and shipping processes.
- Strong Inventory Management: Maintain accurate inventory levels to prevent stockouts and delays.
- Strategic Carrier Selection: Partner with reliable shipping carriers that offer fast and affordable services with weekend options.
- Technology Integration: Leverage shipping software and tools to streamline your fulfillment process.
- Dedicated Customer Service: Provide prompt and helpful customer support to address any issues.
Benefits of SFP:
- Prime Badge: Increase visibility and buyer trust with the Prime badge.
- Buy Box Advantage: Gain a competitive edge in winning the Buy Box.
- Control Over Fulfillment: Maintain control over your inventory and fulfillment process.
- Potential Cost Savings: Potentially lower fulfillment costs compared to FBA, especially for larger or heavier items.
Is SFP Right for You?
SFP is a great option for sellers who:
- Have strong in-house fulfillment capabilities.
- Want more control over their inventory and shipping.
- Sell larger or heavier items that are expensive to fulfill via FBA.
- Are willing to invest in the infrastructure and processes needed to meet SFP requirements.
By following these steps and consistently meeting Amazon’s high standards, you can achieve SFP and reap the rewards of offering Prime shipping to your customers.
Looking for a 3PL that’s suitable for SFP? Borderworx is the ideal 3PL for sellers trying to achieve Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) with our Prime-ready warehouses and SFP expertise that ensures fast shipping and compliance. Our technology-driven solutions and cost-effective pricing optimize fulfillment while prioritizing customer satisfaction, making SFP achievable and profitable for your business.