We’re back with a fresh batch of Amazon seller news for all venues and we’re eager to share it. Here’s the scoop on what Amazon has been up to since the new year.
New Listing Requirements
Starting March 28th, all products with an expiration date will need to be marked as such in the inventory file template. Both new and existing listings will need to be updated to reflect this change. The following products are affected: over-the-counter medicine and supplements from the Health and Personal Care category, as well as all products in the Grocery category.
To update your inventory file template with this information, simply enter either ‘True’ or ‘False’ in the ‘is_expiration_dated_product’ field. If ‘True’, then your product’s Fulfillment Center shelf life will also need to be entered in the appropriate field (‘FC_shelf_life’).
FBA Europe Storage Limit Update
All European Amazon venues updated their storage limits at the end of January. You will now be able to see the same storage limit for all European venues. But bear in mind that the Storage Limit is automatically reviewed and increased based on your turnover every 6 to 12 months.
Amazon also compares sales to current stock levels, and changes storage limits on a case-by-case basis, if you ask them to. If you sell over 8% of your inventory every week for 6 weeks in a row, you should qualify for the increase. You can also request to change the storage limit for specific items in your inventory only.
If you think you may need your storage limit raised, read the dedicated Help page, or have a look at this FBA seller’s Youtube video explaining how he had his storage limit increased.
To contact Amazon and request a storage limit increase, please read this FBA storage limit forum first, and then use the Contact Us link, as mentioned there. You will need to create a case with Seller Support to request the increase.
Japan Post Delivery Free Campaign Closed
Amazon JP FBA no longer offers free shipping on products delivered by Japan Post. Amazon JP’s usual partner carriers charge depending on the type of service, but they don’t require a minimum number of items per box to deliver.
Free Customer Returns for Jewelry, Watches, and Luggage
Amazon UK announced that jewelry, watch, and luggage buyers will enjoy free returns from September 5, 2018. Sellers will be required to have a return policy that matches or exceeds Amazon’s, meaning that the policy change applies to all Amazon UK orders, regardless of who fulfills them.
Amazon US Referral Fee Update for Jewelry
You’ll be able to earn slightly more on some jewelry products because Amazon is reducing referral fees on eligible products until February 21, 2019. Sellers will continue to pay 20% on the sale price, but this fee will be capped at $50. As before, the minimum fee will be $2.
Direct Quantity Discount Requests for Amazon Business Customers
If you’re an Amazon Business customer, you can now ask Amazon Business sellers for quantity discounts directly. As long as the sellers have the Amazon Business Badge, they will be able to reply using the Manage Quotes page.
Issue with Valid Tracking Rate Data
The Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) data available to European sellers seems to be inaccurate. Amazon is working on it and expects it to be in good working order by April 15, 2018. Amazon claims it won’t affect the sales for seller-fulfilled items.
Works with Amazon Alexa (WWAA) Certification Available
Smart home devices sold by certified sellers will be able to display the “Works with Alexa” certification marker. Sellers must first enroll in the Works with Amazon Alexa Certification Program. Nearly twenty brands have already signed up to display the WWAA marker on their products.
Amazon Does Healthcare
Amazon launched its Basic Care line in August 2017. At the time, the product range was limited, but now it includes branded over-the-counter medication produced by a private-label manufacturer. Some Perrigo OTC health products are much cheaper than what pharmacies sell them for, according to CNBC.
The Financial Times report that the newly-founded healthcare company, a joint venture with JP Morgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway, will be focusing on technology solutions to help employers deal with the rising cost of employee healthcare provisions.
That concludes this issue of the Amazon Seller News Digest. We hope you’re having a good year so far, and that your Q1 results look promising. We’ll be back with a new installment after the Prosper Show and ASD Market Week, where we hope to meet you in person and hear about your plans for 2018. There’s still time to sign up for a one-on-one with our experts at the Prosper Show and ASD. Let’s talk business!
Melanie takes an active interest in all things Amazon. She keeps an eye on the latest developments and keeps Amazon sellers up to speed.