As peak season approaches, Amazon sellers face mounting frustrations as warehouse closures, delays, and logistical challenges threaten to derail carefully laid inventory plans. What was meant to be a period of preparation has instead become a scramble to mitigate disruptions.
FBA Warehouse Delays Spark Seller Outcry
Sellers across forums report mounting concerns as fulfillment delays become widespread. One seller recently discovered their products were marked "unavailable" after a warehouse closure due to severe weather, with operations not expected to resume until April 30—potentially costing precious peak-season sales opportunities.
The issues appear systemic rather than isolated. Winter storms across central and southern U.S. regions have impacted multiple Amazon facilities, particularly in the West, creating ripple effects throughout the logistics network. Seller skepticism about the stated causes grows as delays persist.
"Structural damage requiring repairs until April 30? Was the warehouse hit by a tornado?" one seller questioned. Others speculate that recent workforce reductions may be contributing: "Inventory processing now takes days longer—is this the result of warehouse staffing shortages?"
Critical Warehouses Pause Operations
The situation worsened as multiple fulfillment centers temporarily suspended operations. The SMF3 facility in particular has drawn seller ire after closing for unspecified maintenance—while continuing to receive new inventory assignments.
"Our shipment already reached the port but can't be delivered to SMF3," one seller reported. Others note shipments showing as delivered but not processed for over a week. Amazon has yet to provide clear guidance on redirecting affected inventory.
At least a dozen facilities currently face operational challenges:
- SBD1, LAX9, GYR3, SCK1: Overcrowding and maintenance causing 15-20 day appointment delays
- FTW, DFW6, FTW5: Weather-related closures with power outages
- SMF3: Indefinite maintenance closure with all appointments postponed
- QXY9: Operational restrictions preventing appointment approvals
- KRB7, AWD satellite warehouses: Earliest available appointments pushed to late May/early June
Systemic Issues or Management Failures?
Sellers increasingly question whether weather explanations mask deeper operational problems. Amazon's 2022 workforce reductions—nearly 100,000 positions eliminated across warehouses and logistics—may be contributing to processing bottlenecks.
The company's subsequent announcement of 18,000 additional layoffs, citing economic uncertainty, suggests continued logistics scaling back. While percentage impacts appear modest, sellers report tangible effects in receiving delays and fulfillment inconsistencies.
Compounding the challenges, rising operational costs—from advertising to storage fees—continue squeezing seller margins even as logistical headaches multiply.
Adaptation Strategies for Sellers
Facing these systemic challenges, sellers must implement proactive measures:
- Monitor warehouse status updates through official channels
- Diversify inventory distribution across multiple facilities
- Advance peak season preparations to buffer against delays
- Consider supplementing with third-party logistics options
- Maintain clear communication with Amazon support teams
- Update product listings with realistic fulfillment timelines
While Amazon's fulfillment network remains essential for most sellers, its current volatility demands flexibility and contingency planning. Those who adapt strategically may still capitalize on peak season opportunities despite the turbulent landscape.