Launch Fulfillment vs Amazon FBA
FBA is the fastest path to Amazon Prime. Launch handles everything else — and most brands run both. Here's when to mix vs replace.
You sell on more channels than just Amazon
FBA only fulfills Amazon orders. If you have a Shopify DTC site, sell to retailers, or do wholesale — you need a 3PL for those channels regardless. Most brands $3M+ run both: FBA for Amazon, Launch for everything else, with shared inventory pool.
Plus, Amazon's 2026 FBA Prep policy change means you need a third-party prep partner anyway. Bundle prep + multi-channel fulfillment with one specialist.
Amazon is your only or primary channel
If 90%+ of your volume is Amazon and you don't plan to diversify — FBA is the right fit. Native Prime badge, Amazon's logistics network, lowest cost-per-order on Amazon volume.
Note: even Amazon-primary brands need FBA Prep after Jan 1, 2026 since Amazon stops in-house prep — that's where Launch comes in regardless.
Criteria comparison
| Criterion | Launch Fulfillment | Amazon FBA |
|---|---|---|
| Channels supported | Shopify, B2B, retail, Amazon (MCF) | Amazon only |
| Prime badge | No (FBA does) | Yes — built in |
| Branded packaging | Custom inserts, branded boxes | Amazon-branded |
| Multi-channel inventory | Single pool, all channels | Amazon-only pool |
| 2026 FBA prep | Done — SPN-listed | Ending Jan 1, 2026 |
| Subscription / DTC site | Yes — full DTC stack | No |
| Wholesale / B2B | Yes — pallet, EDI, retail-ready | No |
| Returns | Customer-friendly portal + restock | Amazon's rules |
Honest credit
Prime badge
Native 1-2 day Prime delivery — non-negotiable for Amazon listings.
Amazon network
Lowest per-order cost on high-velocity Amazon SKUs.
Native search ranking
FBA inventory ranks better in Amazon search.
Mix-or-replace questions
Will switching disrupt my orders?
Most clients switching from another 3PL run parallel for 2 weeks. Inventory transfers in waves so neither operation goes dark. Your customers don't see the switch.
How long does the switch take?
30 days from signature to first live shipment, plus 2 weeks of parallel run for validation. Faster than most onboardings the first time around.
Will my account manager change?
You get a dedicated account manager from day 1 — not a ticket queue. Same person through onboarding, daily ops, and quarterly reviews.
Get a custom quote based on YOUR numbers
See exactly what switching from Amazon FBA to Launch would cost — based on your SKU count, channel mix, and volume. 24-hour turnaround.