We’ve been talking about the process of uploading listings. Some of the topics we covered were:
- UPC Codes
- Product packaging specifications
- Listing optimizations, and
- Bulk uploading tips
Now that your listings are live and well-optimized, it’s not yet time to relax! So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive in! In this week’s episode, we’ll learn about:
- Setting Inventory / automated replenishment alerts
- Supply Chain lead time calculations
1. Benefits of Replenishment Alerts
Because you can automate replenishment alerts, you don’t need to monitor every listing. It’s easy to personalize the alert quantity and alert timing per product, or even group of items. Based on the 30 previous days of sales, it’s a convenient way of forecasting your replenishment needs, without the fear of running out of stock. You will need to determine your supply chain timeline – and don’t forget to calculate the time a shipment takes to reach and be unloaded at a fulfillment center.
Setting Replenishment Alerts
- At the top of the Seller Central page, click the Inventory tab
- Click Manage FBA Inventory
- On the Inventory Amazon Fulfills page, identify which listings will receive Replenishment Alerts
- On the Apply to Selected Item(s) menu, select Set Replenishment Alerts. Click Go.
- On the Set Inventory Replenishment Alerts page, in the Alert Threshold field, enter the preferred threshold.
2. Why is Lead Time important?
Effective inventory management improves customer satisfaction. Selling out of a product on Amazon will tank your ratings.
Lead time calculations
What’s crucial in calculating lead time? Be fully aware of each phase of the process – until your item is live on Amazon. This is often made up of the following components:
This will directly tie into your replenishment alert settings. So keep them in mind to avoid overselling.
Tips from the AIA toolbox:
- Keep ample inventory on hand – especially during the holiday season – if you SELL out of your item, prepare for your ranking on Amazon to drop!
- If you’re an FBM seller – check your shipping times and stick to them to keep your account healthy!
- Avoid Overselling – FBM sellers put accounts at risk by canceling orders due to out-of-stock inventory
Final Words…
Next time…let’s talk about Reports – How do you analyze your inventory performance?
