Amazon now requires SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) instead. Learn what this change means for your business
While online shopping, we’ve all had the experience of trying to get into a package that Houdini himself would struggle to open. It’s amazing how anger-inducing it is to see the product you paid for being held hostage by unforgiving plastic and wires. Amazon offers a solution for sellers and shoppers alike with Frustration Free Packaging (FFP).
Note: FFP is currently a closed program. Amazon is not accepting any new sellers.
Frustration Free Packaging by FBA
Unlike traditional packaging, frustration free packaging programs are designed for e-commerce shipping. It protects the product but the packaging design is easy to open.
Open up the Amazon box without extra product packaging, maybe open another smaller box for small parts, and the product is ready to use. This process not only provides a better customer experience, but it also reduces packaging waste.
An added bonus? The Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) program uses packing materials that are 100% recyclable. You’re helping yourself and the environment when using it.
As you can see from the case studies above, when compared side-by-side to old packaging methods, recyclable packaging cuts down on waste and effort.
What if you don’t qualify for Frustration Free Packaging?
As of this year, new sellers cannot enroll in FFP. Rumor has it that Amazon may close the program or majorly overhaul to.
When you choose to participate in any of FBA’s special shipping programs, you must certify packaging with Amazon. If you’re not able to participate in FFP, you consider your other options as an FBA seller:
1. Small and Light
By certifying your products with Small and Light, you’ll receive lower fulfillment costs and provide your customers with free shipping. Enrollment is a simple, 6-step process, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
2. Subscribe and Save
If you have a product that a shopper would purchase on a regular basis, such as Health & Beauty items, you should consider Subscribe and Save. Customers who subscribe to your product save money, and you get a repeat buyer.
3. FBA Export
If you sell internationally, you don’t necessarily have to sell in each marketplace. FBA export allows you to sell your products to international customers straight from your US-based fulfillment centers.
Why should you use Amazon’s special fulfillment programs?
Amazon says it best here, but the biggest benefits of Amazon’s packaging programs are:
- Additional merchandising and promotions for participating products.
- Potentially lower costs by reducing packaging materials, transportation, labor, and waste in your supply chain.
- Free certification. Amazon does not charge anything for the certification evaluation; you only need to provide samples of the products that you want to be reviewed.
- Quick approval. Receive an initial evaluation within a few days. The entire process typically takes no more than a couple of weeks.
By far your most profitable benefit is that convenient packaging makes the buying experience better. If customers are happier with their purchase, it will help your seller feedback as well as your product reviews. The more positive reviews, and the better your seller feedback, the better you will sell on Amazon.
Frustration Free Packaging is a great way to prevent “wrap rage” from your customers. Happier customers mean positive seller feedback and product reviews. More positive product reviews and seller feedback will greatly increase your chance to win the Buy Box. So by using Frustration Free Packaging, Small & Light, or any of the other programs for sellers, you help the environment, your customers, and yourself! Everybody wins.
