Amazon MCF Fees 2024

Understanding Amazon MCF Fees is necessary for making informed decisions regarding your fulfillment strategy. 

Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) came out as an option for sellers aiming to expand their reach beyond the Amazon marketplace. 

This service allows you to leverage Amazon’s robust fulfillment infrastructure to fulfill orders placed on your own website, other online marketplaces, or even directly through brick-and-mortar stores. 

 

Amazon MCF Fees

What Is MCF on Amazon?

Amazon Multi Channel Fulfillment MCF is a fulfillment service offered by Amazon that allows sellers to use its extensive network of fulfillment centers to store, pick, pack, and ship orders placed outside of the Amazon marketplace. 

This empowers sellers to expand their sales channels without needing to invest in their own fulfillment infrastructure. 

How Does MCF Work?

  1. Inventory Storage: You send your inventory to designated Amazon fulfillment centers. Amazon uses sophisticated warehouse management systems to ensure your inventory is properly stored and tracked within their network. 
  2. Order Processing: When an order is placed on your external channel (website, another marketplace), you create a fulfillment order within your Seller Central account. This order will specify the items to be fulfilled, the shipping address, and your chosen shipping method. 
  3. Amazon Fulfillment: Amazon’s fulfillment centers use automation and advanced picking technologies to efficiently locate, pick, and pack your items for shipment. Amazon prioritizes picking and packing efficiency to ensure timely order fulfillment and meet your chosen shipping speed. 
  4. Customer Service: You can handle customer service inquiries related to the order, though Amazon can provide limited support for basic order tracking questions. Amazon will notify the customer of shipments and provide tracking information so they can stay informed about the status of their delivery. 

What’s the difference between Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)?

Their key distinction lies in the sales channel where the order originates. 

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is designed for sellers who primarily sell on Amazon.com. When a customer places an order on Amazon.com, regardless of whether the seller uses FBA or fulfills the order themselves, Amazon handles the fulfillment process. 

Conversely, Amazon MCF caters to sellers who want to use Amazon’s fulfillment infrastructure for orders placed outside of the Amazon marketplaces, or even in-person sales at your brick-and-mortar store. 

In this scenario, you would create a fulfillment order within Seller Central specifying the items, shipping address, and chosen shipping speed, and Amazon’s fulfillment centers would then pick, pack, and ship the order to your customer. 

What Are MCF Fees?

Amazon Multi Channel Fulfillment Fees are separate from FBA fees and are charged on a per-unit basis. 

Amazon MCF order fee structure considers the weight and size of the item, as well as the chosen shipping speed. Amazon introduced an update to its MCF fee structure in February 2024. 

MCF Amazon Fees

The size and weight of your item significantly impact the MCF fee. Larger and heavier items require more storage space and handling resources, leading to higher fees. 

Conversely, smaller and lighter items typically lead to lower MCF fees. The newly introduced 4-ounce size tier caters specifically to very small products, potentially offering cost advantages for sellers with lightweight offerings. 

The chosen shipping speed (standard, expedited, priority) also influences the MCF fee. Faster shipping options typically involve expedited processing and potentially premium shipping services, resulting in higher fees compared to standard shipping speeds. 

The location of the Amazon fulfillment center fulfilling your order can impact the MCF fee due to varying regional labor costs and potential transportation considerations. 

5 Reasons Why You Should Use Amazon MCF?

Here are the 5 reasons as to why Amazon Multi Channel fulfillment can be advantageous: 

Inventory Management Support

Amazon manages your inventory within their fulfillment centers, freeing you from tasks like storage space management, stock control, and inventory discrepancies. 

This allows you to focus on core business activities like product development and marketing. 

Improved Order Tracking

Customers can leverage Amazon’s established tracking infrastructure, providing real-time order visibility and potentially enhancing their overall purchase experience. 

Reduced Risk of Errors

Amazon’s fulfillment centers using advanced picking and packing technologies, minimizing the risk of errors associated with manual fulfillment processes. 

This translates to fewer incorrect orders and happier customers. 

Potential for Competitive Shipping Rate 

By leveraging Amazon’s established delivery network, you may benefit from competitive shipping rates for your customers, potentially making your products more attractive compared to sellers with high shipping costs. 

Streamlined Returns Processing

MCF simplifies return processing

Customers can initiate returns through your website, and Amazon handles the return shipment and communication, potentially reducing your workload and associated costs. 

Amazon MCF FAQ

Can I Use MCF without Selling on Amazon? 

Yes, you can leverage MCF even if you don’t sell on Amazon.com. MCF is designed for sellers who want to fulfill orders placed outside of the Amazon marketplace, including your own website, other online marketplaces, or even in-person sales at a brick-and-mortar store. 

This allows you to benefit from Amazon’s fulfillment expertise for your entire sales operation, regardless of the original sales channel. 

Which Countries Is Amazon MCF Available In?

Amazon MCF availability varies by region. It’s recommended to refer to the latest information on Amazon Seller Central for a comprehensive list of countries where MCF services are offered. 

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