Few things are more frustrating for an Amazon seller than a shipment stuck in “receiving” for weeks, or stock that Amazon refuses or charges extra to fix. Most of these problems are avoidable. Here are seven of the most common reasons Amazon FBA shipments get delayed or rejected in the UK, and how to prevent each one.
1. Missing or Incorrect FNSKU Labels
If a unit has no label, the wrong label, or a label that will not scan, Amazon cannot identify it. This can lead to delays, extra labelling charges or stock that is set aside as unfulfillable.
How to avoid it: label every unit with the correct FNSKU, print labels clearly, and cover any other scannable barcodes. Our guide to FNSKU labelling covers the basics.
2. Products Not Prepped to Amazon’s Requirements
Items that need polybagging, bubble wrap, bundling or other prep can be refused or charged extra if they arrive without it.
How to avoid it: check the prep guidance for your category in Seller Central before you ship, and make sure multi-packs are bundled and marked as sets.
3. Cartons That Break Amazon’s Size or Weight Rules
Boxes that are too large, too heavy or poorly packed can be refused at the fulfilment centre.
How to avoid it: check Amazon’s current carton limits, use strong boxes with enough padding, and label heavy cartons as required.
4. Box Contents That Do Not Match the Shipment
If what is in your boxes does not match what you told Amazon, receiving slows down and you may see discrepancies that need investigating.
How to avoid it: count units carefully, confirm box contents accurately in the Send to Amazon workflow, and never mix items from different shipments in one carton.
5. Missing or Badly Placed Carton Labels
Carton labels that are missing, damaged or wrapped over a box seam make it harder for Amazon to receive your shipment.
How to avoid it: place one carton label on a flat side of every box where it cannot be folded or covered.
6. Damaged or Faulty Stock From Suppliers
Products shipped straight from a supplier to Amazon are never checked. Damaged, incorrect or short-shipped goods only show up as customer complaints or returns.
How to avoid it: have stock inspected before it goes to Amazon. A prep centre can count and check every delivery on arrival.
7. Busy Seasons and Capacity Limits
During peak periods such as Q4, Black Friday and Prime Day, Amazon fulfilment centres are under pressure and receiving can take longer. Capacity limits can also stop you sending as much stock as you want.
How to avoid it: plan shipments early, and keep backup stock in external storage so you can replenish Amazon in smaller batches.
How a Prep Centre Prevents These Problems
Most of the issues above come down to rushed or inconsistent prep. A prep centre handles receiving, quality checks, labelling, packaging and carton preparation every day, so shipments go to Amazon correctly the first time.
Prep Centers is a London-based Amazon FBA prep centre. We check, label and pack your stock and ship it to Amazon UK with tracking.
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