MCFMulti-Channel Fulfillment
Multi-Channel Fulfillment lets Amazon FBA sellers use their Amazon inventory to fulfil orders from other sales channels — Shopify, eBay, or their own website — using Amazon's warehouse and logistics network.
What is MCF?
Amazon MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfillment) allows sellers to ship inventory to Amazon's FBA warehouses and then use that same inventory to fulfil orders from any channel — not just Amazon. When an order comes in on your Shopify store, you create an MCF order in Seller Central (or via API), and Amazon picks, packs, and ships it from their warehouse directly to your customer.
MCF orders are billed separately from standard FBA fees, typically at a premium. The advantage is consolidating inventory in one warehouse network and leveraging Amazon's logistics infrastructure (2-day and standard shipping options) without needing your own warehouse or 3PL. The limitation is that packages ship in Amazon-branded boxes, which some DTC brands find problematic for brand experience. Amazon launched a 'blank box' option in 2022 that removes Amazon branding for an additional fee.
For sellers already using FBA, MCF is the most operationally simple multichannel solution — single inventory pool, no additional 3PL contracts, and Amazon handles all the picking, packing, and carrier relationships.
Why it matters for sellers
Without MCF or a 3PL, a seller running both Amazon and Shopify must hold separate inventory pools at separate locations — tying up double the capital, increasing the risk of one channel's stockout while the other has excess. MCF consolidates inventory into a single pool, improving capital efficiency and simplifying reordering.
How to use MCF
Enable MCF in Seller Central under Settings > Fulfillment by Amazon > Multi-Channel Fulfillment. Use Shopify's Amazon MCF app (official integration) to automatically forward Shopify orders to Amazon for fulfillment. Configure your preferred shipping speeds (standard 3-5 day, expedited 2-day, or priority 1-day) and set customer expectations accordingly.
Compare MCF fees against your local 3PL's rates for your average package size and weight. For light, small items, MCF is often cheaper. For heavy or bulky items, a regional 3PL may be more economical.
Real-world example
A kitchenware brand sells on both Amazon and Shopify. Previously they split 500 units between Amazon FBA and their garage. After enabling MCF, all 500 units go to Amazon FBA. Shopify orders are automatically forwarded to Amazon's MCF. Inventory turns 30% faster (no split-stock imbalance), and they save $640/month in storage costs at their self-run location.
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Frequently asked questions about MCF
Do MCF orders show Amazon branding on the box?
By default, yes — MCF orders ship in Amazon-branded packaging. For an additional fee per order, Amazon's 'blank box' option ships in neutral packaging without Amazon branding. This option is important for DTC brands concerned about customer experience and buy-box attribution.
Are MCF fees higher than standard FBA fees?
Yes, typically 10–50% higher per unit than standard FBA fees, depending on package dimensions and shipping speed. The premium covers the additional logistics of routing non-Amazon orders through the FBA network. Compare against your 3PL's per-order fulfilment rate for your specific SKUs.
Can I use MCF to fulfil international orders?
Yes, for countries where Amazon has FBA warehouses and MCF is enabled. You'd need FBA inventory in the relevant country (e.g., UK FBA inventory to fulfil UK Shopify orders). Cross-border MCF (using US FBA to fulfil EU orders) is available but involves customs complications and higher fees.