Amazon Changes During the Covid 19 Outbreak Sellers Need to Know

COVID 19 has prompted Amazon to come up with changes better to manage sellers and the overall operations of the platform. Like other companies, it stays vigilant in monitoring developments, especially related to the outbreak. 

Because you are a seller, you need to be aware of these changes and you need to have proper assistance from Amazon brand protection services. Doing so allows you to implement strategies that will help keep your business afloat and thriving despite challenging times.

1. Removal operations are temporarily on hold for FBA sellers.

Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, you must have begun researching its probable effects on your business. Besides, you may also be expecting Amazon to implement specific programs. One such measure is the pause of removal operations.

Exclusively implemented for FBA account holders, this order does not imply that you have to stop creating removal orders altogether. Amazon still allows you to do so. However, do not expect the system to complete requests as promptly as it did before.

To compensate for this minor, albeit necessary, setback, Amazon has waived the April 15 long-term storage fees. This mandate applies to inventories stocked in the following countries:

• Czech Republic     
• France           
• Germany     
• Italy     
• Poland     
• Spain     
• United Kingdom     
• United States

2. The warehouses will temporarily stop storing non-essential goods.

To give way to medical and household necessities during the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, Amazon has released a moratorium. Primarily focused on FBA third-party sellers, it states that it will temporarily cease to accept non-essential items.

The heightened demand for essentials has led the retail giant to implement this measure. It takes effect from March 17 until April 5. This decision answers the customers' need for staple goods. Due to the demand for social distancing, which is imperative to control the spread of the virus, many people can only procure essential goods through online shopping.

But FBA sellers who do not offer medical supplies and household staples need not worry. If you received orders before the announcement, they would still be processed. The same privilege applies to goods you have already shipped and are en route to the warehouses at the time the moratorium was released.

After April 5, although Amazon will continue prioritizing medical supplies and household staples, it will expand its list. The need to implement measures required for protecting its employees has constrained the company’s capacity. Hence, it will begin accepting inventories from sellers of non-essential items for restocking on an item-per-item basis.

To know what type of products are allowed for shipment creation, sellers should check the updated Restock Inventory Page and Restock Report. In determining the type of items eligible for shipment at a certain period, Amazon considers the following essential factors: present inventory levels, inventory in transit, the capacity of the FBA centers, and the need to maintain social distancing as part of adhering to health guidelines required for protecting its employees. 

The Silver Lining

Without question, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on Amazon, as well as its sellers and buyers. As soon as the moratorium ends on April 15, however, the retail giant expects large orders of non-essential goods to flood in. In the meantime, to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on your business, consider these helpful suggestions:

• If and whenever possible, try switching to a Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) or Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) account. With FBM, you will take charge of fulfilling your orders. Having an SFP account, on the other hand, lets you use a Prime badge as you fulfill orders.          
• If your brand carries in-demand items, increase your budget for advertising them. Set up an effective promotional campaign, so buyers can easily be exposed to your products.              
• Make sure to keep in touch with your account manager, so that he will regularly update you on the developments regarding the supply chain. His assistance proves invaluable in trying situations like this. Besides updating you, he can help keep your company from overstocking goods.     

Not yet connected to an account manager? Do not miss out on the benefits of working with an Amazon specialist. Enquire with us by emailing Jayce at [email protected] now.