Table of Contents:
1. Introduction to Removal Orders in Seller Central
2. Understanding Fulfillable and Unfulfillable Inventory
3. Accessing the FBA Inventory Page
4. Creating a Removal Order for a Single Product
5. Creating Removal Orders in Bulk
6. Choosing the Method of Removal
7. Completing the Removal Order
8. Removing Unfulfillable and Stranded Inventory
9. Confirming and Cancelling Removal Orders
10. Removal Order Processing Times
11. Reviewing Removal Transactions and Fees
12. Conclusion
**Removing FBA Inventory from a Fulfillment Center**
🎉 Introduction to Removal Orders in Seller Central
Welcome to our guide on how to remove FBA inventory from an Amazon fulfillment center. As an Amazon seller, you can use removal orders in Seller Central to get your items back from a fulfillment center or have Amazon dispose of them for you. In this comprehensive article, we'll walk you through the entire process, from understanding the different types of inventory to submitting your removal orders and reviewing the associated fees.
🔍 Understanding Fulfillable and Unfulfillable Inventory
Fulfillable inventory refers to sellable items, while unfulfillable inventory includes items that Amazon has determined are unsuitable for sale. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the item being defective, damaged, or not complying with Amazon's terms and conditions. Regardless of whether your inventory is fulfillable or unfulfillable, you can create removal orders to get it out of the fulfillment center.
📊 Accessing the FBA Inventory Page
To access the FBA inventory page, select the menu icon in the top left corner of Seller Central, hover over "Inventory," and then select "Manage FBA Inventory." This page will allow you to review your unfulfillable, aged, and excess inventory, as well as reference the estimated long-term storage fees (also known as the aged inventory surcharge) that may apply to your products.
🔢 Creating a Removal Order for a Single Product
To create a removal order for a single product, locate the product on the FBA inventory page, select the dropdown menu in the "Product Actions" column, and choose "Create Removal Order." This will take you to the "Create Removal Order" page, where you can specify the number of fulfillable and unfulfillable units you'd like to remove.
📝 Creating Removal Orders in Bulk
If you have multiple products to remove, you can create removal orders in bulk. Select the checkboxes next to the products you want to remove, choose "Create Removal Order" from the "Bulk Actions" dropdown menu, or use the "Create Removal Order with Template File" option to upload a spreadsheet with your removal details.
🔖 Choosing the Method of Removal
On the "Create Removal Order" page, use the "Choose Method of Removal" section to indicate what you'd like Amazon to do with your FBA inventory. You can choose to have the items returned to you, disposed of by Amazon, or liquidated.
✅ Completing the Removal Order
In the "Product Details" section, enter the number of fulfillable and unfulfillable units you'd like to remove for each product. Review your entries and submit the removal order once you're satisfied.
🚫 Removing Unfulfillable and Stranded Inventory
It's important to note that you'll need to remove your unfulfillable inventory from the fulfillment centers, as well as any stranded inventory (items without an active offer and not available for purchase). Amazon will notify you if you have inventory in these categories and provide instructions on how to create a removal order.
🔍 Confirming and Cancelling Removal Orders
You can check the status of your removal orders and cancel them if necessary on the "Removal Order Detail" page. Keep in mind that you can only cancel removal orders with a "Planning" status, and any required removals created by Amazon cannot be cancelled.
⏱️ Removal Order Processing Times
Fulfillment centers typically process non-liquidation removal orders within 10 to 14 business days, but during busy periods, it can take up to 30 days or more. Liquidation removal orders are usually processed in 30 to 60 days or more after the carrier has picked up your inventory.
💰 Reviewing Removal Transactions and Fees
To review your removal transactions and fees, go to the "Payments" dashboard in Seller Central, select the "Transaction View" tab, and choose "Other" from the "Transaction Type" dropdown menu.
🎉 Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to effectively remove your FBA inventory from Amazon's fulfillment centers, whether it's fulfillable, unfulfillable, or subject to long-term storage fees. Remember to stay on top of your inventory management and utilize the tools provided by Seller Central to ensure a smooth and efficient removal process.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between fulfillable and unfulfillable inventory?
A: Fulfillable inventory refers to sellable items, while unfulfillable inventory includes items that Amazon has determined are unsuitable for sale, such as defective, damaged, or non-compliant products.
Q: How do I access the FBA inventory page in Seller Central?
A: To access the FBA inventory page, select the menu icon in the top left corner of Seller Central, hover over "Inventory," and then select "Manage FBA Inventory."
Q: Can I choose a specific fulfillment center to return or dispose of my products?
A: No, when creating a removal order, you won't be able to choose a specific fulfillment center. Amazon will return or dispose of the products from the fulfillment centers as needed.
Q: How long does it take for Amazon to process my removal order?
A: Fulfillment centers typically process non-liquidation removal orders within 10 to 14 business days, but during busy periods, it can take up to 30 days or more. Liquidation removal orders are usually processed in 30 to 60 days or more after the carrier has picked up your inventory.
Q: How can I review the transactions and fees associated with my removal orders?
A: To review your removal transactions and fees, go to the "Payments" dashboard in Seller Central, select the "Transaction View" tab, and choose "Other" from the "Transaction Type" dropdown menu.
Resources:
- https://www.amazon.com/
- https://sellercentral.amazon.com/
