Detailed explanation of Amazon FBA: from lock-up policy to product packaging standards

What is hedging?

In Amazon FBA, “locking” refers to a restrictive measure taken by Amazon warehouses on certain products or seller accounts. This may be to prevent inventory overloading or to ensure smooth operations of inventory and orders.

Reasons for locking positions

Inventory overrun

When a seller’s inventory exceeds the limit specified by Amazon, the warehouse may lock the excess inventory.

Quality issues

Amazon may lock products with quality issues to prevent defective or substandard products from entering the market.

Long-term storage fees

Inventory that remains unsold for a long time may result in high long-term storage fees, and sellers are encouraged to dispose of unsaleable products in a timely manner.

How to unlock the warehouse?

Adjust inventory

If the warehouse is locked because the inventory exceeds the limit, the seller can unlock the warehouse by adjusting the inventory quantity to make it comply with Amazon’s regulations.

Solving quality problems

If the lock is due to quality issues, the seller needs to solve and prove that the product meets Amazon’s quality standards, and then contact Amazon customer service to request unlocking.

Pay long-term storage fees

For products that have not been sold for a long time, sellers can choose to pay high long-term storage fees, or consider other ways to deal with unsold products, thereby unlocking the warehouse.

How to avoid lock-up?

Timely sales

Strive to promote product sales and reduce the risk of long-term unsalability to avoid triggering lock-up.

Plan inventory carefully

When using FBA services, carefully plan and manage inventory to ensure that it does not exceed the limits specified by Amazon and prevent the risk of lock-in.

Maintain product quality

Ensure that products meet Amazon’s quality standards to avoid being locked up due to quality issues and maintain a good reputation as a seller.

The importance of Amazon FBA standards

Provide reliable logistics services: Amazon’s FBA standards ensure that the quality and packaging of goods meet the standards, thereby providing reliable logistics services and ensuring the safety and integrity of goods during the delivery process.

Improve customer experience: Complying with Amazon FBA standards can ensure that orders are processed and delivered accurately, provide fast delivery time, and improve customer satisfaction and shopping experience.

Increase product exposure: Products that meet Amazon FBA standards can usually enjoy higher search rankings and exposure, because Amazon is more inclined to promote sellers and products that meet the standards.

Requirements of Amazon FBA standards

Product quality

Ensure that the product meets Amazon’s quality standards and is free from damage, defective products, expiration and other issues.

Packaging specifications

Use appropriate packaging materials and methods in accordance with Amazon’s packaging specifications to protect the safety of the product during transportation and prevent damage and leakage.

Transportation requirements

Comply with Amazon’s regulations on transportation methods, labeling requirements, shipping documents, etc. to ensure the smooth progress of the transportation process.

Storage and Inventory Management

According to Amazon’s storage requirements, arrange inventory management reasonably to ensure timely replenishment of goods and reduce inventory backlog.

How to comply with Amazon FBA standards?

Read Amazon’s FBA standards carefully

Understand Amazon’s specific requirements for product quality, packaging specifications, transportation requirements, etc., and ensure that your products meet the standards.

Choose the right supplier

Choose suppliers with a good reputation and establish stable cooperative relationships with them to ensure that the products supplied meet Amazon’s quality requirements.

Optimize packaging strategy

Reasonably choose packaging materials and methods to ensure the safety of goods during transportation. You can consider using packaging materials and solutions recommended by Amazon.

Accurately label product information

Make sure items are accurately labeled and described to avoid logistical confusion and customer complaints.

Regular inspection and maintenance

Regularly check inventory to ensure product quality and packaging meet Amazon’s requirements, and handle expired or damaged products in a timely manner.

Continuous learning and adjustment

Amazon’s FBA standards will be constantly updated and adjusted. Sellers need to continue to learn and pay attention to the latest standard requirements and adjust their operating strategies in a timely manner.

Data analysis and optimization

Use sales and inventory data provided by Amazon for analysis to understand product performance and customer feedback, optimize operational strategies and meet market demand.

Negotiate with Amazon partners

If you have any questions or concerns, sellers can communicate and negotiate with Amazon’s partner team to find a solution.

Standards for FBA product outer packaging

Cartons that meet standards

• Must use six-sided hard cardboard box with complete lid.
• The size standard for selecting cartons is that after placing the goods, there is still a small amount of remaining space. Then the gaps need to be filled with cardboard or fillers such as waste paper, polypropylene, etc., so as to fix the position of the goods and prevent loss of the goods during transportation.
• The size requirements of cartons are also very strict: if the size of any side of a single product sold does not exceed 63.5cm, then the longest size of the carton is 63.5cm.
• The sealing material must be transparent tape instead of nylon rope, elastic strapping, nylon fiber tape, large staples, etc.

Full range of tags

• The outer box needs to be affixed with national standards. The style, color and size of this national standard must be strictly implemented in accordance with its given standards. Its pasting position is specified in the upper right corner of the narrow side of each box of goods.
• Paste the FBA label: It is automatically generated by the Amazon platform system and is the outer packaging box label used to confirm receipt of goods when picking goods in the Amazon warehouse.
• Paste the SKU code: The SKU code of the product represents the type, model and size of the product, so the SKU code must be pasted strictly and carefully. If you make a mistake, the cost can be very high.
• Overweight label: If the cargo exceeds 15kg, it must be labeled with a Team lift label; if it exceeds 45kg, it must be labeled with a Mech lift label.
• Battery label: If goods containing batteries are transported by air, they need to be affixed with a battery label.

Conclusion

Understanding the product requirements of Amazon FBA is crucial for cross-border e-commerce sellers. Sellers should ensure that product packaging is safe, of normal quality, and meets relevant safety and compliance requirements. On-time delivery and accurate distribution are important links in ensuring a smooth product supply chain. Labeling and documentation requirements enhance a product’s brand value and credibility. By complying with Amazon’s product requirements, sellers are able to provide high-quality products and an excellent shopping experience, increase sales success rates, and build a good business reputation.