How to Make Your Shipments Eligible for Prime: A Guide to Logistics & Shipping
Want to boost your visibility and sales on Amazon? Getting the Prime badge is a game-changer.
Let’s break down exactly how you can make your shipments Prime-eligible — whether you’re using FBA, a third-party logistics provider, or fulfilling orders yourself.
🚀 What Does “Prime-Eligible” Actually Mean?
Being Prime-eligible means your product qualifies for Amazon Prime benefits — like free Two-Day or Same-Day delivery. It also means:
• Higher chances of winning the Buy Box
• Better customer trust and click-through rates
• Improved search visibility on Amazon
✅ Option 1: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
The easiest way to become Prime-eligible.
Amazon handles storage, packing, and delivery for you. Here's how:
🔹 Steps to Get Started with FBA:
- List your product in Seller Central and select "Fulfilled by Amazon."
- Prepare and label your inventory according to Amazon FBA guidelines.
- Ship products to Amazon’s designated warehouse.
- Once scanned in, your listings become automatically Prime-eligible.
🛠 Tip: Use Amazon's partnered carriers to save on shipping.
📦 Option 2: Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)
Want to keep your own fulfillment operations?
SFP allows you to ship from your own facility while still showing the Prime badge — but it comes with high performance standards.
📋 SFP Requirements:
• Deliver with 2-day shipping nationwide.
• Use Amazon-approved carriers.
• Meet strict metrics for on-time shipment and valid tracking.
⚠️ Note: SFP may require an invitation or successful trial period before full activation.
🤝 Option 3: Use a Prep Center or Logistics Partner
If you're sourcing products internationally or in bulk, a 3PL or prep center can help prepare your goods for Amazon FBA.
🔍 What They Help With:
• Receiving and inspecting inventory
• FNSKU labeling & bundling
• Repackaging and forwarding to Amazon
This is especially useful if you're selling across multiple marketplaces (like Amazon.com and Amazon.ca).
🚛 Best Practices for Inbound Shipping
Even when using FBA, your prep matters. Follow these tips for smooth and fast check-ins:
• ✅ Use Amazon-partnered carriers for reduced costs.
• 📦 Split shipments wisely using Amazon’s shipment creation tool.
• 🏷• Ensure all products have accurate labels and packaging.
📉 Avoid delays, rejection, or unscannable inventory issues.
📊 Keep an Eye on Inventory Health
Prime-eligible doesn’t mean much if you’re constantly out of stock.
Amazon tracks your Inventory Performance Index (IPI) — and low scores can restrict storage or affect your FBA eligibility.
📈 Pro Tips:
• Set reorder alerts
• Analyze sales velocity
• Use Restock Inventory reports in Seller Central
🧠 Final Thoughts
Prime eligibility is more than just a badge — it’s a powerful conversion tool. Whether you choose FBA, SFP, or a prep partner, make sure your logistics are tight and your deliveries reliable.
🎯 Need help with Prime logistics?
Drop your questions in the comments or reach out — we’re happy to guide you through the process.
