Running an Amazon FBA business or selling products online can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started. From sourcing products to shipping orders, there’s a lot to manage. One of the biggest game-changers is having the right supplies. The tools you use for labeling, packing, and shipping not only save time but also reduce mistakes and help you maintain a professional appearance for your brand.
Over the years, we’ve tested countless tools and supplies, and we’ve narrowed it down to a list of items that we rely on every single day in our FBA business. Whether you’re printing shipping labels, covering manufacturer barcodes, or packing fragile items, having these essentials on hand will make your workflow smoother, faster, and more efficient.
Below, we’re sharing the exact products we use, along with tips on how to get the most out of them. Everything links directly to the product so you can grab them quickly and get started with confidence.
Labeling Supplies
Label Printer
We actually use two of these printers — one dedicated to 4×6 shipping labels and another for SKU labels. Thermal printing makes labels crisp, professional-looking, and easy to scan. Pro tip: keep a small stack of labels ready for each day’s shipments to save time in the morning.
Another Alternative Label Printer
If the first one is out of stock, this printer works just as well. It’s reliable and prints quickly, which is essential when handling dozens of orders per day.
Label Holder
A label holder keeps both your shipping and SKU labels organized. We place ours next to our printers for easy access, which reduces mistakes like printing the wrong label on a product.
SKU Labels
These labels are essential for covering manufacturer barcodes. We always double-check that the barcode is fully covered to avoid FBA scanning issues. Tip: keep a spare sheet of SKU labels in your desk for unexpected shipments or new inventory.
A4 SKU Labels
If you haven’t switched to thermal printing yet, these A4 labels work perfectly with any inkjet or laser printer. They’re a great entry-level solution before committing to thermal printing and can save money on smaller batches of shipments.
4×6 Shipping Labels
Used for printing UPS or courier shipping labels, 4×6 thermal labels make packages look professional and ensure scanners read them without errors. Pro tip: always test a few labels before printing a full batch to make sure alignment is correct.
Packing Supplies
Boxes
Having a variety of sturdy boxes is essential. We stock small, medium, and large boxes to match product sizes. Tip: keep boxes flattened when not in use to save space and prevent them from bending or tearing.
Poly Bags
Poly bags are perfect for smaller items. We use these to protect products from dust and moisture. Make sure the bag size is appropriate — too big and the item moves around, too small and it may tear during shipping.
Bulk Purchase Polybags
If you’re buying in bulk, this is a much better deal. We usually stock up to last a few months, which helps reduce costs and ensures we’re never out of essential packing materials.
Fragile Packing Tape
This tape is perfect for delicate packages. We always keep multiple rolls handy — they’re inexpensive and extremely useful for reinforcing boxes or securing fragile items.
Brown Packing Tape
Brown packing tape is our go-to for general shipping. It’s strong, sticks well, and works on both boxes and poly bags. Pro tip: store tape in a cool, dry place to prevent it from losing stickiness.
Tape Gun
This makes packing boxes incredibly fast and effortless. Once you start using a tape gun, it’s hard to go back to manually taping boxes. Tip: keep spare tape rolls loaded to avoid interruptions during packing sessions.
Tips for Organizing Your Packing Station
- Keep all supplies within reach: Place printers, labels, tape, and boxes on a single workstation to minimize movement and save time.
- Label inventory storage: Keep SKU labels, poly bags, and boxes organized by size or product type for faster processing.
- Stock up in advance: Buy common items like tape, poly bags, and labels in bulk — it’s cheaper and prevents delays in shipping.
- Create a workflow: Print labels in batches, pack items, then seal and scan — this reduces errors and increases efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools can save time, prevent mistakes, and make packaging look professional. These are the exact supplies we rely on every day in our Amazon FBA business, and we highly recommend them to anyone serious about scaling their online selling operations.
By investing in quality supplies and setting up an organized packing workflow, you’ll not only improve efficiency but also enhance the customer experience, which can lead to better reviews and repeat sales. Grab these items now and watch your daily operations become smoother and more professional.