Pattern's packaging requirements mirror Amazon's Inbound packaging standards.
You may find a downloadable file at the bottom of this article for quick reference!
Packaging Shipments
Box Specifications: Use a rigid, six-sided box with flaps intact.
Avoid:
- Point-of-sale containers (e.g., coffee makers shipped in original boxes)
- Open display boxes (e.g., open front boxes or boxes without tops)
- Pallet-sized boxes (also known as "Gaylord's")
Acceptable Boxes:
- Regular slotted carton (RSC)
- B flute
- ECT-32 (edge crush test)
- 200 lb./sq. inch (burst strength)
Packing Material: Use a minimum of 2 inches of appropriate packing material around each item and between the products and box walls. If items are shipped in the manufacturer's case pack, the 2 inches of packing material is not required.
Seller Central: This information can be found in Seller Central. You will need to be logged into Seller Central to view the policy page.
Box Content
Single SKU: Boxes should ideally contain one SKU per box.
Multiple SKUs: If multiple SKUs must be mixed in a single box, ensure the box contains:
- Product description
- Part number
- SKU
- Quantity shipped
- Products must remain in case packs; do not pack items loosely.
Box Weight & Dimensions
Weight Limit: For safety, boxes must not exceed 50 lbs., unless containing one oversized item that exceeds this weight.
Dimensions: Boxes containing multiple standard-size items should not exceed 26" on any side. Boxes may exceed this limit if they contain one or more oversize units exceeding 26". If any side exceeds 26" it will be unable to go through our conveyor system for capturing dimensions accurately.
Approved Dunnage
Accepted Materials:
- Foam sheets or cushions
- Air pillows
- Bubble wrap
- Full sheets of paper
Prohibited Materials:
- Packing peanuts (including biodegradable and corn starch varieties)
- Crinkle wrap
- Shredded paper
- Thermocol chips
Additional Requirements
Ensure boxes and contents are packaged securely to avoid damage. Common damage causes include:
- Under filled boxes
- Improperly stacked pallets
- Heavy items at the top of pallets
- Pallets not shrink-wrapped tightly before transport
Pallet Requirements
Palletized Shipments Only: Reach will only accept palletized shipments; floor-loaded shipments are not allowed.
Pallet Guidelines:
- Pallet height must not exceed 72" (including the pallet).
- Pallets must be shrink-wrapped tightly with clear plastic to prevent product escape during transport.
- Contents must stay within the pallet's footprint, with no overhang greater than 1 inch.
- Double-stack pallets are permitted if kept under 96" total height and stacked safely to prevent product damage.
- Pallets must be forklift-compatible for unloading (2 pallets required for double stacking).
Misrouted Shipments
Occasionally, Amazon may direct Pattern to route a shipment to a different fulfillment center (FC) than originally planned. When this happens, brands may see a redirect reflected on their shipment report.
What this means for you:
- When Amazon authorizes a redirect, Amazon should not penalize the brand for the change in destination.
- In the event that Amazon does apply a defect fee related to a Pattern-initiated redirect, Pattern will reimburse the brand at 2x the amount of the fee.
If you notice a redirect on your report and have questions, reach out to your Brand Manager and we'll walk through it together.
Inventory Shortages During Inbound Receiving (Short IR)
If an Inbound Receiving (IR) record reflects a shortage of inventory, the brand is required to provide documentation proving that all inventory was present on the truck at the time of delivery. Pattern will only issue a reimbursement upon receipt of the required documentation.
Required Documentation by Shipment Type:
Prep Shipments:
- Signed copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Accurate pack slip
- Pattern inbound shipment ID
Middle Mile (MM) Shipments:
- Proof of Delivery (POD), signed by both parties
- POD must include the FBA IDs or the Middle Mile Order (MMO) number
Important note on missing shipment IDs: If the Pattern inbound shipment ID is missing from the required paperwork, Amazon may have no official record of the inventory even if the goods were physically received. Please double-check that all required IDs are included on your paperwork before shipping to avoid delays in processing any shortage claims.
If you believe you have a shortage and have the documentation ready, contact your Brand Manager to initiate the review process.
Unreadable Labels - Middle Mile
If a label arrives for Middle Mile with unreadable or unscannable, Pattern will make every effort to process it before a relabeling fee is applied. Here's how that process works:
- The carton will go through the conveyor and be given 3 scan attempts.
- If a successful scan is captured within those attempts, the carton will sort correctly and no action is needed.
- If all 3 attempts fail, the carton is pulled from the line and a hand scanner is used.
- If the hand scanner successfully reads the label, the carton is processed with no charge to the brand.
- If the label still cannot be scanned, it is deemed unscannable. Pattern will manually enter the information, and a new destination label will be applied. A $1.50 relabeling fee will be charged and added to the invoice.
To avoid this fee, please ensure all labels are clearly printed, properly affixed, and free of damage before shipment.