Stranded inventory can be a major headache for used books FBA sellers, leading to lost sales opportunities and additional storage fees. This guide will walk you through how to identify stranded inventory, resolve these issues, and take proactive steps to prevent them in the future.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking for Stranded Inventory
Log in to Amazon Seller Central
Navigate to your Seller Central dashboard.
Go to the Inventory tab and select Manage Inventory.
Find Stranded Inventory
Under Manage Inventory, click on Stranded Inventory (usually listed as an option in the Inventory section).
Here, you’ll see a list of items flagged as stranded, including details like SKU, ASIN, and reason code.
Understand the Reason Codes
Amazon provides reason codes for why inventory is stranded. Common ones include:
Inactive Listing: The listing is deactivated or suppressed.
Pricing Errors: Pricing violates Amazon’s rules.
Restricted ASIN: The book cannot be sold on Amazon due to restrictions.
Fulfillment Error: The FBA listing isn’t linked correctly.
How to Resolve Stranded Inventory Issues
Reactivate the Listing
If the listing is inactive, click on the Fix Listing option in the Stranded Inventory section.
Update the required fields, such as pricing or product details, and ensure compliance with Amazon’s policies.
Fix Pricing Errors
Review your pricing settings under Manage Pricing.
Ensure your minimum and maximum prices are within Amazon’s allowed range.
Request Approval for Restricted ASINs
If your book is flagged as restricted, check if approval is required for the category or brand.
Submit the necessary documentation to Amazon for approval.
Relink Fulfillment Listings
Go to the stranded item and relink it to the correct FBA fulfillment center or listing.
Remove Unsellable Inventory
If the issue cannot be resolved, consider creating a removal order to avoid accruing storage fees.
Troubleshooting Tips for Common Errors
Error: “ASIN Not Found”
Ensure the ASIN or ISBN is entered correctly.
Double-check if the book is still allowed for sale on Amazon.
Error: “Listing Suppressed”
Check the suppressed listings under Manage Inventory and resolve missing information like images or descriptions.
Error: “Duplicate Listings”
Consolidate duplicate SKUs by merging listings to avoid confusion.
Possible User Concerns and Resolutions
Concern: “Why am I still charged storage fees for stranded inventory?”
Stranded inventory occupies space in fulfillment centers, leading to charges until resolved or removed.
Concern: “How long does it take to fix stranded inventory?”
Most issues can be resolved within 24-48 hours, but restricted ASIN approvals may take longer.
Concern: “Can stranded inventory affect my seller account health?”
Yes, unresolved issues may impact your account metrics, especially if inventory remains unsellable for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is stranded inventory?
Stranded inventory refers to FBA inventory that is stored in Amazon’s warehouses but cannot be sold due to listing or fulfillment issues.
How can I avoid stranded inventory?
Regularly monitor your inventory and address issues as they arise.
Keep your listings updated with accurate details and compliant pricing.
What happens if I ignore stranded inventory?
Amazon may charge long-term storage fees or dispose of the inventory if unresolved.
Can I automate stranded inventory checks?
Tools like Amazon’s Inventory Performance Dashboard or third-party software can help monitor stranded inventory automatically.
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