Many Amazon sellers face an invisible threat: carefully stocked inventory silently turning into "zombie stock" before being automatically removed by Amazon's systems. This isn't alarmist speculation—a quietly updated setting in Seller Central now automatically removes eligible inventory, potentially catching even profitable products in its net.
The Hidden Setting That Could Empty Your Warehouse
Within Amazon's "Fulfillment by Amazon" settings, a newly added "Automated Fulfillable Inventory Settings" feature allows the platform to automatically remove sellable merchandise meeting specific criteria. While designed to help sellers clear stagnant inventory, improper configuration could result in high-performing products being mistakenly purged.
How to Locate These Critical Settings
Sellers should navigate to Seller Central, hover over the "Settings" tab in the upper right corner, and select "Fulfillment by Amazon." The page displays two key options: "Automated Unfulfillable Inventory Settings" for handling defective or damaged goods, and "Automated Fulfillable Inventory Settings"—the focus of this warning.
Understanding the Automated Removal Triggers
Within the "Automated Fulfillable Inventory Settings" editor, sellers encounter two potentially costly options:
- Long-Term Storage Auto-Removal: Targets inventory stored in fulfillment centers for over 365 days that incurs long-term storage fees. When enabled, Amazon automatically disposes of these items.
- Auto-Removal for Non-Selling ASINs: Applies to products with zero sales for six consecutive months that have remained in fulfillment centers for 180+ days while accumulating storage fees. Activation triggers automatic removal.
The Default Activation Risk
Amazon enables both removal options by default. While beneficial for clearing truly stagnant inventory, this automated process lacks nuance—potentially eliminating products with seasonal demand or those requiring longer sales cycles.
Strategic Responses for Sellers
- Disable Auto-Removal: Sellers preferring complete inventory control may disable both options, though this requires accepting potentially substantial long-term storage fees.
- Implement Regular Inventory Audits: Regardless of automation settings, periodic inventory reviews help identify slow-moving products before they trigger removal or excessive fees.
- Optimize Stock Management: Prevent stagnation through accurate demand forecasting, strategic purchasing, and dynamic pricing strategies to improve turnover rates.
- Monitor Policy Updates: Amazon frequently adjusts its fulfillment policies, making constant vigilance essential to avoid unexpected losses from unanticipated rule changes.
This seemingly minor setting carries significant financial implications. Proactive inventory management and careful configuration of automated systems remain critical for maintaining profitability in Amazon's competitive marketplace.