
To ensure a smooth delivery process for your pallets on Amazon Canada, it's essential to understand the basics of Amazon's shipping policies. You can ship packages weighing up to 20 kg and measuring up to 1.2 meters in length, width, and height.
Amazon Canada has specific requirements for pallets, including a maximum weight of 20 kg and a maximum dimension of 1.2 meters. This is crucial to avoid any issues during shipping.
For a smooth delivery process, it's also important to use the correct packaging materials. Amazon recommends using sturdy boxes or pallets specifically designed for shipping, as they are more likely to withstand the rigors of transportation.
Proper labeling is also vital to ensure your pallets are handled correctly. Make sure to include your name, address, and the recipient's name and address on the pallet, along with any relevant handling instructions.
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Pallet Buying Considerations
Buying pallets from Amazon can be a cost-effective way to stock up on products, but it's essential to consider a few things before making a purchase.

The cost of shipping can be a significant expense, especially if you're not located near the warehouse where the pallets are being shipped from.
You can expect a wide variety of products on a pallet, including items from reputable brands, which is a big plus.
However, be aware that return pallets often contain some damaged or non-functional items, and you won't know the percentage of damaged goods when you buy the pallet.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when buying pallets from Amazon:
Returns and Shipping
Amazon has been working towards a goal of zero product disposal, and now offers programs to resell customer returned items or send them to the liquidation market. Sellers can recover around 5 to 20% of the sale price if the product is liquidated.
For sellers using Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA), Amazon handles the categorization of returns, labeling them as either sellable, damaged, customer-damaged, defective, carrier-damaged, or expired. If the damage is caused by Amazon or the courier, the item becomes Amazon's property, and the seller is compensated.
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Some returned items are packaged into pallets and sold in bulk as liquidation merchandise, which can be a good option for buyers looking for deals on returned products. However, return pallets often contain some damaged or non-functional items, and you won't know the percentage of damaged goods when you make the purchase.
Shipping costs can be expensive, especially if you're not located near the warehouse they are being shipped from.
What to Do With Returns
Returns can be a complex issue for businesses, but Amazon has implemented various programs to help sellers deal with them. Amazon gives sellers four options for dealing with items that can't be sold as new: Return to Seller, Disposal, Liquidation, and Fulfillment by Amazon Grade and Resell.
Amazon third-party sellers typically end up throwing away about a third of their returned items. However, Amazon now offers sellers the option to resell customer returned items or send them to the liquidation market.
If a seller chooses the 'Return to Seller' option, returned items leave the Amazon warehouse and are sent back to the seller for processing. For non-electronic items that are unopened, many are simply relisted for resale. However, if the item has been opened, the seller must decide whether it's worth repairing and reselling.
Electronics are treated a bit differently when returned to Amazon. Many returned electronics go through a thorough inspection and are repaired if needed. After that, they're listed on Amazon Renewed, where customers can buy refurbished items that work like new but at a much lower price than buying a brand-new product.
Here's a breakdown of what happens to returned items that don't get resold on Amazon:
Some returned items are packaged into pallets and sold in bulk as liquidation merchandise. For sellers using Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA), Amazon handles the categorization of returns. The returned items are labeled as either sellable, damaged, customer-damaged, defective, carrier-damaged, or expired.
Small Shipment to Center
Shipping a small pallet to an Amazon fulfillment center can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Amazon typically prefers standard pallet sizes, which are usually 40" x 48". However, they do accept non-standard sizes in many cases.
If you're shipping a non-standard size, like a 48"W x 33"L pallet, ensure it meets certain criteria. The pallet should not exceed 72" in height, must be able to be safely handled by a forklift, and be in good condition to support the weight of your products.
The key to a successful non-standard shipment is ensuring the pallet is stable and can be safely handled. If possible, consider using a standard 40" x 48" pallet for easier handling. If you must use the smaller size, ensure your products are securely stacked and wrapped.
Clear labeling on all sides of the pallet is also crucial. Don't forget to communicate with Amazon about non-standard shipments, and contact Seller Support through Seller Central for specific guidance on your situation.
Carrier considerations are also important. Ensure your carrier is aware of the non-standard pallet size, as this may affect shipping costs or handling.
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Pallet Placement and Fees
Shipping partial pallets to multiple locations can be costly, especially when factoring in placement fees. This can lead to inefficient and expensive shipping.
Shipping a full pallet can minimize freight costs per unit and pound, but it's not always possible with placement fees. Some pallets may only have 10 boxes, while a full pallet would have 80.
You can compare the two options by clicking on each option Amazon provides, including shipping costs, to see what's the least expensive. This will help you assess and compare the costs.
Shipping SPD (Shipments from the Seller) and waiving the placement fee can be a cost-effective option. However, this may not be available for all locations, and you'll need to check the options provided by Amazon.
Shipping a pallet closest to your warehouse and paying the full placement fee can also be a viable option. This can help minimize shipping costs, but it may not be the cheapest option.
You can also consider storing your inventory in Amazon's AWD (Amazon Warehouses) warehouse to avoid placement fees. This can be a convenient option, especially if you have a large volume of inventory.
For another approach, see: Pallet Truck En Español
Preparation and Avoidance
Amazon has strict requirements for pallets, so it's essential to get it right to avoid costly mistakes. You can use floor loaded cargo in some cases, but the standard requirement is palletized goods.
To ensure compliance, use wooden pallets with a size of 40 inch x 48 inch (1000 mm x 1200 mm) and a four-way access type. Make sure the pallet quality meets the GMA Standard B Grade or higher, with at least 6 boards on top and 4 on bottom.
Maximum weight and height limits are also crucial: 1,500.00 lb. (675 kg) and ~69 inch (1750 mm) including the pallet itself. Keep in mind that overhang over the pallet edge is not allowed, except for a small 1 inch overhang which might still be acceptable.
To summarize, here are the key pallet requirements:
Tips on Upscaling
Sorting through your Amazon return pallet is the first step to upscaling its contents. Separate items into two piles: those that can be sold right out of the box and those that need some attention.

Many items are returned due to faults, especially electronics, which can be repaired or refurbished to make them as good as new.
Don't throw away products that can't be repaired - broken items can often be used for spare parts. This can help you restore a working version of a product.
Missing accessories like chargers or headphones can be replaced inexpensively, and having the full set of accessories can increase the value of the product.
Damaged original packaging can be replaced or repackaged to maintain the product's value.
Mistakes to Avoid: Costs
Using non-compliant wooden pallets from China can lead to costly mistakes, including the risk of having shipments ordered to be removed from Canada at the importer's expense.
Amazon sellers can face significant costs if their pallets don't meet the required standards, including the rejection of shipments and the need to re-palletize goods.
Shipping non-palletized cartons from China and palletizing after arrival to Canada can provide extra protection for goods during transportation, but it may not be a good option for shipping fragile goods or weak cartons by less-than-container service.
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Using ISPM-15 compliant wooden pallets bearing the IPPC mark can be expensive, but it's a necessary step to avoid costly mistakes.
Here are some costs to consider:
The cost of using non-compliant pallets can be avoided by taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance with Amazon's requirements and the CFIA's regulations.
Requirements and Process
Building pallets for Amazon Canada requires careful planning and attention to detail. The maximum pallet height is 72 inches, but there are exceptions for items that exceed this height.
To stack boxes on your pallet, follow these guidelines:
- Physically separate ASINs to make them easy to differentiate upon receipt.
- Follow any guidelines shown on the box packaging, such as stack height maximums and handling restrictions.
- Build pallets with FBA box ID labels facing outwards to allow each barcode to be scanned without breaking down the pallet.
- Stack boxes so they are stable and flush on all sides, with heaviest items at the bottom.
Step 3: Analyze
In Step 3, you'll want to carefully review the pallet listings to ensure you're getting the right items at the right price. This involves inspecting the descriptions and photos of pallets to understand the condition, product categories, and estimated retail value.
Inspect the downloadable manifest for details about the items' condition, such as whether they're new, refurbished, or used. Product categories and estimated retail value are also crucial pieces of information to consider.
To evaluate costs, add up the total bid price, shipping fees, and any additional handling charges or marketplace fees.
Here's a breakdown of the costs to consider:
- Bid price: The price you agree to pay for the pallet
- Shipping fees: The cost of transporting the pallet from the seller to you
- Handling charges: Additional fees for services like pallet assembly or disassembly
- Marketplace fees: Fees charged by the platform or marketplace for facilitating the sale
Requirements
Amazon has strict requirements for pallets sent to their fulfillment centers. Each pallet must conform to the instructions outlined in the Floor Loading Policy.
The maximum pallet height is 72 inches, but there are exceptions for pallets with a single unit that's taller than 72 inches, which can be up to 98 inches including the pallet height.
To build pallets efficiently, place shipping boxes that weigh more than 100 lbs together on a single pallet, with the heaviest items at the bottom. Total weight must not exceed 1,500 lbs.
Here are some key guidelines to follow when stacking boxes on your pallet:
- Physically separate ASINs so they're easy to differentiate upon receipt.
- Follow any guidelines shown on the box packaging, such as stack height maximums and handling restrictions.
- Build pallets with FBA box ID labels facing outwards to allow each barcode to be scanned without breaking down the pallet.
- Stack boxes so they're stable and flush on all sides, with the heaviest items on the bottom.
- For single-ASIN pallets, all boxes must be stacked the same way (i.e. horizontal or vertical).
Remember to wrap pallets in clear plastic stretch wrap and label each shipment box with a unique ID. Also, ensure there's 6 inches of clearance from the top of the stack to the roof of the container to prevent the load from falling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Amazon pallet cost?
The cost of an Amazon pallet varies from $100 to $1,000, depending on its size and contents. Learn more about the factors that affect the price of an Amazon pallet.
Is it worth buying Amazon return pallets?
Yes, buying Amazon return pallets can be a cost-effective way to build your inventory and increase profit margins. They offer significant discounts compared to buying items individually, making them an attractive option for resellers.
What is an Amazon mystery pallet?
An Amazon mystery pallet is a bulk purchase of customer returns, overstock, or unsold inventory from various sources. It's a unique opportunity for sellers to acquire discounted products, but with unknown quantities and product mixes.
Sources
- https://sellercentral.amazon.ca/seller-forums/discussions/t/f221b1d5-c90c-4a21-b09a-da948caa242f
- https://www.directliquidation.com/liquidation-102/buy-amazon-customer-returns-pallets-online/
- https://sellercentral.amazon.ca/seller-forums/discussions/t/e44d9596-0683-46b8-accb-e7f7a2646ba7
- https://sellercentral.amazon.ca/seller-forums/discussions/t/88c926b9-1989-4ae8-aff9-a849cba182ad
- https://www.scintegrators.ca/2020/02/07/amazon-pallet-requirements-costly-mistakes-to-avoid/
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