Step 01 — Warehouse Inbound
Barcoding Requirements
Everything your products and cartons must have before arriving at the warehouse. Complete this before your first inbound shipment — failure to comply can lead to misidentified goods, delayed putaway, or exception handling fees.
Operations · Warehouse Inbound
Comprehensive Warehouse Inbound Guide
6 sections covering product barcodes, packaging types, carton classifications, placement rules, and the inspection-free process.
On this page we'll review:
1
Product Barcode Stickers
Every SKU that enters the warehouse needs a barcode. There are two levels of management:
Product-level management
One SKU = One barcode
Accepts FNSKU, UPC, ASIN, or your own SKU barcode. Third-party barcodes are supported — when registering SKUs, link the third-party barcode to the SKU in the system.
Item-level management
One unique code per item
For serialized items (e.g., SN code, serial number). Each individual unit gets its own unique code, not just the SKU.
You must import the SKU–item code relationship before goods arrive at the warehouse. If not imported, the warehouse cannot recognize the barcode — this may lead to misidentified or lost goods, delayed putaway, or exception handling fees.
2
Product Packaging Type
The type of packaging your product arrives in determines whether it needs an additional mailer bag and how it is stored in the warehouse.
Direct delivery ready
Logistics bag
Durable outer packaging that is opaque. Can be used for direct delivery without an additional mailer bag.
Needs mailer bag
Sale bag (retail bag)
Products packed in fully sealed retail bags or cartons with intact sealing. Any broken seal is considered damaged. Does not support direct delivery — needs an additional mailer bag.
Needs mailer bag
No bag or minimal bag
Unsealed poly bags, OPP bags, PVC boxes. Needs an additional mailer bag, which also serves as the storage bag in the robotic tote.
Fees apply for missing bags and stickers. Sales packaging and no packaging are both acceptable, but we charge to add a mailer bag — consult your rate card for specifics. If your item arrives without any bag or barcode sticker, we charge to add both. Minimum box size: 15 × 10 cm. Smaller packages trigger mandatory repackaging fees.
Logistics bag
Direct delivery ✓
Sale bag
Needs mailer bag
No bag
Needs mailer bag
Robotic tote
Warehouse storage
3
Carton Barcode Stickers
Each carton must have one unique barcode corresponding to the packing list for the inbound shipment.
Standard cartons
Rules for all cartons
- Barcode stickers must be placed according to the carton–packing relationship
- No duplicate or misplaced barcode stickers
- Third-party carton barcodes are acceptable if the code–inbound order relationship is correctly linked in the system
A+ packages only
Using BASIC barcodes
Only the BASIC package barcode sticker is needed — it already includes product info. No extra product barcode sticker is required for A+ packages using BASIC barcodes.
4
Carton Types
BASIC 3PL uses four carton type classifications. Your carton type determines barcode and packing requirements.
A+
1 Carton = 1 unit
BASIC barcode only
BASIC barcode only
A
1 Carton = 1 SKU
multiple units
multiple units
B
1 Carton = 2–5 SKUs
C
1 Carton = over 5 SKUs
| Type | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 1 Carton = 1 unit | Uses BASIC barcode only — no extra product barcode sticker needed |
| A | 1 Carton = 1 SKU with multiple units | One barcode per carton, matching the packing list |
| B | 1 Carton = 2–5 SKUs | Multi-SKU carton, barcode must correspond to packing list |
| C | 1 Carton = over 5 SKUs | Multi-SKU carton, barcode must correspond to packing list |
5
Carton Barcode Sticker Placement
General rule: All required barcodes must be placed on the smallest side of the outer carton. Each carton should have only one barcode sticker.
Exception
Small parcel cartons
If carton dimensions are smaller than 100 × 100 × 80 cm, you may attach multiple identical carton barcodes on the largest and smallest sides. Parcel handling may obscure barcodes — multiple identical stickers help ensure successful scanning.
Folding rule
Sticker doesn't fit?
If the barcode sticker cannot be fully placed flat, it may be folded — but the barcode portion must remain intact and scannable.
Do not
Never cover barcodes
Do not cover barcodes with tape or film. Keep them flat, damage-free, and clearly scannable at all times.
6
Inspection-Free (No-Check) Process
Qualified clients can skip the standard piece-by-piece warehouse inspection by providing accurate packing data upfront via Excel or API.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
- Brand owners with strict internal QC processes
- Factory-type clients with stable logistics partners
- All other 3PL transfer packages must go through standard inspection
- Only available for A and A+ packages
Trade-offs
Benefits & limitations
- Saves inspection time and cost
- No compensation for lost items — warehouse does not inspect by piece
- Customer is responsible for the accuracy of packing data provided
Still need help?
If you didn't find what you needed, send a ticket to the BASIC 3PL team and a Customer Success representative will contact you as soon as possible.