Amazon FBA vs 3PL: What's the Difference?
Amazon FBA
Neither Amazon FBA nor 3PL is better for everyone. The side-by-side table compares them point by point, and the short quiz below it recommends one based on your goal, team size and sales channels.
3PL
Side-by-side comparison
We fill this table only from each vendor's current pricing page and review profiles. Until then, the FAQs below cover the main differences.
Amazon FBA vs 3PL: the core difference
Fulfillment by Amazon stores your inventory in Amazon’s warehouses and ships Amazon orders with Prime eligibility. A third-party logistics provider stores inventory in its own warehouses and ships orders from any channel, including your website, wholesale accounts and other marketplaces.
Therefore, one is optimized for Amazon, while the other is built for every channel you sell on.
Strengths and trade-offs
Amazon’s network brings fast delivery and the Prime badge, which can lift conversion on Amazon. However, storage limits, fees for slow-moving stock and strict prep rules apply. A 3PL offers more control over packaging, kitting and channel mix. In addition, many 3PLs can prep and forward inventory to Amazon when you need it.
How brands combine them
Many brands keep a buffer of stock at a 3PL and send regular replenishments to Amazon. That setup protects you from storage limits and lets you fulfill website orders from the same pool. As a result, you avoid stockouts on Amazon without overpaying for long-term storage.
Which should you choose?
- Confirm the provider handles your product type, volume and channels (Amazon FBA, Shopify, wholesale).
- Get an all-in quote: setup, receiving, storage, per-order or per-unit fees, and monthly minimums.
- Ask about certifications that matter for your category, such as cGMP for supplements or hazmat handling.
- Check service levels in writing: accuracy, turnaround times and how errors are credited.
- Speak to one current client of a similar size before you commit.
Alternatives to consider
FAQs: Amazon FBA vs 3PL
Amazon Fba vs 3PL: which is better?
Neither Amazon FBA nor 3PL is better for everyone. The side-by-side table compares them point by point, and the short quiz below it recommends one based on your goal, team size and sales channels.
Amazon Fba vs 3PL: which is cheaper?
Compare the starting-price rows in the table above, then price Amazon FBA and 3PL at your real volume (contacts, orders, seats or spend), because entry plans include different limits and features.
Amazon Fba vs 3PL: which suits Amazon and Shopify sellers?
For Amazon and Shopify sellers, the deciding factors are native integrations, how each handles marketplace data, and reporting. The 'Which should you choose' section maps common seller situations to Amazon FBA or 3PL.