First Article Inspection (FAI) is the process Manifest uses to verify the weights and dimensions of new products when they first arrive at the warehouse. Accurate product data is required to correctly set up storage, billing, shipping label costs, carrier rate selection, packaging, and fulfillment workflows. FAI is performed on a per-SKU basis for each new inbound PO where product data has not been provided in advance.
What Manifest confirms during FAI:
Unit dimensions (L × W × H) and unit weight for each new SKU.
How to avoid FAI fees:
You can bypass FAI entirely by providing complete product data to Manifest's account managers before your new products arrive at the warehouse. Send a CSV to your account manager with the following fields for each SKU: SKU (the product identifier used in your store and ShipHero), Weight (unit weight of a single sellable unit), and Dimensions (length × width × height of a single sellable unit).
Providing this data proactively eliminates the FAI charge on your invoice for that PO.
Important — accuracy of merchant-provided data:
Manifest relies on merchant-provided product data for billing and fulfillment setup. If the data you provide is inaccurate and results in incorrect storage allocation, misapplied dimensional charges, or shipping label adjustments or surcharges, Manifest is not responsible for those inaccuracies. All related fees and corrections including adjustments to storage charges will be billed to the merchant. Verify all unit weights and dimensions carefully before submitting.
FAI charges appear on your monthly invoice under the FAI tab — see Manifest Invoices — Client Detail Excel File for details. To avoid FAI fees on future inbound POs contact Manifest's account managers before your next shipment arrives.