As peak season approaches, logistics preparation becomes critical for e-commerce sellers. For those relying on Amazon's FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service, maintaining stable and efficient shipping processes is paramount. However, Amazon's introduction of the "Send to Amazon" (STA) shipping process adjustment in June has sparked widespread discussion and concern within the seller community.
FBA, as Amazon's core logistics service, provides sellers with comprehensive solutions including order sorting, packaging, and delivery. Through FBA, sellers gain access to Amazon's vast Prime membership base worldwide, benefiting from faster delivery speeds that enhance user experience and drive sales growth.
Amazon Yields to Seller Pressure, Extends Transition Period
Responding to seller concerns about the new process, Amazon has announced an extension to the transition period. The original deadline of September 1 for phasing out the old shipping process has been pushed back to October 16, 2022. Additionally, sellers will retain the ability to edit shipments created through the old process until November 29, 2022. Amazon will also maintain complete records of shipments processed through the legacy system.
This adjustment provides sellers with valuable additional time to adapt and demonstrates Amazon's increased sensitivity to user experience and market feedback when implementing policy changes.
Key Features of the "Send to Amazon" Process
The new shipping system introduces several improvements over the legacy process:
- Reusable manufacturer packaging templates: Sellers can create and save frequently used packaging templates for future shipments.
- Standardized box configuration: The system supports template creation for shipments using identical packaging specifications.
- Automated shipment ID and destination assignment: The system only generates shipment IDs and assigns destination fulfillment centers after completing all process steps, reducing human error.
- Quantity error correction: Sellers can correct product quantity mistakes before finalizing shipments.
- Mixed-SKU integration: The process allows combining single-SKU and mixed-SKU boxes in one workflow, offering greater flexibility.
Seller Concerns: New Process Presents Challenges
Despite Amazon's claims of increased efficiency, many sellers remain skeptical about the new system's practicality. Common concerns include:
The requirement for more detailed shipping information creates operational difficulties, particularly when supply chain uncertainties make precise quantity reporting challenging. Additionally, the inability to know destination warehouses before packaging raises concerns about potential repacking requirements if shipments get divided across multiple fulfillment centers.
Some sellers have questioned Amazon's decision to mandate the new system rather than maintaining parallel operation of both systems, arguing that forced migration creates unnecessary complications.
Adapting to Change
The "Send to Amazon" implementation represents Amazon's effort to enhance logistics management efficiency. For sellers, successful adaptation involves:
Thoroughly understanding the new process's features to maximize efficiency gains while providing constructive feedback about operational challenges. Strengthening communication with suppliers to improve shipment accuracy and developing flexible packaging strategies to accommodate potential multi-center distribution.
With peak season approaching, sellers who proactively adapt to these changes will be better positioned to capitalize on seasonal sales opportunities.
Future Outlook
Amazon's extension of the transition period demonstrates its commitment to addressing seller concerns. Future refinements to the "Send to Amazon" process will likely incorporate additional seller feedback to better align with operational realities.