As summer draws to a close, Amazon sellers are planning for the busiest time of the year. And there’s plenty to think about, including a massive change to how appeals are submitted in Seller Central. Read all about this latest scoop in this month’s issue of the Amazon seller news series.
Auto-Rejected Appeals
Amazon recently introduced an auto-rejection feature for IP appeals. Sellers are not impressed. For one thing, it means Amazon isn’t even reading their appeals. Then there’s the fact that the dashboard warning doesn’t always come with a performance-related email notification.
Finally, it’s vague. When sellers file their appeal for an intellectual property infringement, they instantly receive a time-stamped canned response. In it, Amazon asks for more information, but doesn’t bother to list the additional documentation. So, sellers have no clue what else to submit.
It seems that Amazon has since started sending email replies. They notify sellers that the violation will be featured in the dashboard for 180 days or until reinstatement. But reinstating the listing isn’t really an option because Amazon doesn’t read their appeals.
Pro Plan Payment Change
Sellers with active listings in more than one country (or Americas-region merged accounts) have a new payment schedule from Aug. 1, 2021.
However, European venues will continue to charge a single subscription fee in a single European country.
The $39.99 subscription fee will be divided across accounts with active listings and charged on the same day in the local currency.
To meet the same-day requirement, Amazon will extend the subscription for free, if needed.
FBA Shipment Tracking
From Oct. 1, 2021, sellers must fill in tracking information for their FBA shipments during the shipment creation workflow and through AWS.
This way, Amazon can avoid delays and make items available for sale while in transit with In-Stock Head Start.
Holiday Settings
Amazon introduced a widget in General Shipping Settings.
It enables sellers to override current settings and fulfill orders on holidays, even though they don’t count as operating days.
So, using this widget, sellers can offer faster shipping and handling for MFN orders during the holidays.
Expanded A-to-Z Guarantee
Amazon is expanding its A-to-Z Guarantee and selling insurance through Amazon Insurance Accelerator.
From Sep. 1, 2021, Amazon will pay claims up to $1,000 for items that cause damage or personal injury, if sellers have valid insurance.
Claims will not affect sellers’ ODR.
VTR for Orders to China
From Aug. 9, 2021, packages shipped to buyers in China must meet new requirements when it comes to Valid Tracking Rate.
The requirements are based on the value of the shipped packages. They are as follows:
- trackable services must offer at least one courier scan for values under $5 (incl. shipping).
- fully trackable services must come with at least 2 scans, including a delivery (attempt) scan, if the value is $5 or more.
Support Small Sellers
Amazon is asking sellers to sign up to Support Small Sellers to keep up with legislation that might affect them.
Apparently, bills are being brought forward that might hinder sellers’ access to Amazon.
The website also enables U.S. sellers to get in touch with their elected officials.
Q2 2021 Results
Amazon reports a 24% increase in net sales and a 50% increase in net income over Q2 2020.
Revenue for the ad side of the business grew by a whopping 87% YoY.
However, free cash flow has decreased significantly compared to last year due to repayments on leases and equipment.
New Robotics FC
In a recent press release, Amazon announced it’s investing in 5 new delivery centers across Florida, as well as in 1 state-of-the-art 630,000 sq. ft. robotics center in Tallahassee.
Expected to open in 2022, the 6 new sites will boost Amazon’s existing $18 billion investment in the state.
Amazon Air Hub
As the central hub of Amazon’s air cargo network, Amazon Air Hub started operating at the CVG Airport this month.
The result of a $1.5 billion investment, the Air Hub project has been 4 years in the making and it features an 800,000 sq. ft. sortation center.
Family Forest Carbon Program
Amazon is investing $10 million to help remove 18 mil. tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere by restoring woodland through the Family Forest Carbon Program.
As the largest owners of forests, individuals who join this program should find it easier to join forces and access carbon markets.
Melanie takes an active interest in all things Amazon. She keeps an eye on the latest developments and keeps Amazon sellers up to speed.