Understanding Inbound Shipping for Walmart and Amazon Sellers

Inbound shipping plays a crucial role in the supply chain for Walmart and Amazon sellers, ensuring inventory reaches fulfillment centers efficiently. For FBA and WFS sellers, managing inbound shipments properly can optimize inventory flow, reduce delays, and improve overall business operations.

What Is Inbound Shipping?

Inbound shipping refers to the process of transporting goods, materials, or products from suppliers to a designated warehouse or fulfillment center. For sellers using Walmart and Amazon’s fulfillment programs, this means shipping inventory to either Amazon’s FBA warehouses or Walmart’s WFS fulfillment centers.

Key Aspects of Inbound Shipping:

• Receiving: Upon arrival, shipments are checked to ensure they match the purchase order.

• Inventory Management: Ensures the right products are in stock for processing and sales.

• Supply Chain Optimization: Links suppliers to fulfillment operations, allowing smooth logistics.

• Examples: Raw materials, manufactured goods, or packaging materials delivered for resale.

• Inbound vs. Outbound Shipping: Inbound refers to receiving goods, while outbound refers to shipping orders to customers.

Inbound Shipping in Amazon FBA

For Amazon FBA sellers, inbound shipping involves sending inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Key considerations include:

• Shipping Labels & Packaging: Products must be labeled correctly according to Amazon’s FBA guidelines.

• Carrier Selection: Sellers can choose Amazon’s partnered carriers or third-party logistics services.

• Inbound Shipment Tracking: Amazon provides tracking tools to monitor inventory arrival.

• Fee Considerations: Inbound shipping costs impact profitability and need to be accounted for in pricing strategies.

Inbound Shipping in Walmart WFS

For Walmart WFS sellers, inbound shipping ensures products arrive at Walmart's fulfillment centers for efficient order processing. Important factors include:

• Shipment Compliance: Adhering to Walmart's packaging and labeling requirements.

• Freight & Carrier Choices: Walmart allows sellers to use various freight options to optimize costs.

• Timely Deliveries: Ensuring on-time arrivals to avoid stock shortages or fulfillment delays.

• Fee Breakdown: Walmart provides visibility into inbound shipping fees and overall operational costs.

AZInsight Context: Fee Calculations

AZInsight, offers flexibility in displaying inbound shipping costs:

• Inbound Shipping in "Total Fees": Selecting this option adds inbound shipping cost to the total fee breakdown.

• Inbound Shipping in "Total Costs": Choosing this option includes inbound shipping in overall product costs instead.