Streamline Amazon FBA Inventory Removals (2024)

International Amazon FBA Removals

As an Amazon seller, it's essential to manage your FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) inventory effectively to avoid storage fees and keep your stock optimized. At times, it's necessary to remove excess or slow-moving items from Amazon warehouses. Thanks to Reship.com, FBA inventory removals have never been easier. In this blog post, we'll discuss how Amazon sellers can streamline their inventory removals using Reship for Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.co.uk.

Understanding International FBA Inventory Removals

International FBA inventory removals involve the process of removing inventory from Amazon's fulfillment centers located outside the seller's home country. This process is essential for sellers looking to avoid long-term storage fees, dispose of unsellable inventory, or retrieve products for redistribution. The complexity of international removals often lies in the logistics, costs, and regulatory compliance associated with shipping goods across borders.

Challenges of International Removals

High Shipping Costs: International shipping can be expensive, especially for bulky or heavy items, significantly impacting the cost-effectiveness of removals.
Customs and Import Taxes: Retrieving inventory from abroad may subject sellers to customs duties and import taxes, adding an additional layer of costs and complexity.
Logistical Complexities: Managing the logistics of international shipments, including paperwork and compliance with local regulations, requires expertise and can be time-consuming.
Environmental Considerations: Environmentally conscious sellers face the challenge of ensuring that disposed inventory is handled in an eco-friendly manner, compliant with both Amazon’s policies and local regulations.

How Reship Helps with International FBA Inventory Removals

Reship offers a streamlined solution to some of the challenges associated with international FBA inventory removals:

Reduced Shipping Costs: By providing a local address in the country of the Amazon fulfillment center, Reship allows sellers to first remove their inventory domestically, significantly reducing initial shipping costs. Subsequently, Reship can consolidate multiple items into a single shipment, further decreasing international shipping expenses.
Customs Handling: Reship can assist with the customs documentation required for international shipments, simplifying the process for sellers. While sellers are still responsible for customs duties and taxes, Reship’s expertise can help navigate these complexities more efficiently.
Flexible Shipping Options: Sellers can choose from various shipping options based on cost, speed, and carrier preferences through Reship. This flexibility allows sellers to balance shipping costs against their operational needs and timelines.
Environmental Considerations: For sellers concerned with the environmental impact of disposing of their inventory, using Reship to retrieve items offers the opportunity to repurpose or recycle products more responsibly within their control, rather than relying on Amazon’s disposal methods.

Best Practices for International FBA Inventory Removals Using Reship

Plan Ahead: Consider the timing of your removals to avoid peak shipping periods, which can drive up costs and extend delivery times.
Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the import regulations and customs duties in your home country to prepare for the receipt of your removed inventory.
Evaluate Costs: Use Reship’s tools and customer service to estimate your shipping costs and customs duties before initiating a removal order. This will help you make informed decisions about whether to return or dispose of inventory.
Consider Environmental Impact: Explore options for donating, recycling, or repurposing returned inventory to minimize environmental impact.

International FBA inventory removals, while challenging, can be managed more effectively with the aid of services like Reship. By reducing shipping costs, simplifying customs processes, and providing flexible shipping options, Reship can help Amazon sellers navigate the complexities of international removals, making it easier to manage their global inventory efficiently and cost-effectively.

Amazon.com (US)

If you're an Amazon.com seller looking to remove your FBA inventory, Reship.com provides a seamless process. Follow these steps:

Request an inventory removal order: Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account and navigate to "Manage FBA Inventory." Select the items you want to remove, click "Action on Selected," and choose "Create Removal Order."

Enter Reship's US shipping address: In the removal order, input the US shipping address provided by Reship.com. Submit the order, and Amazon will ship your inventory to Reship's US warehouse.

Consolidate and forward your inventory: Once your inventory arrives at Reship's warehouse, you can consolidate multiple packages and forward them to your preferred destination with reduced shipping fees.

Amazon.ca (Canada)

For Amazon.ca sellers, Reship offers similar services. Follow the steps below:

Sign up for a Reship.com account: If you haven't already, create a free account on Reship.com and obtain a Canadian shipping address.

Request an inventory removal order: In your Amazon Seller Central account, go to "Manage FBA Inventory," select the items for removal, click "Action on Selected," and choose "Create Removal Order."

Enter Reship's Canadian shipping address: Input the Canadian shipping address provided by Reship.com in the removal order. Submit the order, and Amazon will send your inventory to Reship's Canadian warehouse.

Consolidate and forward your inventory: Consolidate multiple packages and forward them to your preferred destination with competitive shipping rates.

Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom)

For Amazon.co.uk sellers, the process with Reship.com remains consistent. Follow these instructions:

Request an inventory removal order: Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account, go to "Manage FBA Inventory," select items for removal, click "Action on Selected," and choose "Create Removal Order."

Enter Reship's UK shipping address: In the removal order, input the UK shipping address provided by Reship.com. Submit the order, and Amazon will ship your inventory to Reship's UK warehouse.

Consolidate and forward your inventory: As with the US and Canadian processes, you can consolidate multiple packages at Reship's warehouse and forward them to your desired destination with reduced shipping fees.

Reship has made inventory removals from Amazon warehouses hassle-free for sellers. With easy-to-follow processes for Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.co.uk, Reship.com can help you save on shipping costs, consolidate packages, and forward them to any destination. By utilizing this valuable service, you can maintain a lean and cost-effective FBA inventory.

Amazon FBA Inventory Removals FAQs

1. What is an Amazon FBA Inventory Removal?

An Amazon FBA Inventory Removal is the process by which sellers can have their unsold or unwanted inventory removed from Amazon's fulfillment centers. Sellers can choose to have items returned to them or disposed of by Amazon.

2. Why might I need to remove my inventory from FBA?

Reasons for inventory removal include overstock, unsellable products due to damage or expiration, seasonal inventory cleanup, or discontinuing a product. Removals can help avoid long-term storage fees or free up storage space for new products.

3. How can I request an inventory removal?

Sellers can request inventory removals through the Amazon Seller Central dashboard by navigating to the 'Manage Inventory' section, selecting the items to be removed, and choosing 'Create Removal Order' under the 'Action on Selected' dropdown menu.

4. What are the costs associated with inventory removals?

Amazon charges a per-item fee for inventory removals, with rates depending on the size and weight of the items. The latest fee structure is available on the Amazon Seller Central Fee Schedule page.

5. How long does it take for inventory to be removed?

The time frame for inventory removal can vary but typically ranges from 10 to 14 days. During peak times or due to operational constraints, the process may take longer.

6. Can I have my inventory returned to an address outside of the country where my inventory is stored?

Amazon generally returns inventory to a local address within the country of the fulfillment center. International returns may be possible but can incur additional fees and complexities. Check Amazon’s policy for the latest options.

7. What happens to my inventory if I choose to have it disposed of?

If you choose disposal, Amazon will handle the destruction or recycling of your products in an environmentally friendly manner, according to local regulations and Amazon’s policies.

8. Can I cancel a removal order once it has been placed?

Removal orders can be canceled within a short window after placement, typically within 24 hours. After this period, the order may be too far processed to cancel.

9. Are there any restrictions on what can be returned through an inventory removal order?

Yes, certain items may be ineligible for return due to their condition, such as items that are expired, damaged, or otherwise deemed unsellable. Amazon provides guidelines on what can and cannot be returned.

10. How will I know when my removal order has been completed?

Amazon will notify you through your Seller Central account once the removal order has been processed and completed. You can also track the status of your removal order in the ‘Removal Order Detail’ page.

11. Can I send removed inventory directly to another fulfillment center or third-party logistics provider?

Currently, Amazon does not support direct transfers of removed inventory to another fulfillment center or third-party logistics provider. Removed items must first be returned to the seller or disposed of by Amazon.

12. What should I do if my removed inventory arrives damaged or is not received?

If inventory is damaged during the removal process or not received, sellers should contact Amazon Seller Support to report the issue and seek resolution.

Streamline Amazon FBA Inventory Removals (2024)