How to create removal orders for unsellable FBA inventory

Understanding Unsellable FBA Inventory

Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand what constitutes unsellable FBA inventory. This type of inventory includes items that are:

1. Damaged or defective: Products with cosmetic or functional damage that cannot be resold.
2. Expired or perishable: Items with limited shelf life, such as food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.
3. Outdated or obsolete: Products that are no longer in demand or have been replaced by newer versions.
4. Counterfeit or infringing: Products that infringe on trademarks or copyrights, or are counterfeit copies of legitimate products.
5. Non-compliant: Items that fail to meet Amazon’s policies, guidelines, or regulatory requirements.

Preparing for Removal Orders

Before creating a removal order, ensure you’ve taken the following steps:

1. Identify and isolate unsellable inventory: Review your inventory regularly to identify items that are no longer sellable. Isolate these items in a separate area to prevent them from getting mixed with other inventory.
2. Check for Amazon’s policies and guidelines: Verify that the items you’re planning to remove are indeed unsellable and comply with Amazon’s policies and guidelines.
3. Calculate losses and adjust your finances: Determine the total value of the unsellable inventory and adjust your financial records accordingly.

Creating a Removal Order

Once you’ve prepared for removal orders, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Your Seller Central Account

Access your Seller Central account and navigate to the “Inventory” section.

 2. Select the Unsellable Inventory

Choose the unsellable inventory you want to remove from your storage. You can select multiple items by checking the boxes next to each item.

 3. Click on “Remove Inventory”

Click on the “Remove Inventory” button at the top of the page.

4. Select the Removal Order Type

Choose the removal order type:

1. Disposal: Destroy or recycle the inventory.
2. Return to Sender: Return the inventory to the original supplier or manufacturer.
3. Donate: Donate the inventory to a charity or non-profit organization.

 5.  Enter Removal Order Details

Fill in the required information for the removal order:

1. Reason for Removal: Select a reason from Amazon’s list of approved reasons for removal.
2. Notes: Add any additional information about the removal order, such as packaging instructions or special handling requirements.
3. Pickup Location: Choose the location where Amazon will pick up the unsellable inventory.

 6. Review and Confirm

Review your removal order details carefully to ensure everything is accurate and complete. Confirm the removal order to initiate the process.

Amazon’s Removal Order Process

Once you’ve confirmed the removal order:

1. Amazon’s Disposal Partner: Amazon will send a disposal partner to pick up the unsellable inventory at your designated location.
2. Inventory Inspection: The disposal partner will inspect the inventory and verify its condition before removing it.
3. Removal and Disposal: The disposal partner will remove and dispose of the unsellable inventory according to Amazon’s guidelines.

Tips and Best Practices

To ensure a smooth removal order process:

1. Keep accurate records: Maintain detailed records of your unsellable inventory, including reasons for removal and disposal methods.
2. Communicate with Amazon: Keep Amazon informed about any changes or issues related to your removal order.
3. Plan ahead: Schedule removal orders in advance to avoid last-minute delays or issues.
4. Comply with Amazon’s policies: Ensure you comply with all Amazon policies and guidelines related to unsellable inventory and removal orders.

Removing unsellable FBA inventory is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and profitable business on Amazon. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to efficiently create removal orders for your unsellable inventory, minimizing losses and freeing up valuable storage space. Remember to always comply with Amazon’s policies and guidelines, keep accurate records, and communicate effectively with Amazon throughout the process.

Additional Resources

1. Amazon Seller Central Help Center: “Removing Inventory”
2. Amazon Seller Central Help Center: “Inventory Management”
3. Amazon Seller Central Help Center: “Disposal of Unsold Items”

By following this guide and utilizing additional resources, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your unsellable FBA inventory effectively and maintain a successful online business on Amazon