How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Shipping to French Fulfillment Centers

Shipping inventory to an Amazon fulfillment center in France should be a routine process, but simple mistakes can lead to rejected deliveries, costly penalties, and significant delays. Based on our experience managing thousands of shipments, these are the most common—and entirely avoidable—errors that sellers make.

Mistake 1: Incorrect or Non-Compliant Pallets

This is a frequent source of rejection at the loading dock.

• The Problem: Using the wrong type or size of pallet. While many FCs accept different types, the universal standard in France is the EURO pallet (120x80 cm). Using oversized or poor-quality pallets can result in an instant refusal to unload.
• The Solution: Always use high-quality, 4-way entry EURO pallets. Ensure they are not damaged. When in doubt, stick to the standard. Also, ensure pallets are correctly wrapped in clear, not black, stretch film.

Mistake 2: Errors in Booking and ASN

The digital paperwork must be perfect before the physical shipment arrives.

• The Problem:
  • Missing the Delivery Window: Arriving too early or too late for the appointment booked in Carrier Central.
  • Inaccurate ASN: The Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN) does not exactly match the physical contents of the shipment (e.g., wrong number of cartons or units).
  • Late ASN: The ASN is not sent and accepted by Amazon before the truck arrives.
• The Solution: Have a meticulous pre-departure checklist. Double-check all quantities. Work with a logistics partner who understands the critical importance of on-time delivery and ASN management for Amazon.

Mistake 3: Improper Labeling

Unscannable labels are a major headache for Amazon's receiving teams.

• The Problem: FBA pallet labels are placed incorrectly (not on all four sides), are covered by stretch wrap, or are poorly printed and cannot be scanned. Carton labels or product FNSKU labels are missing or incorrect.
• The Solution: Ensure pallet labels are applied to the outside of the final layer of stretch wrap, on all four vertical sides. Use a high-quality printer and test your barcodes to ensure they are scannable.

How FLEX. Prevents These Mistakes

Our entire FBA inbound service is designed to eliminate these common errors.

• Expert Palletisation: We build and wrap pallets to Amazon's exact specifications, using only compliant materials.
• Precision Booking and ASN Management: We handle the entire process in Carrier Central, ensuring appointments are met and ASNs are accurate and on time.
• Meticulous Labeling: Our trained teams apply all labels correctly as part of our standard FBA prep service, guaranteeing scannability.

Conclusion

Success with FBA logistics is all about attention to detail. By avoiding these common mistakes in palletisation, booking, and labeling, you can ensure your shipments to French fulfillment centers are accepted smoothly every time.

Want to make FBA shipping errors a thing past? Contact FLEX..