FBA, FBM, and 3PL fulfillment each move product to customers differently. The right choice depends on your channels, margins, and how much control and flexibility you want.
The three models
- FBA: Amazon stores and ships your product for Prime
- FBM: you fulfill Amazon orders yourself or via a 3PL
- 3PL: a partner stores and ships across all your channels
The tradeoffs
FBA buys Prime badges but charges storage and fees and limits control. A 3PL fulfills every channel from one place, often handling FBA prep too, giving you flexibility Amazon-only setups can't.
Why many brands blend them
Plenty of sellers use FBA for Amazon velocity and a 3PL for DTC and overflow — with the 3PL prepping FBA shipments from the same Commerce, CA inventory.
