If you’re selling on Amazon, you’ve probably come across the decision of how to fulfill your orders. Choosing the best method for your business plays a key role in your success.
Many sellers stick to either Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). However, using both methods together can give you the best of both worlds.
In this article, we’ll show you the benefits of using both FBA and FBM, how they complement each other and why implementing a hybrid approach can make a difference if you want to increase sales and make your operations more effective.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
When you use FBA, Amazon takes care of storing, packing, shipping, helping customers and handling returns. You just send your products to Amazon’s warehouses and they do the rest.
FBA has these key advantages:
Prime Eligibility
Prime members look for products with quick and free shipping, so having the Prime badge increases sales potential. Customers tend to buy from Prime-eligible listings, which makes FBA a strong tool to boost order numbers.
Amazon has a reputation for reliable shipping and easy returns, so customers feel at ease when buying FBA products. This trust results in higher conversion rates and customers buying again, which builds up your brand’s good name.
Time Efficiency
Instead of stressing about stock control, delivery holdups, or managing product returns, you can focus on researching new products, promoting your brand, and growing your business. This approach helps you use your resources better and boosts your company’s growth.
Better Buy Box Placement
Because Amazon values quick shipping and top-notch customer service, FBA listings generally outperform FBM listings when vying for the Buy Box. Securing the Buy Box gives you an edge over other sellers by enhancing your product visibility.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)
With FBM, sellers take care of their own storage, packing and shipping. Amazon offers a platform to list products, but sellers have the job of fulfilling orders themselves.
FBM has these key advantages:
Amazon’s FBA program has an impact on sellers’ expenses through various charges like storage fees, pick and pack fees and long-term storage penalties. Switching to FBM for slow-moving or large items can have a positive impact on profit margins. This strategy works well for sellers with products that at a lower speed rate or need special handling.
Greater Inventory Control
Unlike FBA where Amazon stores inventory in its fulfillment centers with limits on restocking and unpredictable rules, FBM gives sellers complete control over their stock. This lets you manage inventory based on real demand steering clear of overstocking charges and cutting down on waste.
Flexibility
Many brands want to personalize packaging to make unboxing special, add promo items or use eco-friendly options. FBM makes this possible by giving sellers a unique way to stand out.
Profit Margins
Amazon’s FBA fee structure gives an edge to products that sell, while items that don’t move can trigger storage costs in no time. If you handle shipping yourself, you’ll have more control over expenses making sure each sale stays profitable for specialized or seasonal goods.
The Power of a Combined FBA and FBM Strategy
Many successful Amazon sellers choose to adopt a hybrid approach, making the most of both FBA and FBM to maximize their operational efficiency. This strategy allows sellers to leverage the strengths of each fulfillment method while mitigating their weaknesses.
Better Inventory Management and Risk Control
Using FBA can put your business at risk if Amazon faces delays, has warehouse space problems or suspends accounts. FBM allows you to keep selling even when your FBA stock runs out.
In the same way, FBA makes sure you always have a backup for busy times when FBM shipping might get too much to handle.
Avoiding Stockouts and Boosting Sales
When an FBA product runs out of stock, you can switch to FBM to maintain sales momentum. This strategy proves helpful during high-demand periods like Prime Day, Black Friday and the holiday season when demand spikes and FBA inventory replenishment may take a while.
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Cost Optimization Based on Product Type
Some products yield higher profits through FBA, while others perform better with FBM:
- FBA works best for: Quick-selling, compact to medium-sized items with high sales numbers.
- FBM suits: Bulky, heavy, or slow-moving products that could rack up hefty FBA storage costs.
Using both models in tandem allows you to cut fulfillment expenses and boost profitability.
More Say in How Customers Experience Your Brand
Sellers who use FBM can make clear cut decisions about packaging, branding and customer support. If you sell high-end items that need a personal touch or custom packaging, FBM gives you this freedom.
At the same time, FBA makes sure customers who want quick Prime shipping get their orders fast.
Safeguarding Your Business from FBA Constraints
Amazon often changes its storage & restock limits and fee plans. If you depend on FBA, these shifts can throw your business off track.
Keeping an FBM option ready means you’re not at the mercy of Amazon’s rules.
Winning the Buy Box
Amazon’s algorithm favors sellers who ship products fast and consistently. Using both FBA and FBM listings helps you stay competitive. If one method faces fulfillment delays, the other can step in and boost your chances to win the Buy Box.
Expanding Sales Channels
When you handle FBM orders yourself, you can grow beyond Amazon to platforms like Shopify, Walmart and eBay while keeping fulfillment in one place. This strategy helps protect your business against changes in Amazon’s policies.
Setting Up a Mixed FBA + FBM Approach
If you plan to use both fulfillment methods here’s how to begin:
- Look at Your Product List – Figure out which items work best for FBA vs. FBM. Think about their size, how much people want them, and what it costs to store them.
- Keep FBM as a Plan B – Make FBM listings for your FBA products. This way, you can keep selling even if you run out of stock.
- Team Up with a 3PL Company – Working with a 3PL can help you handle FBM without needing your own warehouse.
Keep an Eye on How You’re Doing – Watch your costs, what customers say, and how fast you deliver for both ways of shipping. This helps you make your plan better.
To Wrap Up
Using both FBA and FBM gives you the best mix of productivity, risk control and happy customers. It lets you grow your Amazon business while staying flexible making sure you can adjust to Amazon’s changing rules and what buyers want. For experienced sellers and newcomers alike, using both shipping methods is a clever plan that can boost your long-term growth and profits. By mixing FBA’s wide reach and speed with FBM’s adaptability and oversight, you’ll definitely set up your Amazon store to success.
Ready to Build a Smarter, More Profitable Fulfillment Strategy?
Relying on just one fulfillment method could be holding your brand back. Whether you’re struggling with FBA storage limits, FBM logistics, or simply want more control and margin—there’s a better way.
At BellaVix, we help sellers unlock the power of a hybrid FBA + FBM model. From identifying which products belong in which fulfillment stream to coordinating your 3PL partners and monitoring performance across both—our team is here to help you scale with confidence.
By filling out the form below, you’ll get a tailored fulfillment strategy built around your catalog, your goals, and your growth timeline. No guesswork. No wasted fees. Just smart moves that drive results.
Let’s talk about how to cut costs, avoid stockouts, and win more Buy Box placements—without adding complexity to your operations.
Fill out the form below and take the first step toward a more efficient, profitable Amazon business.