Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfilment (MCF): Pick, pack and ship off-Amazon orders
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What is Amazon MCF?
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfilment (MCF) is a fulfilment service that allows multichannel e-commerce merchants to store their products in Amazon's network of warehouses and fulfil orders from any sales channel using Amazon’s infrastructure.
MCF is part of the Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) programme but extends its capabilities by enabling brands to fulfil non-Amazon orders through Amazon’s facilities.
What is the difference between Amazon MCF and Amazon FBA?
The key difference between Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfilment (MCF) and Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) lies in the types of orders they handle and the sales channels they support:
Amazon MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfilment)
Supports fulfilment for orders from any sales channel, including a brand’s website, other marketplaces (e.g., eBay, Shopify), and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales.
Products are stored in Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon handles fulfilment similarly to FBA.
MCF orders are not eligible for Amazon Prime shipping benefits.
Pricing and service levels for MCF are separate from FBA, with distinct fees for multichannel fulfilment.
Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon)
Designed specifically for Amazon marketplace orders.
Merchants store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon handles picking, packing, and shipping for orders placed on Amazon.
Includes access to Amazon Prime shipping benefits (e.g., fast delivery).
FBA orders are subject to Amazon’s selling fees and guidelines.
Key Difference:
FBA = Amazon marketplace orders only.
MCF = Fulfilment for all sales channels, not just Amazon.
Amazon MCF Locations
MCF is available in the following countries:
United States
Canada
Mexico
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Japan
Australia
Amazon MCF Services
Multichannel Fulfilment
Amazon MCF allows businesses to store their products in Amazon's fulfilment centres and fulfil orders from any sales channel—including their own website, eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more.
When a customer places an order, Amazon handles the entire process — picking, packing, and shipping — using the same infrastructure as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Unlike FBA, MCF supports both Amazon and non-Amazon orders using a single inventory pool.
Fast Delivery Options
Businesses can choose from flexible delivery speeds based on customer expectations and cost considerations:
Standard: Orders are delivered within 3 business days.
Expedited: Orders are delivered within 2 business days.
Priority: Orders are delivered the next day (available in select regions).
Inventory Management
Businesses can store products in Amazon’s network of 200+ fulfilment centres worldwide.
A single pool of inventory can be used to fulfil orders across multiple sales channels, helping to reduce storage costs and simplify inventory management.
Amazon provides real-time visibility into stock levels, allowing businesses to track and manage inventory more efficiently.
Automated stock level updates help prevent overselling and stockouts.
Inventory aged over 365 days may incur long-term storage fees, encouraging efficient inventory turnover.
Order Tracking and Customer Experience
Amazon provides real-time tracking from the fulfillment centre to the customer's doorstep.
Customers receive tracking updates directly through their chosen sales channel.
Businesses can offer branded tracking options to maintain a consistent customer experience.
MCF orders are not eligible for Amazon Prime branding but still benefit from Amazon’s fast and reliable shipping network.
Simple, Predictable Pricing
Amazon MCF offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. Pricing includes:
Picking – Removing the product from storage.
Packing – Packaging the product according to Amazon’s standards.
Shipping – Delivery costs based on selected service level and destination.
Volume-based discounts are available for higher order volumes, helping businesses control costs as they scale.
Delivery Date Estimates and Fast Badges
Businesses can display estimated delivery dates on their product pages using the MCF fast badges feature.
Fast badges provide customers with confidence about delivery timelines, which can help increase conversion rates.
Amazon automatically calculates and displays delivery estimates based on warehouse location and shipping speed.
Easy Integration with Sales Channels
Amazon MCF offers over 100 prebuilt and developer-friendly integrations with major e-commerce platforms, including:
Shopify
WooCommerce
BigCommerce
Magento
eBay
Walmart
Businesses can also create custom integrations using Amazon's API, allowing for tailored solutions to unique business needs.
Returns and Customer Support
Amazon offers an optional returns service, allowing customers to send products back through Amazon's network.
Businesses can choose whether to have returned items restocked or disposed of.
Amazon manages customer support for fulfilment-related issues, reducing the operational burden on businesses.
International Fulfilment
Amazon MCF is available in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Australia.
Businesses can fulfil cross-border orders using Amazon’s international fulfilment network, reducing delivery times and shipping costs.
Amazon handles customs clearance and import duties, simplifying the process for businesses.
Amazon's Partnered Carrier Programme
Businesses can take advantage of discounted shipping rates through Amazon’s partnered carriers for inbound shipments to fulfillment centres.
Amazon provides guidance on labelling and packaging requirements to ensure products are accepted without delays.
Amazon MCF allows businesses to leverage Amazon’s extensive logistics network to fulfil orders from both Amazon and non-Amazon sales channels. With fast delivery, flexible pricing, real-time tracking, and seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms, MCF provides businesses with a scalable, cost-effective solution to manage order fulfilment and improve customer experience.
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment Pricing Overview
Amazon MCF enables businesses to utilize Amazon's fulfillment network to store and ship products sold through various sales channels, not limited to Amazon's platform. The pricing structure for MCF encompasses several key components:
Fulfillment Fees
Fulfillment fees cover the processes of picking, packing, and shipping orders. These fees are determined by the product's size, weight, and the chosen delivery speed. As of February 5, 2024, Amazon implemented updates to these fees, including adjustments to size tiers and a general increase of approximately 3.5% across all delivery options.
Size Tiers and Delivery Speeds:
Standard (3–5 Business Days): Suitable for most items, offering a balance between cost and delivery time.
Expedited (2 Business Days): Faster delivery for time-sensitive orders.
Priority (1 Business Day): Premium service for next-day delivery.
Storage Fees
Storage fees are calculated based on the volume of inventory held in Amazon's fulfillment centers and vary by time of year:
Monthly Storage Fees: Charged per cubic foot, with higher rates typically applied during peak seasons, such as October through December.
Long-Term Storage Fees: Additional charges may apply for inventory stored beyond a specified period, encouraging efficient inventory management.
Additional Fees and Surcharges
Remote Area Delivery: Shipments to regions like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands incur surcharges—100% for standard-size items and 200% for large bulky and extra-large items.
Blocking Amazon Logistics: Opting to exclude Amazon Logistics from fulfilling orders results in a 5% surcharge on those orders.
Non-Fulfillment Fees: Services such as labeling, inventory removal, or disposal are subject to additional charges, consistent with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) policies.
Discounts for Multi-Unit Orders
Amazon offers discounts for orders containing multiple units:
Multi-Unit Order Discounts: Up to 50% off fulfillment fees for orders with multiple units, promoting cost savings for larger purchases.
Fee Calculator
To assist sellers in estimating costs, Amazon provides a fee calculator accessible through their Seller Central platform. This tool allows for precise calculations based on specific product dimensions, weights, and shipping preferences.
Note: All fees and policies are subject to change. For the most current information, it's advisable to consult Amazon's official MCF pricing page or contact Amazon support directly.
Why choose Amazon MCF?
✅ Fast, Trusted Fulfilment: Businesses can grow their sales across multiple channels with fast delivery speeds. Orders can be delivered within two business days (Expedited) or three business days (Standard) from click to delivery.
✅ Simple, Predictable Pricing: No long-term contracts or hidden fees—fulfilment costs cover picking, packing, and shipping with straightforward pricing.
✅ Connect with Other E-Commerce Channels: Businesses can choose from 100+ prebuilt and developer-friendly integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, or create a custom integration.
✅ Streamlined Inventory Management: Managing inventory is more efficient with a single pool of inventory that serves multiple sales channels, saving both time and costs.
✅ Real-Time Delivery Estimates: The MCF fast badges feature allows businesses to display delivery-date estimates on product detail pages, helping to boost conversion and sales.
✅ Real-Time Tracking: Customers can enjoy a first-class experience with real-time tracking from the fulfilment centre to their doorstep.
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) FAQs
What is amazon mcf?
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfilment (MCF) is a service that allows businesses to store their products in Amazon’s fulfilment centres and use Amazon’s logistics network to fulfil orders from any sales channel, including their own websites, Shopify, eBay, and other platforms.
With MCF, Amazon handles the picking, packing, and shipping of orders, offering fast delivery options (including expedited and standard shipping), real-time order tracking, and inventory management. This enables businesses to streamline their fulfilment processes while leveraging Amazon’s global infrastructure and shipping capabilities.
How long does Amazon MCF take to deliver?
Amazon MCF offers three shipping options: Standard (3–5 business days), Expedited (2 business days), and Priority (1 business day). These shipping speeds match those available through Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) for Amazon orders.
Is MCF the same as FBA?
Amazon MCF is an extension of FBA that enables businesses to fulfil orders from non-Amazon sales channels using Amazon’s fulfilment network. For example, an order from eBay can be processed and shipped by Amazon from one of its warehouses.
Can I use MCF without selling on Amazon?
Yes, businesses can use Amazon MCF without selling on Amazon. MCF allows businesses to store products in Amazon’s fulfilment centres and fulfil orders from other sales channels, such as Shopify, eBay, and their own websites.
