What is Multi-Channel Fulfillment?

Multi-channel ecommerce is growing rapidly as more and more shoppers are purchasing through a variety of channels and want a seamless experience. To keep up with today’s shopper expectations, merchants need to prioritize fulfilling  orders quickly and efficiently. That’s where BigCommerce partner Amazon can help businesses of all sizes lighten the load of multi-channel ecommerce. Through their Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) program, Amazon handles the storage, packaging and shipping of products sold online. Here’s what you should consider to determine if Amazon MCF is right for you.

Amazon MCF vs. FBA

What is the difference between MCF and FBA? For starters, fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows you to fulfill orders placed on Amazon while Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) fulfills orders on any of your channels including your own website. 

For Amazon sellers, the biggest perk of MCF is, unsurprisingly, convenience. It’s especially convenient for sellers who already use FBA. Rather than having to send inventory to various fulfillment centers, they can simply use their FBA inventory to fulfill their off-Amazon orders and enjoy pooled inventory.

MCF is popular among sellers with an Amazon store who choose to launch their own website for the first time. The program comes with different pricing and services than FBA, which you can check out here.

Benefits to consider:

To make the right decision for your business, you’ll want to evaluate whether Amazon MCF is the right fit.

• Fast shipping: Amazon sets the standard for ship speeds. Offer your customers fulfillment at the speed of Amazon with MCF and get your orders delivered every day of the week. Amazon fulfills your ecommerce orders at 1 business day (Priority), 2 business days (Expedited), or 3-5 business days (Standard) from when the order ships.

• Competitive pricing: Amazon MCF maintains transparent and simple pricing. You only pay for fulfillment and storage. There is one fee to pick, pack, and ship. In addition, MCF offers up to 60% discounts on multi-unit orders.

Amazon MCF has the largest fulfillment network in the world, with 150 fulfillment centers in the US and 175 globally. You can also use the MCF app for BigCommerce stores which allows you to simplify order fulfillment of your BigCommerce store orders using MCF, regardless of whether you sell on Amazon or not. Learn more and download the app. Merchants interested in learning more about Amazon MCF should contact the Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment team to learn more.