Q4 is right around the corner so we’ve prepared a fresh batch of Amazon seller news to get you ready for the months ahead. Here’s what Amazon has been up to lately and what sellers need to do to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Advice for Sellers Affected by Hurricane Irma
Given the severity of Hurricane Irma’s impact, Amazon has sent a notice to all sellers advising them to:
- Consider temporarily deactivating their listings (instructions available here);
- Contact buyers in areas potentially affected by the hurricane to discuss MFN order delivery;
- Expect delays and carrier reschedule notifications for shipments sent to FBA centers in these areas.
2. Changes to Amazon Europe Agreement
The Amazon Services Europe Business Solutions Agreement has recently been changed. Pro sellers are now able to set their own shipping and handling charges for MFN orders of non-media products. Amazon will continue to determine these charges for you if you’re on the individual selling plan or selling media products.
3. Restrictions for Secondary Account Users
Secondary users are no longer allowed to change the deposit method on an Amazon account. This option is now only available to primary account owners.
4. Inbound Shipment Data in Line with Other Reports
Amazon has changed the way it displays shipment data in its reports for greater consistency, by making sure that the time periods match. The Manage FBA Inventory Report will now display inbound data for shipments created over the last 18 months.
Consequently, as of Sept. 15, 2017, shipment data is being displayed for the same 18-month period in all three of the following reports:
- Shipping Queue
- Received Inventory
- Manage FBA Inventory
5. Strike at German Fulfillment Centers
Amazon has informed German sellers earlier this month that a strike organized by worker’s union ver.di was expected to take place. Some fulfillment centers experienced delays processing inbound shipments, and sellers with shipments en route were asked to allow more time for Amazon to reconcile them.
6. New UK Transit Times
As previously mentioned in our post about the new Amazon Standard Shipping Policy Update, Amazon sellers in the UK have had their transit times changed for MFN products. All existing shipping templates have started featuring the new 2-3 day default Transit Times since Sept. 18, 2017.
If your current Transit Times were faster than 2-3 days, then you’ll see no change to your shipping settings. Also, you’re free to revert to longer Transit Times by changing your Shipping Settings manually.
7. New Fulfillment Center in Michigan
A recent press release reveals that Amazon intends to open a new fulfillment center in Shelby, Michigan, on the site of a former auto parts plant, Visteon Corporation. WXYZ Detroit claims construction on the fulfillment centre could be completed within a year. The 1-million-square-foot site will be the third in Michigan, creating up to 1,000 jobs. The move is aimed at optimizing logistics and speeding up deliveries in the Midwest.
A state-of-the-art fulfillment centre is also due to be built in Staten Island, in New York, then one in Ohio, and one in Salem, Oregon. None of the Michigan facilities are on the Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours list yet, but if you’re eager to see what it’s going to look like inside, put your name on the waitlist for an Amazon FC tour near you.
8. Whole Foods Acquisition Finalized
Two months after the Whole Foods acquisition was agreed, the deal has been finalized and changes are already under way:
- Prime members will enjoy special in-store benefits;
- Amazon customers will have access to private label products from Whole Foods via the Amazon.com, AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry, and Prime Now programs;
- Some Whole Foods Market stores will feature Amazon lockers, enabling customers to have their Amazon products delivered or returned in-store;
- Some whole trade and organic products are already cheaper.
9. Here Comes Amazon HQ2
Amazon is looking for a place to build a twin for its Seattle complex. Rather than woo local leaders, it’s planning to accept proposals from any development organization in North America, selecting the one worthy of its $5 billion initial investment. If Seattle’s case is anything to go by, the winning bid would secure massive indirect benefits. It would lead to the employment of not only 50,000 Amazon staff locally, but also thousands more people taking up jobs in the city due to proximity to Amazon.
10. TenMarks Writing Launch
Personalized learning engine TenMarks was developed by the Amazon Education team to help teachers bring out the children’s potential in the classroom. Following the success of the TenMarks Maths program featured below, the team has now released a new tool specifically designed to improve their writing skills.
A digital writing coach for students and a lesson planner for teachers, TenMarks Writing makes storytelling and expository writing easier. This self-paced program with points and certificates aims to make assigning and reviewing homework easier.
This concludes September’s update, but please follow our blog to learn more about SellerEngine services and products. Profit Bandit, Sellery, and many other products and services from our extensive Amazon seller toolkit will be featured in the weeks leading up to Black Friday.
Melanie takes an active interest in all things Amazon. She keeps an eye on the latest developments and keeps Amazon sellers up to speed.