Amazon Prep Centers: Dual-Coast Amazon FBM, FBA & SFP 📦

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Amazon will discontinue FBA prep and item-labeling services for U.S. marketplace shipments—including inventory routed via AWD, AGL, SEND, and the Supply Chain Portal. After that date, products must arrive fully prepped and labeled or risk delays and fees. Jay Group operates dual-coast, omnichannel fulfillment facilities in Pennsylvania and Nevada that function as Amazon prep centers and a full-service 3PL—so you can prep, store, fulfill DTC/B2B, and manage returns with one partner and one SLA. Below, we outline exactly how we get your inventory Amazon-ready—FNSKU labeling, compliant packaging, kitting/sets, case & pallet prep, and fast FC handoffs—backed by real-time visibility and modern integrations.

Summary

Jay Group offers comprehensive Amazon FBA, FBM and SFP prep services through dual-coast fulfillment centers in Pennsylvania and Nevada, providing fast, compliant, and scalable solutions for inventory preparation and broader 3PL needs. Our services ensure inventory meets Amazon’s intake standards while supporting omnichannel fulfillment and reverse logistics.

Amazon prep center functions: Jay Group handles labeling, protective packaging, kitting, and carton/pallet compliance to prevent delays and fees, ensuring inventory is Amazon-ready.

Dual-coast fulfillment advantages: Facilities in PA and NV enable faster ground transit to Amazon FCs, advanced contract packaging, climate-controlled storage, and integrated technology for real-time inventory visibility.

Benefits of 3PL consolidation: Using Jay Group’s omnichannel 3PL reduces touchpoints, lowers costs, pools inventory across channels, improves data planning, ensures compliance, and simplifies returns management.

Specialized verticals served: Jay Group supports diverse categories including personal care, beauty, supplements, apparel, food, baby products, pet supplies, medical devices, regulated materials, and direct-response products.

What Is an Amazon Prep Center?

An Amazon prep center prepares your inventory to meet Amazon FC intake standards so it’s received quickly and without chargebacks. Common tasks include:

Labeling: Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) or manufacturer barcode when eligible

Protective prep: poly-bags, bubble wrap, over-boxing for fragile items

Kitting & sets: “Sold as Set” unitization and tamper-evident packaging

Carton/pallet compliance: box limits, case labels, pallet build, and shipment labeling

A good prep center prevents receiving delays, damage disputes, and non-compliance fees—and keeps your Buy Box strategy on track

What is Amazon FBM or Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant?

Amazon FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) means you (or your 3PL) store inventory, pick/pack orders, and ship directly to the Amazon customer. You control packaging, inserts, carrier selection, and post-purchase experience—often improving margins on SKUs or where products need special handling. Jay Group supports FBM end-to-end from PA and NV, integrating your Amazon orders alongside DTC, marketplace, and retail channels with one SLA and real-time visibility.

FBM means the merchant or their 3PL stores inventory and ships directly to the Amazon customer. You control packaging, inserts, carrier mix, and post-purchase experience—often improving margins on SKUs or where special handling is required.

Amazon FBM at Jay Group

End-to-end handling: receiving, storage, pick/pack, ship, returns

Brand-forward presentation and custom inserts

Bi-coastal speed with PA & NV nodes; excellent fit for Oversized/Extra-Large items

Seamless alongside DTC, marketplaces, and retail under one SLA

What is Amazon FBA or Fulfillment by Amazon?

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) lets you send prepped inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers; Amazon then handles storage, pick/pack/ship, customer service, and returns. Because units must arrive fully compliant, proper FBA prep (labels, protective packaging, carton/pallet rules) is essential to avoid delays and fees—especially with Amazon ending U.S. FBA prep and item labeling on January 1, 2026. Jay Group’s dual-coast FBA Prep programs get your inventory intake-ready (FNSKU, sets/kitting, carton/pallet compliance) and move replenishments to FCs quickly.

Amazon FBA Prep at Jay Group

FNSKU labeling, poly-bagging with warnings, bubble/over-box for fragile items

Set creation/“Sold as Set,” cartonization & palletization per FC requirements

Amazon-ready case/pallet labels, shipment creation, and carrier/appointment booking

Faster ground replenishment from PA & NV to reduce receiving latency and costs

What Is Amazon SFP or Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime?

SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime) allows sellers to ship orders themselves (or via a 3PL) with the Prime badge, meeting Amazon’s strict speed and reliability SLAs using approved carriers. SFP can lift conversion and reduce FBA storage constraints, but it demands consistent 1–2-day delivery performance and rigorous tracking/scan compliance. While Jay Group is not an SFP-certified facility, our dual-coast network, carrier options, and operational discipline can support SFP-like programs on a case-by-case basis and advise on what’s required to sustain Prime-level SLAs.

SFP Support at Jay Group

Network design and feasibility modeling (coverage, nodes, cutoffs, carriers)

SLA playbooks: order-to-ship timing, scan compliance, exception management

Carrier strategy (approved services), packaging, and inventory placement guidance

Ongoing KPI tracking via our Client Portal and Manhattan-powered controls

Note: Formally, Jay Group is not an SFP-certified facility, but we support Amazon SFP fulfillment.

Why Brands Choose Jay Group for Amazon FBM, FBA and SFP Prep?

Jay Group’s Pennsylvania and Nevada 3pl centers operate as Amazon Prep Centers, providing fast, compliant Amazon Prep fulfillment alongside broader 3PL services—so you can scale on Amazon without compromising with other b2b or b2c channels, or making sure your reverse logistics is top notch with jay group.

Why brands choose Jay Group for Amazon prep

Dual-coast footprint (PA & NV) for faster ground transit to Amazon Fulfillment Centers (FCs)

Amazon compliant prep: FNSKU labeling, poly-bagging, bubble-wrap/over-box, set creation (“Sold as Set”), cartonization, palletization, and Amazon-ready case/pallet labels

Advanced contract packaging under the same roof: kitting, bundling, display pack-out

Reverse logistics for rework/returns and resale-ready inventory

FDA-registered, climate-controlled facilities suitable for personal care, beauty, nutrition, and select medical device categories

Tech & visibility: Manhattan Associates WMS + a custom Client Portal for real-time inventory, order status, and reporting

Flexible integrations: SPS Commerce for EDI where needed, plus hybrid/manual support from dedicated Account Managers while you scale

Need help now? Send us your product list, prep requirements, and target FCs—we’ll map the fastest, most cost-effective plan to get your inventory Amazon-ready.

Amazon Prep Centers in Pennsylvania and Nevada

Whether you need direct-to-consumer FBM, FBA Prep or SFP to keep FCs happy, or a hybrid that protects margin while meeting service goals—Jay Group can help with dual coast fulfillment.

Lancaster, PA (HQ) – Amazon prep, contract packaging, DTC & B2B fulfillment

Mountville, PA – Subscription/kitting, contract packaging, Amazon prep

Reno, NV – West-coast Amazon prep hub, contract packaging, rapid replenishment

Result: shorter ground miles to FCs, redundancy, and one partner for prep, fulfillment, and returns.

Amazon Prep 3PL vs. “Prep-Only”

If your volumes are growing—or you’re operating across several channels—consolidating with an omnichannel fulfillment 3PL , like Jay Group, reduces handoffs and total landed cost. It also makes your supply chain more manageable and more resilient to change when it’s run by one reliable partner.

Why Amazon Prep 3Pl is better for scaling brands:

Fewer touchpoints: One WMS/OMS, one SLA, one support team → less friction and delay.

Lower total landed cost: Better cartonization, carrier mix, and rate negotiation; fewer duplicate inbound/outbound moves.

Inventory pooling: Unified stock across D2C, marketplaces, and retail prevents over-allocation and stockouts.

Data & planning: One set of dashboards/forecasts improves demand planning, labor scheduling, and promo readiness.

Compliance at scale: Standardized retail prep, labeling, and EDI reduce chargebacks and rework.

Simpler returns: Centralized reverse logistics for faster disposition and recovery.

What to verify when choosing the 3PL for Amazon Prep

True omnichannel capabilities (D2C + B2B + marketplaces + subscriptions)

Tech stack (WMS/OMS), integration maturity (APIs/EDI), and client portal visibility

Network fit (bi-coastal, capacity, SLAs), plus retail readiness (prep/pack standards)

Proven carrier optimization and returns programs

How Jay Group’s Amazon Prep Workflow Works

Inbound & QC – Receive, inspect, and verify counts
Prep—Apply required Amazon prep (labels, bags, over-box, sets)
Cartonization & Palletization – Build per Amazon standards
Label & Book – Apply case/pallet labels and book carrier/appointment
Ship to FC – Tender via your preferred carrier or our network
Visibility – Track status and prep KPIs in the Client Portal

Verticals We Do Amazon Prep Especially Well

Personal Care & Hygiene: Diapers, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, adult incontinence items

Beauty & Sexual Wellness: Cosmetics, skincare, haircare, intimate wellness products, battery-operated intimate wellness products,

Health & Dietary Supplements: Protein powders, vitamins, herbal supplements, green powders

Home Textiles & Bedding: Bedsheets, pillowcases, comforters, pillows

Apparel & Footwear: Clothing (T-shirts, activewear), shoes, accessories

Food & Beverages: Shelf-stable and packaged foods (e.g., applesauce, olive oil, snacks, protein bars), non-alcoholic beverages, specialty items (organic, keto, etc.)

Kids & Baby Products: Strollers, bottles, pacifiers, toys, electronics, baby skincare, kids’ apparel, toddler feeding items, baby diapers

Pet Products: Pet food (dry and packaged), supplements, grooming items, toys, pet apparel, crates, and accessories

Over-the Counter Drugs, Medical Devices & Family Care: OTC, At-home test kits, thermometers, wellness products, mobility aids

Regulated & Hazardous Materials:
– Class 2: Gases (e.g., aerosols)
– Class 3: Flammable liquids (e.g., alcohol-based products)
– Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods (e.g., lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous substances)

Direct-Response Products (TV & Catalog SKUs): Products marketed via DRTV, infomercials, print catalogs, or direct mail—often high-volume SKUs requiring kitting, bundling, or rapid-turn fulfillment

FAQs

Is Amazon ending U.S. FBA prep and item labeling on Jan 1, 2026?

Yes. As of January 1, 2026, Amazon will no longer provide FBA prep or item-labeling services for U.S. marketplace shipments—including inventory routed via AWD, AGL, SEND, and the Supply Chain Portal. After that date, all units must arrive fully prepped and labeled (e.g., FNSKU or approved manufacturer barcode, required poly-bagging with suffocation warnings, appropriate protective packaging, correct case/pallet labels, and carton/pallet specs per your shipment plan). Non-compliant inventory may incur receiving delays, unplanned service fees, refusals/chargebacks, and a higher risk of damage/returns.

What is FNSKU?

An FNSKU is Amazon’s seller-specific barcode for FBA items (often starts with X00…). It links each unit to your account so Amazon attributes receiving, storage, and shipping to the right seller. Use it when you ship stickered inventory, your item isn’t eligible for manufacturer-barcode (commingled) tracking, or you want to avoid commingling. In Seller Central, open the FBA listing and Print item labels to generate FNSKUs. Label on the outside, keep it scannable, cover other barcodes, and avoid seams/corners (common size ~1″×2″).

What core services does an Amazon prep center provide?

A reliable Amazon prep center offers comprehensive Amazon prep services—FNSKU labeling, protective packaging (poly-bags with warnings, bubble/over-box), kitting/“sold-as-set”, and carton/pallet compliance—to ensure inventory meets Amazon intake standards. Because we’re a full omnichannel 3PL, we also support storage, DTC/B2B fulfillment, contract packaging, and returns from our dual-coast facilities in Pennsylvania and Nevada.
Extras: inbound QC, lot/expiry tracking (FIFO/FEFO) where required, Amazon case/pallet labels, and FC appointment coordination.

How does Jay Group’s dual-coast footprint benefit clients shipping to Amazon?

With fulfillment centers in Pennsylvania and Nevada, our bi-coastal network shortens ground transit to Amazon FCs, adds redundancy for business continuity, and provides climate-controlled, FDA-registered storage. Co-located contract packaging and returns capabilities reduce handoffs and speed replenishment—improving both cost and resilience.

What are the advantages of consolidating Amazon prep and other logistics with Jay Group vs. “prep-only” shops?

Consolidating with an omnichannel 3PL lowers total landed cost, reduces handoffs, and unifies inventory across Amazon, DTC, marketplaces, and retail. You gain one WMS/portal, consistent SLAs, standardized retail compliance/EDI, simpler returns, and better planning/forecasting—all of which streamline your supply chain and increase adaptability as you scale.

Which product categories and verticals does Jay Group excel in for Amazon prep?

We handle a wide range of categories, including personal care & hygiene, beauty & wellness, nutrition/supplements, apparel, shelf-stable food & beverage, kids & baby, pet products, medical devices (Class I & II), sexual wellness, direct-response SKUs, and regulated/hazardous materials where applicable. Our advanced contract packaging (kitting, bundling, retail display pack-out, inspections, labeling, shrink-wrap) supports both eCommerce and retail programs under one roof.

How does Jay Group support clients during integration or hybrid operational phases?

We support hybrid operations with dedicated Account Managers and an Integration Lead. Interim options include CSV/SFTP feeds, secure portal uploads/entry, or retailer-portal pulls while SPS/EDI/API work is completed. We can manually process retail POs, generate ASNs (856), invoices (810), inventory (846), and UCC-128/SSCC labels, then keep systems in sync via scheduled exports and our Client Portal. The result: orders keep moving, data stays clean, and cutover to full automation is smooth.

Can you handle Amazon prep and my DTC store?

Yes. From our Pennsylvania and Nevada 3pl locations we run Amazon prep (FNSKU labeling, poly-bags with warnings, over-boxing, sets/kitting, carton/pallet compliance and FC appointments) and DTC fulfillment (fast pick/pack, branded packaging, insert marketing, returns) under one roof—typically 99.9%+ accuracy and 1–2 business-day turnaround (cutoff-dependent). You’ll get real-time visibility via our Client Portal, Manhattan-powered inventory control, and integrations through SPS/API; if needed, we can start quickly and bridge gaps while automation is finalized.

Amazon Prep Centers: Dual-Coast Amazon FBM, FBA and SFP Fulfillment.