Using Amazon fulfillment does not automatically remove the need for another inventory operation. It also does not prove that Amazon cannot support orders from other channels.
Amazon's Multi-Channel Fulfillment material describes fulfillment for off-Amazon ecommerce orders. The brand should evaluate the current program for its actual needs, rather than infer capability from the marketplace label. Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment. Confirm current restrictions and account eligibility with Amazon before relying on it.
Map the functions, then the provider
List the required activities: bulk receiving, inspection, common stock, channel reservation, approved preparation, retailer shipment execution, consumer fulfillment, samples and returns. For each, record which current provider performs it, the evidence of capability and any remaining gap.
Compare account-specific retail workflows against the actual routing and commercial documents. Do not assume that an ecommerce parcel service performs every wholesale preparation or compliance task, and do not assume a separate 3PL does either.
Price the complete design
A neutral stock pool may preserve allocation choices, but it can add receiving, storage, transfers and handling. Price those alongside current program costs and determine who owns the stock record and exception decisions.
Add another provider when a verified capability or economic need justifies it. The goal is a reliable operating design with clear inventory control; provider count is not the measure of readiness.
Related guide: Retail readiness checklist. Bring the actual program and retailer requirements to a Retail Readiness Review.