receiving faqs
Receiving & Inventory Intake FAQs
Everything you need to know about how Elevation Distribution receives, processes, and prepares your inventory for fast, accurate fulfillment.
What happens when my inventory arrives at Elevation Distribution?
When your inventory arrives at one of our fulfillment centers, it goes through a structured intake process:
- Shipment verification against your ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice)
- Quantity and condition checks
- SKU identification and labeling (if required)
- System entry and real-time inventory update
Once completed, your products are immediately available for fulfillment.
How do I submit an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)?
You can submit ASNs through:
- Direct dashboard entry
- API integration
- EDI (for enterprise clients)
- File upload (CSV/FTP)
This ensures your inbound data is synced with our system before arrival.
How long does it take to receive inventory?
Standard receiving time is:
- 24–48 hours after delivery for most shipments
- Larger or complex shipments may take longer depending on:
- SKU count
- Packaging complexity
- Prep requirements
Our goal is fast turnaround without sacrificing accuracy.
What information should I include with my shipment?
To ensure smooth processing, include:
- SKU list and quantities
- Packing list
- Purchase order (if applicable)
- Pallet/carton configuration
- Special handling instructions
Clear documentation = faster receiving.
What happens if there are discrepancies in my shipment?
If we identify any issues during receiving, such as:
- Missing units
- Damaged goods
- Incorrect SKUs
We will:
- Log the discrepancy in your account
- Notify you immediately
- Provide documentation (photos + reports)
You can then decide next steps (hold, return, dispose, etc.).
Do you inspect products during receiving?
Yes — we perform basic quality checks, including:
- Visible damage inspection
- SKU verification
- Packaging condition review
For deeper inspections or QC workflows, custom processes can be implemented.
Can you relabel or prep products during receiving?
Absolutely. We offer prep and kitting services, including:
- Barcode labeling (FNSKU, UPC, custom)
- Poly bagging
- Bundling and kitting
- Repackaging
This is ideal for Amazon FBA prep or retail compliance.
Do you accept international shipments?
Yes. We support both domestic and international inbound shipments.
Depending on your setup, we can assist with:
- Freight coordination
- Customs documentation guidance
- Cross-border logistics
Can inventory be split across multiple locations?
Yes — we support distributed inventory strategies.
Benefits include:
- Faster delivery times
- Reduced shipping costs
- Improved customer experience
We can allocate inventory across our fulfillment network based on your demand patterns.
What types of shipments do you accept?
We accept:
- Parcel shipments (UPS, FedEx, etc.)
- LTL (Less Than Truckload)
- FTL (Full Truckload)
- Container deliveries
Dock scheduling may be required for palletized or freight shipments.
Are there receiving fees?
Receiving fees vary based on:
- Shipment type (carton, pallet, container)
- Units per shipment
- Complexity (labeling, prep, inspection)
All pricing is customized and aligned with your volume and workflow requirements.
What if my shipment arrives without proper labeling?
We can still process your inventory, but:
- It may require manual identification
- Additional prep or labeling fees may apply
- Processing time may increase
To avoid delays, always follow inbound labeling guidelines.
Can you handle returns as inbound inventory?
Yes. Returned items can be:
- Inspected
- Restocked
- Repackaged
- Disposed or returned to you
This process can be fully customized based on your return policies.
Will I have visibility into receiving status?
Yes — you’ll have real-time visibility through:
- Dashboard updates
- Inventory status tracking
- Receiving reports
For advanced users, this data can also be accessed via API.