Amazon FBA or 3PL: Which Is Better for Your Business

Running an online business comes with one key question: Who should handle your products once a customer hits “buy”? You’ve got two main options—Amazon FBA or a 3PL provider. Each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on how you want to grow and manage your brand.

Amazon FBA offers speed and convenience, while 3PL gives you flexibility and control. In this guide, we’ll break down both options in simple, clear language so you can see which path fits your business best and why.

Amazon FBA vs 3PL: What Do They Really Mean?

What is Amazon FBA?

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service where you send your products directly to Amazon’s warehouses. Once an order comes in, Amazon handles the picking, packing, expédition, and even customer service for you. It’s simple and convenient, especially if you want to sell quickly without worrying about logistics.

What is 3PL (Third-Party Logistics)?

3PL stands for third-party logistics. Instead of using Amazon, you work with an independent logistics company that stores, packs, and ships your products. A 3PL provider gives you more flexibility, since you can sell across different platforms—not just Amazon—and often negotiate lower shipping rates or custom services.

Why choosing the right model matters for online sellers

Your fulfillment choice directly impacts cost, speed, and customer satisfaction. Amazon FBA makes selling easy, but comes with higher fees and less control. A 3PL can save money and offer flexibility, but it may require more management on your side. Picking the right model means balancing growth, budget, and customer experience.

The Pros and Cons of Amazon FBA

The Benefits of Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA makes selling online super easy. You don’t need to handle packing, expédition, or customer service—Amazon does it all. With Prime shipping, your products can reach customers fast, which helps boost sales. Plus, being in Amazon’s network gives your store instant trust and visibility.

The Drawbacks of Amazon FBA

The biggest challenge with FBA is the cost. Amazon charges storage fees, fulfillment fees, and extra charges for returns or long-term storage. You also lose some control over your inventory since everything is in Amazon’s warehouses. For small businesses, these costs can quickly add up.

When Amazon FBA Works Best

FBA is a strong choice if you want quick growth and plan to sell mainly on Amazon. It works best for products that move fast, fit Amazon’s size and weight rules, and have high demand. If speed and convenience matter more than full control, FBA may be the right fit.

The Pros and Cons of 3PL Services

The Benefits of 3PL

Working with a 3PL gives you flexibility. You can choose the best provider for your needs, whether it’s fast shipping, emballage personnalisé, or global distribution. A good 3PL partner can scale with your business as you grow, offering more freedom than being tied only to Amazone.

The Drawbacks of 3PL

On the downside, 3PL services require more management. You need to compare providers, set up contracts, and make sure they deliver on time. The cost structure can also be harder to predict, since each 3PL has different pricing models. Without careful planning, expenses may surprise you.

When 3PL Works Best

3PL is a smart option if you sell on multiple platforms—not just Amazon. It also works well if you want more control over branding, conditionnement, or customer experience. For businesses looking at long-term growth and flexibility, 3PL is often the better investment.

Amazon FBA or 3PL: Which Works Better for Your Business?

When Amazon FBA Makes More Sense

FBA is perfect if most of your sales come directly from Amazon. You get the advantage of Prime shipping, built-in customer service, and easy access to millions of buyers. For beginners or businesses that want fast results, FBA is often the simplest path.

When 3PL Is the Smarter Choice

3PL works best when you sell across multiple platforms—Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, or even wholesale. If you value flexibility, branding, and control over packaging and pricing, a 3PL can give you the freedom to grow your business outside of Amazon’s ecosystem.

Quick Comparison: FBA vs. 3PL

Feature	Amazon FBA	3PL Services
Platform Focus	Amazon-only fulfillment	Multi-channel (Amazone + others)
Shipping Speed	Very fast (Prime)	Depends on the provider
Branding Options	Limited	Flexible
Costs	Predictable but can be high	Varies, sometimes more cost-effective
Best For	Beginners, Amazon-focused sellers	Growing brands, multi-platform sellers

How to Decide the Right Fulfillment Strategy for You

Cost Considerations

Look at all the costs, not just storage and shipping. Amazon FBA has fixed fees, but they can add up, while 3PLs may offer more flexible pricing depending on your order volume.

Customer Experience

Fast and reliable delivery is key. If you want Prime benefits, FBA wins. If you want branded packaging and a tailored unboxing experience, 3PL is usually better.

Growth Goals

Think long-term. FBA works well for Amazon-only sales, but if you plan to grow across multiple channels, a 3PL partner gives you more freedom and scalability.

How a Sourcing Agency Can Simplify Your Fulfillment Choice

Connecting You with the Right Fulfillment Providers

Choosing the right 3PL partner can feel confusing, especially when your business is growing fast. Splygo Sourcing helps you connect with reliable providers and offers tailored shipping solutions for your products. Whether you need Amazon FBA support, dropshipping, or multi-platform fulfillment, they guide you to the best fit for your business.

Optimizing Costs and International Shipping

International logistics can get complicated, and hidden fees often reduce your profit margins. Splygo Sourcing provides clear cost comparisons and efficiency insights, helping you optimize operations when you import from China to the USA or other countries. This ensures you make informed decisions that save both time and money.

Expert Guidance for Smooth Business Growth

A wrong fulfillment choice can slow growth and create unnecessary headaches. With expert guidance from Splygo Sourcing, you get smoother operations, better supplier negotiations, and smarter fulfillment strategies. Their support makes expanding your business easier and more cost-effective.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Amazon FBA and 3PL isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. FBA offers convenience and speed, while 3PL provides flexibility and control. The best choice depends on your sales channels, branding goals, and growth plans.

Partnering with a professional sourcing agency like Splygo Sourcing makes the decision easier. Their expertise helps you navigate costs, logistique, and provider selection so you can focus on growing your business. With the right strategy and support, your fulfillment process can become a true advantage rather than a headache.