A Beginner's Guide on How to Manage E-commerce Delivery for Amazon Sellers

If you're looking to sell on Amazon, there’s more to it than just listing products. Getting your product to the customer quickly and reliably is crucial. A smooth delivery process leads to good reviews, repeat buyers, and increased sales.

When a package arrives on time and in perfect condition, customers notice. When it doesn’t, they notice that too. That’s why understanding how e-commerce delivery works is so important, especially when you’re just starting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of managing delivery as an Amazon seller. From choosing your shipping method to setting up your delivery options, you’ll learn how to create a system that works for you and your customers.

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Why E-commerce Delivery is Key for Amazon Sellers

When you sell on Amazon, delivery isn't just about shipping a product. It's a major part of the customer experience. Fast, reliable delivery helps build trust and encourages positive reviews. On the other hand, late or incorrect deliveries can lead to negative feedback and lower ratings

A 2023 study analysed over 100 million Amazon reviews and found that customers who experienced fast and on-time delivery gave significantly higher star ratings. For example, positive delivery speed experiences averaged 4.69 stars, while negative ones dropped to 3.62 stars. Similarly, accurate deliveries scored 3.86 stars, but when orders were incorrect, ratings fell to 2.57 stars.

Delivery efficiency also affects your sales. Products fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) often qualify for Prime shipping, which can boost sales by 30-50%. This is because customers trust Amazon’s delivery system and are more likely to buy items that arrive quickly.

In short, managing your delivery process well can lead to better reviews, higher ratings, and increased sales. It's a crucial part of succeeding as an Amazon seller.

Different Delivery Options for Amazon Sellers

Choosing the right delivery method is a big step. It can affect your costs, your customer service, and how much time you spend on order fulfilment. There are three main delivery options: Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA), Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM), and using Third-party logistics (3PL).

Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)

FBA means you send your products to an Amazon warehouse. Amazon stores, packs, and ships the items for you. They also handle customer service and returns.

Pros:

• Your products are eligible for Prime shipping.
• Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and returns.
• It can help you win the Buy Box, which can lead to more sales.

Cons:

• FBA comes with fulfilment and storage fees.
• You have less control over how your products are handled.
• Returns are managed by Amazon, which may not suit every seller.

Best for beginners: Best for beginners: FBA is ideal if you want an easier, hands-off process with faster shipping. It suits those with a bit of budget to cover upfront costs.

Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)

With FBM, you store and ship the products yourself. You handle customer service and returns as well.

Pros:

• You control your inventory and how it’s packed.
• It’s often cheaper if you’re selling smaller volumes.
• You can personalise packaging and branding.

Cons:

• It takes more time to process orders.
• You’re responsible for shipping delays or mistakes.
• Your products won’t be Prime-eligible.

Best for beginners: FBM works well if you want more control and are just testing the waters with fewer products.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

3PL is when you use an outside company to store and ship your products. They can also help with returns, packing, and inventory. Couriers & Freight’s 3PL service is one example in Australia.

Pros:

• It’s flexible and can grow with your business.
• Often cheaper than FBA for large volumes.
• You can customise how your orders are packed and sent.

Cons:

• You need to research and choose a reliable provider.
• It may be complex for someone just starting.

Best for beginners: 3PL is a good option once your business starts growing. It’s not usually the first choice for new sellers.

Setting Up Delivery in Amazon Seller Central

If you want to sell on Amazon, setting up your delivery options in Seller Central is an important step. It helps make sure your customers get their orders on time, and it keeps your business running smoothly. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Log in to the website – Go to Amazon Seller Central and sign in.
2. Go to Shipping Settings – Click on the Settings menu in the top right corner. Select Shipping Settings from the drop-down list.
3. Create or edit a shipping template – You can use Amazon’s default shipping template or create your own. Click Create New Shipping Template to set your preferences.
4. Set your shipping rates – Choose how much to charge customers for shipping. You can offer free shipping or set flat rates based on order weight, price, or delivery speed.
5. Choose your delivery regions – Decide where you want to deliver. You can ship across Australia or select specific states and territories. You can also choose to ship internationally.
6. Manage your inventory – Make sure your stock levels are up to date. If you use Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA), Amazon tracks this for you. If you fulfil orders yourself, you’ll need to update your inventory manually.

Double-check your settings before you start to sell on Amazon. Accurate shipping details help prevent delays and unhappy customers.

How to Choose the Right Delivery Partner for Your Amazon Business

Choosing the right delivery partner can help you save money and keep your customers happy. A good delivery service makes sure your orders arrive on time and in good condition. Here are four simple tips to help you choose the right one:

Tip #1: Check their reliability – Look for couriers with a strong delivery record. Read reviews and ask other sellers for recommendations.

Tip #2: Compare pricing – Make sure you understand the full cost. Check for extra fees like fuel charges or weekend delivery rates.

Tip #3: Look for tracking and support – Choose a provider that offers live tracking and has a local support team you can reach easily.

Tip #4: Test before committing – Try out a few orders with a courier before using them full-time. This helps you see how they handle your parcels and customer service.

A strong delivery partner will make your job easier and help your business grow.

Optimising Your E-commerce Delivery Process

To sell on Amazon successfully, you need a delivery system that is fast, cost-effective, and reliable. Here are a few quick ways to improve your process:

1. Keep your best-selling items in stock – Monitor your inventory and restock popular products early. This helps avoid delays and backorders.
2. Use local couriers for nearby deliveries – Local couriers can be cheaper and faster for deliveries within your area.
3. Batch your orders – Pack and send multiple orders at once. This saves time and can reduce postage costs.
4. Choose the right packaging – Use strong but lightweight packaging to protect your products and keep shipping costs down. Make sure labels are clear and correctly placed.

Good packaging and proper labelling help prevent delivery errors and damage. When parcels arrive safely and on time, your customers are more likely to leave positive reviews. That’s good news if you want to grow your business.

Managing Your Amazon Deliveries

If you're new and want to sell on Amazon, managing your delivery process is a big part of your success. Choose the right delivery method (FBA, FBM, or 3PL) based on your budget and how much control you want. Set up your shipping settings in Seller Central carefully, and keep your rates, regions, and inventory updated.

Pick a delivery partner that’s reliable and offers good support. Look for ways to save time and money, like batching orders or using local couriers. Strong packaging and clear labels can also make a big difference in your business.

The more you improve your delivery system, the better your customer experience will be. Review your setup and make small changes as you grow. A smooth delivery process helps you stand out and succeed when you sell on Amazon.

Improve Your Amazon Delivery Process

Get faster, more reliable shipping for your Amazon orders. Let Couriers & Freight help you boost customer satisfaction and grow your sales.

Get a Quote Now