Making your first sale on Amazon Germany through Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) is an exciting milestone. But once that order comes through, you might be wondering: what’s next? How do you ship your first FBM sale smoothly and professionally? If you’re selling from within Germany, this guide breaks down exactly how to handle shipping using Amazon’s own services and popular third-party carriers like DHL, Hermes, or DPD.
I’m Christian Inyama, and I’ve been selling on Amazon Germany for close to four years now. My goal is to simplify the Amazon Germany system for sellers like you so you can grow your business with confidence. Let’s dive right in.
Step 1: Locate Your FBM Orders in Seller Central
After your first sale, log into your Amazon Seller Central account. At the top dashboard, you’ll typically see your current orders awaiting shipment. If not, head to the Orders menu and click on Manage Orders.
Now, here’s a key tip: make sure you click on View MFN Orders (MFN stands for Merchant Fulfilled Network). This filter shows only your FBM orders — those you’re responsible for shipping yourself.
You’ll see your list of FBM orders, along with shipping deadlines. Pay attention to the ship by date — this is your deadline for dispatching the package. The deliver by date is an estimate, but remember: you control the shipping date, not the delivery.
Step 2: Understand Your Shipping Options — Buy Shipping vs Confirm Shipment
Once you select an order to ship, Amazon Seller Central gives you two main choices:
1. Buy Shipping
This means you purchase the shipping label directly from Amazon. Amazon partners with carriers like Hermes and DPD and will suggest the cheapest options first. You enter your parcel dimensions and weight, and Amazon calculates the cost.
- Parcel Dimensions: This is the size of your actual shipping box, not the product itself.
- Weight: Make sure to weigh the entire package including packaging materials.
After filling in these details, Amazon shows you available delivery services. Pick the one that suits you, print the label (often a 4×6 PDF format), and stick it on your parcel. You can also print the packing slip to include inside the box, although it’s optional.
Drop the package at the carrier’s kiosk (for example, a DPD drop-off point), and they will handle the rest.
2. Confirm Shipment (Using a Third-Party Carrier)
If you want to ship through an external service like Hermes, DHL, or UPS, you use the Confirm Shipment option.
Here’s how it works:
- Buy the shipping label from the third party’s website. For instance, create an account on Hermes.de, enter your parcel details, and generate the label.
- Pay for the shipment online or choose payment options at the carrier’s kiosk.
- Download and print the shipping label and packing slip.
- Drop off the package at the carrier’s designated point.
- Copy the tracking number (often called “Sendungsnummer” or “S-Parcel ID”) from the third party.
- Go back to Amazon Seller Central, select Confirm Shipment, enter the carrier’s name and tracking number, then submit.
This way, the customer and Amazon receive tracking info, and your order status updates properly.
Step 3: Choosing Which Shipping Method Works Best
Both options — buying shipping through Amazon or confirming shipment via a third party — are effective. The main difference lies in convenience and cost.
- Buy Shipping: Great if you want an all-in-one process inside Seller Central with Amazon’s discounted rates.
- Confirm Shipment: Ideal if you already have an account with a carrier, prefer a specific service, or find better prices elsewhere.
My advice? Try both methods for your first few orders. Track costs and convenience, then pick what fits your business model.
FAQs About Shipping FBM Orders on Amazon Germany
Q1: Can I use any carrier for my FBM orders?
Yes, as long as the carrier provides tracking and delivers within Germany. Popular options include Hermes, DHL, DPD, and UPS.
Q2: What happens if I miss the ship-by date?
Amazon expects you to ship on or before the ship-by date. Late shipments can impact your seller metrics and customer experience. Always plan ahead and ship on time.
Q3: Do I have to include a packing slip in the package?
Including a packing slip is optional but recommended. It helps customers confirm order contents and supports smooth returns if needed.
Taking Control of Your FBM Shipping Process
Shipping your first FBM order can feel overwhelming, but once you know the steps, it becomes second nature. Whether you use Amazon’s buy shipping service or a trusted third-party carrier, always enter your package details accurately and meet your ship-by deadlines.
If you want to fast track your Amazon Germany success and get personalized help, I invite you to join my one-on-one mentorship sessions. Click the button below to get started and simplify your Amazon journey with expert guidance.