3PL Alternatives to Amazon FBA in the EU: How to Combine 3PL with FBA for Multi-Channel Growth

Expanding your e-commerce business in the European Union offers enormous potential—but it also comes with complex logistics challenges. Amazon FBA has long been the default fulfillment solution for sellers looking to scale in Europe, providing fast shipping, Prime eligibility, and streamlined returns. However, relying solely on FBA may limit flexibility and increase costs, especially when importing from China.
Fortunately, combining FBA with a third-party logistics (3PL) partner can optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and expand your reach—not just on Amazon, but across multiple channels including Shopify, TikTok Shop, and Instagram.
In this article, we explore alternatives to Amazon FBA in the EU, and show how using a 3PL alongside FBA can create a more flexible, scalable, and profitable e-commerce operation.
Amazon FBA offers undeniable advantages: fast delivery, easy returns, and millions of potential customers. However, for sellers importing from China and seeking multi-channel growth, FBA alone has limitations:
High Storage Fees: Seasonal peaks or slow-moving products can accumulate long-term storage costs.
Limited Control Over Fulfillment: Amazon dictates packaging, labeling, and shipping methods.
Complex Import Compliance: Importing from China to EU FBA warehouses requires careful attention to customs, VAT, and product regulations.
Channel Restrictions: FBA is designed primarily for Amazon orders, making multi-channel fulfillment more complicated.
A 3PL partner, such as DIDADI Logistics, can bridge these gaps, offering both EU storage and fulfillment solutions while integrating seamlessly with FBA and DTC sales channels.
Partnering with a 3PL brings multiple advantages:
1. Cost Optimization
Shipping large volumes from China directly to Amazon FBA can be expensive. A 3PL allows you to store bulk inventory in a European warehouse, replenishing FBA only as needed. This reduces long-term storage fees and shipping costs, especially for slow-moving or seasonal items.
2. Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)
A 3PL enables sellers to fulfill orders not just from Amazon, but from Shopify, TikTok Shop, Instagram, or your own website. This flexibility allows you to:
Sell directly to consumers (DTC)
Offer special promotions without impacting Amazon inventory
Control branding and packaging
For example, a Shopify store can ship products directly from a 3PL warehouse, while also sending stock to Amazon FBA for Prime-eligible orders.
3. Faster EU-Wide Delivery
3PL warehouses strategically located across Europe can dramatically reduce delivery times for both Amazon and DTC orders. While FBA ensures Prime delivery, your 3PL can provide cost-effective shipping to non-Amazon channels, or handle same-day or next-day delivery for direct customers.
4. Simplified Customs and Import Handling
Importing from China involves complex customs procedures, VAT registration, and compliance with EU product regulations. Many 3PLs, including DIDADI Logistics, offer customs clearance, VAT processing, and documentation services, reducing the risk of delays or fines.
5. Inventory Flexibility and Safety Stock
Using a 3PL as a buffer allows you to replenish FBA warehouses quickly without overstocking. This ensures availability during peak seasons and prevents lost sales due to FBA stockouts.
6. Branded Packaging and DTC Experience
Unlike FBA, a 3PL can prepare custom packaging, inserts, bundles, and personalized materials. This is particularly important for DTC sales, where unboxing experience influences customer retention and social media marketing (e.g., TikTok or Instagram unboxing videos).
Effectively combining FBA and a 3PL for multi-channel sales requires careful planning:
Ship Bulk Inventory from China to 3PL
Instead of sending all products to FBA, send them to your 3PL warehouse in Europe. This allows cost-effective storage and easier multi-channel distribution.Replenish FBA as Needed
Your 3PL can prepare shipments to Amazon FBA warehouses according to demand. Only sending what you need helps minimize FBA storage fees.Fulfill DTC Orders
For Shopify, TikTok Shop, or Instagram sales, the 3PL handles order fulfillment directly to your customers, maintaining branded packaging and fast delivery.Cross-Border EU Fulfillment
A centralized 3PL warehouse can ship to multiple EU countries quickly, avoiding the high cost and complexity of shipping individually from China.Integrate Inventory Management
Modern 3PLs integrate with Amazon Seller Central, Shopify, TikTok Shop, and Instagram commerce, providing real-time tracking of stock levels, inbound shipments, and order fulfillment.Leverage Marketing Opportunities
By supporting DTC fulfillment, 3PLs allow you to collect customer data, encourage repeat purchases, and build social media campaigns—something Amazon FBA alone cannot provide.
Imagine you sell lifestyle gadgets from China targeting Germany, France, and Italy:
Ship 5,000 units to DIDADI Logistics EU warehouse.
Send 1,500 units to Amazon FBA for Prime customers.
Fulfill Shopify and Instagram orders directly from the 3PL warehouse.
Use 3PL services for branded packaging, inserts, and localized shipping labels.
Benefits:
Reduced FBA storage fees
Faster DTC delivery
Multi-channel revenue growth
Simplified customs and import compliance
When selecting a 3PL, consider:
Location: Close to Amazon fulfillment centers or key DTC markets.
Experience with China Imports: Customs clearance, VAT handling, and import regulations.
Multi-Channel Integration: Ability to connect with Amazon, Shopify, TikTok Shop, and Instagram commerce.
Value-Added Services: Custom packaging, bundling, labeling, returns management.
Scalability: Capacity to handle seasonal spikes and expansion across Europe.
DIDADI Logistics specializes in EU 3PL services for sellers importing from China. With strategic warehouse locations, seamless FBA integration, and robust multi-channel support, DIDADI empowers sellers to optimize costs, expand reach, and elevate the customer experience across Amazon and DTC channels.
While Amazon FBA provides convenience and access to millions of shoppers, it is often insufficient for sellers looking to scale in Europe or expand DTC operations. Combining a 3PL warehouse with FBA creates a flexible, cost-effective, and scalable solution for multi-channel e-commerce.
By storing bulk inventory in a 3PL warehouse, managing customs efficiently, replenishing FBA strategically, and fulfilling DTC orders on Shopify, TikTok Shop, or Instagram, sellers can reduce costs, improve delivery speed, and provide a superior customer experience.
Partnering with an experienced 3PL like DIDADI Logistics ensures your supply chain is seamless, letting you focus on growth while experts handle logistics, compliance, and fulfillment.
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