Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) Vs Third Party Logistics (3PL) providers
Struggling with the hidden costs and inconsistencies of your current 3PL? You’re not alone.
Many businesses find themselves grappling with surprise fees, everything from warehousing lock-in charges and handling surcharges to shipping delays that erode customer trust. Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment offers a breath of fresh air with its transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing, expansive fulfillment network, and dependable execution. Whether it’s scalable storage, streamlined picking and packing, or fast, reliable delivery (even for hazardous items or multi-channel orders), MCF delivers a smoother, more cost-effective route from your inventory to your customers.
Amazon MCF vs Traditional 3PLs
Traditional 3PLs often come with unpredictable fees and uneven service. Amazon MCF offers a simpler alternative with transparent pricing, a vast fulfillment network, and Amazon’s proven reliability—making it easier to scale and keep customers happy.
Traditional 3PLs often layer storage fees with extras like long-term charges or inventory minimums, making costs unpredictable. Amazon MCF keeps it simple with pay-as-you-go storage that scales with your needs, backed by a nationwide network that keeps inventory close to customers.
With traditional 3PLs, handling fees can add up quickly through per-item pick and pack charges, kitting, or extra labor costs. Amazon MCF simplifies this with a single, all-inclusive fulfillment fee that covers picking, packing, and shipping, giving you predictable costs and consistent service without surprise add-ons.
Shipping with traditional 3PLs often comes with unpredictable rates, extra surcharges for fast delivery, and limited carrier options. Amazon MCF streamlines this with competitive, transparent shipping fees, fast delivery through its extensive network, and reliable tracking, so your customers get their orders on time without hidden costs
Managing returns through a 3PL can be complex and costly, with restocking fees, separate processing charges, and inconsistent handling. Amazon MCF makes returns easier with streamlined processing, clear policies, and integrated handling, helping you keep costs down and maintain a smooth customer experience.
10,000 units shipped per month, one unit per shipment.
20,000 units in inventory each month.
Vapra could save $52,000 a month switching to Amazon MCF.
The cost comparisons presented are based on a hypothetical business shipping 10,000 customer orders per month, with each order containing one item weighing approximately 8 lbs, and maintaining an average on-hand inventory of 20,000 units. Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) pricing is calculated using the publicly available MCF rate card as of January 2025, which lists a fulfillment fee of $14.74 per unit for an 8 lb standard-sized item and a monthly storage fee of $0.33 per unit. Average U.S. 3PL costs are estimated using publicly posted pricing from leading fulfillment providers (e.g., ShipBob, Red Stag Fulfillment) and industry benchmarks for heavy-item fulfillment. For the purposes of this comparison, average 3PL fulfillment fees are assumed to be $18.00 per unit (inclusive of pick, pack, and outbound shipping) and storage fees are calculated at $5.00 per bin per month, with a bin capacity of approximately 0.77 cu ft and each unit occupying 0.2 cu ft. ‘Vapra’ is a fictional company used as an example for illustrative purposes only. Fulfillment savings are based on multiple factors, which are unique to every business.
Sources & Data Limitations
Amazon MCF rates are sourced from Amazon’s official supply chain pricing documentation. Industry averages for third-party logistics (3PL) costs are compiled from provider pricing pages, e-commerce logistics publications, and seller reports. Actual rates for both MCF and alternative 3PLs may vary based on product dimensions, weight, packaging, delivery speed, shipping zones, storage methods, contractual terms, and seasonal surcharges. The figures provided are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a binding quote. Businesses should obtain direct pricing from each fulfillment provider before making purchasing decisions.
I have questions about Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment
Fulfilling orders with Amazon is super simple, but you probably have questions. Find some of the most common questions about Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) below. Still got questions? We’re there to assist.
See all FAQs
Fulfillment fees depend on the size of the product, its shipping weight, the number of units in an order, and the selected delivery speed.
Orders sent outside the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, incur a remote area surcharge. Standard-sized items are charged an additional 100%, while oversized items are charged 200%. This surcharge is applied after any applicable lithium battery or holiday peak fees.
Yes. Discounts are applied across four tiers and cover orders with multiple units. These discounts also extend to orders that mix Prime-eligible products with other items fulfilled through MCF when using the designated MCF integrations.
Monthly storage fees are charged based on the space your inventory occupies in fulfillment centers. Fees vary depending on product type, size category, time of year, and overall storage utilization.
Yes. A seasonal peak fulfillment fee will apply to all U.S. MCF shipments from October, through January. This fee, similar to charges from other major carriers, covers the higher costs of handling and transportation during the busy holiday period.
Yes. Amazon MCF can fulfill orders from your Webflow or WooCommerce store, marketplaces, and other sales channels, not just Amazon.com.
MCF leverages Amazon’s nationwide network, often providing faster and more reliable delivery than most traditional 3PLs.
Yes. You can adjust your inventory levels seasonally, paying only for the space your products occupy.
No. Unlike some 3PLs that require minimum volumes, MCF lets you ship small or single-unit orders efficiently.
Yes. MCF provides integrated tracking so you and your customers can monitor shipments from fulfillment to delivery.
No. Amazon can process returns on your behalf, providing consistent handling and easier restocking.
Yes. Oversized items, hazardous materials, and products with lithium batteries may have additional fees, similar to some 3PL surcharges.
Costs are more transparent and predictable than many 3PLs, with clear per-unit fulfillment and storage fees.
Absolutely. Amazon’s fulfillment network is designed to handle fluctuations in demand and scale as your order volume increases.
Yes. Amazon handles shipping issues, delays, and returns for orders fulfilled through MCF, reducing the operational burden on your team.
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