Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)
Plans: Essentials, Pro, Premium, Enterprise Platforms: Shopify
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) is a service that enables businesses to store inventory in Amazon's fulfillment centers and have Amazon handle the packing, shipping, and customer service for orders made through their websites or other sales channels. By integrating seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms like Shopify and TikTok Shop, it allows sellers to simplify their operations and offer fast, reliable delivery across multiple channels.
AfterShip Returns is a returns management solution that automates and streamlines the process of handling product returns, exchanges, and refunds. It offers customizable return portals, real-time tracking, and integrations with major carriers and e-commerce platforms, improving the customer experience and reducing operational inefficiencies.
The integration between AfterShip Returns and Amazon MCF helps merchants automatically create returns in Amazon Seller Central once a return request is approved in AfterShip Returns. AfterShip generates return shipping labels using the Amazon warehouse address from Seller Central via API, and once the return arrives at Amazon's warehouse, the return is automatically marked as received.
This integration is currently in beta version, and we are actively refining it. Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing its functionality, so we encourage you to share your insights.
AfterShip Returns' integration with Amazon MCF allows merchants to set up return routing rules. AfterShip can automatically detect if an order was fulfilled by Amazon and create the return in Amazon Seller Central.
Once the return is created, AfterShip Returns retrieves the return shipping address (Amazon FBA warehouse) and uses it to generate a return shipping label with the merchant's pre-configured carrier account.
After Amazon receives the returned item, AfterShip Returns automatically updates the RMA status to received.
In this article, we will show you:
Prerequisites
Install Amazon MCF integration in AfterShip Returns
Setting up AfterShip return policy
Merchant experience
Shopper experience
FAQs
The merchant must install the Amazon MCF: US Fulfillment app and complete the onboarding setup.
The merchant must connect a carrier account to AfterShip Returns for label generation.
The solution is available for returns originating from US only.
In AfterShip Returns, go to Apps and search for Amazon Seller Central.
Select AfterShip Returns and install the Amazon Seller Central integration app to your AfterShip Returns organization.
One Amazon account can only be connected to one AfterShip Returns organization.
Give AfterShip Returns access to view and edit the data related to your Amazon Seller Partner account by clicking Confirm.
AfterShip currently supports creating returns in Amazon one at a time. Customers will need to submit a single item per return request.
in AfterShip Returns admin Go to Return policy > Eligibility rules > Product SKU limit.
Enable Limit products per return request and set it to Limit to one product SKU and quantity limit to one.
Learn more about setting product SKU limit here.
Amazon requires a packing slip and labels for return packages. Get more information here.
In AfterShip Returns, go to Ship and track > Return shipping > Shipping documents.
Enable Generate packing slips, which will generate a packing slip with the Amazon RMA barcode once the return is created and the shipping label is generated.
In the Return policy section, create a return zone for the US and set a custom return routing rule to send returns back to Amazon's warehouse.
Under the Return zone, use Fulfilled by Amazon MCF as the condition.
Under Prepaid shipping labels return shipping method, add your carrier account and select Custom for the package size.
Select Amazon MCF location for the return location.
We recommend using USPS to return your Amazon MCF package. If you choose FedEx or UPS, you may encounter an error when generating the return shipping label, as these carriers require a phone number in the shipping address, which isn't included in Amazon's return address. For assistance, please contact our support team.
Edit return instructions to guide your customers in preparing the return package. Find below the suggested return instruction template that meets Amazon MCF requirements:
Carefully pack the items in a secure box.
Attach the pre-paid return label to the address side of the box, ensuring it completely covers any previous delivery addresses and barcodes without overlapping the edges.
Cut out the RMA barcode from the packing slip and attach it to the parcel.
Place the packing slip inside the package.
Drop the package off at the nearest carrier location.
When shipping, ensure you cover all applicable export and import taxes and duty fees. These fees can be refunded through customer service upon submission of the receipt.
Once the RMA is approved, AfterShip creates the return in Amazon Seller Central for the corresponding order.
The actual return reason is stored in AfterShip, and Unwanted item is selected by default in Amazon.
Once Amazon receives the return, AfterShip will automatically update the RMA status to Received, allowing merchants to issue refunds.
Shoppers submit their return requests by entering the Shopify order number and email address in the return portal.
Once the return request is approved, the shopper receives a return label and packing slip with the Amazon RMA number.
Shoppers follow the merchant’s return instructions to pack the return and mail it back to Amazon’s warehouse.
Yes, the integration automates the entire return flow. Returns sync to Amazon Seller Central only when the return method is Ship with a return label, meaning the merchant must generate a return label through AfterShip Returns.
AfterShip integrates with USPS, FedEx, UPS, and others. You can register and connect your carrier account for label generation. AfterShip also partners with VESYL for discounted USPS rates.
USPS is the recommended carrier for Amazon MCF returns. If you're using FedEx or UPS, contact support for troubleshooting assistance, as these carriers require additional shipping address details.
You can set up return routing rules to direct returns to your own return warehouse. By creating custom rules with higher priority, you can generate return shipping labels that route products to your designated return location based on criteria such as product tag, product type, SKU number, return reason, and more.
For more details on how to configure return routing rules, check out this guide.
Overview
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) is a service that enables businesses to store inventory in Amazon's fulfillment centers and have Amazon handle the packing, shipping, and customer service for orders made through their websites or other sales channels. By integrating seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms like Shopify and TikTok Shop, it allows sellers to simplify their operations and offer fast, reliable delivery across multiple channels.
AfterShip Returns is a returns management solution that automates and streamlines the process of handling product returns, exchanges, and refunds. It offers customizable return portals, real-time tracking, and integrations with major carriers and e-commerce platforms, improving the customer experience and reducing operational inefficiencies.
The integration between AfterShip Returns and Amazon MCF helps merchants automatically create returns in Amazon Seller Central once a return request is approved in AfterShip Returns. AfterShip generates return shipping labels using the Amazon warehouse address from Seller Central via API, and once the return arrives at Amazon's warehouse, the return is automatically marked as received.
This integration is currently in beta version, and we are actively refining it. Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing its functionality, so we encourage you to share your insights.
Benefits
AfterShip Returns' integration with Amazon MCF allows merchants to set up return routing rules. AfterShip can automatically detect if an order was fulfilled by Amazon and create the return in Amazon Seller Central.
Once the return is created, AfterShip Returns retrieves the return shipping address (Amazon FBA warehouse) and uses it to generate a return shipping label with the merchant's pre-configured carrier account.
After Amazon receives the returned item, AfterShip Returns automatically updates the RMA status to received.
What you’ll learn
In this article, we will show you:
Prerequisites
Install Amazon MCF integration in AfterShip Returns
Setting up AfterShip return policy
Merchant experience
Shopper experience
FAQs
Prerequisites
The merchant must install the Amazon MCF: US Fulfillment app and complete the onboarding setup.
The merchant must connect a carrier account to AfterShip Returns for label generation.
The solution is available for returns originating from US only.
Install Amazon MCF integration in AfterShip Returns
In AfterShip Returns, go to Apps and search for Amazon Seller Central.
Select AfterShip Returns and install the Amazon Seller Central integration app to your AfterShip Returns organization.
One Amazon account can only be connected to one AfterShip Returns organization.
Give AfterShip Returns access to view and edit the data related to your Amazon Seller Partner account by clicking Confirm.
Setting up AfterShip return policy
Control how your customers submit return requests
AfterShip currently supports creating returns in Amazon one at a time. Customers will need to submit a single item per return request.
in AfterShip Returns admin Go to Return policy > Eligibility rules > Product SKU limit.
Enable Limit products per return request and set it to Limit to one product SKU and quantity limit to one.
Learn more about setting product SKU limit here.
Auto-generate packing slip for Amazon returns
Amazon requires a packing slip and labels for return packages. Get more information here.
In AfterShip Returns, go to Ship and track > Return shipping > Shipping documents.
Enable Generate packing slips, which will generate a packing slip with the Amazon RMA barcode once the return is created and the shipping label is generated.
Route returns to an Amazon warehouse
In the Return policy section, create a return zone for the US and set a custom return routing rule to send returns back to Amazon's warehouse.
Under the Return zone, use Fulfilled by Amazon MCF as the condition.
Under Prepaid shipping labels return shipping method, add your carrier account and select Custom for the package size.
Select Amazon MCF location for the return location.
We recommend using USPS to return your Amazon MCF package. If you choose FedEx or UPS, you may encounter an error when generating the return shipping label, as these carriers require a phone number in the shipping address, which isn't included in Amazon's return address. For assistance, please contact our support team.
Edit return instructions to guide your customers in preparing the return package. Find below the suggested return instruction template that meets Amazon MCF requirements:
Carefully pack the items in a secure box.
Attach the pre-paid return label to the address side of the box, ensuring it completely covers any previous delivery addresses and barcodes without overlapping the edges.
Cut out the RMA barcode from the packing slip and attach it to the parcel.
Place the packing slip inside the package.
Drop the package off at the nearest carrier location.
When shipping, ensure you cover all applicable export and import taxes and duty fees. These fees can be refunded through customer service upon submission of the receipt.
Merchant experience
Once the RMA is approved, AfterShip creates the return in Amazon Seller Central for the corresponding order.
The actual return reason is stored in AfterShip, and Unwanted item is selected by default in Amazon.
Once Amazon receives the return, AfterShip will automatically update the RMA status to Received, allowing merchants to issue refunds.
Shopper experience
Shoppers submit their return requests by entering the Shopify order number and email address in the return portal.
Once the return request is approved, the shopper receives a return label and packing slip with the Amazon RMA number.
Shoppers follow the merchant’s return instructions to pack the return and mail it back to Amazon’s warehouse.
FAQs
1. Can I have my shoppers ship the return back to Amazon using this integration?
Yes, the integration automates the entire return flow. Returns sync to Amazon Seller Central only when the return method is Ship with a return label, meaning the merchant must generate a return label through AfterShip Returns.
2. What if I don’t have a carrier account to generate return labels?
AfterShip integrates with USPS, FedEx, UPS, and others. You can register and connect your carrier account for label generation. AfterShip also partners with VESYL for discounted USPS rates.
3. What should I do if label generation keeps failing?
USPS is the recommended carrier for Amazon MCF returns. If you're using FedEx or UPS, contact support for troubleshooting assistance, as these carriers require additional shipping address details.
4. How can I route some orders fulfilled by MCF to my own return facility?
You can set up return routing rules to direct returns to your own return warehouse. By creating custom rules with higher priority, you can generate return shipping labels that route products to your designated return location based on criteria such as product tag, product type, SKU number, return reason, and more.
For more details on how to configure return routing rules, check out this guide.
Updated on: 13/02/2025
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