FBA vs. FBM in the UAE: Which Fulfillment Method is Right for You?

Tazeet Prep Team October 22, 2023
FBA vs. FBM in the UAE: Which Fulfillment Method is Right for You?

When selling on Amazon in the UAE, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is how to fulfill your orders. The two main options are Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). Understanding the pros and cons of each is crucial for your success.

What is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)?

With FBA, you send your products to Amazon's fulfillment centers. When a customer places an order, Amazon picks, packs, ships the product, and handles customer service and returns. Your listings get the coveted Prime badge, offering customers fast, free shipping.

  • Pros: Prime eligibility, hands-off fulfillment, Amazon handles customer service.
  • Cons: Storage fees, prep requirements, less control over inventory.

What is Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)?

With FBM, you are responsible for storing your own inventory and shipping orders directly to customers. You have more control over your packaging and inventory but must meet Amazon's strict performance metrics for shipping times.

  • Pros: More control, lower Amazon fees, direct interaction with customers.
  • Cons: No Prime badge (usually), responsible for all shipping and customer service, can be time-consuming.

The Hybrid Solution: Using a 3PL for FBM

You don't have to do FBM all by yourself! This is where a 3PL like Tazeet Prep creates the perfect hybrid model. You can maintain control (FBM) while outsourcing the difficult parts.

How Tazeet Prep helps with FBM:

  • We store your inventory securely.
  • When an order comes in, we pick, pack, and ship it for you on the same day (with a 1 PM cutoff).
  • We handle the logistics so you can offer fast, reliable shipping without doing the physical work.

So, FBA or FBM?

The choice depends on your business model:

  • Choose FBA if: You have fast-selling products and want to leverage the power of Prime.
  • Choose FBM if: You sell large, heavy, or slow-moving items, or want more control over your branding and inventory.
  • Choose a Hybrid FBM + 3PL model if: You want the control of FBM with the convenience of outsourced logistics.

At Tazeet Prep, we support both models. We are a leading FBA prep center and a trusted FBM fulfillment partner in Dubai. Contact us to discuss which strategy is best for your business.