Exploring Top 11 Alternatives to Amazon FBA: Finding Your Perfect E-commerce Platform

There are several reasons why businesses tend to look for alternatives to Amazon FBA in the ever-evolving realm of online selling. 

One key factor is the desire for greater control and flexibility over their fulfillment processes. While Amazon FBA offers convenience and efficiency, it also means relinquishing some control to Amazon’s logistics network. 

This can lead businesses to seek alternatives that allow them to have more direct management over their inventory, shipping, and customer experience.

Additionally, cost consideration also plays a significant role in seeking alternatives.

In this article, we delve into the top 11 Amazon FBA alternatives for online selling. By exploring these alternatives, businesses can find solutions that align with their unique needs, provide more control, and customization, and potentially offer cost savings.

Here’s a quick peek into the article 

• Why should companies search for Amazon FBA alternatives?
• Top Eleven Amazon FBA Alternatives

1. FedEx
2. ShipMonk
3. Deliverr
4. DHL
5. ZonPrep
6. AMZ Prep
7. ShipBob
8. Fulfillment.com
9. Shipwire
10. Ships-a-lot
11. eFulfillment service

• Conclusion

Why should companies search for Amazon FBA alternatives?

Here are five reasons why you should search for Amazon FBA alternatives:

Limited ability to showcase the brand identity

When retailers use Amazon FBA to fulfill orders, they must adhere to Amazon’s packaging standards. This means that when customers receive their orders, the packaging prominently displays Amazon’s branding rather than the retailer’s brand. Amazon intentionally does this to ensure that customers know the product was ordered from Amazon and fulfilled by them. 

However, this can be a drawback for retailers who want to highlight their brand instead of Amazon’s well-known name. In such cases, retailers are better off exploring alternatives to Amazon FBA that allow them to showcase their own brand identity.

Complex payment system

Understanding Amazon FBA’s payment structure can be a complex task, especially for retailers who are new to the platform. There are various types of expenses involved, including fixed, variable, and circumstantial fees. Amazon imposes three main fees on sellers: Seller fees for using their services, fulfillment fees covering warehouse operations like picking, packing, and shipping, and storage fees based on the amount of storage space occupied by inventory.

Also, charges can vary based on different factors such as seasons, events, flash sales, and more. Amazon is known for implementing penalties for even minor infractions. Thus, sellers who prefer straightforward and transparent payment plans often explore alternatives to Amazon FBA.

Consolidated inventory with similar items

Due to a large number of sellers utilizing FBA and storing multiple products and variations, it is common for products to share storage locations within the warehouse. Similar items from different sellers are often grouped and allocated a single slot. When an order is placed, products are picked and packed from these shared slots.

Consequently, there is an increased risk of selecting and shipping incorrect products, leading to customer dissatisfaction, negative brand perception, and the inconvenience of managing product returns for the seller. Retailers who desire dedicated storage space exclusively for their entire product lineup would find it advantageous to explore alternatives to Amazon FBA.

Restricted control over inventory management

Retailers seeking greater control over their inventory may find alternatives to Amazon FBA more suitable. The process of adding or removing products from FBA warehouses can be challenging, limiting retailers’ flexibility. 

Additionally, Amazon imposes penalty fees if inventory is stored for longer than a specified duration, making it difficult for retailers to adjust their inventory according to market demand. This lack of flexibility hampers retailers’ ability to effectively manage their inventory and can lead to wastage and financial losses. Retailers looking for more strategic control over their inventory may benefit from exploring alternatives to Amazon FBA.

Inflexible guidelines for FBA preparation

While Amazon’s strict guidelines benefit consumers, they can pose challenges for retailers who need to comply with numerous regulations for their products to be fulfilled by FBA. 

FBA prep involves following Amazon’s specific instructions regarding packaging, labeling, and safety standards. For instance, retailers must adhere to the Amazon Standard Identification Number System (ASIN), which requires separate labeling and shipment splitting for each product sent to an FBA warehouse.

These requirements can increase expenses and storage costs for retailers since one product needs to be divided into multiple shipments, occupying additional storage space.

To avoid dealing with demanding requirements and potential penalties, retailers can explore alternatives to Amazon FBA.

Top Eleven Amazon FBA Alternatives

Top 11 Amazon FBA Alternatives

Here are the top 11 Amazon FBA alternatives

FedEx

FedEx is a well-known global eCommerce company that offers a wide range of fulfillment solutions and shipping services. It was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

With a presence in over 220 countries, FedEx provides eCommerce retailers with various features to streamline their operations. One notable feature is the ability to synchronize order details and inventory lists from multiple selling platforms into a single, convenient location. FedEx has extensive experience in eCommerce fulfillment and excels at efficiently managing various tasks.

FedEx is an excellent alternative to Amazon FBA for several reasons:

1. Fast delivery and returns management: FedEx prioritizes speedy delivery and efficient returns handling to ensure customer satisfaction.
2. Extensive fulfillment network: With a large network, FedEx offers widespread coverage and delivery capabilities, catering to businesses of all sizes.
3. User-friendly technology platform: FedEx provides an intuitive platform that simplifies fulfillment processes and makes them easy to manage.
4. Integration with eCommerce marketplaces: FedEx seamlessly integrates with various eCommerce marketplaces, streamlining operations for retailers.
5. Global service network: Leveraging its worldwide network, FedEx offers comprehensive services in multiple countries, making it an ideal choice for international fulfillment needs.

FedEx’s focus on fast delivery, efficient returns management, extensive fulfillment network, user-friendly technology platform, eCommerce marketplace integrations, and global service coverage make it a strong competitor to Amazon FBA. eCommerce businesses looking for reliable and comprehensive fulfillment services can trust FedEx to meet their needs.

FedEx is excellent for high-volume businesses selling small, lightweight products.

Check out this guide to know about Amazon return pallets.

ShipMonk

ShipMonk is an eCommerce fulfillment company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since its establishment in 2014, it has rapidly grown and gained recognition in the industry.

ShipMonk focuses on providing tech-based eCommerce services to retailers across various industries. They offer a wide range of services, including packing, pick and pack operations, warehouse management, and customer support. Each customer receives dedicated account managers to assist them during the onboarding process.

Here are the standout features that make ShipMonk an excellent alternative to Amazon FBA:

1. Digital billing portal: ShipMonk provides a user-friendly digital billing portal, ensuring transparency and simplifying financial transactions.
2. Warehouse automation: ShipMonk optimizes the efficiency through automation technologies in warehouse operations, improving processes and productivity.
3. Branding and customization services: ShipMonk offers a variety of branding and customization options, allowing retailers to personalize their packaging and order fulfillment to match their brand.
4. Pricing benefits and tax advantages: ShipMonk offers decreased pricing for bulk orders, making it attractive for businesses with high shipping volumes. Additionally, they provide tax benefits that can help optimize costs for retailers.
5. No setup or inventory-receiving fee: ShipMonk does not impose any setup or inventory-receiving fees, providing cost-effective solutions for customers.

ShipMonk’s focus on technology-driven eCommerce services, comprehensive offerings, dedicated account management, digital billing portal, warehouse automation, branding options, competitive pricing, and favorable fee structure make it a top alternative to Amazon FBA. It is an ideal choice for online sellers seeking efficient and customizable fulfillment solutions.

ShipMonk is excellent for businesses that use Seller Fulfilled Prime.

Deliverr

Founded in July 2017, Deliverr is a US-based e-commerce fulfillment company dedicated to providing fast and cost-effective fulfillment services that rival Amazon. Their goal is to enable sellers of any size to impress their customers with efficient order fulfillment.

Getting started with Deliverr is quick and straightforward. Sellers can easily sign up by connecting their listing tool and/or shopping cart. This allows them to see cost previews for each item they sell. Sellers then send their inventory to one of Deliverr’s warehouses, where they receive step-by-step support and discounted shipping rates. Within just 5-10 days of signing up, sellers can start selling their products.

Deliverr adopts an “Amazon-like” pricing structure. All fulfillment-related costs, such as shipping, pick, pack, and box, are consolidated into two fees: Fulfillment and Storage. Sellers can accurately calculate their costs using Deliverr’s calculator tool.

Deliverr offers several features, including:

1. No contracts: Sellers can outsource their fulfillment needs to Deliverr without being bound by long-term commitments. They have the flexibility to utilize Deliverr’s services as required.
2. Fast deliveries: Eligible sellers have the option to provide Premium Shipping with Deliverr’s 1-day and 2-day rates. Additionally, Prime badges are available for listings, enhancing visibility and customer appeal.
3. Flexible Warehouse Expansion: As demand grows, Deliverr can easily accommodate sellers’ inventory by onboarding new warehouses. This ensures sufficient space and efficient storage for sellers’ products.
4. Transparent pricing: Deliverr emphasizes transparency by providing sellers with clear visibility into the fulfillment costs associated with each order. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Deliverr is excellent for small businesses.

DHL

DHL, also known as Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn, is a global leader in the eCommerce fulfillment industry. Founded in 1969 in San Francisco, California, it is now headquartered in Bonn, Germany. With operations in over 220 countries, including extensive coverage in India, DHL offers courier and shipping services worldwide.

DHL’s distribution branch specializes in efficient door-to-door delivery and freight transportation by air and sea. One of their key strengths is navigating customs clearance smoothly, ensuring hassle-free international shipping for retailers. Additionally, DHL provides comprehensive insurance coverage for packages, offering peace of mind to customers.

Recommended read: How to set up Amazon Brand Gating?

As a top-tier alternative to Amazon FBA, DHL offers the following notable features:

1. Integrations and inventory optimization: DHL seamlessly integrates with multiple eCommerce marketplaces, enabling retailers to optimize inventory management and streamline operations.
2. Effective logistics management: DHL excels in logistics management, providing reliable solutions tailored to both B2B and B2C fulfillment requirements.
3. Wide range of fulfillment services: DHL offers a diverse range of fulfillment services, catering to the specific needs of retailers in various industries.
4. Central tech platform: DHL provides a centralized technology platform that simplifies inventory management, order fulfillment, and other essential procedures, enhancing overall efficiency for retailers.

With its global presence, expertise in customs clearance, effective logistics management, next-day delivery capabilities, and centralized tech platform, DHL is an excellent alternative to Amazon FBA. Retailers can rely on DHL for reliable and comprehensive fulfillment services tailored to their specific needs.

DHL is excellent for international delivery.

ZonPrep

ZonPrep operates a well-positioned 90,000-square-foot facility in McDonough, GA, in the Atlanta Metro area. With daily Full Truckload (FTL) services to Amazon’s warehouses, including CLT2, their primary cross-dock inbound point for the east coast, ZonPrep offers top-notch logistics and modern infrastructure to elevate your FBA prep.

ZonPrep distinguishes itself as a cost-effective alternative to Amazon FBA with the following notable features:

1. Affordability without Compromising Quality: ZonPrep delivers high-quality services at competitive prices, making them a cost-effective choice.
2. Swift Processing and Turnaround Times: ZonPrep prioritizes efficiency, ensuring your inventory is prepared and shipped promptly to Amazon.
3. Dependable and Experienced Professionals: The ZonPrep team comprises experienced professionals with extensive expertise in FBA prep and logistics, providing reliable support throughout your fulfillment journey.
4. Simplified Software: ZonPrep offers user-friendly software that simplifies inventory management and fulfillment processes, streamlining your operations and enhancing efficiency.
5. Seamless Integration with Seller and Vendor Central: ZonPrep’s services seamlessly integrate with Seller and Vendor Central, allowing for smooth collaboration and efficient inventory management.

ZonPrep’s strategic location, cost-effectiveness, swift processing, experienced team, simplified software, and integration with Seller and Vendor Central make it an exceptional alternative to Amazon FBA. By choosing ZonPrep, you can optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and benefit from seamless FBA prep services to empower your eCommerce business.

AMZ Prep

AMZ Prep is a 3PL company focused on providing efficient and affordable fulfillment services for Amazon sellers. Founded in 2016, they have built an international fulfillment network covering the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, serving over 1200 brands and sellers.

They have established partnerships with prominent players in the Amazon industry, including Thrasio, Branded, D1 Brands, and Heroes, demonstrating their credibility and expertise.

AMZ Prep offers customized pricing based on specific needs, with Amazon FBA rates starting at approximately $1.00 per unit. You can find detailed pricing information on their website.

Key features of AMZ Prep include:

1. Wide range warehouses: Their strategically located warehouses in different countries enable sellers to expand their presence on global Amazon marketplaces like Amazon.ca and Amazon.co.uk.
2. Amazon Expertise: As an official partner with Amazon, AMZ Prep maintains a compliance rate of 98.7% for both Amazon FBA and FBM shipments, meeting Amazon’s rigorous requirements.
3. Seller Fulfilled Prime: Sellers can maximize their profit margins by offering Prime benefits as an FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) seller.
4. Amazon FBA Prep Experts: With 9 warehouses dedicated to Amazon FBA and FBM services, AMZ Prep offers various services such as individual labeling, photography, poly bagging, bundling, and kitting to meet the specific standards required by customers.

ShipBob

Founded in 2014, ShipBob has quickly established itself as a trusted fulfillment service provider with a team of over 500 employees. Despite its relatively young age, ShipBob has earned the confidence of more than 3,600 businesses that rely on its comprehensive fulfillment services.

ShipBob stands out for its ability to handle a wide range of products, making it suitable for businesses in diverse industries such as beauty, health, clothing, accessories, and consumer electronics.

One of ShipBob’s strengths is its low minimum annual order volume requirement of just 1,800 orders. This feature is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs starting their eCommerce businesses from home, providing them with a viable alternative to Fulfillment by Amazon.

With its growing presence in the fulfillment service market, capability to handle various product categories, and accommodating order volume, ShipBob offers an appealing option for businesses in need of reliable and flexible fulfillment services.

ShipBob is excellent for small businesses.

Fulfillment.com

Fulfillment.com was established in 2011 by two business partners who noticed a gap in the e-commerce fulfillment industry. Their goal was to provide exceptional customer service and support to independent online retailers. Today, Fulfillment.com ships millions of B2C and B2B orders to over 150 countries worldwide.

As an alternative to Amazon FBA, Fulfillment.com focuses on e-commerce fulfillment and requires a minimum of 21,659 orders per year to utilize its services.

They offer the following key features:

1. Global fulfillment: Fulfillment.com enables businesses to reach customers worldwide by providing international fulfillment services.
2. Outstanding customer service: The company prioritizes delivering exceptional support tailored to the needs of independent online retailers.
3. Expedited 2-day delivery: Fulfillment.com offers fast 2-day delivery options, ensuring prompt order fulfillment and meeting customer expectations.
4. Advanced order management system: They utilize a powerful proprietary and cloud-based order management engine. This system efficiently processes orders, manages inventory, and ensures smooth operations.

Fulfillment.com was founded with a focus on superior customer service and support in the e-commerce fulfillment industry. With their global reach, expedited delivery, and advanced order management system, they offer a strong alternative to Amazon FBA for independent online retailers.

Fulfillment.com is excellent for sellers who ship internationally.

Recommended Guide: Amazon Temporarily Prioritizes Products Coming Into FBA Centers

Shipwire

Shipwire is a reliable fulfillment partner for businesses operating globally. They have strategically positioned warehouses in the US, Europe, Asia, China, and Australia, ensuring wide coverage and accessibility.

With over 2,800 businesses as customers and shipping over 800 million products annually, Shipwire has established itself as a trusted player in the industry. They also excel in shipping mobile devices, handling approximately 200 million such products.

Shipwire offers the following solutions:

1. eCommerce Fulfillment: Shipwire offers comprehensive eCommerce fulfillment services, which involve the storage, picking, packing, and shipping of products for online retailers. This ensures that customers’ orders are accurately processed and delivered in a timely manner.
2. Warehousing: Shipwire provides warehousing services, allowing businesses to store their inventory in Shipwire’s strategically located warehouses. This enables efficient inventory management and distribution to various locations.
3. Marketplace Fulfillment: Shipwire supports marketplace fulfillment, which involves integrating with popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. Shipwire handles the fulfillment process for orders received through these marketplaces, ensuring seamless order processing and delivery.
4. B2B Wholesale: Shipwire offers B2B wholesale services, catering to businesses that sell products in bulk to other businesses. Shipwire helps manage the fulfillment of these wholesale orders, ensuring efficient distribution and delivery to B2B customers.
5. Reverse Logistics and Returns Management: Shipwire assists businesses with reverse logistics and returns management. This involves handling product returns, managing inventory reconciliation, and processing refunds or replacements, providing a smooth and efficient process for handling customer returns.
6. Dropship: Shipwire supports dropshipping, where businesses can partner with suppliers to ship products directly to customers. Shipwire facilitates the coordination and management of dropshipping operations, ensuring a streamlined process for businesses engaged in this model.
7. Transportation Management: Shipwire offers transportation management services to optimize the shipping and delivery of products. This includes selecting the most efficient shipping routes, coordinating with carriers, and managing transportation logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
8. Cross-border Solutions: Shipwire provides cross-border solutions to support international shipping and fulfillment. This includes managing customs clearance, addressing international shipping regulations, and facilitating smooth cross-border transactions for businesses expanding their operations globally.

Shipwire is excellent for small-scale merchants.

Ships-a-lot

Ships-a-lot stands out with its remarkable inventory accuracy rate of 99.8%, ensuring that your inventory is accurately managed and accounted for. 

One of their notable features is their commitment to a speedy 24-hour turnaround time for order processing. In the rare event, that they fail to meet this promise, they offer a compensation of $20, demonstrating their dedication to reliable and efficient service.

For a reasonable monthly fee of $35, Ships-a-lot provides unlimited storage space and comprehensive fulfillment services. By simply placing your orders through their user-friendly interface, you can trust that Ships-a-lot will handle all aspects of fulfillment on your behalf, saving you time and effort.

Additionally, Ships-a-lot offers seamless integrations with major eCommerce solutions, including Shopify, Amazon, and Bigcommerce. This integration capability enables smooth synchronization between your online store and Ships-a-lot’s services, facilitating streamlined order processing and enhancing overall efficiency.

Recommended guide: How do Sellers Benefit from Amazon Shopify Integration?

Ships-a-lot is excellent for fast-growing online stores.

eFulfillment service

With the founding year of 2001, eFulfillment Service has remained steadfast in its mission of making order fulfillment affordable for every internet seller. This dedication to affordability sets them apart in the industry and positions them as a suitable choice for those seeking a fulfillment service provider that minimizes costs.

eFulfillment Service is a fulfillment service provider that caters specifically to individuals who find Fulfillment by Amazon to be too costly. Unlike Amazon’s service, eFulfillment Service does not impose any setup fees, minimum order volumes, or long-term storage fees, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious sellers.

If you are in search of a fulfillment service that offers minimal expenses without compromising on quality and efficiency, eFulfillment Service could be the optimal solution for your needs.

eFulfillment service is excellent for price-conscious sellers.

Conclusion

Exploring alternative platforms to Amazon FBA for online selling has become increasingly important for entrepreneurs and businesses. While Amazon FBA offers numerous advantages, such as its vast customer base and streamlined fulfillment services, there are several alternative platforms worth considering. 

It is crucial for you as a seller to carefully evaluate your specific business needs, product offerings, and long-term goals before selecting the most suitable Amazon FBA alternative. Ultimately, by harnessing the power of multiple platforms, you can maximize your online selling potential and navigate the dynamic e-commerce landscape with greater flexibility and success.

Additional read:

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