Amazon Updates Default Handling Time for Seller-Fulfilled Orders: What You Need to Know
In a recent announcement on its Seller-Central platform, Amazon has declared a significant change in the default handling time for seller-fulfilled orders. Effective from October 31, 2023, the default handling time will be updated from two days to one day for SKUs that are already handled in one day or less. This article aims to shed light on the details of this announcement, its potential benefits, and the impact it may have on sellers.
The Announcement
According to Amazon, more than 85% of seller-fulfilled orders are shipped within one day. The update aims to allow sellers to set more accurate handling times and offer customers more attractive delivery promises. The handling time will be updated based on the seller's historical handling time over the past three months, along with SKU-specific settings.
Key Points:
-SKUs that take one day or less to handle and don’t have a SKU-specific handling time will default to one-day handling.
-SKUs that take more than one day to handle and don’t have a SKU-specific handling time will default to two-day handling.
-SKUs that have a specific handling time will not change.
-SKUs that have a Premium Shipping option will remain as same-day delivery.
-SKUs that take more than one day to handle and don’t have a SKU-specific handling time will default to two-day handling.
-SKUs that have a specific handling time will not change.
-SKUs that have a Premium Shipping option will remain as same-day delivery.
The change is designed to make the delivery promises more accurate and attractive to customers. Sellers who already have a quick turnaround time stand to benefit from this update, as it aligns with consumer expectations for faster delivery.
Also Read: Amazon Announces Temporary FBA Capacity Limits for November: What Sellers Need to Know
Also Read: Amazon Announces Temporary FBA Capacity Limits for November: What Sellers Need to Know
Potential Impact on Sellers
While the update aims to streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction, it also puts additional pressure on sellers to meet the one-day handling time. Sellers who require more than one day to handle certain products must manually update their SKU-specific handling time to avoid penalties.
The announcement has garnered mixed reactions from sellers:
1. "I think you guys have already been doing this as we have had our handling times bumped from 2 days to 1 without any notice," said one seller.
2. Another seller expressed concerns, stating, "Seriously, how can you just manipulate seller's stores? Sellers already have little to no control over what happens to their listings."
3. "Not once have we ever had a buyer complain their order arrived earlier than expected," mentioned another seller, questioning the need for the change.
4. Some sellers also pointed out the timing, "Just in time for the extended holiday returns policy, too. So we have to work even harder for customers to take advantage of us even more."
5. "FBA orders ship during one week or even two - Amazon - okay, that's great. Seller fulfilled orders ship during two days - Amazon - no way, that's too long, let's make one day!" said another seller, highlighting the inconsistency in Amazon's policies.
There ary many more sellers who have reacted to this announcement on the Seller Central platform.
Also Read: Amazon Unveils AI-Driven Image Generation to Amplify Ad Efficiency for Sellers
There ary many more sellers who have reacted to this announcement on the Seller Central platform.
Also Read: Amazon Unveils AI-Driven Image Generation to Amplify Ad Efficiency for Sellers
Conclusion
The announcement is part of Amazon's ongoing efforts to enhance its customer experience and service quality. However, this update can be a double-edged sword for sellers. While it aims to make delivery promises more accurate and improve customer satisfaction, it also imposes new challenges for sellers who may require more time to handle orders. Sellers are advised to review their SKU-specific handling times and make necessary adjustments to align with the new default settings. It's also recommended to set an order-handling capacity to protect your business from order surges, especially as the holiday season approaches.
For more information, sellers can visit the Manage your handling time section on Amazon's Seller-Central platform.
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.