EUROPE / PREP BRIEF
ZalandoZalando
Prepared in China.
Choose ZFS replenishment or the seller’s approved European dispatch model before packing fashion inventory.
Identify the operating model.
Zalando distinguishes ZFS stock delivered to an assigned warehouse, own logistics from a European operation, and ZRS returns handling. These require different stock, shipping and return records.
Transition notice: Zalando’s September 16, 2026 announcement says ZSS label creation ends December 9, 2026 and ZSS operations end January 1, 2027. Existing ZSS users need the platform’s current transition instructions.
Connect the stock stages.
- 01
Confirm the logistics model
Identify the accepted account, markets and ZFS, own-logistics or returns scope.
- 02
Approve article preparation
Match style, color and size variants with current article packaging and labeling instructions.
- 03
Prepare the inbound notice
For ZFS, reconcile customs-cleared quantities, shipping notice and assigned warehouse instructions.
- 04
Check delivery evidence
Confirm booking and final quantity records; for own logistics, agree parcel documents and carrier handover.
Approve the preparation records.
| Control point | Seller file or confirmation | China preparation decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion variants | Article/size map and approved labels | Separate each size and color allocation before packing. |
| ZFS inbound | Current delivery terms, shipping notice and assigned warehouse | Reconcile finished quantities and cartons before the booked handover. |
| Own logistics | Market dispatch documents and approved return route | Approve the order pack and return information with the dispatch operator. |
Resolve the exception.
Planning example: Two shoe sizes share a supplier reference. Separate the variant records and labels before preparing the ZFS allocation, and hold any unmatched units.
This illustrates a stock decision and is not a customer case or a platform penalty claim.
Plan returns and stock withdrawal.
Distinguish ZFS customer returns, ZRS return processing and seller-operated returns. Keep unsellable stock and stock withdrawal separate from available sellable variants.
Confirm destination acceptance, handling restrictions and the return receiving address for the actual product and shipment before anything moves.
Approve the returned-stock decisionOfficial references.
- Zalando Logistics Solutions overview Updated 2026-09-16
- Phasing out Zalando Shipping Solutions Updated 2026-09-16
- Prepare for your first ZFS shipment Updated 2025-09-22
- ZFS delivery terms Updated 2026-07-02
References reviewed October 6, 2026. Zalando logistics overview and ZSS transition notice updated September 16, 2026; use the latest accepted seller plan.
Prepare the shipment brief.
- Accepted markets and selected logistics model
- Style/color/size quantities and current article instructions
- ZFS notice, assigned destination and delivery booking where applicable
- Approved return route and stock-withdrawal responsibilities
Discuss the scope directly with the team. Receiving, preparation, freight and any destination work are confirmed for the product and route.