Creating a liquidation order for your Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) listings involves several key steps to ensure that your unsellable or unwanted inventory is efficiently disposed of or liquidated. If you have inventory that’s not selling, overstocked, or occupying valuable space in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, liquidation might be a viable option. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Understand Amazon’s Liquidation Program
Before starting, familiarize yourself with Amazon’s policies and procedures regarding liquidation. Amazon might offer specific programs or partners for handling liquidation, and the terms can vary. Be aware of the costs, potential recovery value, and any restrictions or procedures specific to the program.
2. Log in to Seller Central
Begin by logging into your Amazon Seller Central account. This dashboard is where you manage all your Amazon selling activities, including inventory management.
3. Go to the Manage Inventory Section
Navigate to the ‘Inventory’ tab and select ‘Manage Inventory’. This section allows you to view and manage all the products you have listed on Amazon.
4. Select Items for Liquidation
Identify the items you want to liquidate based on criteria like slow sales, excess stock, or items that are no longer sellable due to returns. Once identified, select these items.
5. Choose a Liquidation Option
Amazon may offer various liquidation options, such as partnering with liquidation companies or creating a removal order to send the items back to you or dispose of them. The available options can be found in the drop-down menu or action button associated with the selected inventory.
6. Create a Removal Order
If you opt to have the items returned to you or disposed of, create a removal order. Specify the details of how you want the inventory handled. If partnering with a third-party liquidator, coordinate with that company during this step.
7. Review and Confirm
Review all the details of your liquidation order, including the items selected, the method of liquidation, and any associated fees. Confirm and submit your order.
8. Monitor the Process
After submission, monitor the status of your liquidation order through Seller Central. Keeping track of the process ensures everything proceeds as planned and helps you understand any recoveries or charges applied to your account.
9. Evaluate and Adjust
Once the liquidation is complete, evaluate the process’s effectiveness and the financial outcome. Use this information to adjust your inventory strategies and make more informed decisions about future liquidations or other inventory management practices.
How to Verify Your Liquidated Inventory Proceeds in Your Amazon Account
Navigating the complexities of Amazon selling includes understanding the financial aspects. Checking if the money from liquidated inventory has been credited to your account can be confusing. Here’s a simple guide to help you verify your liquidated inventory proceeds:
Step 1: Access Your Seller Central Account
Log into your Amazon Seller Central. This dashboard is the hub for all your Amazon selling activities, including financial transactions.
Step 2: Dive into the Reports Section
Head over to the ‘Reports’ section, typically found in the top menu. This area provides access to various data, including financial insights.
Step 3: Navigate to Payments Report
Locate and click on ‘Payments’ or a similarly named section within the array of reports. This report breaks down all financial activities related to your account.
Step 4: Scrutinize the Liquidation Entries
Look for entries specifically related to liquidated inventory, which might be under headings like inventory adjustments or have their own section. Ensure the expected liquidation amounts are reflected.
Step 5: Examine the Statement View
For a more detailed look, use the statement view within the Payments report. This provides a detailed breakdown of transactions, including sales, refunds, fees, and credits from liquidated inventory over a specific period.
Step 6: Reach Out to Support If Needed
If the numbers don’t add up or you can’t find the information needed, contact Amazon Seller Support. They can provide account-specific assistance and help resolve any discrepancies or concerns.
Conclusion
Liquidating inventory is a crucial decision for any Amazon FBA seller. It helps mitigate losses on unsellable inventory and frees up storage space and capital. By understanding the process and managing each step carefully, you can navigate the liquidation process more effectively and make the best decisions for your business’s health and growth. Stay updated with Amazon’s latest policies and offerings regarding inventory liquidation, as these can change over time.
