Selling on Amazon can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to meeting strict FBA preparation standards. Many sellers turn to third-party prep centers (also known as FBA prep services) to handle labeling, packaging, and inspection. Outsourcing to a 3PL (third-party logistics) for storage and prep can significantly cut costs. Using 3PL warehousing can reduce warehousing costs by up to 30% compared to Amazon’s own long-term storage fees.
But how do you choose the best FBA prep service for your needs? Below we highlight the top 10 Amazon FBA prep center services in the USA, each with its strengths, to help you find the right partner for your business. We’ll also cover common questions about FBA prep, like “What is a prep center?” and “Does Amazon have a prep service?” in our FAQ.
Before we dive into the list, remember that a good prep center will save you time and ensure compliance with Amazon’s requirements. These FBA prep providers offer services such as product inspection, poly bagging, labeling with FNSKU barcodes, bundling, and shipment forwarding to Amazon fulfillment centers. They essentially function as your 3PL fulfillment and prep partner by receiving your inventory, prepping it to Amazon’s standards, and sending it off to Amazon’s warehouses (fulfillment centers) on your behalf.
Best Amazon FBA Prep Centers
By using a reliable prepcenter service, sellers can focus on sourcing and marketing while the logistics are handled by experts. Now, let’s explore the top options available:
1. Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag Fulfillment, a veteran in the 3PL industry, is often mentioned among the top U.S. FBA prep companies. Red Stag operates multiple warehouses across the United States to enable fast distribution. They specialize in handling large, heavy, or high-value products with exceptional care. This makes Red Stag ideal for sellers with bulky inventory or specialty goods that require careful management.
In addition to FBA prep (inspection, labeling, kitting, etc.), Red Stag provides full-scale order fulfillment for direct-to-consumer sales, so they can serve as both your 3PL warehouse USA solution and prep center. They maintain high accuracy and security standards, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and even offering guarantees for inventory accuracy and order speed. If your business deals with oversized items or you need a prep provider with enterprise-level capabilities, Red Stag Fulfillment is a top choice.
Notable features: Multiple U.S. warehouse locations for 1-2 day ground shipping; expertise in heavy/bulky product handling; technology-driven operations for inventory tracking; no long-term contracts (pay-as-you-go pricing).
2. Rite Prep Fulfillment (RitePrep)
Coming in at #2 is Rite Prep Fulfillment, a rapidly growing prep service that stands out for personalized service and efficiency. Rite Prep is a US-based prep center for Amazon FBA sellers, with a combined warehouse space of 16,000 sq ft in Austin, Texas (Central Zone). They offer very competitive pricing (with no hidden costs) and a quick turnaround time of about 2 business days for processing inbound goods. During the Q4 holiday rush, turnaround is still swift at around 3 days, which is crucial for sellers.
Rite Prep Fulfillment prides itself on being a full-service 3PL fulfillment prep partner, as they handle FBA prep (labeling, poly bagging, bundle prep, etc.), and provide storage, forwarding (LTL/FCL), and even direct-to-consumer fulfillment for multi-channel sellers. In other words, Rite Prep can be your all-in-one prep service and shipping solution.
Located in Central Zone, Rite Prep can get your stock into Amazon’s network very quickly. Sellers who need fast FBA prep have found Rite Prep to be extremely reliable, as many client testimonials note that products are often prepped and shipped out to Amazon the next day after arrival. Rite Prep’s client base ranges from small eBay/Amazon sellers to top 100 Amazon sellers, which shows their ability to scale with your business needs. As a prep center fba sellers trust, Rite Prep Fulfillment is known for responsive customer service (fast email replies and custom solutions) and flexibility in pricing plans.
Notable features: 16k sq. ft. warehouse in TX for storage + prep; very transparent pricing with no surprise fees; Amazon FBA packaging service available (professional packing to meet Amazon standards); quick 48-hour average prep time; additional services like inventory reporting, return processing, and even custom projects (kitting, custom box prep). (Internal link: Learn more about the advantages of 3PL for Amazon in our guide on 3PL for Amazon FBA sellers, which features RitePrep.)
3. AMZ Prep
AMZ Prep is a well-known FBA prep and fulfillment provider that started in Canada and expanded globally. They have an extensive network of warehouses, multiple locations in Canada, Europe, Australia, and even Dubai, which makes them a great choice if you need international reach in addition to U.S. prep. For U.S. sellers, AMZ Prep operates sites across North America (including the USA) and focuses on speed and compliance.
They offer real-time inventory tracking and analytics through their tech platform, giving sellers a clear view of stock levels. One standout aspect is their fast processing: AMZ Prep boasts a 24–48 hour turnaround time on all FBA prep requests, ensuring your products get to Amazon fulfillment centers without delay. This quick turnaround helps high-volume sellers avoid stockouts and keep their Amazon inventory flowing.
In terms of services, AMZ Prep covers everything from Amazon Prep (inspection, labeling, poly bagging) to Amazon FBA packaging service and freight forwarding. They are particularly adept at cross-border logistics; for example, Canadian sellers shipping to Amazon US (or vice versa) often use AMZ Prep to simplify customs and reduce shipping costs. With thousands of e-commerce brands as clients, AMZ Prep is considered one of the most experienced FBA prep providers in the industry. It’s also worth noting they were named a recommended prep service by Amazon itself in some regions, reflecting their solid reputation.
Notable features: Global warehouse network (with U.S. presence) for multi-market FBA; tech-driven approach (inventory dashboard, analytics); fba prep logistics expertise, including carton forwarding and freight; 24-48h prep SLA; suitable for high-volume and international sellers.
4. ShipBob
ShipBob is a large technology-focused 3PL that offers nationwide fulfillment and FBA prep services. With warehouse locations across the U.S. (and internationally in Europe, Canada, and more), ShipBob gives sellers wide coverage. 2-day shipping to most of the U.S. is achievable by distributing stock in their network. While ShipBob is primarily known for direct-to-consumer fulfillment (shipping orders for Shopify, Amazon FBM, etc.), they also provide FBA prep: they’ll receive your inventory, prep and label it per Amazon requirements, and send it to Amazon fulfillment centers.
This can be useful if you want a single partner to handle both your Amazon FBA inventory and any DTC orders from your own website. ShipBob’s strengths lie in its advanced software platform and scalability. Sellers get access to an online dashboard to manage inventory in all ShipBob warehouses, track shipments, and integrate with Amazon’s systems.
Their pricing is transparent, though it tends to be premium – storage fees and pick/pack fees apply, and FBA prep is usually an extra service fee. However, for that cost, you get a top-tier operation with accuracy and speed (ShipBob reportedly maintains 99.95% picking accuracy and very high on-time shipping rates). It’s a good fit for mid-sized brands that need both fulfillment and prep in a unified system, effectively a 3PL fulfillment prep solution under one roof.
Notable features: Dozens of fulfillment centers (major ones in CA, PA, TX, etc.); robust software integration with Amazon and shopping carts; can handle oversized products and custom packaging; offers us prep centers on a unified platform; 2-day express shipping program for DTC orders, which can complement FBA.
5. ShipMonk
ShipMonk is another prominent 3PL that also acts as an FBA prep service provider. Based in Florida originally, ShipMonk now runs multiple warehouses (in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and others). They emphasize easy-to-use software and friendly service, branding themselves as helping e-commerce “stress less, grow more.” For FBA sellers, ShipMonk can receive inventory (for example, container shipments arriving at port), store it, and perform prep center Amazon US services such as quality checks, labeling, bundling, and shipment creation into Amazon.
They even have a specialized program for Amazon sellers to monitor inventory levels and automate replenishment to FBA when stock runs low. One reason sellers choose ShipMonk is their best FBA prep service reputation for small-to-mid-sized products and subscription box kitting. They handle a lot of lightweight consumer goods, supplements, cosmetics, etc., and can kit them into bundles or multi-packs following Amazon’s guidelines. Their pricing is on the higher side for storage, but they offer volume discounts for fulfillment and have no minimums, which is good for startups.
ShipMonk’s integrations (with Amazon, Shopify, etc.) make it easy to sync orders and inventory data. While not exclusively an “FBA prep center” (since they do much more), they have a dedicated FBA prep team. This can be beneficial if you sell on multiple channels: ShipMonk can fulfill your FBM orders and also prep inventory for FBA from the same stock pool, giving you flexibility.
Notable features: Warehouses on East and West Coasts for efficient distribution; intuitive dashboard and inventory forecasting tools; ability to handle subscription boxes and crowdfunding fulfillment (complex kitting); no long-term contracts, scale up or down as needed; 24/7 customer support team (one of ShipMonk’s selling points for new businesses).
6. eFulfillment Service (EFS)
eFulfillment Service is a long-established 3PL and FBA prep company based in Michigan (Traverse City). EFS was one of the early providers to offer dedicated FBA prep help to Amazon sellers. This prep center USA business has a reputation for no hidden fees and a simple pricing model that especially appeals to small businesses. They don’t require long-term contracts or order volume commitments, which means even if you’re just starting FBA, you can use their services without penalty.
eFulfillment Service offers a full menu: inspection, labeling, poly-bagging, bundling, etc., as well as storage and standard order fulfillment. Because they are centrally located in the Midwest (Michigan), shipping to Amazon warehouses around the country is relatively fast and cost-effective. One standout aspect of eFulfillment Service is their focus on helping sellers avoid Amazon’s penalty fees. They actively advise on inventory management to prevent long-term storage charges and will even prep center Amazon US inventory for multi-channel fulfillment.
For example, if you sell on Walmart or eBay, they can ship those orders so you don’t have to store all products at Amazon. They have been recognized for quality: eFulfillment Service has won awards like the “Best Fulfillment Service for Small Sellers” in some industry publications. While they operate mainly from one warehouse (Michigan), they coordinate inbound freight and have good relationships with carriers. Their prep service is very hands-on, with human account managers who will email/call you if any issues arise with your inventory.
Notable features: No setup fees or minimum order requirements; flat-rate storage options; inspection with photo documentation (useful if you source from overseas and need a quality check); prep and fulfillment for both FBA and non-Amazon orders; family-owned business known for customer service. (They maintain an AMZ distribution guide on their site to help sellers understand Amazon’s process and fees.)
7. SHIPHYPE
SHIPHYPE is a newer yet fast-growing prep and fulfillment provider that has made a name through flexibility and tech integration. Headquartered in Canada with multiple U.S. warehouse locations as well, SHIPHYPE offers 3PL fulfillment and prep services tailored to Amazon sellers. One unique thing about SHIPHYPE is that they support both FBA and FBM models seamlessly. They can prep inventory for FBA, but also store and fulfill your seller-fulfilled Prime or regular FBM orders from the same stock.
This dual capability gives Amazon sellers more control, as noted on Red Stag’s industry blog: SHIPHYPE “offers flexible ecommerce solutions for both Amazon FBA and Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)”. In terms of services, SHIPHYPE handles all standard FBA prep tasks (they even help create inbound shipping plans if needed). They also specialize in Section 321 shipments for Amazon (a method to import goods under duty-free threshold to the US, useful for international sellers).
They have tech integrations that allow automated alerts when your FBA inventory is running low, triggering a prep & send from their warehouse. SHIPHYPE is popular among Amazon aggregators and larger FBA businesses due to custom pricing and willingness to accommodate special projects (like re-packaging customer returns or FBA removals). They maintain an extensive list of 200+ prep centers on their website, which demonstrates they know the industry well, even referring clients to competitors if needed. This transparency has built trust.
Notable features: Multiple warehouses in the USA and Canada for cross-border coverage; FBM fulfillment services alongside FBA prep (more control over your sales channels); tech-forward (API integrations, order management system) yet offers personal onboarding support; known for fast communication and willingness to “fast-track” urgent shipments for Amazon check-in. If you need a prep center in usa that can also handle your direct shipments, SHIPHYPE is a great pick.
8. Fast and Forward Prep Center
Fast and Forward Prep Center (based in New Port Richey, Florida) is a rising star particularly for small and medium Amazon sellers. As the name implies, they focus on speed and efficiency. This startup-friendly 3PL helps e-commerce businesses save on storage and prep costs while providing quick service. Fast and Forward offers fast receiving and prepping, meaning they strive to check in your inventory and get it prepped for FBA in a very short timeframe, often within 1-2 days of arrival.
Their services include inspection, labeling, polybagging, and organizing shipments to Amazon. Despite being a younger company, they’ve earned praise for careful handling of products and prompt shipping. Affordability is another key selling point. Fast and Forward positions itself as a budget-friendly prep center usa option, with reasonable per-unit fees and no huge storage charges. They understand that newer Amazon sellers need to control costs, so they don’t nickel-and-dime for every little service.
According to their profile, Fast and Forward Prep Center is committed to both fast FBA prep and meticulous care for your items, a balance that many cost-conscious sellers appreciate. While they may not have the massive infrastructure of bigger players, their Florida location is advantageous for sellers importing goods through East Coast ports or those targeting Amazon’s southeastern US fulfillment centers.
Notable features: Florida-based warehouse (good for inbound shipments arriving at Port of Miami or Jacksonville); startup and small-business friendly approach; willingness to handle small batches; offers guidance to new FBA sellers (they’ll help you ensure your shipment plans and labels are correct); can accommodate prepcenter needs for other marketplaces too (eBay, Shopify) if requested, giving you flexibility beyond Amazon.
9. US Prep Centers
US Prep Centers is a family-run FBA prep and fulfillment provider founded in 2016, operating out of Hallandale Beach, Florida. They have expanded to warehouses in both Florida and New York to better serve Amazon sellers across the country. US Prep Centers offers a comprehensive suite of services: Amazon FBA prep (inspection, labeling, packaging), FBM order fulfillment, storage, and even assistance with private label branding needs.
As a smaller 3PL, they pride themselves on a personalized touch and commitment to quality. Every item is handled according to Amazon’s guidelines, and they aim for efficient turnaround so that your inventory is ready for sale ASAP. One of the reasons US Prep Centers made our top 10 list is their commitment to efficiency and trustworthiness – they have become a trusted partner for many e-commerce sellers by reliably managing inventory and keeping to promised timelines.
Their dual-location setup means if you’re a seller on the East Coast, your inventory can be prepped in Florida or New York (whichever is closer to your suppliers or the Amazon fulfillment center you’re sending to) to minimize transit time. They also support non-Amazon channels: for example, if you have Walmart orders or need to fulfill Shopify orders, US Prep Centers can handle that from their warehouse, while also prepping stock for Amazon. This one-stop approach to 3PL warehouse USA + prep services is highly convenient for growing brands.
Notable features: Warehouses in FL and NY for bicoastal coverage; offers FBA, FBM, 3PL, and even prep for international Amazon marketplaces (upon request); family-owned business with a focus on customer service – you can easily get the owner/manager on the phone; transparent pricing and willingness to customize plans for sellers (they can create a hybrid plan of fulfillment + FBA prep that suits your business). A great pick for sellers who value a prep center in usa with a personal touch.
10. FBA Prep Logistics
FBA Prep Logistics rounds out our top 10 list as a reliable mid-sized 3PL specializing in Amazon prep. Headquartered in Bristol, Pennsylvania, FBA Prep Logistics operates a 50,000 sq ft warehouse (mid-sized, ideal for growing sellers) and focuses on providing reliable 3PL solutions for Amazon businesses. The company was founded by ex-e-commerce sellers, which means they understand the pain points of Amazon FBA from the seller’s perspective.
They tailor their services to be “Amazon-centric.” This includes FBA inbound prep (all the usual labeling, bagging, etc.), inventory management to avoid Amazon storage fees, and even proactive replenishment – they’ll coordinate when and how much to send to Amazon based on your sales velocity. Being in Pennsylvania, FBA prep logistics is geographically well-placed to serve a huge portion of the U.S. quickly (many Amazon fulfillment centers are in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions).
They optimize shipping routes and costs, often leveraging ground shipping to get goods into nearby Amazon warehouses within a day or two. In addition to FBA prep, they offer standard order fulfillment, so like some others on this list, they can store overflow inventory and ship out your non-FBA orders. Clients note the company’s strong communication and efficient handling as major benefits (as one testimonial puts it, “FBA Prep Logistics is a lifesaver!”). If you’re looking for a prep center fba sellers in the Northeast U.S. can easily access, this could be a great fit.
Notable features: 50k sq. ft facility in PA (strategic for Amazon’s network); founded by Amazon sellers, very knowledgeable about FBA rules; integrates with Amazon Seller Central and other e-comm platforms for inventory syncing; offers freight services and can arrange pickup of goods from East Coast ports or manufacturers; midmarket pricing, not the cheapest, but competitive for the level of service (often described as a best fba prep service for growing brands that need reliability).
Comparison Table: Top 10 FBA Prep Centers (USA)
| Prep Center | Locations | Key Strengths |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Multiple US locations | Heavy/Bulky items expertise; enterprise 3PL |
| Rite Prep Fulfillment | Multiple US locations | Fast 2-day prep; personalized service; low cost |
| AMZ Prep | Global (US, CA, EU, AUS, UAE) | International reach; 24-48h turnaround |
| ShipBob | Multiple US (CA, PA, TX, etc.) | Tech platform; 2-day shipping network |
| ShipMonk | US (FL, CA, PA, others) | Scalable for SMBs; multi-channel fulfillment |
| eFulfillment Service | Michigan, USA | No minimums; small-business friendly |
| SHIPHYPE | US & Canada (multiple) | FBA + FBM flexibility; modern integrations |
| Fast and Forward Prep | Florida, USA | Startup-friendly; affordable & fast |
| US Prep Centers | Florida & New York, USA | Bi-coastal warehouses; quality-focused |
| FBA Prep Logistics | Pennsylvania, USA | Mid-sized (50k sq ft); Amazon-specialized |
As shown above, each of these FBA prep services USA offers something a little different. Some have a large national presence, while others shine in one region. When choosing a prep partner, consider factors like: location (closer to your supplier or to Amazon fulfillment centers), pricing structure, turnaround time, and any extra services you might need (e.g., forwarding, storage, AMZ distribution expertise for global selling). The “best” prep center is the one that fits your business size and goals.
Before we conclude, here’s a quick FAQ to address common questions about Amazon FBA prep centers and fulfillment:
FAQs
What is a prep center?
A prep center (in the context of Amazon FBA) is a third-party service provider that prepares your products to meet Amazon’s requirements before they go into Amazon fulfillment centers. This prep service usually includes inspecting products for damage, labeling each unit with Amazon barcodes (FNSKU labels), poly bagging or shrink-wrapping items (for clothing, liquids, etc.), bundling multiple items into sets, and ensuring packaging meets Amazon’s guidelines. Essentially, the prep center makes sure your inventory is “Amazon-ready.”
What is a prep service?
Prep service is simply shorthand for any service that prepares inventory for Amazon FBA. Amazon has specific packaging and labeling rules; a prep service ensures your items conform to those. Prep services can be offered by independent companies or even by Amazon itself. Typical prep services include: removing any existing retail stickers or price tags, adding Amazon barcodes, polybagging items with an opening, bubble wrapping fragile items, adding suffocation warning labels to bags, and verifying item quantities and condition.
Does Amazon have a prep center?
Amazon doesn’t have a separate prep center facility that sellers send goods to first; however, Amazon does offer an FBA Prep Service as part of the fulfillment program. This means Amazon’s own staff will do some prep tasks for you at the fulfillment center for a fee.
What does an Amazon fulfillment center do?
An Amazon fulfillment center is Amazon’s mega-warehouse where products are stored and orders are fulfilled (picked, packed, and shipped to customers). In FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), when you send your inventory to Amazon, it’s these fulfillment centers that hold your stock. The tasks in a fulfillment center include receiving inbound shipments, storing products in bins or on shelves, picking products when a customer order comes in, packing them into Amazon boxes with the appropriate protection, and shipping them out via carriers to the customer.
Why is it called a fulfillment center?
It’s called a fulfillment center because its primary purpose is to fulfill customer orders. In traditional logistics terms, a warehouse that sends orders directly to customers is often referred to as a fulfillment center, whereas a distribution center might send goods to retail stores or other distribution points. Amazon adopted the term fulfillment center to emphasize that these facilities handle the full cycle of fulfilling.
