Summer feels like it’s still months away here in chilly, rainy Portland, but Amazon FBA sellers everywhere must have their temperature-sensitive inventory removed or destroyed by May 1st. This primarily refers to chocolates, although some other grocery items can be affected as well.
Lots of chocolates will continue to sell well throughout the year, especially seasonal items like Christmas and Easter treats. So it is possible to continue fulfilling orders for these items yourselves. I have heard from sellers who use cold packs and insulated envelopes from Uline to protect chocolates during transit.
Of course, there’s still plenty of chances for a good sale to go bad. Shipping to Las Vegas in July, for example, might be a recipe for a soupy disaster! The high profit margins that many sellers report on products like Cadbury Creme Eggs and Girl Scout Cookies, might make it worth continuing to merchant fulfill these types of items throughout the entire year.
Be aware, however, that even if your product arrives unmelted, “bloom” can be a problem. This is when heat causes changes in the fat and sugar structure within chocolate resulting in a whitish color and a slight change in texture. It can be a little unappetizing and some buyers may request a refund, so have a customer service plan in place.
Stay cool!