Prep Requirements: A Beginner's Guide

Prep Requirements are the clear set of actions and standards that ensure a product is safe, scannable, and ready for storage, handling, and shipment. At their simplest for a beginner, they answer the question: "What must I do to this item before it can be accepted into a warehouse or sold through a particular channel?" Prep Requirements vary by warehouse operator, marketplace, retailer, and product type, but they all share the same goal — protect the product, protect people, and protect the supply chain.

Why they matter

Failing to meet Prep Requirements can cause rejected deliveries, chargebacks, delays, damaged inventory, or safety issues. For sellers using third-party logistics (3PLs) or marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, or large retailers, each partner often publishes a prep list that you must follow. Compliance keeps goods moving smoothly and avoids unexpected costs.

Common types of Prep Requirements

• Packaging protection: Use bubble wrap, inserts, or cartons to prevent damage for fragile or oddly shaped items.
• Poly-bagging: Place certain apparel, printed materials, or small items into clear poly bags. Bags often require a suffocation warning label and a specific bag thickness.
• Labeling and barcodes: Apply scannable barcodes (UPC, EAN, FNSKU) in the correct location and orientation, and ensure labels are not obstructed by seams or handles.
• Sticker or cover label rules: Some channels require a unit to be stickered to hide manufacturer barcodes or to add internal tracking codes.
• Bundling and kitting: Securely group multiple items that are sold together and label them as a single SKU.
• Palletization and shrink-wrapping: Follow pallet pattern, weight limits, and wrapping standards to ensure safe transport.
• Temperature control prep: For perishables or temperature-sensitive goods, ensure cold chain packaging and correct documentation are used.
• Regulatory documentation: Include certificates, MSDS, or customs forms for restricted or imported products.

Real-world examples

• Many online marketplaces require apparel to be poly-bagged with a suffocation warning and a barcode visible on the outside.
• Consumer electronics often need anti-static packaging and a barcode applied to the outside retail box rather than directly to the device.
• Retail grocery chains may require temperature logs and sealed cold packaging for chilled goods entering distribution centers.

How to discover the right Prep Requirements

1. Identify the receiving partner (warehouse, marketplace, retailer) and find their seller or vendor prep guide online.
2. Match the guide’s rules to your SKUs — product attributes (size, fragility, material) determine the exact prep.
3. Document exceptions — some items have special rules or require pre-approval.

A basic starter checklist for beginners

• Does the item require poly-bagging? If yes, use the specified bag thickness and include the suffocation warning.
• Is the manufacturer barcode required to be covered or replaced with a channel barcode?
• Are fragile items cushioned and double-boxed if necessary?
• Are all required labels printed clearly and placed in the correct spot?
• Are units packed to pallet standards (if shipping palletized)?
• If importing, are customs documents prepared and attached?

Benefits of consistent compliance

• Fewer inbound rejections and warehouse delays.
• Lower rate of damage and returns.
• Reduced fees and chargebacks from retailers/marketplaces.
• Improved customer experience and faster time-to-shelf.

As a beginner, start small

Pick a few representative SKUs, walk through the partner’s prep guide, and execute the simple checklist above. Over time, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a visual guide for packers so Prep Requirements become routine — not an afterthought. With a little upfront attention, Prep Requirements become a reliable enabler of smooth operations rather than a recurring headache.