Fulfillment by Amazon: The Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Shipping Label Questions

Amazon FBA labeling can be confusing for new sellers. This comprehensive guide addresses the most commonly asked questions from the r/fulfillmentbyamazon subreddit and AZLabels customer inquiries.

Key Components of Amazon FBA Labels

Every FBA label must include three essential elements:

1. FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit)

A barcode tracking system unique to each seller. This prevents your products from being commingled with inferior or counterfeit items from other sellers in Amazon's warehouses.

2. Product Name

Typically shortened on the actual label to save space while remaining identifiable to warehouse workers.

3. Product Condition

Ranges from: - New (unopened, unused) - Like New - Very Good - Good - Acceptable (Used)

Equipment Requirements

To print labels independently, sellers need:

Thermal Printer (Recommended)

Why thermal? - Prevents smudging during shipment - No ink costs - Faster printing - More durable labels

Popular models: - Zebra LP 2844 - DYMO LabelWriter 450/4XL - Rollo

Labeling Software

Options include: - AZLabels (browser extension) - DYMO Label software - Zebra Designer - Amazon's built-in label generator

Labels

Required sizes: - FNSKU labels: Between 1" × 2" and 2" × 3" - Shipping labels: 4" × 6" - Box labels: 4" × 6"

Label Placement Guidelines

Proper label placement is critical for warehouse efficiency:

General Rules

Labels should: - Cover existing barcodes - Any manufacturer UPC/EAN must be covered - Be applied to flat surfaces only - Never on curves or seams - Be positioned prominently - Easy for warehouse scanning equipment

Specific Requirements

• Minimum clearance: 0.25" from sides, 0.125" top/bottom
• No wrinkles or bubbles
• Completely adhered (no peeling edges)
• Black on white for maximum contrast

Additional Label Types

Depending on your merchandise, you may require:

Expiration Date Labels

Required for: - Food products - Supplements - Cosmetics - Medications - Any consumables

Format: MM-DD-YYYY (e.g., 12-31-2025)

Placement: Must be visible without opening packaging

"Sold as Set" Labels

Required when: - Multiple items ship together as one unit - Bundle products - Multi-pack items

Prevents Amazon from separating components.

Suffocation Warning Labels

Required for: - Items with plastic bags - Packaging over 5 mils thick - Poly bags larger than 5" × 5"

Text must include: Standard CPSC warning language

Weight Warning Labels

Team Lift (50-100 lbs): - Orange label - Requires two-person lift - Placed on top and one side

Mech Lift (100+ lbs): - Red label - Requires mechanical lift equipment - Placed on all four sides

Cost Comparison: Amazon vs. Self-Printing

Amazon FBA Label Service

Cost: $0.20 per label

Annual cost for different volumes: - 1,000 products/year: $200 - 5,000 products/year: $1,000 - 10,000 products/year: $2,000 - 20,000 products/year: $4,000

Self-Printing Setup

Initial investment: - Thermal printer: $100-300 - Labels (1,000 count): $20-40 - Software: $0-9/month (AZLabels free tier available)

Break-even point: - Typically 500-1,500 labels depending on printer cost - Most sellers break even within 2-6 months

Recommendation

Self-printing proves more economical for: - Sellers shipping 50+ units monthly - Anyone planning long-term FBA business - Sellers wanting quality control

Amazon's service works best for: - Very low volume sellers (under 25 units/month) - Occasional sellers - Testing products before committing to equipment

Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Using Wrong Barcode Type

Wrong: Manufacturer UPC/EAN without covering Right: FNSKU label covering all other barcodes

Mistake #2: Poor Label Quality

Wrong: Inkjet printed labels that smudge Right: Thermal labels with 300 DPI minimum

Mistake #3: Incorrect Label Size

Wrong: Labels outside 1"×2" to 2"×3" range Right: Standard 2"×1" labels fitting Amazon specs

Mistake #4: Unclear Barcodes

Wrong: Wrinkled, faded, or damaged labels Right: Crisp, scannable barcodes with proper contrast

Getting Started with Self-Labeling

Step 1: Choose Your Printer

Research models based on: - Print volume needs - Budget - Operating system compatibility - Label size requirements

Step 2: Select Labels

Order thermal labels in required sizes: - 2" × 1" for FNSKU (most common) - 4" × 6" for shipping

Step 3: Install Software

AZLabels free tier includes: - 100 product labels monthly - 10 shipping labels monthly - Browser extension for easy printing - Dashboard for configuration

Step 4: Configure Settings

Set up: - Label dimensions - Print density/darkness - Print speed - Default preferences

Step 5: Test Print

Always test before bulk printing: - Print sample labels - Verify barcode scans - Check alignment - Confirm darkness/quality

Conclusion

While Amazon's FBA Label Service offers convenience, most sellers benefit from self-labeling with thermal printers. The cost savings typically justify the equipment investment within months, while providing better quality control and flexibility.

Start with AZLabels' free tier to experience streamlined thermal printing without upfront commitment, then upgrade as your business grows.