As an Amazon FBA seller, encountering error messages can be a roadblock, especially when you're ready to send in new inventory. One common message you might see is "ERROR: This product exceeds the allowed volume for SORTABLE/Standard/Etc… storage." This error specifically means you have reached your allocated storage limit for that Storage Category, which is also referred to as Standard-size Storage.
This is a Storage capacity issue, not a problem with any individual item.
Amazon classifies FBA inventory into different "storage types" based on size and handling requirements. "Sortable Storage" is synonymous with "Standard-size Storage." This category is for items, like most books, that are typically smaller, lighter, and can be easily sorted and moved through Amazon's automated conveyor systems.
The "ERROR: This product exceeds the allowed volume for SORTABLE storage" message, in this context, occurs because:
You've Exceeded Your Standard-Size (Sortable) Storage Limit: Amazon assigns monthly capacity limits (measured in cubic feet) to sellers for each storage type. If your current inventory plus any incoming shipments for standard-size items push you over this limit, you will encounter this error. This limit is influenced by your Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score, historical sales, and available fulfillment center capacity. This is a common challenge for active book arbitrage sellers who quickly acquire and send in many standard-sized units.
Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the "ERROR: This product exceeds the allowed volume for SORTABLE storage" message, focusing on your storage capacity:
The first and most crucial step is to understand your current storage limits and usage in Amazon Seller Central.
Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account.
Navigate to Inventory > Dashboard.
Scroll down to the Capacity Monitor section at the bottom of the page.
Image Placeholder: An image showing the location of the "Capacity Monitor" on the Amazon Seller Central Inventory Dashboard.
Here, you will see your current capacity usage and remaining capacity for various storage types, including "Standard-size" (which is your sortable storage). Pay close attention to the "Standard-size" limits and how much of that capacity you are currently using, including inventory already at Amazon fulfillment centers and shipments in transit.
Image Placeholder: An image showing the "Capacity Monitor" with an emphasis on "Standard-size" usage and limits.
Important Note: Your usage includes inventory on hand and all open shipments (Working, In transit, and Receiving statuses).
If you've confirmed that you've hit your "Sortable Storage" (Standard-size) capacity limit, here are the best practices and alternative strategies to keep your book arbitrage business running:
Reduce On-Hand Inventory and Improve IPI:
Increase Sales Velocity: Focus on promoting sales for your existing "Standard-size" book inventory to reduce your stock levels. This will free up space and simultaneously improve your Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score, which can lead to higher capacity limits in the future.
Create Removal Orders: If you have slow-moving or excess book inventory, consider creating removal orders to have Amazon return or dispose of the units. This frees up space in your "Sortable" storage.
Adjust Reordering Practices: Re-evaluate your replenishment strategy to avoid overstocking in the future, especially for books that may not sell quickly.
Request Additional Capacity (Professional Accounts Only):
Amazon offers a Capacity Manager tool where Professional selling accounts can request additional capacity by setting a maximum reservation fee. This fee can be offset by performance credits earned from sales generated using the additional space.
You can find this option within your Capacity Monitor in Seller Central.
Consider Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM):
For books that are restricted by your FBA capacity limits, consider temporarily or permanently fulfilling them yourself (FBM) or using a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like EZP Client Support to hold and ship books directly to customers. This allows you to continue selling without relying solely on FBA capacity.
Shift Focus to Non-Standard Storage Items:
While you work on freeing up your "Sortable Storage" capacity, consider sourcing and sending in items that fall into the "Non-Sortable" or "Oversize" storage categories. These items have separate capacity limits, so they won't be affected by your Standard-size restrictions. This could include larger books, multi-volume sets, or other media items that Amazon classifies as oversize. This allows you to continue sourcing and selling without immediate FBA storage limitations for your standard books.
Leverage RocketSeller to Sell Existing FBA Inventory on Other Platforms:
Don't let your valuable FBA inventory sit idle if you can't send in more. RocketSeller is a powerful tool that allows you to list and sell your existing Amazon FBA inventory on other marketplaces like eBay, Walmart, and your own e-commerce store. This helps you:
Increase Sales Velocity: Sell your books faster across multiple channels.
Free Up FBA Space: The more you sell, the more "Sortable Storage" capacity opens up.
Diversify Your Sales Channels: Reduce reliance on Amazon alone.
To learn more about RocketSeller and get access to this powerful tool, please email our support team or book a meeting directly with Ricardo using this link: Request_for RocketSeller Special_offer
If you've reviewed your limits and tried the strategies above but still have questions or believe there's an unusual issue with your account's capacity, contact Amazon Seller Support.
Prepare your case: Be ready to provide screenshots of the error message and details of your storage limits from the Capacity Monitor.
Explain the issue clearly: State that you are receiving the "ERROR: This product exceeds the allowed volume for SORTABLE storage" due to reaching your capacity limits for "Standard-size" inventory, and you are seeking guidance on managing or increasing this capacity.
At EZP Client Support, we understand that managing Amazon FBA, especially with storage limitations, can be complex. We can assist you by:
Processing and Verifying Your Items: Even if Amazon has rejected a shipment due to this storage error, we can receive your items, process them for future FBA shipments, or prepare them for FBM.
Holding Inventory: We can securely hold your inventory in our facility while you resolve the capacity issue with Amazon or decide to transition to FBM.
Preparing for Reshipment or FBM: Once your Amazon FBA capacity is adjusted, or you decide to fulfill orders yourself, we can prepare your books for reshipment to Amazon's fulfillment centers, or package them for direct shipment to customers (FBM), including applying necessary labels and shrink-wrapping if required.
We are evaluation additional Services that could be offered, but please share your ideas with support or with a feature request!
Providing Tracking and Communication: You can communicate your needs and provide shipping labels and instructions through our EZP Client Support tracking system. We'll keep you updated on the status of your inventory.
Understanding Your Amazon Inventory Performance Index (IPI) Score
Managing FBA Storage Fees and Overage Fees
Creating Removal Orders in Amazon Seller Central
Optimizing Used Book Prep for Amazon FBA
Introduction to Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) for Books
Error Persists: If you've addressed your inventory and limits but the error remains when trying to create a shipment, ensure you've allowed adequate time for Amazon's system to update your available capacity. Sometimes it can take a few hours for sales or removal orders to reflect in your available space.
Capacity Manager not visible: Ensure you have a Professional Seller account, as Individual accounts have fixed, lower capacity limits and cannot request increases.
"Will Amazon charge overage fees?" Possibly, if your existing inventory already exceeds your capacity limits for a given month, you will be charged inventory storage overage fees. It's crucial to address the overage quickly by either increasing sales or creating removal orders.
"What if I need to send more books now?" If your "Sortable Storage" is full, you won't be able to create new FBA shipments for standard-size books. Consider using FBM for urgent sales, focusing on "Non-Sortable" items, or leveraging RocketSeller( Mentioned above ) to sell your existing FBA inventory across other platforms.
"How can I prevent this in the future?" Regularly monitor your Capacity Monitor in Seller Central, maintain a healthy IPI score by optimizing inventory turnover, and accurately forecast your sales to avoid overstocking your "Sortable Storage/Standard Storage."
Q: What is the difference between "SORTABLE Storage" and "Standard-size Storage"?
A: There is no difference; "SORTABLE Storage" is simply another term Amazon uses for "Standard-size Storage." Both refer to the capacity allocated for smaller, lighter items like most books.
Q: How do I check my current Amazon FBA storage limits?
A: You can find your current capacity limits in your Amazon Seller Central account under Inventory > Dashboard, then scroll down to the Capacity Monitor.
Q: Can EZP Client Support help me if my book shipment is rejected due to this error?
A: Yes, EZP Client Support can receive your rejected inventory, hold it for you, and prepare it for reshipment once you've resolved the underlying capacity issue with Amazon. We can also assist with preparing these books for Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) or for shipment to other marketplaces via RocketSeller.
Q: My "Sortable Storage" is full, but I want to continue sourcing. What are my options?
A: You have several options:
Focus on sourcing and sending "Non-Sortable" (Oversize) items, which have separate capacity limits.
Utilize Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) for new acquisitions.
Consider using RocketSeller to sell your existing FBA inventory on other platforms, which will free up FBA space as items sell.
Request additional capacity from Amazon if you have a Professional Seller account.
