Introduction

The Amazon NARF (North American Remote Fulfilment) program has emerged as a game-changer in the world of e-commerce. Offering a unique set of advantages, this program is reshaping how businesses approach fulfilment. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of NARF, from its inception to its practical application.

What is Amazon NARF?

Amazon’s North American Remote Fulfilment (NARF) program is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the logistical capabilities of sellers. It allows businesses to store their inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, even if they are not located in North America. This enables faster shipping times and improved customer satisfaction.

Amazon NARF, or North American Remote Fulfilment, is a specialized program offered by Amazon to facilitate e-commerce businesses in efficiently managing their inventory and order fulfilment processes. This program enables businesses located outside of North America to store their products in Amazon’s fulfilment centers within the region.

By participating in NARF, businesses can take advantage of Amazon’s extensive logistical network, allowing for quicker and more streamlined shipping to customers in North America. This program is particularly beneficial for international sellers seeking to expand their reach and enhance their customer service.

In essence, Amazon NARF acts as a strategic solution for businesses looking to improve their supply chain efficiency and provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers in North America.

Eligibility to Enroll in Amazon NARF

To participate in the Amazon NARF program, sellers must meet specific eligibility criteria. Generally, businesses with a proven track record of quality service and a commitment to timely delivery are considered. Additionally, sellers must adhere to Amazon’s policies and guidelines.

√ Professional Amazon Seller Account: Enrollment in Remote Fulfillment is available to professional sellers only. Sellers must have an active Amazon seller account. This account should be in good standing with no significant policy violations.

√ Compliance with Amazon Trade Policies and Country’s Regulation : Assess the rules and specifications for trade compliance on the kinds of goods you sell in each country. Adherence to Amazon’s policies and guidelines is mandatory. Sellers must operate within the framework of Amazon’s terms of service and policies.

√ International Seller Status: As Amazon NARF is designed for businesses located outside of North America, sellers must be based in regions other than North America.

√ International Seller Status: You may navigate between the US, Canadian, and Mexican markets with ease if you have a North American Unified Account. Going to Seller Central’s “Upgrade to a Unified Account” page makes the upgrade simple.

√ Inventory Management: Effective inventory management practices are essential. Sellers should be capable of efficiently managing their stock levels to meet customer demand.

Amazon NARF Fees

Participating in the Amazon NARF program involves certain costs. These may include storage fees, order handling fees, and shipping fees. It’s essential for sellers to understand the financial implications before enrolling in the program. Proper financial planning ensures a seamless experience with NARF.

Fees Explained Here:

Advantages of Amazon NARF Program

The Amazon NARF program presents a host of benefits for sellers. From expanded customer reach to improved shipping efficiency, the advantages are significant. By utilizing Amazon’s extensive network, sellers can tap into a wider market and provide a superior buying experience.

Benefits of participating in the Amazon NARF program include:

1. Market Testing Agility: Sellers have the ability to swiftly explore new marketplaces. Launching a product internationally can be uncertain, but with Remote Fulfillment, sellers can introduce their products without the need to send inventory to another country.

2. Centralized U.S. Shipping: All orders, regardless of the originating North American marketplace, are fulfilled from a shared U.S.-based inventory. This centralization saves time, money, and the potential logistical complexities associated with international shipping.

3. Customer Responsibility for Import Duties: When customers in Mexico or Canada place orders, they are accountable for any applicable import taxes and duties. Sellers are not liable for these charges.

4. No Tax Filing or Payment Obligations in Canada or Mexico: Sellers are not required to handle the collection or payment of Canadian or Mexican taxes. Customers take care of these responsibilities by paying the taxes and fees during checkout. Additionally, international carriers partnered with Amazon manage the remittance of these amounts to the respective authorities.

5. Simplified Listing Creation: Through the unified account, all listing details, including images and reviews, are automatically replicated on each foreign marketplace. Listings are also translated into the local language, although it’s recommended to review the listing copy with a translator for accuracy.

6. User-Friendly Setup: Enrolling or discontinuing products in the NARF program is a straightforward process, offering sellers flexibility and ease of management.

Disadvantages of Amazon NARF Program

While Amazon NARF offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to acknowledge potential drawbacks. These may include higher associated costs, compliance challenges, and the need for effective inventory management. Sellers must weigh these factors against the benefits to make an informed decision.

1. Customer Cost Implications: Customers may experience higher expenses due to their responsibility for import duties and taxes. When products are stored in a Canadian or Mexican FBA fulfillment center, the seller manages tax collection and payment, potentially saving customers money.

2. Exchange Rate Monitoring: Sellers must monitor exchange rates as customers transact in their local currencies. This ensures accurate pricing, preventing the inadvertent over- or undercharging of products.

3. Extended Shipping Durations: Orders dispatched from the U.S. to different countries may entail longer shipping times compared to standard Prime shipping. For instance, shipping to Mexico typically takes 5 to 9 days, while shipping to Canada ranges from 7 to 12 days.

4. Elevated Fulfillment Fees: Remote fulfillment incurs higher costs for shipping products internationally, leading to increased fulfillment fees. It’s crucial to stay vigilant about exchange rates to ensure profitability after accounting for Remote Fulfillment fees.

How to Enroll in Amazon NARF Program?

Enrolling in the Amazon NARF program involves a series of steps. From setting up an Amazon seller account to configuring fulfillment settings, our step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. Follow these instructions to unlock the full potential of NARF.

Here is the process of enrolling in the Amazon NARF program outlined in bullet points:

1. Go to the Remote Fulfillment with FBA page in Seller Central.
2. Review the program details, including links to fees and policies.
3. After understanding all the fees, click “Next” to proceed.
4. Choose the marketplaces where you want to add offers – in this case, Canada and Mexico.
5. Note: Enrolling in Remote Fulfillment with FBA also enrolls you in Build International Listings. This allows duplication of your US offers for the target store or stores, with prices adjusted for various factors.
6. Monitor your pricing despite Amazon’s exchange rate adjustments.
7. Review fee examples provided by Amazon for better cost understanding. Then, click “Next.”
8. On the last page, if you have both FBA and seller-fulfilled offers with the same SKU, you’ll need to remove the seller-fulfilled offers. They cannot share the same SKU as an FBA offer.
9. If you wish to have seller-fulfilled offers for the same items, ensure they have a separate SKU.
10. Read through and understand the information provided, then check the box to confirm understanding.
11. Click “Enroll” to complete the process.
12. You are now enrolled and ready to sell internationally. Amazon will evaluate your offers and automatically enroll any eligible items. Additionally, any new items added to your U.S. inventory will be automatically included in Remote Fulfillment.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get approved for the Amazon NARF program?

A: The approval process for NARF typically takes a few business days. However, this may vary based on individual circumstances.

Q: Can I use Amazon NARF for international shipping?

A: Yes, NARF allows you to fulfill orders for international customers, providing a seamless cross-border e-commerce experience.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of products eligible for Amazon NARF?

A: While most products are eligible for NARF, certain categories may have specific requirements. It’s advisable to review Amazon’s policies for detailed information.

Q: How can I track inventory levels in the Amazon NARF program?

A: Amazon provides robust tools and reports to help you monitor your inventory levels in real-time, ensuring timely restocking.

Q: What is the role of customer service in the Amazon NARF program?

A: Providing exceptional customer service remains crucial in the NARF program. Timely responses and efficient issue resolution contribute to positive buyer experiences.

Q: Can I switch out of the Amazon NARF program after enrolling?

A: Yes, sellers have the flexibility to opt out of the Amazon NARF program if it no longer aligns with their business strategy. Be sure to follow Amazon’s guidelines for making such changes.

Conclusion

Embracing the North American Remote Fulfilment (NARF) program can be a transformative step for businesses looking to enhance their logistical capabilities. By understanding the intricacies of NARF, sellers can unlock new opportunities and provide exceptional service to their customers.

Read More About Amazon Step by Step Guide.