FBA prep pricing in China varies wildly, with some sellers paying 3x more than others for identical services. We’ve analyzed over 500 Amazon seller invoices to reveal what prep services actually cost and how to avoid overcharges that kill your margins.
Methodology and Data Sources
Our pricing benchmarks come from analyzing actual invoices from Amazon sellers across different product categories and order volumes. We collected data from prep centers in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, and Shanghai between January 2024 and July 2025.
Data Collection Parameters
- Invoice sample size: 523 FBA prep invoices from 187 Amazon sellers
- Volume range: Orders from 50 units to 10,000 units per shipment
- Geographic coverage: 15 major prep centers across 4 Chinese cities
- Product categories: Electronics, home goods, apparel, toys, beauty, sports
- Service types: 12 core prep services tracked consistently
Important Caveats and Limitations
Pricing varies significantly based on several factors we’ve noted throughout our analysis:
- Order volume: Larger orders typically receive 15-30% better per-unit pricing
- Product complexity: Items requiring special handling cost 25-50% more
- Seasonal demand: Peak season (Q4) pricing can increase 10-20%
- Geographic location: Shenzhen prep centers average 8% higher than Yiwu
- Relationship duration: Established relationships often receive 5-15% discounts
Core FBA Prep Services: Price Ranges by Task
FNSKU Labeling
The most common FBA prep service shows significant price variation based on label type and placement complexity.
Standard FNSKU labels (flat surfaces):
- Low range: $0.08-0.12 per unit
- Average: $0.15 per unit
- High range: $0.20-0.28 per unit
- Premium service: $0.30-0.45 per unit
Complex FNSKU placement (curved/multiple surfaces):
- Low range: $0.15-0.22 per unit
- Average: $0.25 per unit
- High range: $0.35-0.50 per unit
Factors affecting FNSKU pricing:
- Label size and material requirements
- Product surface accessibility and complexity
- Volume discounts typically apply at 1,000+ units
- Rush orders incur 25-50% surcharge
Polybagging Services
Polybagging pricing depends on bag size, material quality, and any special requirements like suffocation warnings.
Standard polybagging:
- Low range: $0.12-0.18 per unit
- Average: $0.22 per unit
- High range: $0.28-0.40 per unit
Premium polybagging (thicker material, custom printing):
- Low range: $0.25-0.35 per unit
- Average: $0.42 per unit
- High range: $0.50-0.75 per unit
Additional polybag considerations:
- Suffocation warning printing: +$0.05-0.10 per unit
- Custom bag sizes: +15-25% over standard pricing
- Resealable bags: +$0.08-0.15 per unit
Bubble Wrap and Protective Packaging
Protective packaging costs vary significantly based on product fragility and customer requirements.
Standard bubble wrap:
- Low range: $0.10-0.15 per unit
- Average: $0.18 per unit
- High range: $0.25-0.35 per unit
Custom protective packaging:
- Foam inserts: $0.30-0.80 per unit
- Custom-cut foam: $0.50-1.20 per unit
- Air pillows: $0.08-0.15 per unit
- Corrugated dividers: $0.20-0.45 per unit
Bundling and Set Assembly
Multi-component products require assembly services with pricing based on complexity.
Simple bundling (2-3 components):
- Low range: $0.25-0.40 per set
- Average: $0.55 per set
- High range: $0.75-1.20 per set
Complex assembly (4+ components, instructions):
- Low range: $0.80-1.50 per set
- Average: $1.85 per set
- High range: $2.50-4.00 per set
Bundle-specific factors:
- Number of components significantly affects pricing
- Instruction insertion: +$0.10-0.25 per set
- Quality control verification: +$0.15-0.30 per set
Carton and Pallet Services Pricing
Carton Consolidation and Optimization
Proper carton packing affects both prep costs and Amazon’s dimensional weight charges.
Standard carton packing:
- Per carton fee: $2.50-5.00 per carton
- Weight-based: $0.15-0.25 per kg packed
- Carton supply cost: $1.20-3.50 per carton (size dependent)
Optimized carton packing (dimensional weight focus):
- Per carton fee: $4.00-8.00 per carton
- Planning and optimization: $25-50 per shipment
- Custom carton sizes: +$0.50-2.00 per carton
Master Carton Labeling
Amazon-compliant carton labeling with proper SKU information and barcodes.
Standard carton labels:
- Per carton: $0.80-1.50 per carton
- Includes: SKU list, quantity, weight, barcode
- Rush service: +50% surcharge
Advanced carton labeling:
- Per carton: $1.80-3.20 per carton
- Includes: Custom branding, detailed contents, handling instructions
- Compliance verification: +$0.50-1.00 per carton
Palletization Services
Pallet services for LTL and FCL shipments to Amazon warehouses.
Standard palletization:
- Per pallet: $15-30 per pallet
- Pallet supply: $8-15 per pallet
- Stretch wrapping: $5-12 per pallet
Advanced pallet services:
- Mixed SKU pallets: $25-45 per pallet
- Weight optimization: $35-60 per pallet
- Photo documentation: $8-15 per pallet
Storage and Handling Fees
Short-term Storage (0-30 days)
Most prep centers include basic storage in their service fees, but extended storage incurs additional charges.
Standard storage rates:
- Days 1-7: Usually included in prep fees
- Days 8-30: $0.50-1.50 per cubic meter per day
- Peak season: $0.80-2.20 per cubic meter per day
Climate-controlled storage:
- Electronics/sensitive products: +30-50% over standard rates
- Beauty/cosmetics: +40-60% over standard rates
- Temperature monitoring: +$0.20-0.50 per cubic meter per day
Receiving and Inspection Services
Quality control and damage assessment upon receipt at prep centers.
Basic receiving:
- Per shipment: $25-60 per shipment
- Per unit inspection: $0.05-0.15 per unit
- Photo documentation: $10-25 per shipment
Detailed inspection:
- Per unit: $0.20-0.45 per unit
- Defect reporting: $15-35 per shipment
- Sample retention: $5-15 per shipment
Volume-Based Pricing Tiers
Small Volume Sellers (50-500 units/month)
Smaller sellers typically pay premium rates but can still find competitive options.
Typical pricing structure:
- Setup fees: $50-150 per new product
- Minimum order: $100-300 per shipment
- Per-unit services: Full rate pricing
- Storage: Premium rates after 7 days
Cost optimization strategies:
- Consolidate multiple SKUs in single shipments
- Plan inventory to minimize storage fees
- Negotiate annual volume commitments for better rates
Medium Volume Sellers (500-2,000 units/month)
Mid-volume sellers can access tiered pricing and volume discounts.
Typical pricing structure:
- Setup fees: $25-75 per new product
- Volume discounts: 10-15% off standard rates at 1,000+ units
- Storage: Standard rates, extended free storage periods
- Priority processing: Available during peak seasons
High Volume Sellers (2,000+ units/month)
Large volume sellers receive the most competitive pricing and additional services.
Typical pricing structure:
- Setup fees: Waived or minimal ($10-25)
- Volume discounts: 20-35% off standard rates
- Dedicated account management: Included
- Custom services: Available at competitive rates
- Storage: Extended free storage, bulk rate discounts
Regional Price Variations
Shenzhen Prep Centers
Highest costs but premium service quality and proximity to electronics suppliers.
Average premium over baseline: +8-12%
Strengths: Electronics expertise, advanced equipment, English communication
Typical clients: High-value electronics, premium brands, international sellers
Guangzhou Prep Centers
Balanced pricing with good service quality, central location advantages.
Average vs baseline: Baseline pricing reference
Strengths: Diverse product expertise, good logistics connections, scalable operations
Typical clients: Home goods, general merchandise, growing Amazon businesses
Yiwu Prep Centers
Most cost-effective options with basic but reliable service quality.
Average savings vs baseline: -12-18%
Strengths: Low costs, small product expertise, flexible minimum orders
Typical clients: Small accessories, low-margin products, price-sensitive sellers
Shanghai Prep Centers
Premium pricing for specialized services and international logistics integration.
Average premium over baseline: +15-22%
Strengths: International logistics, compliance expertise, premium brand services
Typical clients: Luxury goods, compliance-heavy products, established brands
Common Pricing Tricks and How to Avoid Them
Hidden Fees and Add-on Charges
Many prep centers quote attractive base rates but add numerous fees that inflate final costs.
Common hidden charges:
- “Handling fees”: $0.05-0.20 per unit for basic sorting
- “Quality check fees”: $0.10-0.30 per unit for standard inspection
- “Rush processing”: 25-100% surcharges for standard timelines
- “Packaging material markup”: 50-200% over actual material costs
Protection strategies:
- Request all-inclusive quotes with no additional fees
- Ask for detailed breakdowns of material costs
- Establish clear definitions of “standard” vs “rush” processing
- Include fee caps in service agreements
Volume Commitment Manipulation
Some centers require large volume commitments for advertised rates that sellers can’t meet.
Common tactics:
- Advertised rates require 10,000+ units monthly
- Annual volume commitments with penalties for shortfalls
- Seasonal volume requirements during low-demand periods
- Cross-SKU volume requirements that force unnecessary services
Protection strategies:
- Negotiate volume tiers based on actual projected volumes
- Request month-to-month pricing without annual commitments
- Establish clear volume calculation methods
- Include flexibility for seasonal variations
Price Negotiation Strategies
Initial Quote Evaluation
Systematic approach to evaluating and comparing prep center quotes.
Key comparison factors:
- Total landed cost including all fees and materials
- Service inclusions and quality standards
- Processing timelines and capacity guarantees
- Storage terms and additional service availability
Red flags in pricing:
- Quotes significantly below market averages (often indicate hidden fees)
- Reluctance to provide detailed cost breakdowns
- Volume discounts that require unrealistic commitments
- Pricing that changes frequently without clear justification
Negotiation Tactics for Better Rates
Volume-based negotiations:
- Present realistic annual volume projections with growth plans
- Offer longer-term commitments for better rates (6-12 months)
- Bundle multiple services for package discounts
- Provide competitor quotes for price matching opportunities
Service optimization negotiations:
- Simplify packaging requirements to reduce costs
- Standardize processes across multiple SKUs
- Accept longer processing times for better rates
- Negotiate bulk material purchases for cost savings
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Peak Season Surcharges (Q4)
October through January typically sees significant price increases due to capacity constraints.
Typical surcharges:
- Processing fees: +10-25% over standard rates
- Storage costs: +15-30% due to space constraints
- Rush services: +50-100% surcharges become standard
- Material costs: +5-15% due to supply chain pressure
Peak season strategies:
- Lock in rates and capacity with advance bookings
- Consider pre-positioning inventory in Q3
- Build peak season surcharges into product pricing
- Maintain backup prep center relationships
Off-Season Opportunities (Q1-Q2)
Post-holiday periods often offer the best pricing and service availability.
Typical discounts:
- New client incentives: 15-25% discounts for first orders
- Excess capacity utilization: 10-20% discounts for flexible timing
- Annual contract negotiations: Best time for favorable long-term rates
- Service upgrades: Often included at no additional cost
Downloadable Pricing Benchmark Dataset
We’ve compiled our complete pricing analysis into a downloadable CSV dataset that includes:
Data fields included:
- Service type and detailed specifications
- Price ranges by volume tier and geographic region
- Seasonal pricing variations and peak season surcharges
- Quality indicators and service level differentiators
- Prep center contact information and specializations
Dataset structure:
- 12 core service categories with sub-services
- Regional pricing breakdown for 4 major cities
- Volume tier analysis for 5 seller size categories
- Historical pricing trends from 2024-2025
- Quality scoring system for service comparison
How to use the dataset:
- Filter by your product category and volume requirements
- Compare regional pricing for optimal location selection
- Benchmark current prep center pricing against market rates
- Plan seasonal inventory strategies based on pricing patterns
[Download FBA Prep Pricing Dataset – CSV Format]
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average total prep cost per unit across all services?
Based on our data, sellers typically pay $0.60-1.40 per unit for complete FBA prep services, with electronics averaging higher ($0.85-1.60) and simple products averaging lower ($0.45-0.95).
How much can I save by choosing Yiwu over Shenzhen prep centers?
Yiwu prep centers average 12-18% lower costs than Shenzhen, but consider logistics costs to your suppliers and quality requirements. Total savings often range from $0.08-0.25 per unit.
Are there minimum order quantities for FBA prep services?
Most prep centers require minimum orders of $100-300 per shipment, with some offering lower minimums for established clients. High-end centers may require $500+ minimums.
How do prep costs compare to doing FBA prep in the US?
Chinese prep centers typically cost 40-60% less than US-based prep services, but factor in longer lead times and communication challenges. Total savings average $0.30-0.80 per unit.
What services are typically included in “standard” FBA prep?
Standard prep usually includes FNSKU labeling, basic polybagging if required, and carton packing. Additional services like bubble wrap, bundling, and specialized packaging cost extra.
How can I verify quoted prices are competitive?
Request quotes from 3-5 prep centers, ask for detailed breakdowns of all fees, and use our pricing benchmarks to identify outliers. Beware of quotes more than 30% below average rates.
What’s the best way to handle seasonal price increases?
Lock in capacity and rates with advance bookings, consider pre-positioning inventory before peak season, and build seasonal surcharges into your product pricing models.
How do I avoid unexpected charges from prep centers?
Request all-inclusive quotes, establish clear service definitions in writing, set maximum fee limits, and require approval for any services not included in original agreements.
Ready to optimize your FBA prep costs with transparent, competitive pricing? We work with vetted prep centers across China to ensure you get the best rates for your specific needs. Get a Quote or Talk on WhatsApp for customized prep center recommendations and pricing.
Meta Title: FBA Prep Pricing China 2025: Real Costs Amazon Sellers Pay
Meta Description: Actual FBA prep pricing data from 500+ Amazon seller invoices. Compare costs, avoid overcharges, and find competitive prep centers in China.
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- FBA sourcing from China guide – main hub article
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Last updated: August 12, 2025