When you sell on Amazon, speed and accuracy matter the most. Customers expect Prime delivery, but not every seller wants to hand over full control to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). That is where Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) comes in. By working with a third-party logistics partner (3PL), you can meet Prime’s promises while keeping control of your brand, costs, and customer experience. In this guide, we will explain what 3PL SFP is, the challenges of running it by yourself, and how Encore Fulfillment can help you stay compliant and competitive.
What is 3PL SFP?
SPF lets you ship directly from your own inventory while still displaying the Prime badge on Amazon. Instead of sending products to Amazon’s FBA warehouses, you fulfill orders yourself or through a 3PL partner. Sellers choose SFP because it gives them more control over branding, reduces shipping costs, and makes scaling easier. With SFP, you control your supply chain while still delivering the two-day shipping Amazon Prime customers expect.
Encore Fulfillment makes this possible. As a trusted 3PL partner, we help sellers comply with Amazon’s standards while easing operational strain. Our technology, warehouses, and processes keep you eligible for SFP without the hassle of running it alone.
Encore Fulfillment’s 3PL SFP Services
Partnering with us takes the pressure off you. Instead of juggling everything yourself, you hand off logistics and focus on growing your store.
Prime-Eligible Order Fulfillment
We pack and ship every order quickly and accurately, meeting Amazon’s strict two-day delivery standards. Our team handles the entire process for you. Because our systems are set up for efficiency, mistakes are rare, and your Prime badge stays secure.
Multi-Warehouse Stock Management
Our nationwide warehouses let us store your inventory closer to your customers. This reduces shipping times, lowers costs, and makes sure products are always where they need to be. You also get real-time visibility across all locations.
Technology Integration
We integrate directly with your Amazon store and other platforms, syncing orders, inventory, and tracking in real time. This automation reduces manual work and removes errors.
Returns and Customer Support
We process returns quickly and in line with Amazon’s requirements. Customers are satisfied, and you don’t have to spend any extra time or resources on reverse logistics.
Scalable Solutions
Whether you ship hundreds or thousands of orders a month, we adjust to your needs. Our scalable model lets you expand without investing in new infrastructure or staff.
How Encore Fulfillment’s 3PL SFP Process Works
We make it easy for you to transition into SFP while keeping everything streamlined and compliant. Here’s how it works.
Who Can Benefit From 3PL SFP
3PL SFP is ideal for sellers who want Prime benefits without relying on FBA:
- Amazon sellers seeking Prime eligibility
- Brands needing control over packaging and branding
- Sellers with large SKUs or geographically dispersed customers
- Businesses aiming for faster delivery without investing in infrastructure
Challenges of Managing SFP Without 3PL
Running SFP without help can be overwhelming. Amazon’s performance metrics are strict, and one slip can cost you your Prime eligibility. Here are the main challenges sellers face without a 3PL.
Meeting Amazon’s Two-Day Delivery Standards
Amazon requires SFP sellers to deliver within two days to Prime customers across a wide range of regions. Without multiple warehouse locations and advanced logistics, this is almost impossible. You risk delayed shipments, higher costs, and missed benchmarks. Even one failed delivery can damage your rating and eligibility.
Inventory Management Across Multiple Locations
Managing inventory at scale is difficult when you are fulfilling SFP orders from one location. To meet Prime delivery standards nationwide, you would need to spread the stock in different regions. Without a 3PL, you may face stockouts, backorders, or excess inventory stuck in the wrong place. Poor visibility creates inefficiency and increases the risk of missed orders.
High Operational Overhead and Staffing Challenges
Prime-level fulfillment requires more than just packing boxes. You need staff for picking, packing, organizing inventory, answering customer inquiries, and handling returns. As your order volume grows, you will need to hire and to train more people, as well as to manage their schedules and payroll. What feels manageable at first can quickly become costly and stressful, eating into your margins.
Returns Processing and Performance Compliance
Amazon expects smooth returns and excellent customer service. However, handing that in-house can lead to delays and errors that frustrate buyers. Even a minor mistake can damage your metrics and put your SFP status at risk. A 3PL gives you proven systems to process returns correctly and on time, protecting your eligibility.
Why Choose Encore Fulfillment
You have options when it comes to 3PL providers, but we bring unique strengths that make us the right partner for SFP sellers.
- Proven 3PL Experience for Amazon Sellers: We have years of experience supporting Amazon sellers and understand what it takes to stay compliant. Our expertise reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
- Nationwide Warehouse Coverage for Two-Day Delivery: With warehouses across the country, we help you meet Amazon’s two-day delivery requirement. Your products are placed closer to customers, making shipping faster and more cost effective.
- Technology-Driven Fulfillment Accuracy: Our advanced systems automate order processing, reduce errors, and provide real-time tracking. You always know where your products are and how they’re performing.
- Personalized Account Support and Scalable Solutions: We provide dedicated account support so you always have someone available to answer questions and to solve issues. Our solutions scale with your business, meaning you never outgrow us.
- Track Record of Helping Sellers Maintain SFP Metrics: We have a proven history of keeping sellers in good standing with Amazon. We protect your Prime eligibility by ensuring every order meets Amazon’s performance metrics.
Get Started with 3PL SFP With Encore Fulfillment
SFP opens the door to more sales, but dealing with it alone is complex and risky. With Encore Fulfillment, you get a partner who understands the requirements, manages the logistics, and keeps you focused on growth. If you’re ready to take advantage of SFP without the stress, reach out to us today. We will help you build a fulfillment strategy tailored to your business so you can deliver Prime experiences to every customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 3PL SFP differ from FBA?
FBA requires you to send inventory to Amazon’s warehouses, where they handle fulfillment. With SFP through a 3PL, you keep control of your stock while still offering Prime delivery. This gives you more flexibility and control over costs and branding.
Can Encore Fulfillment help me qualify for SFP?
Yes. We guide you through the application process and ensure your operations meet Amazon’s requirements. Our systems and warehouses are already optimized for Prime, making it easier for you to qualify.
Can a 3PL SFP reduce my fulfillment costs?
Working with a 3PL can often lower costs by optimizing shipping zones, reducing overhead, and streamlining operations. You avoid the expenses of building your own infrastructure while still meeting Prime standards.
Does using a 3PL for SFP affect delivery speed?
No. In fact, using a 3PL often improves delivery speed because inventory can be spread across a number of warehouses. This allows you to reach more customers within Amazon’s two-day delivery window.
What are the shipping requirements for Seller Fulfilled Prime?
Amazon requires sellers to meet stringent standards, including two-day delivery, nationwide coverage, low cancellation rates, and fast handling times.
Can a 3PL provider handle SFP requirements for my business?
Yes. A 3PL is designed to handle all aspects of SFP compliance, from order fulfillment and inventory placement to returns and performance monitoring. We help you focus on expanding your business instead of handling logistics.
Can SFP integration work with my existing e-commerce platform?
Yes. Our technology integrates with Amazon and most major e-commerce platforms. We prioritize smooth order flow across all your sales channels without manual work.
