How to Fix Stranded Inventory on Amazon (Guide for FBA Sellers)

Are you an FBA seller on Amazon struggling with stranded inventory? This frustrating issue can disrupt your sales, increase costs, and negatively impact your Inventory Performance Index.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on how to fix stranded inventory on Amazon.

In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of stranded inventory and provide step-by-step instructions on how to prevent it in the first place.

By being proactive in fixing stranded inventory, you can ensure your inventory remains available for sale and your business runs smoothly.

Key Takeaways:

• Stranded inventory can halt sales, increase costs, and impact your Inventory Performance Index (IPI).
• Understanding the reasons behind stranded inventory, such as restricted listings or listing errors, is crucial for effective resolution.
• Promptly fixing stranded inventory helps avoid storage fees, inactive listings, and decreased IPI scores.
• Options for fixing stranded inventory on Amazon include creating removal orders, opening cases with Seller Support, and relisting stranded items.
• Contacting Seller Support and leveraging automatic-action settings can provide additional assistance in managing stranded inventory.

Understanding Stranded Inventory on Amazon

Stranded inventory on Amazon refers to products that are stored in Amazon fulfillment centers but have inactive listings, which means they cannot be sold even though there is sufficient inventory available.

This frustrating situation can significantly impact sellers, as they are unable to make sales and their inventory remains stuck in the Amazon warehouse.

There are several reasons why inventory can become stranded on Amazon.

One common reason is restricted listings, where certain products are limited or prohibited from being sold on the platform.

Another reason is listing errors, such as incorrect information or missing details that prevent the listing from being active.

Discontinued listings or expired products can also contribute to a product becoming stranded, as they are no longer available for sale but still take up space in the warehouse.

It is important to differentiate stranded inventory from unfulfillable inventory. Stranded inventory refers to products with inactive listings, while unfulfillable inventory involves damaged or unusable products that cannot be sold.

To better understand the concept of stranded inventory, let’s take a closer look at some of the common reasons behind it:

Reasons for Stranded Inventory on Amazon:

• Restricted listings: Certain products may have restrictions placed on them, either by Amazon or by the brand, making it impossible to sell them on the platform.
• Listing errors: Inaccurate information, missing details, or technical issues can prevent the listing from being active, resulting in stranded inventory.
• Discontinued listings: When a product is no longer being manufactured or sold, its listing becomes inactive, leaving the existing inventory stranded in the warehouse.
• Expired products: Products with expiration dates that have passed cannot be sold, leading to stranded inventory if they are still stored in the warehouse.
• Closing or deleting a listing: If a seller closes or deletes a listing without properly managing the existing inventory, it can become stranded.

By understanding the reasons behind stranded inventory, sellers can take the necessary steps to avoid it and ensure a smooth selling experience on Amazon.

In the next section, we will explore the impact that stranded inventory can have on Amazon sellers, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue promptly.

Reasons for Stranded Inventory on Amazon

Stranded inventory on Amazon can occur due to various reasons, each requiring specific actions to resolve.

Understanding these reasons is essential for effectively fixing stranded inventory and minimizing its impact on your sales.

The most common reasons for stranded inventory on Amazon include:

Pricing Error

A pricing error can result in your inventory being stranded if the listed price is significantly higher or lower than intended. It is crucial to regularly review and monitor your product pricing to avoid such errors.

Restricted ASIN

Having a restricted ASIN can prevent your inventory from being accessible to customers, leading to stranded inventory. It is important to understand and comply with Amazon’s guidelines and policies to prevent this from happening.

Suspended Listing

If your listing is suspended by Amazon due to policy violations or customer complaints, your inventory may become stranded. To fix this, you will need to address the issues causing the suspension and follow Amazon’s guidelines to reinstate the listing.

Listing Error

Errors in your product listing, such as incorrect information or missing details, can result in stranded inventory. Always double-check your product listings for accuracy and completeness to avoid this problem.

Brand Qualification Required

In some cases, certain brands and products require specific qualification criteria to be listed on Amazon. If you fail to meet these requirements, your inventory may become stranded. Ensure that you meet all brand qualifications before listing your products.

Expired Product

Listing expired products can lead to stranded inventory as customers cannot purchase items that are past their expiration date. Regularly check your inventory and remove any expired products to prevent this issue.

Closing or Deleting a Listing

Incorrectly closing or deleting a listing can result in stranded inventory. If you need to remove a listing, ensure that you follow the correct procedures and avoid accidentally stranding your inventory.

Bulk Upload Template Error

When using the bulk upload template to manage your inventory, errors in the template can cause inventory to become stranded. Double-check your bulk upload files for any errors or formatting issues to prevent this from happening.

By identifying the specific reason for your stranded inventory, you can take appropriate action to resolve the issue and ensure that your products are available for sale on Amazon.

Reason	Actions to Fix
Pricing Error	Regularly review and monitor product pricing to avoid errors.
Restricted ASIN	Understand and comply with Amazon’s guidelines and policies.
Suspended Listing	Address the issues causing the suspension and follow Amazon’s guidelines to reinstate the listing.
Listing Error	Double-check product listings for accuracy and completeness.
Brand Qualification Required	Ensure you meet all brand qualifications before listing products.
Expired Product	Regularly check inventory and remove expired products.
Closing or Deleting a Listing	Follow the correct procedures when closing or deleting a listing.
Bulk Upload Template Error	Double-check bulk upload files for errors and formatting issues.

Impact of Stranded Inventory on Amazon Sellers

Stranded inventory can have significant consequences for Amazon sellers, affecting not only their finances but also their overall performance on the platform.

Let’s explore the key impacts of stranded inventory:

1. Storage Fees

One of the immediate consequences of stranded inventory is the increased storage fees incurred by sellers. When inventory remains unused and occupies valuable space in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, sellers are required to pay storage fees for the duration it remains stranded. This adds to the overall expenses and cuts into profit margins.

2. Inventory Performance Index (IPI)

The Inventory Performance Index (IPI) is a crucial metric that measures a seller’s efficiency in managing their inventory. Stranded inventory negatively affects the IPI score, as it indicates poor inventory management and unused resources. As a result, sellers may experience decreased points on the IPI, potentially leading to storage limitations and more stringent inventory requirements.

3. Inactive Listings

When inventory becomes stranded, it often results in inactive listings. Inactive listings prevent sellers from making sales and capitalizing on the available demand. This not only hampers the overall revenue but also diminishes the seller’s visibility on the platform, potentially losing out to competitors.

4. Financial Losses

Stranded inventory incurs financial losses for sellers in multiple ways. Apart from storage fees and decreased sales opportunities, sellers also face storage expenses associated with unused inventory. These expenses can accumulate over time and impact the overall profitability of their Amazon business.

5. Decreased Points on IPI

The IPI score is influenced by the efficient management of inventory. Stranded inventory contributes to decreased points on the IPI, which can lead to further challenges for sellers, such as restrictions on storage space or eligibility for certain programs. It is crucial for sellers to maintain a healthy IPI score for long-term success on Amazon.

Impact	Description
Storage Fees	Increased expenses due to occupying storage space for stranded inventory.
Inventory Performance Index (IPI)	Decreased points on the IPI, potentially leading to storage limitations.
Inactive Listings	Loss of sales opportunities and reduced visibility on the platform.
Financial Losses	Accumulated storage expenses and decreased revenue.
Decreased Points on IPI	Challenges in terms of storage space and program eligibility.

How to Fix Stranded Inventory on Amazon

Fixing stranded inventory on Amazon requires different approaches based on the specific scenario.

As an Amazon FBA seller, you can effectively manage your inventory and resolve stranded issues by following this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Manage FBA Inventory

Start by accessing your Seller Central dashboard and navigating to the “Fix stranded inventory” tab. This section provides valuable insights into your inventory’s status and helps you identify any stranded items.

Step 2: Create a Removal Order

If you encounter stranded inventory, the first option is to create a removal order. This process involves selecting the stranded items, choosing the appropriate removal method, and confirming the order. By doing so, you can have the inventory shipped back to your preferred location or dispose of it as necessary.

Step 3: Open a Case with Seller Support

In certain situations where you require additional assistance, you can open a case with Seller Support. They can guide you through the process, provide insights into the specific issue causing the inventory to be stranded, and offer potential solutions to fix it effectively.

Step 4: Relist the Stranded Item

Once you have resolved the underlying issue causing the inventory to be stranded, you can relist the item on Amazon. By accessing the Manage FBA Inventory section, locating the stranded listing, and using the relist option, you can reactivate the listing and make the inventory available for sale again.

Steps to Fix Stranded Inventory on Amazon	Description
Step 1: Manage FBA Inventory	Access the Seller Central dashboard, navigate to the “Fix stranded inventory” tab, and monitor your inventory’s status.
Step 2: Create a Removal Order	Select the stranded items, choose a removal method, and initiate a removal order to resolve the stranded inventory issue.
Step 3: Open a Case with Seller Support	If you need additional assistance, open a case with Seller Support to troubleshoot and address the specific issue causing your inventory to be stranded.
Step 4: Relist the Stranded Item	Fix the underlying issue, locate the stranded listing in the Manage FBA Inventory section, and use the relist option to reactivate the listing.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can effectively fix stranded inventory on Amazon and regain control over your FBA inventory.

Remember to stay proactive in managing your inventory and regularly monitor your listings to prevent further instances of stranded inventory.

Opening a Case with Seller Support to Fix Stranded Inventory

In certain situations, you may encounter issues with stranded inventory that require the assistance of Amazon’s Seller Support team.

Opening a new case through the Seller Central dashboard is the first step towards troubleshooting and resolving your stranded inventory problem.

To open a case, navigate to the Seller Support section in your Seller Central account. From there, you can easily describe the issue you are facing with your stranded inventory and request the necessary assistance. It is crucial to provide a clear and detailed explanation of the problem to ensure a prompt and accurate resolution.

In summary, when troubleshooting stranded inventory issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Amazon’s Seller Support.

Leveraging Automatic Action Settings to Manage Stranded Inventory

When it comes to managing stranded inventory on Amazon, the platform offers a helpful solution through its automatic-action settings.

These settings enable sellers to automate certain actions, such as automatic fixes and automatic removal, to fix stranded inventory and maintain control over their inventory.

With automatic fixes, Amazon will automatically relist your inventory for specific stranded reasons, saving you time and effort. This feature ensures that your products are made available for sale again without any manual intervention on your part.

On the other hand, automatic removal allows you to choose the removal method and cutoff time for your stranded inventory.

This helps you maintain inventory control by giving you the flexibility to decide how and when you want to address the stranded inventory.

To leverage these automatic-action settings, you should review and adjust them according to your business needs.

By doing so, you can ensure that your stranded inventory is fixed automatically, saving you time and optimizing your inventory management.

When you have control over your stranded inventory through automatic fixes and automatic removal, you can focus on other aspects of your business, such as expanding your product range or improving customer service. It’s all about maximizing your efficiency and maintaining inventory control on Amazon.

Relisting a Stranded Item on Amazon

To relist a stranded item on Amazon and make it available for sale again, follow these steps:

1. Access the Manage FBA Inventory section in your Seller Central dashboard.
2. Locate the stranded listing among your inventory.
3. Click on the listing to view the details.
4. Choose the Relist or Fix stranded option, depending on what’s available.
5. Review and update the offer details of the listing, including the title, description, images, price, and any other relevant information.
6. Ensure that all the details are accurate and up to date.
7. Save the changes and confirm the relisting process.

This process reactivates the listing and removes it from the inactive listings, making the inventory visible and ready for sale on Amazon once again.

Review and Update Offer Details

When relisting a stranded item, it’s essential to review and update the offer details to ensure accuracy and attract potential buyers. Here are a few key elements to consider:

• Title: Make sure the title accurately describes the product and includes relevant keywords to improve visibility.
• Description: Provide a detailed and compelling description that highlights the key features and benefits of the product.
• Images: Upload high-quality images that showcase the product from different angles and provide a clear visual representation.
• Price: Set a competitive price that aligns with market trends and reflects the value of the product.
• Shipping and fulfillment: Specify the fulfillment method, whether it’s Amazon FBA or self-fulfillment, and clearly outline any shipping options available.
• Inventory quantity: Ensure that the available quantity accurately reflects the stock you have on hand.

Why Is Relisting Important?

Relisting a stranded item is crucial because it allows you to reactivate inactive listings and regain the opportunity to generate sales.

By fixing stranded inventory and keeping your listings active, you increase the visibility of your products and maximize your chances of attracting customers.

Remember to regularly monitor your inventory status to prevent items from becoming stranded in the future. Being proactive in managing your FBA inventory, reviewing and updating offer details, and promptly addressing any inactive listings will help you maintain a healthy and successful selling operation on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

After reading this guide on how to fix stranded inventory on Amazon, maybe you still have some questions, so we’ll try to address them below.

What is stranded inventory on Amazon?

Stranded inventory refers to products stored in Amazon fulfillment centers that have inactive listings, preventing sales despite having sufficient inventory.

What are the reasons for stranded inventory on Amazon?

Stranded inventory can occur due to various reasons such as pricing errors, restricted ASINs, suspended or suppressed listings, listing errors, brand qualification requirements, expired products, and issues with closing or deleting listings.

How does stranded inventory impact Amazon sellers?

Stranded inventory not only results in storage fees but also impacts the Inventory Performance Index (IPI), which can lead to storage limitations. It can also cause inactive listings and decreased IPI scores.

How can I fix stranded inventory on Amazon?

To fix stranded inventory on Amazon, you can manage your FBA inventory through the Seller Central dashboard and access the “Fix stranded inventory” tab. Options to fix stranded inventory include creating a removal order, opening a case with Seller Support for assistance, and relisting the stranded item.

Should I contact Seller Support to fix stranded inventory?

Yes, in some situations, contacting Seller Support becomes necessary to troubleshoot and fix stranded inventory. You can open a new case through the Seller Central dashboard, describe the issue, and request assistance in fixing the problem.

Are there any automatic-action settings to manage stranded inventory?

Yes, Amazon offers automatic-action settings to help sellers manage stranded inventory. These settings include automatic fixes, where Amazon will automatically relist inventory for certain stranded reasons, and automatic removal, which allows sellers to choose the removal method and cutoff time. You can review and adjust these settings to maintain control over your inventory.

How do I relist a stranded item on Amazon?

To relist a stranded item on Amazon, you need to access the Manage FBA Inventory section, locate the stranded listing, and use the relist option. Before saving the changes, make sure to review and update the offer details of the listing. This process allows you to reactivate inactive listings and make the inventory available for sale again.

Why is it important to promptly fix stranded inventory?

Resolving stranded inventory issues requires proactive inventory management and prompt action. By fixing stranded inventory promptly, you can avoid increased storage expenses, inactive listings, and decreased points on the Inventory Performance Index (IPI).

Conclusion

To effectively resolve stranded inventory issues on Amazon, it is crucial for FBA sellers to adopt proactive inventory management strategies and take prompt action.

By staying vigilant and actively fixing stranded inventory, you can minimize storage fees, optimize your Inventory Performance Index, and maximize your sales on Amazon.

Regularly monitoring your inventory status is essential to identify any stranded inventory as soon as possible.

This will allow you to address the issue promptly and prevent it from negatively impacting your sales and profitability.

Remember, proactive management involves not only fixing stranded inventory but also taking steps to prevent its occurrence.

By implementing proactive inventory management practices, such as regularly reviewing your listings, ensuring accurate pricing, and monitoring listing health, you can minimize the chances of inventory getting stranded.

This will not only save you on storage fees but also improve your overall inventory performance, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction on the Amazon platform.