If you’ve been selling on Amazon Germany and you’re considering shifting gears from Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM), this guide will walk you through the exact process. No fluff, no jargon — just a clear path to managing your listings like a pro.
Why Switch from FBA to FBM?
There are many reasons you might want to switch to FBM. Maybe you’ve run into stock delays with your prep center or Amazon’s warehouses. Maybe you’re testing a product and want to avoid long-term storage fees. Or perhaps you’re just looking for more control over your fulfillment process. Whatever the reason, Amazon makes it fairly straightforward — if you know where to look.
Let me show you both methods I personally use in my business.
Method 1: Keep Both FBA and FBM Listings
This is the approach I recommend if you’re not fully ready to commit to FBM. With this method, you keep your current FBA listing and simply create an FBM version of it.
Here’s how you do it:
- Log in to Seller Central
Head to your Inventory tab and choose Manage All Inventory. - Find the product you want to duplicate as FBM.
- On the right-hand side, click the three dots next to the listing.
- Select “Add Another Condition.”
This opens up a new listing form that’s connected to your original product. - Set Quantity and Price
Fill in your FBM stock quantity (e.g., 10 units) and a temporary price. You can always change this later. - Change the Fulfillment Method
This step is critical: select “I will ship this item myself.” This switches the fulfillment method to FBM. - Save and Finish
Within 15–30 minutes, Amazon will create a separate FBM listing for that product. It will appear alongside your FBA listing in your inventory.
And that’s it. You’ve now got both FBA and FBM options available for the same ASIN. You can fulfill from your own warehouse or prep center, or temporarily fall back on FBM when Amazon FBA stock is low.
Need tools to streamline FBM shipping?
I personally use a label printer for speed and accuracy: Link to Label Printer
And of course, thermal shipping labels: Thermal Paper 4×6
Method 2: Convert FBA to FBM Completely
This second option is for those who want to fully shift a listing from FBA to FBM — maybe because you no longer want to pay FBA fees or you’re switching to your own fulfillment team.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your Inventory page.
- Check the box next to the FBA listing you want to convert.
- Scroll down and click on the “Action on selected” dropdown.
- Select “Change to Fulfilled by Merchant.”
- A prompt will ask you to confirm the change. Click “Done.”
Amazon will then update your listing to FBM. It’s worth noting: once you do this, the product will no longer be fulfilled by Amazon. So only take this step if you’re sure about the switch.
What to Expect After the Change
After either method, your listing may temporarily show a “Missing Offer” or inactive status. Don’t panic — this is normal. It just means Amazon is still processing the update. Give it 15–30 minutes, and the new listing should go live.
If you created a duplicate listing with Method 1 and want to pause the FBM version, simply set the quantity to 0 and click Save All. This will make the listing invisible on Amazon.de without deleting it.
And when you’re done testing or switching back, you can either delete the FBM listing or relist it with updated stock.
Tips for Managing FBM Listings
Switching to FBM means you’re responsible for everything — packing, shipping, and customer service. But don’t let that scare you. With the right setup, it can run smoothly:
- Printer & Scanner: Essential for printing invoices and packing slips — HP Printer & Scanner
- Digital Scale: For accurate shipping weights — Check it out here
- Label Holder: Saves time and hassle — Label Holder
- Boxes, Tape & Measuring Tools: Get supplies here
Having the right gear makes FBM not just manageable — but actually scalable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching to FBM affect my product ranking?
Not directly. As long as you maintain good delivery times, pricing, and reviews, your visibility remains strong. However, Prime eligibility may drop, which can affect sales.
Can I switch back to FBA later?
Yes. You can always change fulfillment methods again or create an FBA offer alongside your FBM listing. Amazon is flexible — use it to your advantage.
Do I need a new barcode or ASIN for the FBM version?
No. As long as you’re adding another condition or converting the same listing, it will stay under the same ASIN. Your reviews and sales history remain intact.
Ready to Simplify Your Amazon Journey?
Switching from FBA to FBM is one of those essential skills that every serious Amazon Germany seller should master. Whether it’s for flexibility, control, or cost savings, FBM gives you options. And the more options you have, the more resilient your business becomes.
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