The Coupang Fulfillment (CGF) program presents sellers with a powerful tool to boost sales, yet many face the frustrating challenge of having their shipments rejected at the warehouse. While the CGF model offers significant advantages for marketplace sellers, proper preparation and adherence to guidelines are essential for smooth operations. This guide examines the six most common rejection triggers and how to avoid them.
1. Quantity Mismatch: Precision in Inventory Matters
Warehouse acceptance requires exact correspondence between shipped quantities and pre-approved inventory requests. Any surplus items will be automatically returned, creating unnecessary shipping costs and delays. Sellers should implement multiple verification checks before dispatch and maintain detailed shipment records for reference.
2. Damaged Packaging: First Impressions Count
Products with compromised external packaging face immediate rejection, regardless of internal product condition. This underscores the importance of robust packaging solutions—consider double-walled boxes, protective cushioning materials, and reinforced edges for vulnerable items. Proper packaging not only prevents rejection but also reduces potential damage during subsequent customer deliveries.
3. Incomplete Packaging: Keep Components Together
Multi-component products must arrive as unified packages. Separated accessories or supplementary items trigger automatic rejection. The solution lies in secure bundling—use shrink wrapping, sealed plastic enclosures, or durable binding to maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain.
4. Dimensional Non-Compliance: Know the Limits
Coupang enforces strict dimensional parameters: maximum 22kg weight, 100cm length, and 160cm combined length-width-height. Sellers must verify product specifications against these standards before listing. Oversized items require alternative fulfillment strategies, making early measurement crucial for operational planning.
5. Product Discrepancy: SKU Accuracy is Essential
Warehouse staff meticulously compare physical shipments against system records. Any inconsistency in product models, variations, or specifications results in rejection. Implement barcode verification systems and photographic documentation at packing stations to prevent costly mismatches.
6. Improper Segregation: Organized Shipments Save Time
Multi-SKU shipments demand clear physical separation—individual PVC bags, partitioned boxes, or color-coded bundling for different products. Mixed items without proper segregation complicate warehouse processing and lead to rejection. This organizational step significantly enhances operational efficiency for both sellers and fulfillment centers.
Post-Rejection Protocols: Timely Response Required
For standard CGF rejections, sellers receive email notifications detailing issues within five business days. A two-day response window follows, after which unclaimed inventory faces disposal with associated costs. The CGF Lite program follows different procedures—rejected items automatically return to origin addresses without detailed notifications, requiring sellers to monitor shipping updates closely.
Understanding these operational requirements transforms CGF from a logistical challenge into a strategic advantage. By incorporating these guidelines into standard operating procedures, sellers can minimize disruptions and maximize the program's sales potential.