Choose a fulfilment model by comparing the work it requires and the cash it ties up, not by assuming one label guarantees better sales. FBN (fulfilled by noon) and FBP (fulfilled by partner) are labels for the models discussed here. Confirm the responsibilities available to your account before making a stock decision.
Build the comparison around the same products and customer offer. Include receiving, storage, picking, packing, dispatch, returns and reconciliation. Check current fees in the seller portal. For eligibility, service requirements and the division of responsibilities, check the current rules in the seller portal.
FBN: assess the outsourced arrangement
Consider FBN when transferring fulfilment work fits your operation. Sending stock into an external fulfilment arrangement still requires preparation, accurate product records and a process for reconciling receipts. Do not assume that handing over stock removes your responsibility for availability or product quality.
Ask how you will track stock that is available, being received, returned or unavailable for sale. Understand the process for investigating discrepancies and retrieving products where necessary. Check the current rules in the seller portal.
- Assess whether stock preparation and replenishment fit your team.
- Include storage, handling and return-related costs in the comparison.
- Plan how to reconcile inventory held outside your own premises.
- Confirm how returned items and stock removal are handled.
FBP: assess your own operation
Consider FBP when retaining operational control fits the product and your team can fulfil the required responsibilities. Direct control is useful only if staff, systems and carriers can support the customer promise. An existing warehouse alone does not establish that the operation is ready.
Map the order from receipt to dispatch, including exceptions. Decide who confirms stock, prepares packaging, checks the item and handles customer questions. Establish how a returned product is inspected before it becomes available again. Check the current rules in the seller portal.
- Assess your capacity to pick, pack and dispatch reliably.
- Include labour, packaging, carrier and return-handling costs.
- Confirm that stock updates reflect physical availability.
- Define ownership of fulfilment exceptions and returns.
Compare speed without making promises
Review the delivery promise displayed for each eligible arrangement and whether your products can meet the associated requirements. Do not substitute an assumed delivery time for the promise shown to the customer. Check the current rules in the seller portal.
Compare control at the points that matter to your product: packaging, inspection, storage conditions and handling exceptions. A specialised item may need a different operational assessment from a straightforward replenishment product. Document the requirements rather than choosing by category alone.
Protect stock and cash flow
Stock sent away, stock held for your own dispatch and returned stock can all tie up cash. Compare when you pay suppliers, when stock becomes sellable and when proceeds become available. Verify settlement arrangements for your account instead of assuming a payment schedule.
FBN may suit a seller seeking an outsourced fulfilment arrangement with a manageable replenishment process. FBP may suit a seller with a prepared operation and a reason to retain handling control. Test the practical workflow before committing the broader assortment, then review actual costs and exceptions without assuming either model guarantees an improvement.