For vendors using the amazon for cross-border sales, freight setting is an important part of influencing operating costs and buyer decision-making. Cost calculations for the amazon platform are based primarily on the shipping template of the vendor backstage, the logic and modalities of which can be adapted flexibly to operational needs。
(figure source network, hacking)
Two main modes of freight calculation
The amazon provides vendors with two basic freight calculation models:
Fees by volume/weight of commodities: this is the standard model, whereby freight costs consist of the base costs of individual orders (per shipment) and a continuation fee based on the total weight or quantity of commodities. At the time of setting, you may choose either by weight (e. G., pounds) or by number of units。
Fees are charged according to the master price ladder of the order: this model allows the seller to set fixed freight rates corresponding to the amount of the order, depending on the area in which it is placed. For example, the payment of a certain amount of purchase orders may be subject to the use of chartered mail or lower freight charges, applicable to promotion or simplification of the freight structure。
Vendors can switch both modes in the backstage 'shipping settings' by using the 'change shipping model' option。
Basic steps in freight setting
In setting freight charges, sellers are required to identify the place of shipment (shipping country), for example from china or from the united states overseas. Subsequently, the main configuration processes included:
Selection of distribution areas and service levels: selection of areas for delivery (e. G., specific countries or areas) and commitment time limits (e. G., standard, rapid distribution) based on their own logistics capabilities. The system will show the shortest anticipated arrival time and should not be ticked if no time limit is guaranteed。
Configure specific costs: under the weight/quantity model, the base cost of “each shipment” and the replacement cost of “each pound/pack” need to be filled in separately. Under the stairway price model, a corresponding freight rate is set for the range of different orders。
Check and confirm: once all distribution area and rate settings have been completed, they will need to be carefully checked and ultimately preserved for confirmation。
Cost reference for freight: example of fba distribution costs
For vendors using amazon logistics (fba), freight charges (i. E. Distribution fees) are charged and standardized directly by the amazon. The costs depend primarily on the size and weight of the commodity and are adjusted during the low-sale season (usually january-september and october-december). The following is an approximate standard (in the case of us stations):
Small size standard size (less than 1 lb): approximately $2. 39 during the season and $2. 41 during the off season。
Larger standard size (weight less than 1 lb): about $2. 88 during the season and $2. 99 during the off season。
Larger standard size (weight 1-2 pounds): about $3. 96 during the season and $4. 18 during the off season。
For commodities above 2 pounds, the replacement fee is based on excess charges (e. G., approximately $0. 39 per pound in the off season)。
Other key factors affecting cross-border postage
In the case of buyers, the actual payment of postage charges in the case of offshore purchases or cross-border electrical platforms in the amazon is not fixed and is usually affected by a combination of:
Commodity attributes: includes weight, size and special commodities。
Logistics routes: direct mail from overseas or domestic bonded/offshore。
Distribution mode: there is a significant difference between the standard distribution (usually 7-14 working days) and the price of the accelerated distribution (e. G. 2-5 working days)。
Market volatility: international transport costs, in particular, may be subject to frequent adjustments due to high seasons, shipping power and the external environment, such as during outbreaks。
Therefore, both the vendor's freight charges and the buyer's estimate of postage costs require attention to the platform's real-time rules and market conditions. The seller can be carefully configured through back-office tools, while the buyer can view the final freight charges on the settlement page, or use the freight estimation function of the commodities page in advance。
