Big Update for Sellers: New Inventory Evaluation Options!
Amazon has just introduced a game-changing feature for sellers that’s currently in beta—new inventory evaluation options for returns. This update is set to revolutionize how you handle returns, offering unprecedented control over the condition and resale potential of returned items. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it could impact your business.
What’s New?
Amazon’s new inventory evaluation options give you the power to tailor how returns are managed based on their condition and your specific needs. This flexibility helps you maintain better control over your inventory and can potentially save you time and money. Here’s how it works:
The New Evaluation Options
- Default Evaluation
Under this option, Amazon will continue to evaluate all customer-returned items as they have in the past. Each item is assessed to determine if it is still sellable. If the item is deemed new and in good condition, it goes back into your inventory and becomes available for sale again. This is the traditional approach where Amazon handles all returns uniformly.
- Selective Evaluation
With selective evaluation, you gain more control by specifying which ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) you want evaluated. You can upload a list of ASINs that you want Amazon to assess for sellability. Items not included in this list will be automatically considered defective and unfulfillable. This option is ideal if you have certain products that you want to manage differently or if you suspect some items might be more prone to damage or misuse.
- Disable Evaluation
For those who prefer to avoid the evaluation process altogether, the disable evaluation option allows you to opt out entirely. This means that all returned items will be marked as defective and unfulfillable right away. By choosing this option, you forgo any chance of receiving reimbursement for items that are damaged, but you can prevent substandard items from re-entering your sales channels. This can be useful for products where you prefer to handle returns differently or avoid the complexities of assessing each return.
Why It Matters
- Enhanced Control
This update gives you more control over the condition of your returned inventory. By selecting specific ASINs for evaluation or opting out of evaluation entirely, you can ensure that only high-quality items are resold. This helps protect your brand reputation and enhances customer satisfaction by minimizing the risk of selling damaged or substandard products.
- Efficient Return Management
Managing returns can be time-consuming and costly. The ability to tailor evaluation processes means you can streamline how returns are handled based on the nature of the product. For example, you might choose to evaluate high-value items more carefully while opting out of evaluation for lower-value, high-turnover products. This approach can lead to significant efficiencies in return processing.
- Brand Protection
Protecting your brand is crucial in maintaining customer trust. By ensuring that only items in good condition make it back to your inventory, you reduce the risk of unhappy customers receiving damaged or subpar products. This proactive approach can lead to better reviews, fewer returns, and a stronger overall reputation.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in using these new options, here’s what you need to do:
- Access the Feature: Since this feature is in beta, it may be necessary to sign up for it or check if it’s available in your seller account settings.
- Set Your Preferences: Decide which evaluation option best fits your business needs. You can adjust these settings in your Amazon Seller Central account.
- Upload ASIN Lists: If you choose selective evaluation, prepare and upload your list of ASINs that you want Amazon to evaluate.
- Monitor and Adjust: Once implemented, keep an eye on how these changes affect your return processes and inventory management. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the results you observe.
In summary, Amazon’s new inventory evaluation options offer flexibility and precision in managing returns. By taking advantage of these features, you can better control the quality of items re-entering your inventory, enhance operational efficiency, and safeguard your brand’s reputation.
