Amazon updates Valid Tracking Rate Guidelines, What Sellers Need to Know
New VTR policy changes aim to improve delivery accuracy and customer satisfaction
Amazon has announced significant updates to its Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) guidelines on Seller Central. Set to take effect on January 15, 2025, these changes are aimed at enhancing delivery accuracy and boosting customer satisfaction. For Amazon seller who handles fulfilment on their own, it's important to understand the updated guidelines and adjust shipping practices accordingly.
What's Changing in the VTR Guidelines?
The VTR measures the percentage of seller-fulfilled packages that include valid tracking information. Amazon requires sellers to maintain a VTR of over 95% for their seller-fulfilled listings. The upcoming changes focus on:
New Shipping Regions: The revised VTR metrics now include additional shipping regions.
Updated Package Values: Different tracking requirements based on the package's value.
Also Read: Common Reasons For Amazon Seller Account Suspension or Deactivation
Key Updates:
Shipping to the US from China, Canada, American Samoa, or the US Minor Outlying Islands:
Packages valued under $5 (excluding taxes, including shipping charges):
- Must include at least one valid carrier scan.
- A carrier scan shows the package is in transit.
- Packages valued at $5 or more:
- Must provide at least two valid carrier scans.
- One scan when the package arrives at the carrier's facility.
- The other scan at delivery or attempted delivery.
Shipping to the US from India or the UK:
- Packages valued under $15:
- Must include at least one valid carrier scan.
- Packages valued at $15 or more:
- Must provide at least two valid carrier scans, similar to the above requirements.
Exemptions to the VTR Requirements
Certain shipments are exempt from the new VTR guidelines. Your shipments are exempt if they fall into one of the following categories:
Digital Products: Items delivered electronically.
- Domestic Packages Shipped by Specific Freight Carriers: As listed on the Valid Tracking Rate help page.
- Low-Value Domestic Packages:
- Valued under $10.
- Shipped by USPS using "USPS Standard Mail envelopes" or "USPS First Class Mail envelopes".
- Packages from the UK or India to the US:
- Valued under $15.
- Shipped by an Amazon-integrated carrier with an untracked shipping service.
- Packages Shipped to the US from Other Regions:
- Originating from countries other than the US, Canada, the UK, India, the US Minor Outlying Islands, American Samoa, or China.
How to Maintain a Healthy VTR
To comply with the updated guidelines and maintain a VTR above 95%, consider the following tips:
- Provide Valid Tracking Numbers:
- Always include accurate tracking information when confirming shipments.
- Use Recognized Carriers:
- Choose carriers that offer reliable tracking services and are recognized by Amazon.
- Confirm Shipments Promptly:
- Ensure that tracking information is entered as soon as the package is shipped.
- Monitor Your VTR Regularly:
- Keep an eye on your VTR metrics through Seller Central to address any issues promptly.
Why These Updates Matter
Staying compliant with Amazon's shipping policies is crucial for:
- Maintaining Account Health:
- A high VTR contributes positively to your seller performance metrics.
- Enhancing Customer Satisfaction:
- Providing tracking information improves transparency and trust with buyers.
- Avoiding Potential Penalties:
- Non-compliance can lead to listing suspensions or other account restrictions.
Additional Tips and Latest Information
- Consider Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA):
- If managing shipping logistics is challenging, FBA can handle storage, packaging, and shipping for you.
Amazon's new VTR requirements aim to improve overall efficiency and customer satisfaction. With the January 15, 2025 update approaching, sellers need to review these changes and adjust their shipping processes accordingly. Staying compliant with the revised VTR rules will not only help you avoid penalties. Still, it will also ensure a better experience for your customers, boosting your reputation and sales potential on Amazon.
Also Read: What is the Amazon Vine Program? Check the Requirements, Costs and Benefits for Sellers
Follow us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to get the latest news and updates related to online selling.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
Nov-2024#01
Amazon has announced significant updates to its Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) guidelines on Seller Central. Set to take effect on January 15, 2025, these changes are aimed at enhancing delivery accuracy and boosting customer satisfaction. For Amazon seller who handles fulfilment on their own, it's important to understand the updated guidelines and adjust shipping practices accordingly.
What's Changing in the VTR Guidelines?
The VTR measures the percentage of seller-fulfilled packages that include valid tracking information. Amazon requires sellers to maintain a VTR of over 95% for their seller-fulfilled listings. The upcoming changes focus on:
New Shipping Regions: The revised VTR metrics now include additional shipping regions.
Updated Package Values: Different tracking requirements based on the package's value.
Also Read: Common Reasons For Amazon Seller Account Suspension or Deactivation
Key Updates:
Shipping to the US from China, Canada, American Samoa, or the US Minor Outlying Islands:
Packages valued under $5 (excluding taxes, including shipping charges):
- Must include at least one valid carrier scan.
- A carrier scan shows the package is in transit.
- Packages valued at $5 or more:
- Must provide at least two valid carrier scans.
- One scan when the package arrives at the carrier's facility.
- The other scan at delivery or attempted delivery.
Shipping to the US from India or the UK:
- Packages valued under $15:
- Must include at least one valid carrier scan.
- Packages valued at $15 or more:
- Must provide at least two valid carrier scans, similar to the above requirements.
Exemptions to the VTR Requirements
Certain shipments are exempt from the new VTR guidelines. Your shipments are exempt if they fall into one of the following categories:
Digital Products: Items delivered electronically.
- Domestic Packages Shipped by Specific Freight Carriers: As listed on the Valid Tracking Rate help page.
- Low-Value Domestic Packages:
- Valued under $10.
- Shipped by USPS using "USPS Standard Mail envelopes" or "USPS First Class Mail envelopes".
- Packages from the UK or India to the US:
- Valued under $15.
- Shipped by an Amazon-integrated carrier with an untracked shipping service.
- Packages Shipped to the US from Other Regions:
- Originating from countries other than the US, Canada, the UK, India, the US Minor Outlying Islands, American Samoa, or China.
How to Maintain a Healthy VTR
To comply with the updated guidelines and maintain a VTR above 95%, consider the following tips:
- Provide Valid Tracking Numbers:
- Always include accurate tracking information when confirming shipments.
- Use Recognized Carriers:
- Choose carriers that offer reliable tracking services and are recognized by Amazon.
- Confirm Shipments Promptly:
- Ensure that tracking information is entered as soon as the package is shipped.
- Monitor Your VTR Regularly:
- Keep an eye on your VTR metrics through Seller Central to address any issues promptly.
Why These Updates Matter
Staying compliant with Amazon's shipping policies is crucial for:
- Maintaining Account Health:
- A high VTR contributes positively to your seller performance metrics.
- Enhancing Customer Satisfaction:
- Providing tracking information improves transparency and trust with buyers.
- Avoiding Potential Penalties:
- Non-compliance can lead to listing suspensions or other account restrictions.
Additional Tips and Latest Information
- Consider Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA):
- If managing shipping logistics is challenging, FBA can handle storage, packaging, and shipping for you.
Amazon's new VTR requirements aim to improve overall efficiency and customer satisfaction. With the January 15, 2025 update approaching, sellers need to review these changes and adjust their shipping processes accordingly. Staying compliant with the revised VTR rules will not only help you avoid penalties. Still, it will also ensure a better experience for your customers, boosting your reputation and sales potential on Amazon.
Also Read: What is the Amazon Vine Program? Check the Requirements, Costs and Benefits for Sellers
Follow us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to get the latest news and updates related to online selling.
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET :
Established in 2005, ChannnelMAX 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 Repricer, a pricing management tool, 2ndly, ChannelMAX FBA RefundMAX, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which seller deserves appropriate credit reimburse from Amazon, additionally ChannelMAX Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their day to day 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.
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