When selling on Amazon globally, you have two primary fulfillment options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific business model, products, and the countries you are selling in.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
With FBA, you send your inventory to Amazon's fulfillment centers, and they handle the picking, packing, shipping, and customer service for your orders.
Pros of FBA:
- Prime Eligibility: FBA products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly increase sales across all 8 supported marketplaces.
- Hands-Off Fulfillment: Amazon handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on sourcing and marketing.
- Customer Trust: Buyers trust Amazon's fast and reliable shipping.
Cons of FBA:
- Higher Fees: FBA fees can be higher than fulfilling orders yourself, especially for large or heavy items.
- Storage Limits: Amazon may impose storage limits, especially during peak seasons.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)
With FBM, you store your inventory and fulfill orders yourself or use a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.
Pros of FBM:
- Lower Fees: You avoid FBA fulfillment and storage fees, which can be beneficial for large, heavy, or slow-moving items.
- More Control: You have complete control over your inventory, packaging, and shipping processes.
Cons of FBM:
- No Prime Badge: FBM products are typically not eligible for Amazon Prime, which can reduce visibility and sales.
- More Work: You are responsible for picking, packing, shipping, and handling customer service inquiries.
Which is Better for 2026?
FBA is generally the best option for small, lightweight, and fast-moving items, as the benefits of Prime eligibility often outweigh the fees. FBM is often better for large, heavy, or slow-moving items, or for sellers who already have an efficient fulfillment operation in place. Use our calculator to compare both options side-by-side for any marketplace.